2014 Honda CTX700 and CTX700N Revealed, the First in a New Series Focused on Comfort, Technology and Experience

Honda pulled the covers off a new streetbike series aimed at younger, shorter riders. The Honda CTX700 represents the first in a new series from Honda combining the three tenets of Comfort, Technology and Experience. It’s a platform “specifically engineered to make motorcycling more approachable, affordable and fun than ever before.”

Our own Troy Siahaan is at the CTX700 models’ launch in Chicago and will have a full first-hand report next week, but for now here’s a quick look at Honda’s new streetbikes.

The Honda CTX700 and CTX700N are powered by the 670cc parallel-Twin engine introduced in the NC series and are available with Honda’s second-generation dual-clutch transmission (DCT) technology. DCT is standard on the 700N and optional on the NC700. Both will be available with ABS on the DCT versions, but not on the standard transmission models. Vertically challenged riders will appreciate the CTX’s low seat of just 28.3 inches.

The CTX700N (pictured above) is the naked version, sharing a similar front end as the NC700S. The CTX700 adds a fairing and windscreen to make it better equipped for longer trips. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the ill-fated DN-01 but looks, thankfully, more subdued.

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The NC700 engine places a higher premium on lower-end torque over outright power which may not appeal to some riders. We dyno tested the NC700X in our recent middleweight multi-tool shootout and measured a peak power output of 47.7 hp at 6400 rpm and 42.6 ft-lb. at 4700 rpm and we expect similar numbers the CTX models. Honda says more CTX models are on the way, offering different engine configurations and displacements.

The NC’s 670cc engine has a 62-degree forward lean for a lower center of gravity, improving handling. In the NC series, this engine position opens up storage space where a conventional fuel tank would normally be located. Unlike the NC models, the CTX700s’ 3.17 gallon fuel tank is conventionally placed over the engine instead of under the seat. Honda still managed to find room for some storage in the form of a glove box beneath the fuel tank cover.

Suspension is provided by a 41mm fork offering 4.2 inches of travel and Honda’s Pro-Link rear suspension with 4.3 inches of travel. The braking system is comprised of a 320mm single disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear. The DCT version comes with ABS, which uses a three-piston caliper on the front while the base version uses a two-piston caliper.

Honda claims a curb weight of 478.4 pounds for the base CTX700N and 500.4 pounds for the DCT and ABS version. The CTX700 should weigh a bit more because of the additional fairing, though Honda has not announced its weight as yet.

The 2014 Honda CTX700N will be available in Candy Red or Black, though those opting for the DCT and ABS version will only be able to get it in black. The standard transmission version is priced at $6,999 while DCT and ABS add $1000 to the price.

The CTX700 will be offered in Cool Candy Red or Pearl White, but the DCT and ABS version will only be available in Cool Candy Red. The DCT version is priced at $8,799 while the standard-transmission model will be available for $7,799.

[Source: Honda]

By Dennis Chung