2014 Honda CTX700d

I picked up my new bike yesterday. It is a dct model (dual clutch transmission) that is a "twist and go" 6-speed.  You can put it in D mode(standard drive), S mode (sport drive), and M mode( manaul with paddle shifting / no clutch). It is very similar to the Silverwing as you don't have to shift if you choose not to.  You start it in neutral so you can idle with the stand DOWN and rev up the bike without it lunging forward!!! Then engage it into drive with the the push of a button when you are ready to go.  I added the Honda tall windscreen and hard bags.  The foot brake for the rear is going to take awhile to get used to again, after riding with 2 hand brakes for the last 7 years. This thing is a blast to ride, the automatic shifting is seamless.  You can hear it engaging the different gears, but cannot feel any change in the riding.  It corners way better than the Silverwing did, with its standard sized motorcycle tires versus small scooter tires. It is super balanced and feels like it weighs only 250 pounds despite its 500+ weight. All the weight is down low with the parallel twin tilted forward in the frame. I did lose some storage compared to the Wing, no room for my modular helmet in the slightly skinny side bags.  And the seat could use some comfort work if you planned on riding all day. Those are my only complaints so far. But the 64+ miles per gallon out of a bigger motor makes up for those shortcoming in my book!    If you've wanted to try a standard motorcycle but didn't want to deal with the shifting, I suggest you test ride one of these things, they just came out in July.  I am very impressed and scooter is now up for sale with no regrets.

If you do some searching you can find a hand brake setup for the rear brake if you would prefer a hand brake over a foot brake. I have a friend that did that to his. He told me that the foot brake had to be added to allow them to be brought into the USA but it was ok if you changed it yourself.

I'm slowly getting used to the footbrake. It's not that much of a hassle as switching it all over would be.

Congrats on the new bike. I sat on one at the Motorcycle show last winter. I would be willing to test ride one of these given the chance. I do like the storage and step through though of a scooter. Does your other half still have her scooter?

Thanks. Yes she does, although she has been riding 2 up with me on the Wing (and now new bike) for the majority of this year. She rode the ctx and can touch ground, where she wasn't ever able to on the Silverwing. Even she said it feels very light and balanced for it's size. She had a big grin when she came back on it. Who knows? Maybe selling off her scoot and getting a second one when I have some more fun money!  

Congrats on the new bike and maybe you can give us continued updates. I hope you don't leave the site just because you are selling your Swing either. We would like to keep you around and I think these new Honda's are going to be good sellers too. I hear nothing but good things about them. Congrats.

Nice looking machine! Yes please keep us posted on your experiences with it!

Looks like a great 'ride'! Congrats! Keep up us posted. Is there a forum specific to this model line?

Dimond wrote:

Looks like a great 'ride'!  Congrats!  Keep up us posted.  Is there a forum specific to this model line?

Yes there is.. http://www.ctx700forum.com/

I like the leg 'weather' protection that I get with my SWing. Does the CTX700 line have such leg protecton or can it be retrofitted? Is the engine 'water cooled'?

som2002, real nice looking bike. I hope, no I'm sure you will have a great time
and a lot of smiles with your new ride. Congratulations and ride safe.

Nice Bike, is there enough room on the end to add a top box?

Thanks guys. Not sure about available leg protection, it just was released in July so there isn't alot of aftermarket support out there for it yet. Your legs do tuck up under that red cowl and behind those black covers that say "Honda" on them. Yes it is water cooled. And in the pics it is hard to see but I did add the optional back rest and luggage rack Honda accessories. I'm sure you could fit a top box on that rack, although not my cup of tea. I have since added a japan only centerstand, and just recieved my Kuryakyn floor boards to replace the pegs. Also ordered Airhawk pads for both me and the girlfriend so we can start racking up some comfortable miles.

Sounds like you have pretty much made it yours.
I have always enjoyed making my bikes mine.

Looks like a fine ride. For some reason, Honda only gave it 3.14 gallon fuel tank
Not much for a touring bike. So even with the 64 mpg you'll have to stop as often to fuel up as with
a Silverwing

I guess I can see the need for a bigger tank if you are riding in Alaska or some places out west maybe. But I know I need to take a break before I run out of gas. I have gotten over 200 miles on a tank before and this old man has to get off my scooter before that.

