2014 Honda CTX700 and CTX700N – First Look
2014 Honda CTX700
Greg Drevenstedt
February 8, 2013
Filed under Honda Motorcycle Road Tests: Reviews on Honda Motorcycles, Latest News, Road Tests, Sport Standard + Standard Motorcycle Reviews
At the Chicago round of the International Motorcycle Show, Honda announced updated colors and pricing for the recently released NC700X and the introduction of two new models, the CTX700 and CTX700N, both powered by the same 670cc parallel twin as the NC. This announcement rounds out the largest crop of all-new models introduced by Honda, or any manufacturer for that matter, in recent memory.
2013 Honda NC700X in Red
The “New Concept” NC700X was introduced for 2012 last summer, and it made a big splash with a winning combination of affordability, versatility and efficiency. With a base price of $6,999 ($8,999 for the Dual Clutch Transmission [DCT]/ABS model), a torquey engine in a lightweight, adventure-styled package and fuel economy around 60 mpg, the NC700X, is “one bike that already ticks all the boxes for a lot of riders,” wrote Mark Tuttle in his November 2012 road test. It returns for 2013, now in Red as well as Light Silver Metallic, at $7,499 for the base model and $8,499 for the DCT/ABS model.
2014 Honda CTX700N DCT/ABS in Black
Building on the momentum and popularity of the NC, Honda has announced a new model family. The CTX series—which stands for stands for Comfort, Technology and eXperience—will, Honda says, include motorcycles with various engine displacements and configurations that emphasize “comfort, easy-to-operate features and versatility.” The first CTX models are two early-release 2014 motorcycles that will be available this spring: the CTX700/D and CTX700N/D, both available in standard trim or with DCT/ABS. According to Honda, in addition to sharing the same engine as the NC700X, these new “Urban Roadster” models place a premium on lightweight handling, comfortable ergonomics and good value.
2014 Honda CTX700 DCT/ABS with factory accessories
The CTX700N is the “naked” model, and the CTX700 is the more touring oriented model with a fairing and windscreen. Both have a modest seat height of just 28.3 inches. Powered by liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 670cc parallel twin that is tuned for easily accessible, low-end torque, both models are available with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with two fully automatic modes and a paddle-shift manual mode. The DCT models are also equipped with anti-lock braking systems. The CTX’s share the same diamond-shape steel frame, 41mm fork and Pro-Link rear shock with 4.2/4.3 inches of travel and triple-disc brakes. There is a lockable storage compartment in the normal “tank” location; the 3.17 gallons of fuel are stored under the seat. The CTX700N has a claimed curb weight of 478 pounds (500 pounds for DCT/ABS model); curb weight for the CTX700 is TBD. Factory accessories include a tall windscreen, heated grips, saddlebags, rear luggage rack, passenger backrest, accessory socket and more.
The 2014 CTX700N has an MSRP of $6,999 ($7,999 for DCT/ABS), and will be available in Candy Red and Black (standard model only). The 2014 CTX700 has an MSRP of $7,799 ($8,799 for DCT/ABS), and will be available in Cool Candy Red and Pearl White (standard model only). Both will be in dealerships this spring.
Yuk.
Return of the DN.
[Reply]
how does the nc 7oo dct automatic compare with the 77 automatic 750 when it comes to acceleration? The 77 750a was very underpowered
[Reply]
Bruce Reply:
March 1st, 2013 at 2:30 pm
The 1977 750 automatic used a fluid torque convertor. This new NC700 DCT has a normal transmission and two automated clutches. It shifts itself or you can choose a manual mode where you shift up and down using buttons on the handlebar. Sort of like power shifters for drag bikes except they use a clutch instead of cutting the power.
It’s not a super-sport but every owner seems to love it.
[Reply]
time for larger wheels and tires on midsize standards. 19″ x 4.33″ (110) front, 18″ x 5.10″ (130) rear. Roads are getting crappier, riders older and heavier.
[Reply]
I like the concept of a good midsize motorcycle but I think on the DCT model Honda may be barking up the wrong tree. I don’t know many people who buy bikes for fuel economy. The other problem is that Americans think mid size starts at 750, not 700. In the comparison test the Honda was like the poky little puppy.
[Reply]
fuel economy is most certainly a top reason besides fun to ride a bike. i have 2 650s and they are lite and fast enuff. these are even better mpg, nice job!
[Reply]
To me the CTX700N looks like the perfect bike for a new rider who mainly wants a bike for commuting and short trips. I have never ridden a bike but this one with the automatic sure makes me want to try.
[Reply]
I love everything about the bike except the chain. That’s a deal breaker.
[Reply]
It is about time a manuacturer built a 500 lb ride other then a sport bike. I think the CTX will sell, not only to newbies but to baby-boomers wanting a lighter ride. Before most detracters were born 700 ccs was a big bike and people toured on everything from 350 to 1200 ccs. I regularly do 500+ miles on a 650.
[Reply]
[...] Rider Magazine … 2014 Honda CTX700 and CTX700N – First Look | Rider Magazine [...]
Too brief
[Reply]
I like the whole family, especially the naked version. For the life of me, however, I do not see the attraction of an auto transmission on a motorcycle.
[Reply]