2014 Honda CTX1300

I'll still keep an open mind... looking at specs is great but sometimes you just have to take one for a spin to see if you really like something... It's not something I want to buy at the moment but if some of the things like the display, d LED lighting and audio options were added to the existing ST..... who knows. Anyway, I'll take one for a test ride when they are available just for grins if nothing else.
 
If they made the new frame stiff enough to do the job is my main question. Time will tell. Who will be the first reporter?
 
George said:
I'm also gonna bet the torque curve is moved down the chart and milder cams compared to the ST. Could result in better gas mileage.
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The engine has apparently been reworked for cruiser duty. Compression ratio is also lower. Honda probably did something similar to what BMW did to the boxer engine for the RC1200 cruisers. You can bet that this will be a very different riding experience.

Bigmak96 said:
If they made the new frame stiff enough to do the job is my main question. Time will tell. Who will be the first reporter?
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If Honda Canada has one in time, I'll probably get to sit on one at the Vancouver motorcycle show in January.

A couple of things that I noted from the video. They talk about higher gearing to "reduce vibration". The original ST13 has no vibration. I wonder if the reworked CTX13 engine introduced some new vibration?

Not sure about the Canadian model, but it looks like the US standard model does not include ABS. I really hope that's not the case in Canada (ABS was standard on the ST13 for most of its run here). I would hate to have to pay for all that other crap (traction control, sound system, etc.) just to get ABS.

The other thing that popped out, was the last line about it being a "weekend getaway" bike rather than a "full luxury tourer".
 
GlenT said:
I would hate to have to pay for all that other crap (traction control, sound system, etc.) just to get ABS.
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Traction control is implemented with the ABS hardware. If you've got one, the only thing you need to add the other is additional software.

--Mark
 
Guess I'm fixating on the weight thing. Understand the CTX is supposed to carry the weight lower but why does a V4 CTX (731 lbs) outweigh the flat 6 Valkyie (660 lbs)? Is Honda now priced by the lb? Planning to stop at the local dealer later today for a peek. :confused:
 
Illinois said:
Guess I'm fixating on the weight thing. Understand the CTX is supposed to carry the weight lower but why does a V4 CTX (731 lbs) outweigh the flat 6 Valkyie (660 lbs)? Is Honda now priced by the lb? Planning to stop at the local dealer later today for a peek. :confused:
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The engines are probably closer than you think in weight.. the Valkyrie has no fairing or much of a display.. single headlight vs 4, the CTX has a lot more plastic and mechanical items.. no ABS on the Valkyrie either.
 
Blrfl said:
Traction control is implemented with the ABS hardware. If you've got one, the only thing you need to add the other is additional software.
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Well, the ST11 had ABS and traction control and then Honda dropped that for the ST13. TC would share the wheel sensor mechansims for sure, but would also require methods of cutting the ignition (I presume) which I think would be more than just software. I suppose that it could control the FI too, but if the resurected the ST11 system, it was probably ignition ('cause the ST11 was not FI'd).

My point is that I don't need TC and I don't want a stereo, which would be useless to me because I have hearing impairment plus I always ride with 32 dB ear plugs.
 
GlenT said:
They talk about higher gearing to "reduce vibration". The original ST13 has no vibration. I wonder if the reworked CTX13 engine introduced some new vibration?
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My ST was tuned by Igofar and runs great. Even so, the bars get buzzy at speed. That's why Honda put the bar end weights on the ST. All along I've said that I wanted a sixth gear because there's no reason this bike should be spinning 4000rpm at only 70mph. My Duc didn't and it was only a 750. I'm betting the lower rpm imparts a whole different feeling when riding the bike.


GlenT said:
it being a "weekend getaway" bike rather than a "full luxury tourer".
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Just like the F6B. They're making it pretty clear that who this is aimed at, and it's not the S-T or ST crowd. No trunk, smaller tank. Just right for people who don't plan in riding 250mi non-stop. There is an optional trunk. With the taller gearing, I'm really curious at what the average MPG will be.


Illinois said:
Planning to stop at the local dealer later today for a peek.
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Would they be in the showrooms already? I'll give my local dealer a call!
 
I found that just tuning the starter valves (doing a TB sync with a homemade manometer) smoothed things out perfectly on the ST13.
 
GlenT said:
I found that just tuning the starter valves
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Yes, Igofar's stock in trade.

Perfectly is a relative term. For me it means passing the Lexus (?) test. Put a glass of water on the tank and rev the throttle. When the water is as smooth as the glass it's in, it's perfect. Anything less may be perfectly acceptable. The same test would work with bar end mirrors.
 
If we were wondering what Honda thinks about the CTX1300, the first words spoken by the Senior Product Planner in this Honda video should make it clear: "Many riders appreciate the versatility that a bagger-style motorcycle offers but often want more performance and better handling than you get with a tradition V-twin cruiser."

Some other tidbits...

"The target customer for this bike is a young boomer ( * ) and older Gen-Xer with a few years riding experience."

"It's a new breed of motorcycle that breaks the status quo."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GjZu6Ga4sM&noredirect=1


* (Are there any of those? lol)
 
They invented a new category, I hope someone was asking for it.

"A bike that could only come from Honda", just like the DN-01
 
Maybe, a Taller Windsheild, A Top Box, Footpeg Re-Locator kit, and a different style set of bars, we might just have something here........................................................Or Not.;)
 
Honda has an optional top box and taller w/s available for it. Besides cruise control, 'bout the only other thing it really needs for touring would be fairing lowers to add weather protection for the rider's legs.
 
bmcdonau said:
They invented a new category, I hope someone was asking for it.
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LOL! Just what I was thinking.

As for their ad's "survival of the fittest" theme, they'd better hope that this bike doesn't become just another evolutionary dead end. Maybe they should name it the "CTX Neanderthal" :D .

Don B said:
Honda has an optional top box and taller w/s available for it. Besides cruise control, 'bout the only other thing it really needs for touring would be fairing lowers to add weather protection for the rider's legs.
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Something larger than a 5.1 gallon gas tank would also be a big plus if it's to be used for touring.

******************
From: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7455-en

Honda Genuine Accessories <for the CTX1300>

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"

Lots o' chrome geegaws.
Glad to see the "tall windscreen".
Glad they offer it but an "optional" centerstand seems to be shades of the VFR1200. Maybe it just me but that's one thing I feel should be standard.
 
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GlenT said:
Well, the ST11 had ABS and traction control and then Honda dropped that for the ST13. TC would share the wheel sensor mechansims for sure, but would also require methods of cutting the ignition (I presume) which I think would be more than just software. I suppose that it could control the FI too, but if the resurected the ST11 system, it was probably ignition ('cause the ST11 was not FI'd).
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With the ABS sensors in place there are a few ways to cut the engine with existing components. The ignition can be cut easily by simple software programming. The same goes for the injectors, therefore cutting fuel. If they switch to ride by wire then the throttle bodies could be closed electronically.
 
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