If you like to leave a gallon buffer like me - then you need to pay attention to the gas gauge!

I agree with leaving a gallon buffer. But with 4.2 gallons that still gives me over 150 miles before I need to get gas. I try to stop every hour or 100 miles. Saturday I went on a 200 mile trip and I stopped to get gas at 93 miles and it took 1.5 gallons. So I don't think I really need a bigger gas tank. If I ride out of town I eazy get 60 miles per gallon. Now in town I sometimes only get down as little as 46 miles per gallon but gas stations are on every corner in town.

Sold the Wing yesterday afternoon. It was kinda bittersweet to see the old girl go after all our years and adventures together  

Som,

You might have gotten rid of the SWing but it seems you really have the new version of what the SWing should be. I need to go down to the shop and sit on one of these bikes. I know I like the looks of them and I hear nothing but good things.

What kind of mileage are you getting on it? Is it up in the 60's? And they will lots of aftermarket stuff soon for it. I hope you don't leave the site for good.

I only paid attention to one tank. That one I got 64.7 and it was riding mostly 2-up the entire tank. I'll have to check again now that I have over 600 mile break-in done.

OK, I checked again. 66 mpgs on this last fill-up. Mix of 2 up and 1 up.

Wow, that is some good mileage. That was like my Reflex I had for a few months. It got close to 70 mph. I know my next bike is going to be one of these new 700's Honda has out. Congrats.

I think I drool, just looking at this bike. I would get one in a hurry, and if my 2000 ACE sells, I just might.

Rode my silverwing over the check on my Goldwing repair estimate (after hitting a bear, that's another story). While there they let me take the CTX for a ride.

The good-I did like how it shifted and the flexibility between Automatic and manual. Good pickup and handling. Looks sharp, base price.

The other stuff-definitely do not like the low shield, not sure about the feet forward, stock seat has no lower back support, not sure on long rides, chain drive.

Its not something I have to get so may wait and see if prices come down.

$11,250 OTD (include tax and title) with bags, inserts, back rest, luggage rack, 12v plug, tall windshield. Supposed to be 15% discount on part and about $250 to install all.

Although this new bike has got me drooling, I am a cautious buyer and usually wait for a good used one to come along. In the mean time, I will cruise the web looking for reviews, users impressions, and what sort of problems crop up. I have joined the CTX forum for that purpose, just like I did here.
When riders have a problem or complaint they generally tell their friends first. If I win the lottery or someone throws oodles of money on my ACE (for sale), I might make the jump.

I added Kuryakyn boards in place of the pegs, this made it not so feet forward, and more like the many different foot positions I was used to on the Swing. Also have the higher windshield over the stock shorty. While the Honda accessory tall shield is not perfect, it is acceptable for my riding. Others are throwing on a vented Cee Bailey shield that looks like a great option over the Honda tall. I am still getting used to the somewhat flat seat. Wish it had more of a dip to support my lower back / rump. I added AirHawk pads for both me and the passenger, but it only helps me a bit (she loves hers). They now are releasing a 2014 CTX1300 (do a google search for the spy photos), so there may be some used 700s at reasonable prices should people upgrade to the bigger choice.

It's a really nice looking bike you have. I wonder if the 1300 engine is a new engine like the 700 where it will get good gas mileage. What do you think of all the storage you have with it? Does it seem as much as the SWing with a top case? Does Sargeant make a seat for this bike yet? I have heard they make seats for bikes that are easy to install and are very comfortable. I bet it is nice and smooth on the interstate.

The storage is nowhere near deep as the Swing. I can't carry my modular full face helmet anymore. I could fix that issue with a top box, but they are not my style. Plus that would throw off the super low center of gravity that I LOVE about this bike. My crash jacket takes up one whole side case. I don't think anyone makes aftermarket seats yet. I think that that 1300 motor is the identical one they already use in their ST1300 from what I've been reading so far.