2014 Honda CTX700 Lineup – First Look Low seats, low price tags, and no need to shift gears: Four new “cruiser” variants on the NC700 Twin platform set their sights on getting more people on motorcycles.

February 8, 2013 By John Burns 36 Comments

Honda sprang four more of the latest in its line of 670cc parallel Twins this morning, in the cruiseristic form of the new CTX700ND and CTX700N, along with fairing-equipped long-distance versions CTX700D and CTX700. The “D”s denote Dual Clutch Automatic transmissions, while CTX stands for Comfort, Technology and eXperience. The press release states:

“The CTX700ND is a 700cc-class parallel-twin machine that features a low seat height, along with an automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and Antilock Braking System (ABS) for $7999. That price makes the CTX700ND the most affordable DCT bike ever offered by Honda, and we believe its class-leading features and high level of value will appeal to many riders who have been waiting to begin their riding experience with a full-featured yet affordable automatic-transmission bike. We are also rolling out the CTX700, a fairing-equipped sibling ready for the open road. With the DCT and ABS combination, the CTX700D carries a suggested retail price of $8799. Both bikes will also be available with a standard transmission for $6999 and $7799 respectively, and a full assortment of Honda Genuine Accessories will also become available when these bikes land on dealership floors, including saddlebags that expand their touring capabilities.”

A seat just 28.3 inches high should make these user-friendly to just about any rider, and the available DCT means you don’t need to learn to shift either. (Just like the NC700X, you can go either full-auto mode or paddle-shift.) Also like the NC, the CTX DCT models come with an anti-lock braking system—which isn’t available on the six-speed manual. The NC’s coolest feature is its super-convenient storage compartment, capable of containing a full-face helmet. The press release mentions a “glovebox” in the same location on the CTXs, but our Honda source says he doesn’t know its capacity. Translation: not so much. The NC’s other great feature is excellent fuel mileage in the 60-70 mpg range, numbers we’d expect from the CTX line.

Unlike last year’s NC, the CTX DCT/ABS models retail for just a grand more than the stripper, a price structure Honda’s now applied to the NC: For 2013, the NC700X (Cycle World’s Best Standard for 2012) is available in Red or Light Silver Metallic, and the base six-speed model has had its price bumped $500 to $7499 while the DCT/ABS model gets its price cut $500 to $8499.

Honda is calling the CTXs 2014 models, but says bikes will be in dealerships this spring.

But wait, that’s not all. The release goes on to state: “These new models introduced today are just the first in a whole new family of CTX products of various displacements and engine configurations that will be rolled out in the future.”

Interesting. Honda is seriously going after new riders. With the line of new 500cc Twins it announced a couple of months ago, along with CBR and CRF250s and now these new CTXs, Honda has laid out a veritable smorgasbord of affordable new models no other manufacturer comes close to matching. Somebody told us Honda plans to have nine new models under $8K by 2014, which means it still has a few to go.

2014 Honda CTX700ND with DCT and ABS - right-side view

2014 Honda CTX700ND with DCT and ABS - left-side view

2014 Honda CTX700ND with DCT and ABS - 3/4 left-side view

Filed Under: Cruiser, First Looks Tagged With: 2014 motorcycles, CTX700, CTX700D, CTX700N, CTX700ND, Honda

Mike

Wow, the motorcycle equivalent of the Honda Civic. Safe, unassuming unappealing, and with lots of plastic for the majority of zombies to enjoy. Glad I haven’t sold my early 2000 era RC51, or Ducati 998. which represent to me a time when motorcycle manufacturers, like Honda, actually built motorcycles that had some measure of personality.

http://www.hankeringforhistory.com/ Grant

True, but let’s face it… My wife is 10x more likely to let me drive that than any other motorcycle…
Stuki

I wouldn’t bet on the new Honda being the one, vs the 998, that is “unappealing” at the tail end of a 1000 mile day……..

It looks too “small” ergonomically for me personally, but the rider triangle/position (and power) doesn’t seem all that different from that of a HD Sportster; which is another bike I suspect will seem relatively unappealing next to the Honda at the end of that 1000 mile day……, yet still outsells most Hondas handsomely.

Less tongue in cheek, I see what you trying to say, but remember; Honda is trying to appeal to new and reentry riders with these bikes. As well as let existing riders add a bike that entices them to ride in situations where they currently, on their existing bike(s) do not. They aren’t going to stop building RRs, nor Goldwings, nor cruisers, nor “character bikes” like the Cb1100. A motorcycle is still a motorcycle. Compared to the default state of personal transport for most contemporary Americans; being stuck in a cage like some animal in captivity, they’re all exciting. And, hence, “appealing.”

IOW, saying a bike is boring for a motorcycle, is like saying a girl is ugly, for a supermodel. Even the least stunning of the latter are worth a date. And even the most “unappealing” of the former is worth a ride.

SeanAlexander

What a great point! Because the total market for generic middleweight-sized bikes that will be ridden on a 1000 mile day by their new owners must surely number in the mid-dozens, all-across this great nation! I wonder how long we’ll have to wait to see an Ironbutt shootout between a 998 and a CTX variant???

