Honda VT1300CS Sabre
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The first look at the 2010 Sabre makes it clear that this is the extrovert of the range, closer in appearance to the Fury than the other VT variants. The open steering-head/downtube area of the frame gives the front end a see-through look derived from chopped bikes, and the frame downtubes are curved for visual effect as well as allowing better support for the lower steering-head area.Like the Fury, the Sabre is fitted with a slim-line radiator, which does a lot to conceal the liquid-cooled nature of the beast. With a wheelbase of 70.0 inches, the Sabre’s wheels are 4.5-inches further apart than the previous series of VTX1300 bikes. A full 33.0 degrees of rake helps lend the chopperesque persona, aided by a 21-inch front wheel and low-rider 15-inch rear wheel.
Despite the stylized, curvaceous fuel tank, the Sabre holds 4.4 gallons of fuel, promising better range than the look suggests. The seat and handlebar relationship yields a more forward-leaning position than on your average cruiser, and the bar has an exceptionally uncluttered look since all instruments and indicators fit into a tank-mounted chromed housing.
Shorty fenders front and rear complete the bike’s pro-street performance image, and the Sabre is the only one of the three VTs that takes a cut down seat—a fact not lost on us after a long ride.
As with all the VT1300 models, the Sabre uses Honda’s proven 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine. This torquey engine is fed by a sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system featuring a 38mm throttle body. As you’d expect from a properly engineered fuel-injection system, a push of the button provides quick starts and stumble-free warm-up under all conditions plus reliable and accurate fuel metering.Sabre MSRP: $11,799
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