The delivery guy from London dropped off the bike yesterday, all in all I have to say I've been very impressed with their service and buying the CB1300 over the phone was a first so I was a bit apprehensive! After sending the delivery bloke off with fresh coffee and a couple of Kit-Kats I was at last alone with my new machine!

First impressions: she's a big bike in the flesh, even more-so than the unfaired version. There is the usual beautiful Honda detailing all over the machine from the engine casings, clutch casing (what a size) to the seat and bodywork. The frame is stunning in red and really reminds me of the CB1000R is it from the early 80's? Someone tell me if that's right.

So after drooling over the bike and giving the shiny bits a liberal coating of anti-corrosion spray, I took the beast out on it's first 50 mile run down the coast in 7C temps.

As the bike arrived on reserve, so I had to fuel immediately on leaving home - no problem as there is a busy Supermarket fuel station close by so fresh unleaded was poured in (although Super Unleaded would have been the preference). 17 litres later it was full, so the reserve must have just come on. One big difference when moving off - top heavy! Something I can adjust to no problem.

Now, I was glad of the heated grips (not so glad of the silly position the fuse is on cable tied to the front brake line), they really worked although better with winter gloves I think. Given the bike had brand new tyres, I was very cautious for the first ten or so miles :) then slowly took her over for some very mild lean. One thing I should mention, this was my first ride on a new CB1300 in the faired SA version, the previous experience being of a rather used and abused second hand bike from my local dealer. The big difference was the throttle response, smooth right from the first few millimeter's of application, very unlike the previous bike I rode. It also was quite opposite of the other bike I considered after an impressive testride - the new Triumph Street Triple. As it's new I'm planning to keep the rpm's below 6000 for the first few miles, slowly working the engine in. Unlike my 1000RR, there is no loud clunk while putting the machine into first, it's all quite civilised, although I think the gearbox needs to bed in slightly, but I believe smoother action will come through time.

In and around town the bike performed like something half it's size while moving, I kept on having to look down to remind myself of the size of the beast. It was nothing like the 1000RR Fireblade I own, no worries about suddenly twitching the throttle and ending up at insane speeds due to hitting an unseen pothole in first (real problem with town riding the Blade). It's no small bike so the road presence is excellent, all it needs is an Akropovic end can or system to give it more growl.

At higher speeds on the motorway, the fairing which was something I was quite unsure about going for looks wise, proved it's worth, keeping most of the cold and strong winds away. With the dials lighting up in blue, a great cockpit view too.On twisty roads the bike proved itself as a great contender for sporty days out and reminded me why I bought the CB13 - it keeps the line, requiring a bit of "man effort" to get round corners compared to dedicated sportsbikes but as long as you remember that it can go some. Overtakes are easy, so much torque in the midrange to keep you "making progress".

All in all my first experiences of the bike have been excellent. A small vibration from the front end is my only niggle but nothing I can't live with.

So all in all, the bike is living up to my expectations in the short time I've been lucky enough to own it.

Over the next few weeks I'll do a proper photo shoot but in the meantime here's a quick couple of pics...