The brake system on the Honda ST1300 motorcycle includes dual front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with a 2-piston caliper.
The brake fluid needs to be changed once every 24 months/12000 miles, whichever comes first. Honda ST1300 comes with CBS(Combined Braking System).
Honda ST1300 Brake Discs & Brake Pads
The Honda ST1300 has dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake. The front brakes use 4-piston calipers while the rear uses a 2-piston caliper.
The brake pedal free play range is 10-20mm. Adjust it according to your needs.
Honda ST1300 Brake Pads
If the brake pad thickness is less than 3mm, you might need to replace them. If the rear brake pad thickness is less than 2mm, get them replaced.
To replace the front brake pads, remove the caliper mounting bolts, detach the caliper from the fork, replace the pads, and reinstall. Piston retraction may be needed to install new thicker pads.
When replacing front brake pads, inspect the brake discs for wear or damage. The minimum front disc thickness is 4mm.
To replace the rear brake pads, remove the caliper by detaching the mounting bolts and unscrewing the banjo bolt. Replace the pads and reassemble.
Honda ST1300 Brake Calipers
Brake Calipers don’t need to be replaced for 100,000 miles or 10 years.
Air in the brake lines can cause a spongy brake feel. Bleed the system if needed to remove air.
Honda ST1300 Brake Fluid
When servicing the brakes, inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoirs. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid.
Fluid should be replaced every 2 years/12000 miles whichever comes first. Replacement needs to be done according to the procedure in the service manual.
Regular fluid changes are considered more critical than the brand of brake fluid used.
Honda ST1300 Braking Performance
The front brakes on an ST1300 are adequate because the motorcycle has a CBS(Combined Braking System).
Many riders have experienced a ‘front-end nose dive’ when riding their ST1300.
Honda ST1300 ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
The ST1300 has a standard variant and an ABS variant.
ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up in the ST1300 when braking hard. It helps keep the braking performance intact even on slippery roads.
Honda ST1300 CBS (Combined Braking System)
Honda ST1300 has a CBS (Combined Braking System), which is a form of Linked Braking System.
The Honda ST1300 CBS has three brake discs and three floating piston calipers which provide enhanced braking performance.
The CBS activates brakes on both wheels by operating just one side.
Riding on slippery roads is much safer in a motorcycle with a Combined Braking System.
ST1300 Brakes Maintenance
Follow the instructions below to prolong the life of Brake discs, Brake calipers, and Brake pads.
- Replace the brake fluid in the ST1300 every 12,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first.
- Service your ST1300 more often if the motorcycle is ridden in dusty or wet areas.
- Check Brake pads regularly.
- Check brake caliper alignment regularly.
- Use DOT 4 brake fluid only.
- Inspect caliper piston or sliders. Ensure they are properly lubricated and not sticking in place.
- Tap all the fittings, housings, bends, and connections when replacing the brake fluid.
Comparison with Other Models
ST1300’s competitor FJR1300 comes with a UBS(Unified Braking System). The front brake is partially activated along with the rear brakes when UBS kicks in.
Read the linked article for a detailed comparison of the ST1300 with the BMW R1200RT.
| Specification | Honda ST1300 | FJR1300 | BMW R1200RT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Brake | dual 310mm front brake discs | dual 320 mm front brake discs | 2 x 320mm brake discs with 4-piston calipers |
| Rear Brake | single 316mm rear brake disc. | 282 mm rear disc brake | Single 265mm disc with 2-piston caliper |
| Piston Calipers | three calipers in the front and rear | four-piston calipers in the front and a single piston caliper | four-piston fixed calipes in the front and two-piston floating calipers in the rear. |
| Braking System | ABS variant is available. | Unified Braking System | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS |