Road Test/Honda Pan European ST 1300: Despite a few niggling little quibbles, this machine is as good as it gets on two wheels. John Wheeler reports.
In the late 1980s Mr Honda's alchemists were, in the Honda tradition, dreaming. They had already created two superb machines which had become household words outside the close knit circles of motorcycling: the Fireblade, one of the best sports bikes of the past 50 years, and the hugely impressive, luxurious, laid-back, mega cruiser, the Gold Wing.
The alchemists took the essence of Fireblade - startling performance, impeccable road-holding - and mixed in the Gold Wing's comfort and long-legged gait. The result they called the Pan European. It first appeared in 1987.
Actually this is not how it came about, but anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to have ridden, let alone owned a Honda Pan European will appreciate that this is a machine which handles as well as a sports bike and is as comfortable as any luxury cruiser.
The specification, which included a full fairing, a 1,089 cc V-4 engine, shaft drive, large fuel tank and panniers as standard, coupled with a modest thirst and the ability to cruise all day at triple digit speeds, made this a "Super Tourer".
Despite, as expected, a top-of-the-range price and considerable weight, the Pan European overnight became the machine to have. For many all-year riders, professional riders and most police forces, including our Garda Síochána, the Honda Pan European became the machine of choice.
After a 10-year production run, during which time optional ABS brakes and a combined braking system were the only significant changes, we heard that a new "Pan" was coming our way. The first of these reached our shores just a year ago. How does it compare with its predecessor?
The new ST 1300 Pan European has been redesigned from the wheels up. The engine, still a V4, is now 1,300 cc. The centre of gravity has been lowered.
The fuel tank capacity is increased to 29 litres - enough for at least 250 miles. The exhaust system is now stainless steel and features a catalytic converter. The frame is now alloy. ABS brakes and Honda's combined braking system are standard. The bike has an ingenious three-position adjustable seat height. The electrically operated windscreen height and tilt function should both be made mandatory.
In terms of appearance it looks distinctly different. At first we felt that the new looks made it a touch aggressive but we soon got used to them.
On the road the immediate impression, despite a still appreciable all-up weight, is of a machine which seems to shed its weight as soon as it gets under way. The fuel-injected engine is turbine smooth all the way through the rev range.
Handling is superb in every instance; from crawling in city traffic, right through to maximum speed. The lower centre of gravity makes for even greater stability which, coupled with that excellent adjustable seat height, now brings the Pan European within the reach of even more riders.
For a machine with a 137 mph top speed and searing acceleration it's amazing just how refined and well-behaved this bike is in every day, city centre traffic. The screen, adjustable at the touch of a button, goes anywhere from true sports to luxury tourer heights. Therefore rider comfort is even better.
In short this bike is a superb machine. If you were only ever likely to commute 20-odd miles a day, the ride would be the high point of your day.
If you wanted to do Calais to Nice in the day, and still be in shape to enjoy dinner, the Pan European would do it in style and both you and the bike would be well able to cover similar distances day after day.
On the basis that nothing is absolutely perfect we do have some quibbles. The previous model (ST 1100) had a warning light to remind you that the side stand was still down.
That is missing on the new model. The information on the LCD panel on the console is a little over-comprehensive and at times difficult to see clearly if you happen to require reading glasses.
The panniers, now shaped more for style than function, whilst capacious sometimes need a bit of juggling to fit the sort of things that went easily into the panniers on the early model.
The engine now sits lower in the frame and it's possible to scrape the sump when riding down off a kerb.
But all in all a small price to pay for a superb super tourer. The ST 1300 Honda Pan European is, quite simply, just as good as it gets.