2014 Honda CTX1300 – First Look Review

2014 Honda CTX1300 Right Side
With a 200-series rear tire, low 29.1-inch seat height and relaxed seating, the CTX1300 is
a new-think cruiser-tourer.

Honda has adroitly filled a niche in the entry-level motorcycle genre with its two twin-cylinder CTX models, which are based upon the 670cc parallel twin first introduced in the NC700X. Plenty of new and returning riders are looking for inexpensive bikes with a low seat, comfortable easy handling and a torquey engine with smooth, seamless power—like a cruiser. But many of those potential riders, Honda believes, would prefer a bike with some fresh, modern styling and technology, rather than the traditional heavy-metal cruiser look. The fairing-equipped CTX700 and naked CTX700N deliver on this Comfort, Technology and Xperience concept with unique appearances that take cues from the 2009-2010 DN-01 crossover bike, particularly the faired CTX. Both apparently have been received well enough to justify a larger new CTX1300 version, giving CTX700 owners an upgrade path as well as appealing to more experienced riders who are looking for a bigger bike with a fresh look.

2014 Honda CTX1300 Instrument Panel
LCD info display is flanked by analog speedo and tach and stereo speakers. The optional sound system offers
Bluetooth connectivity.

Styled similarly to the faired CTX700 with the addition of integrated saddlebags, the larger new CTX1300 is powered by a 1,261cc, 90-degree V-4 that shares its architecture with the venerable liquid-cooled, fuel-injected ST1300 sport-tourer, but has new pistons, different gearing in the 5-speed box and a new 4-2-2 exhaust system. Honda says it makes significantly more torque than the ST1300 as a result of the updates, and listening to its snarling engine rev at the unveiling at Honda HQ is quite convincing. The V-4 is also mounted longitudinally in the CTX1300’s steel double-cradle frame, and power gets to the ultra-wide 200-series rear tire via a shaft final drive system designed specifically for the bike. A high-zoot 45mm male-slider fork in front and—surprisingly—garden-variety twin rear shocks with adjustable spring preload handle suspension duties.

Key to the big CTX1300’s appeal is its relaxed ergonomics, which combine a low seat height of 29.1 inches with wide, comfortable-looking seats for both rider and passenger, a wide pullback handlebar with an adjustable brake lever, and mid-mount footpegs. An underseat fuel tank contributes to its potentially nimble handling by lowering the bike’s CG, though it will have to wait for our first ride to see how the 724-pound (claimed curb weight) machine will get along with that fat 200-series rear tire. The bike sports LED head- and taillights, and an LCD info display is flanked by an analog speedometer and tachometer on the instrument panel. A pair of small fairing pockets seem like an afterthought, as their hinged lids only open a few inches to avoid hitting the handlebar. Both a top trunk and centerstand will be on the options list as well as heated grips and a taller replacement for the stock shorty windscreen. While the saddlebags are bolt-on units, Honda says removing them still leaves the bike with a finished appearance.

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2014 Honda CTX1300 Deluxe
The CTX1300 Deluxe adds a sound system, traction control and ABS
as well as a blacked-out paint treatment.

Stepping up to the blacked-out CTX1300 Deluxe model will net the rider traction control, anti-lock brakes, self-canceling turn signals and a contemporary sound system with Bluetooth for connecting to BT headsets and smartphones. A pair of fairing-mounted speakers also deliver the tunes. The Deluxe equipment is expected to add $1,500-$2,000 to the CTX1300’s price tag, which was still TBD at this writing. Although the CTX700s are available with automatic dual-clutch transmissions, there are no plans to offer a DCT on the CTX1300s due to cost considerations. They are expected to reach dealer showrooms in March 2014.

Honda Genuine Accessories

Tall Windscreen, Audio Package (for standard model), Heated Grips, Heated Grip Attachment, 12-Volt Accessory Socket, Rear Carrier, Centerstand, Chrome Handlebar Ends, Chrome Windscreen Garnish, Chrome Engine Shrouds, Chrome Back Mirror Covers, Chrome Valve Covers, Chrome Master Cylinder Cap, Chrome Clutch Lever, Chrome Brake Lever, Color-Matched 45L Rear Trunk, LED Fog Lights.

Accessories subject to change.

2014 SPECIFICATIONS

2014 Honda CTX1300 Rear
LED taillight is flanked by saddlebags that come off with four bolts. Bike still has a finished look with them removed.

