THE growth in popularity of traditional or 'naked' motorcycles in the UK has been spectacular in recent years, with Honda's CB1300 leading the way at the heavyweight end of the market. For 2005, however, the popular CB1300 has undergone some major improvements to keep it ahead of the pack. Honda is renowned for its engineering innovation, no more so than in the area of riding safety. The addition of ABS brakes to the 1300cc, in-line four powered bruiser is indicative of the company's intent to deliver improved and assured braking performance in all weathers and varying road conditions.

As well as cruising urban streets, the CB1300's impressive motor and easy comfort is also thoroughly adept at munching motorway miles and, on the 2005 version, this touring mode has been made less taxing on rider and passenger through the addition of a half-fairing. The fairing provides not only ample wind protection but features compact and sporty proportions, accentuating the CB1300's styling cues that have been taken directly from superbikes from the 1980s and still allowing the mighty engine to be viewed in all its glory.

The CB1300's engine itself has also been improved for 2005, with a retuned fuel injection system that gives much better throttle response throughout the rev range. These are solid improvements to an already solid motorcycle," comments Honda UK communications manager, Greg Willis. "The CB1300 has been one of our most popular naked bikes and, although these enhancements in both safety and comfort will make it even more popular, they detract nothing from the original concept of the machine."