Any time you throw your leg over a motorcycle with a top speed of 260 km/h on the speedometer, nine times out of 10, it's wishful thinking on the part of the manufacturer.

But in the case of Honda's ST1300, that top speed is definitely attainable. Not that I got it up there, but after spending a week with the ST1300, including an energetic one-day, 600-kilometre jaunt through the mountains, I have no doubt that it's capable of living up to its instrumentation.

For one thing, it's powered by a V-4 engine that develops 125 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. Combine this with its relatively modest weight of 294 kilograms (dry) and state-of-the-art fairing and bodywork, you have a bike that accelerates like a Formula One racer and slips through the air like a fighter jet.

This bike has an absurd amount of power. To put things in some kind of perspective, the ST1300 weighs less than most full-size Harleys and has over twice the power. There are full-fledged sport bikes out there with inferior performance.

Some technical highlights. The engine in the ST1300 displaces 1,261 cc and is liquid-cooled with programmed fuel injection, twin counter-balancers located in the crankcase, a stainless steel exhaust system, air-cooled high-output alternator and an emission control system with exhaust catalyzers.

It features lightweight components throughout and is completely balanced. This power plant is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, the ST1100, and is mated to a five-speed transmission with shaft final drive.

Brakes are triple piston, dual discs up front, with a single disc in the back, and they are linked. Which in a nutshell means that when you apply the brakes -- front or rear -- the entire system is brought into play. Squeeze the front brake, for example, and two pistons of the front and rear brake calipers are engaged. This gives the bike maximum stopping power without the risk of pitching the rider over the handlebars.

In application, it works like a charm: The ST1300 will haul you down from high speed just as quickly as it can get you there. (The test bike also had ABS.)

Suspension duties are handled by a massive centre-mounted shock absorber and 45-mm front forks. High-mounted exhaust canisters and front and rear radial tires contribute to the ST1300's tossability, and it will take corners with all the aplomb of a sport bike. It is truly a motorcycle for enthusiasts.

A few other bits and pieces that I liked. No. 1 for me is the electrically adjustable windscreen. Touch a button on the left handlebar and it goes up or down effortlessly. Outstanding.

I also was quite fond of the little oddments compartments located on the front fairing, perfect for carrying highway toll money, maps, snacks and so on. Ditto with the detachable saddlebags.

I wasn't nuts about the clam-shell configuration of the bags and I'm still trying to make up my mind about the mirrors, which are located quite low on the bike. I guess I'm just used to having my mirrors up high, on top of the handlebars.

I found the seat height to be a little high (but 90 per cent of the bikes out there confront me with the same problem) and it took a while to become acclimatized to the slightly forward riding position. Until you get used to it, it's a little fatiguing on the wrists and arms, but after a couple of days, it went away.

Were I to buy this bike, I would immediately install handlebar risers, which are available on the aftermarket.

But none of these inconveniences affect the overall enjoyment of riding the ST1300. The engine is virtually silent, with just the slightest whine emanating up from the drive train -- it almost sounds like a miniature jet turbine engine when you accelerate -- and the shift mechanism has the promptness of a rifle bolt.

This is a bike that is meant to be run hard and is the rider's equivalent of an all-day sucker. With a fuel capacity of 29 litres, it also goes a long way between stops.

While I was aboard the ST1300, I couldn't help but reflect on how spoiled motorcyclists are these days -- the market caters to just about every conceivable taste, and this is the perfect example: the thrills and kicks of a sport bike blended with the practicality and comfort of a tourer.

All in all, an excellent piece of kit.

The ST1300 starts at $19,000 and Honda offers a fairly comprehensive selection of accessories, such as heated grips, accessory wiring harness and a tank pad.