Model: CTX1300 / CTX1300 Deluxe

Engine Type: 1261cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90° V-4

Bore and Stroke: 78mm x 66mm

Compression ratio: 10.0:1

Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction: PGM-FI with electronic control IACV, four 36mm throttle bodies, eight holes per injector

Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with 3-D mapping and electronic advance

Transmission: Five-speed

Final Drive: Shaft

Suspension

Front: Inverted 45mm fork; TBD inches travel

Rear: Twin rear shocks with spring preload; TBD inches travel

2014 Honda CTX1300 Engine
The CTX1300’s 1,261cc engine shares the ST1300’s V-4 architecture but has different pistons and gearing
and makes more torque.

Brakes

Front: Dual 310mm front discs

Rear: Single 315mm rear disc with CBS

ABS (Deluxe model)

Tires

Front: 130/70R-18

Rear: 200/50R-17

Wheelbase: 64.5 inches

Rake (Caster angle): 28° 5’

Trail: 114.3mm (4.5 inches)

Seat Height: 29.1 inches

Fuel Capacity: 5.1 gallons

Estimated Fuel Economy: TBD

Colors: Metallic Black, Gray Blue Metallic, Candy Red

Curb Weight*: 724.2 pounds (CTX1300) / 731.4 pounds (CTX1300 Deluxe)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.

 

15 COMMENTS

  1. I like it personally. It sort of looks like a mini F6B. Just goes to show you what Honda thinks of the ST engine. Yes!!! I own an ST1300, which still looks better.

  2. Kudos to Honda, I have an F6B, and this will be my “other bike”. I think it’s the best looking thing Honda has ever built, and I’ve been riding the brand for almost 50 years.

  3. I’ve been waiting for a Honda cruiser like this. Thought I’d have to get a used Goldwing. I haven’t seen this bike in person yet but I already love it!!! I was beginning to wonder if Honda forgot about two-up riders who aren’t rich.

  4. Kudos for Honda . . . I’m a late blooming Boomer . . . CBR125R for safety course . . . CBR250R starter bike . . . CBF1000A latest ride (Honda Canada) . . . CTX1300 is definitely my goal as a touring machine!

  5. First off, I like the looks of the bike, but give me a break, old school twin shocks in the rear, no cruise control, no new school electronic riding modes etc., come on Honda. Yes, I ride an ’06 ST1300 and for my money I find it a much better bike for sport touring with bags big enough to carry your stuff, electric windshield, two nice compartments on the fairing, what’s not to like. Also, I’ve never needed more torque than the ST delivers.

  6. The more I look it over, the more I like it. Good show Honda. I am anxious to see what the pricing will look like. If it is comfortable, I would love to take one from coast to coast.

  7. Still too heavy. Get it under 650 lbs. Would have preferred seeing this with a 1200 cc flat four to keep the cg lower. Should have been an f4b.

  8. I am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival my Dealer’s. I personally think the look is interesting, and I like it. I do wonder about those rear shocks. Seems too basic to be abe to handle spirited riding while carrying a load. I see that as an aftermarket upgrade oppurtunity. It’s a shame that a better solution wasn’t offered at the factory. I think the heated grips should have come with the deluxe package. Also, we’ll see what the overal handling and power characteristics are like. They don’t give any numbers, so power to weight is unknown at this time. But I will not assume anything. Instead, I will ride it and then decide if I will buy it. I’m definitely lookin. It’s a nice concept; it enhances everything I like about cruisers/tourers and addresses everything I dislike about them.

  9. I actually recently bought one of these . I’m a sportbike/café racer canyon guy who thought I wouldn’t be caught dead even looking at something like this . But I did . It looks much much better in person . I got playing with it and noticed this thing can hold a lot of kit and also handle . It’s certainly different . It’s got a ” Love It Or Hate It” look. When started the LEDs are very cool and the lights are just super bright. Plenty of torque and handles brilliantly. It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. .

  10. I don’t know, when I was looking for a new ride last year I was intrigued enough by this bike that I went and tested one. I came away disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, There is a lot to like about this machine. I happen to like the styling, the brakes were great and it handled very well. I didn’t find it all that comfortable, though, the suspension sucked (especially the rear shocks, they were awful) and they castrated that beautiful V4, which ruined the whole experience for me. Who does that to such a nice engine? Anyway, Not bad but not for me.

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