MuleHeadJoe

The new 700 might be unappealing to hi-testosterone sport bike riders (which I suspect is your preferred style since you reference a couple hi-testosterone bikes), and it might be unappealing to ‘old school bikers’ that demand an air-cooled v-twin no matter what, but I find it very appealing in looks and features.
I’ve no desire to own or ride a sport bike. I’d like a cruiser, but can’t stomach paying the price of a nicely featured compact car for a bike. This new beast suits me well enough.

Regarding plastic … what do you think coats those 2 very specific bikes you reference? All faired bikes nowadays have bodywork that is primarily plastic, regardless of manufacturer. Not sure what your point was there.

johnny mars

Honda will be successful with this line of motorcycles because of affordable price and gas economy. There’s been a buildup of first-time riders who couldn’t afford litre bikes and cruisers for the last five years, but now they can. Hell, they might even dig up the old slogan, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.”
Tom

Like the bike. Just can’t get past the chain drive

oldwave

The problem with these is they are too outside the look of a traditional motorcycle. If Honda would make a decent small tourer ala BMW K800GT witha fairing and hard bags that was attractive I think it would sell. Sort of like their automotive division, give us a Honda Civic hatchback like the old days, not the too small fit.

Kris

How about a “Pacific Coast II”, with the 670cc DCT powerplant (and shaft drive)?
VT_Sailor

Hmm, for some of us this bike looks MORE like a traditional motorcycle. It all depends when you grew up…

Krhunty

A modern Silverwing!

Hard to get over excited for this, but I can’t disapprove entirely. An affordable, middle-weight tourer has its appeal for a great many.
grholschhower

Just build a normal motorcycle, please.

http://www.facebook.com/ryo.nogami.98 Ryo Nogami

Yeah, no. For people who have bad knees, this is a gift from God.

http://www.facebook.com/steve.ginn.796 Steve Ginn

Moving in the right direction but with the wrong pegs.
http://www.facebook.com/michele.amason.9 Michele Amason

Some of us riders can’t keep our legs in the center position as our knees are bad. If I did that I would have sharp pain for awhile. Keep in mind they are trying to appeal to a broader variety of consumers. This is a good thing. After all this is designed as somewhat of a touring bike so the pegs should be forward for comfort on extended rides.

http://www.facebook.com/reginald.farnsworth.96 Reginald Farnsworth

a compromise is in order. move the pegs back more towards where the gold wing’s are. really, this bike’s pegs make the gold wing look like a standard.

nhward

Be patient more bikes are coming. A cb500 nighthawk I hope will be one of them
The Fast Guy

Wow!!! This might be the ugliest Honda yet. The styling of this motorcycle
is 1980′s science fiction B-movie. I can see the future and in 10yrs. you
won’t be able to give them away. Buy a Triumph at least you will be proud to
say you bought a new motorcycle and you won’t look like a extra in a bad space flick when you go riding.

Tom D

Well dang Blang eet I wanna know so I don’t have to waste 30 Yrs Dang eet cmon now I would be thee last person to argue or Bash another over a Vehicle Daum .. I have a Scarabeo S500 06 Model and It almost replaced a Prius and a corolla for 28 months seriously.. And Now no Support people from the company can fig out whats wrong with eet it eats belts in like 500 miles

Rudy

All you professional bikers please allow old timers like myself enjoy being able to ride. I have always had respect for people who rode bikes and always wanted to ride myself but due to injuries suffered while serving my country, I have been unable to. but here is a bike that will allow me to ride and not worry about trying to shift with a leg that doesn’t work the way it is supposed to anymore. So keep your comments to yourself, if you wanna ride something else then do so. I for one am gonna ride this!!!!!!!

teknik1200

have you checked out the piaggio mp3 line? I have one, the thing will out corner street bikes. you won’t get explosive exits out of the corners but once you get used to the ride you can come to stops without putting your feet on the ground as it has two wheels in the front. it’s not like the can-am spyder the two front wheels actually lean, you can lean the thing to 40 degrees and drag your center stand all over the pavement. It has a locking mechanism you can engage once the bike is going slow enough. Out side of the easy parking with no stand necessary you’ll never know it’s a trike. the same company makes the aprilia manna, it’s an automatic but more like the nc700x honda just released a short while ago.

This bike does look nice!
vt_sailor

I have severe arthritis in my knees and ankles and shifting and braking with my feet is just not safe. The local motorcycle shop said they could even move the foot brake on the automatic version up to the handlebars. Now a bike that should be fun to ride AND safe for me.

