2014 Honda CTX700N

                                                    
                              2014 Honda CTX700N

Honda has introduced the first two motorcycles of its new CTX (Comfort, Technology and eXperience) series. The 2014 CTX700 and its siblings (CTX700N, CTX700D, and CTX700ND) are variations of the company's 2012 NC700 model which was designed mainly as reliable, inexpensive bikes for new riders.

The 2014 Honda CTX700 & 2014 Honda CTX700N use the same 670cc parallel-twin engine found in the NC700 series, which was an engine designed to be a sensible and practical urban power plant for city bikers.

Honda had three primary goals with the CTX700: Comfort, Technology and a great riding experience, hence the CTX name. To meet these points, the CTX needed to have a low seat height (28.3 inches), low center of gravity, unintimidating power delivery and an optional Dual-Clutch Transmission to capture those riders unfamiliar with operating a manual motorcycle transmission.

The CTX700N is fitted with one of the most advanced engines in motorcycling. An engine designed for feel, efficiency and to complement an all-new level of handling and maneuverability.The engineers went on to design an innovative chassis that also breaks with cruiser tradition. Super low centre-of-gravity, 17” wheels fitted with sport radials, modern link-type rear suspension and ABS brakes are all combined to create unprecedented levels of handling and control. Meanwhile, low MSRP, unparalleled fuel economy and low maintenance costs ensure that this is one of the most economical cruisers on the road today.

Even though the CTX is perfect bike for the DCT, its standard six-speed transmission is incredibly good. Riders who don’t care about the novelty of DCT can lop $1000 off the price, leaving some money for accessories like Honda’s color-matched saddlebags.ABS is not available on the non-DCT model. This was done to keep the price on the base model as reasonable as possible.

Honda's new CTX series is all about taking the best of motorcycling, adding new technology, and making it even better. The modern engines and chassis designs mean you get great performance, superior fuel economy, and plenty of useable power. The laid-back seating position is just as comfortable for a weekday commute, a weekend cruise, or a week-long vacation trip. And their low center of gravity makes for a better all-around riding experience, especially for new riders.

All of the bike’s basic features such as the mirrors, headlight, LCD instrumentation and such work just fine (though the horn button is in a weird spot). There’s a small glovebox in the faux gas tank the smallish 3.3-gallon fuel cell is partially under the seat and handy bungee hooks for securing a seatbag or gear on the accessory luggage rack. Other functional accessories include locking saddlebags, heated grips and a taller windscreen.

The 2014 CTX700N DCT ABS retails for $7,999, right in line with expectations for a member of the 700cc class of touring motorcycles (the average price is $7,999). A 12-month factory warranty from Honda helps protect new buyers.