Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/134503
VOL. 50 ISSUE 22 JUNE 4, 2013 enthused with an "auto" after a few weeks, but right now I most definitely am. When I did feel the need to switch things up a bit, however, I would change the CTX's shifting modes from Drive to Sport for more aggressive, revvier shift points. Or, I'd do it on my own with the paddles to optimize revs and gears. But it's nearly impossible to outsmart the DCT. I liked having the options to change things up regarding shifting, and did so quite often on our one-day ride. And all can be accomplished on the fly. The standard six-speed CTX also works well. I had no complaints, but the bike did seem kind of, well, ho-hum, compared to the DCT-equipped CTXs. Plus, I'm a fan of ABS, and the CTX's ABS system works extremely well. Overall braking – power, control and feel – is outstanding. Despite its somewhat urbanroadster looks, the CTX is not a bad canyon carver. It's a great handling machine and is very agile in spite its 500-pound curb weight. (The non-DCT CTX weighs about 20 pounds less.) Lean angle, however, is definitely limited by the footpegs that drag easily, which isn't surprising for this type of machine, but the most fun I had on the bike all day was when speeds picked up on the twisties. Again, I didn't miss the foot shift-lever one bit. Suspension yields a solid ride but is unfortunately non-adjust- able, except for some rear preload. Low-speed stability is fantastic and steering remains light even at parking-lot speeds. Another appealing thing about the CTX is its claimed 63 mpg. You gotta love that no matter who you are or how much riding experience you have. Of the three CTXs, I liked the CTX700N DCT the most. It has a more exotic look than the faired version and no windscreen means no buffeting, and, of course, no weather protection, either, but that's what a good jacket is for. However, the windscreen-fitted CTX does offer adequate protection without overly excessive buffeting. Our one-day ride on the CTX came and went all too fast. On a bike that will no doubt be labeled as a beginner bike, the CTX actually offers a lot for everyone, even motorcycle-riding vets. Obviously, the CTX will appeal to all with its affordable price and efficient usage of fuel, but entry-level and women riders will mainly like it for its low seat height, low center of gravity, relaxed seating position, user-friendly power and zero shifting, but even long-time experienced riders can benefit from the all-around CTX. It should make for an ideal everyday commuter with its relaxed ergos, stable ride and sharp handling. Plus, Honda offers optional colormatched hard side bags for the CTX. And its DCT transmission P87 SPECIFICATIONS 2014 Honda CTX700/ CTX700N ENGINE.................................. Parallel-twin DISPLACEMENT:..............................670cc BORE X STROKE:.............73mm x 80mm COMPRESSION RATIO:..................... 10.7:1 FUEL DELIVERY:............... PGM-FI, 36mm throttle body CLUTCH:.Wet multiplate/hydraulic Dual Clutch Transmission (option) TRANSMISSION:.Six-speed/DCT (option) FINAL DRIVE:.....................................Chain FRAME:...............................................Steel REAR SUSPENSION:................... Pro-Link, single-shock, non-adjustable FRONT SUSPENSION:...................... 41mm telescopic fork REAR WHEEL TRAVEL:.....................4.3 in. FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL:...................4.2 in. FRONT BRAKE:... 320mm single disc w/ twin-piston caliper/ABS (optional) REAR BRAKE:..................240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper/ABS (optional) CURB WEIGHT:................ 494 lbs/516 lbs SEAT HEIGHT:............................... 28.3 in. FUEL CAPACITY:.......................... 3.17 gal. MSRP:.....$6999 (N)/$7799/$8799 (w/ DCT-ABS) COLORS:............. Cool Candy Red, Black WARRANTY:.One-year unlimited mileage gives you one less thing to think about while maneuvering through busy traffic. But if you want to be more involved with your bike, the standard six-speed CTX does get a tick better mpg and, as mentioned, is a grand cheaper. So, while the CTX might be targeted for the newcomer, it truly is a super-practical machine that can also benefit the experienced rider and everyone in between. CN