2007 Honda ST1300A

Although the current Pan-European continues to provide excellent riding satisfaction, the primary goal in its redesign was to completely surpass it with an entirely model that can provide even sportier performance, higher reliability and greater care for the preservation of the world's fragile environment.

Early in the design stages of the Pan-European, the development concept 'Vantage and Prestige' was formulated as a guide to achieving the most comfortable high-speed sports touring with unrivalled power and handling for its class, and the longest touring range between fill-ups. In assessing what improvements should be included in the machine, the Pan-European's development team singled-out its vehicle weight as being in need of a slimming programme. Riders, especially recently, are looking for lighter weight that translates to more responsive acceleration and overall handling. An advanced aluminium frame and swingarm were thus called for, as were lighter, more advanced components such as the latest Dual Combined and Antilock Brake Systems, all of which add up to an astounding 15kg weight reduction, a 50mm shorter wheelbase, and more centralised mass for sportier handling.

Stronger power, a longer touring range and greater concern for the environment were also desired changes, and these were achieved with a complete reworking of the Pan-European's unique longitudinally mounted V4 engine, the addition of Honda's most advanced, high-efficiency PGM-FI fuel injection system and, in a deluxe model, its ultra-clean HECS3 catalytic converter system, which combine to ensure the lowest emissions in the Pan-European's class. And although the same basic V4 engine configuration as the original Pan-European was maintained, extensive modifications were made to make it more compact, more efficient, more powerful and even more attractive when stripped of bodywork.

In regards to its touring range, to really live up to the Pan-European name in terms of 21st Century performance, the team set as its goal the sort of fuel economy that would make possible a non-stop, high-speed cruise from the German heartland capital of Frankfurt to the foothills of the pinnacled glory of the Alps-or approximately 380km-on a single tankful of fuel. As the current Pan-European was only designed to make it as far as Munich, this sort of range would indisputably reassert the Pan-European's claim to European touring pre-eminence.

More luxurious touring comfort and better wind protection were also primary design objectives for the Pan-European, with the sports riding potential of the VFR on winding roads and Gold Wing levels of comfort on the autobahns confirming that the Pan-European is not only a fantastic tourer, but also delivers swift and exciting sports bike performance whenever the mood or situation calls for it.

With all this and exciting features like its 3-position adjustable seat height and push-button adjustable windscreen providing quick and easy response to changing riding conditions, the Pan-European is proudly positioned to zoom to the head of its touring class with an easy twist of its throttle, and stay ahead from one end of the Continent to the other for many years to come.

Specs :

Engine Type	Liquid-cooled 90-degree V-four
Displacement	1,261cc
Bore & Stroke	78mm x 66mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Valve Train	Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery	PGM-FI fuel injection
Transmission	Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive	Shaft
Front Suspension	45mm HMAS cartridge fork; 117mm (4.6 inches) travel
Rear Suspension	HMAS gas-charged single shock with five-position spring preload adjustability; 122mm (4.8 inches) travel
Tires	120/70ZR - 18 radial front; 170/60ZR - 17 radial rear
Brakes	Front 310mm discs with LBS three-piston calipers; rear single 316mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper.
Seat Height	Adjustable 775-805mm
Wheelbase	1,491mm (58.7 inches)
Dry Weight	295 kg (650 pounds)
Fuel Capacity	29 litres
Colour	Light Silver Metallic