MuleHeadJoe

I likey … I think I’d prefer the faired version in black tho …
Cujet

It’s the race to the bottom. Who can produce a motorcycle with the lowest HP per displacement. I’ve ridden the standard version of this bike and it’s beyond gutless. Half the fun of riding is having fun, which this engine clearly prevents.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Tysoe/711623798 Matt Tysoe

No doubt you dont go to work on one then…

CK

Can’t wait to check this out in person. My GF has been wanting to get back onto a bike for a while now. At a diminutive 5 feet tall, few bikes are a comfortable fit for her without some serious compromise. The Buell Blast she had a few years ago was a great size fit and decent fun, but that big bore thumper about killed her hands (We think it triggered her fibromyalgia). Not to mention all the things I had to fix on that damned thing. Hell, the guy we sold it to called 6 months after he bought it from me to tell me the tranny had to be replaced. 250cc cruisers can probably fit her, but she would like more power than that. We had a Vulcan 500 for a bit and while she fit, it was still a big bike and hard for her to maneuver in tight spaces. I was actually excited about the NC700 when it was announced until I saw the seat height. This CTX has renewed our hope in finding a bike that doesn’t require as much compromise. The only thing that is still a bummer is that Honda isn’t offering the ABS on the manual models. I’d prefer she have the ABS but I don’t think she wants to give up having a clutch.
Tacoma

I am 55, been riding since 15, finally figured out the motorcycle business,,, they don’t build a bike that consumers want, they build a bike the bike builders want, or want to sell you, if you don’t like it,,, too bad, took me 30 years to find a perfect motorcycle and i’m hanging on to it,,, NO,,, not going to tell you what it is cause i don’t care what anybody thinks! It pleases me and thats all I care about!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001553880929 Paul Klanderud

The styling and focus doesn’t appeal to me either, but if it gets more riders onto the road I’m all for it. The more riders, the more car drivers will be aware that we’re out there with them, and that’s a good thing.
http://www.facebook.com/james.boyles.927 James Boyles

Honda did put the footpegs back. It’s called the NC700X
David Coats

I like it.
I’m 63, have a 85 GL1200 and a Honda Shadow Sabre. Done cross country rides on both of em.
But, A GMC Jimmy decided to remove my left (shifting) leg last spring, so now I need something else. This seems to fit the bill. I no longer have the need for speed, race from light to light. I just wanna cruize around town, and take a short road trip if necessarry (short meaning a 1000 mile road trip to visit the kids.g-kids).
This bike looks like it can do it. I’d need some floorboards tho (so my prosthetic leg doesn’t fall off the peg, and I don’t know it till it’s too late).
I’ve got a scooter trike now, (300cc Icebear Zodiac – Google it) but think I may be able to be back on two again, with this one.
So, all you ‘professional’ riders, let us old folks enjoy what we need.
And let us cripples have some fun.
For people with all their body parts, and no medical issues, that still think the Ninja is the only bike their is, then don’t buy this one.
When you young guys get to your 60′s and 70′s and are still riding,(IF you’re still riding) you’ll realize how we feel.
So, I like it, I may get it, and get back on the road.
CArry on
Dave the Monoped

I forgot: I like the CTX700D, with auto trans, fairing, bags, backrest, floorboards, and all the other comfort items they have, which aren’t much yet for accessories. Hope they make more
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Tysoe/711623798 Matt Tysoe

No shaft drive = puts me off right away. Everything else looks great.
Jim Piper

I’m 58, I have ridden my entire live. Now I have arm and neck nerve problems. I bought a Burgman and found I can ride an automatic with little pain from not shifting. Thank you Honda I’m going to be on a real bike again. I’m ready now.

JWR

I’m right behind you Jim, after almost 30 years not being on one. Soon as I take a safety course in my State, I’m going Honda auto.

My last bike was a 1985 Honda Shadow 1100 made a trip from Cali to Ill. and back in 1986, sold it and haven’t been on one since.

I was thinking of going your route until I saw this. Perfect weight, seat height, and good fuel range. But it will depend on what happens at the safety course. I’m not in a rush, I will be starting some strength exercises to get me prepared before I take the class.

And if they feel I’m not capable I won’t push it. But I sure as hell don’t want to ride any trike.

Will see, and good luck to you as well.

Zee

Love it, personally. I have a cruiser, am way too short for a sport bike, except maybe the ninja 300 or sv 650. But this good looking and workable for me. Ifyou don’t like it, don’t buy it, but not everyone is you. I wish I could have a ninja 650, but I can’t.
Alex

The seat is low, you will get too cramped if the pegs are moved the way you want. There are plenty of bikes to choose from to suit one’s needs. Really, no bike exist that can meet everyone’s wants or needs. Let me know if you find one!
Thor

For those of you that hate this thing, don’t buy it. And for those of you that like it, do what you want. That’s the one thing we still have, CHOICE. Been riding for over 15 years, 42,000 miles on a Yamaha Maxim 700 ( 36 to 42 mpg ), 28,000 on a Kawasaki Concours ZG1000 ( 30 to 39 mpg ) both shaft drive. And I’m tired of getting a cramp in my left hand from pulling that clutch so much.
My conclusion is that CT700ND is the one for me, I’ll add my own accessories saw a nice clip of accessories for the NC700X. Some interesting ideas there.
I’m 50 years old, I keep pulling that clutch I’ll probably have carpel tunnel next.
For about $8000 and another $2500 you’ve got your bike, and you save your self about $1000. From my point of view, what’s not to like. Low seat, great mileage, not to bad on the cost, low center of gravity, forgot about the chain ( I’d rather have shaft) of course that will be another $1000.. and no clutch pulling.