IT appears Honda's CB1300 naked muscle bike has become as popular with some of the UK's top motorcycling journalists as it is with the bike-buying public, judging by some of its recent reviews.

Two Wheels Only is one of the UK's most popular monthly titles whose editor, Rob 'Bertie' Simmonds, has a CB1300 as a long-term test machine. "I love it," he said. "It's just a 'proper' motorcycle that blends performance, power and handling in a really attractive, traditional package."

Dale Lomas, a writer on monthly magazine Performance Bikes, has also been riding a CB1300 for several months: "I reckon it ought to be Honda's flagship - it's one of the best-made bikes on the whole market," he said.

And the UK's best-selling biking publication, Motor Cycle News, tested the CB1300 earlier this year, declaring: "Torque is impressive at 86lb ft, while 114bhp helps it to a top speed of around 140mph. It's among the best handling in its class."

Honda's communications manager, Greg Willis, is not surprised by the press reaction to the four-cylinder machine that was originally launched last year. "It really is a fantastic bike," he said, "but you probably wouldn't believe me if I was the only one saying it.

"We've had a terrific reaction from all CB1300 owners," added Willis, "and that has been underlined by the great reviews it has been getting in the press. I only hope we ordered enough at the beginning of the year."