HONDA CTX1300 (2014 - on) Review

On smooth roads it rides like a dream. Easy to lead into corners to scrape the pegs. No more chicken strips. This bike inspire confidence. Brakes are C-ABS. They are superb. Lost one star because the long and wide hand will vibrate violently if you hit a pothole. Also they tend to numb your right fingers. Solved with grip puppies, palm throttle pad and removed the bar end weights.

Just one word. Great. Proven powerhouse from the reliable ST 1300. Will last forever.

There is only one, but very annoying issue. The battery cover tab breaks easily and then there is unsightly gap in your field of view. The EOM side cases are flimsy and are side opening. Will change to top loading at the earliest opportunity.

The rear tire, WHY? 200/50 R17. Not many to choose from and they are expensive. On the other hand one can go "dark side" and then it is OK. To replace air filter is 5-6 hours, removing half the bike parts. Lucky you only need to do it every 20k or so. No other maintenance really.

You'll get tons Full LED C-ABS Heated grips Radio Full luggage option Short OEM shield, but there are aftermarket solution and with the X-creen Touring you'll ride in complete callmness. But sadly no Tankbag option. The space under the seat is limited, so one need to be creative where to mount CB radio and driver - pillion com system.

Bends and corners at speed are a doddle with the CTX, all the weight is low. Even the fuel tank is under the riders seat rather than in an upper tank. The seat is so comfortable you can easily do the 200+ miles non-stop before you need to refuel. I did a 1,000 mile ride in under 24 hours on this bike and got off at the end without a twinge, and I'm nearly 70 years old!

Derived from the well proven ST1300. The engine responds immediately when you want it and in shovel fulls.

Apart from my comments about plastics the rest of the bike is superb, engine, transmission etc. all excell. Just one point lost on the plastics.

I think the only things I would add would be a sixth gear for long distance cruising and a gear indicator although it runs perfectly well without these they would be a 'nice to have'. I love the bluetooth and audio system which I don't use a lot but great when I do. Favourite thing is just the handling, rides like a dream. Tyres - I use the recommended Bridgestone 852 and 853

rear shocks again

love it

get a nearly new or pre reg

no cruse control

It definitely runs, rides, and stops nicely.

Engine is very smooth and has excellent power all over the RPM range. People see the cylinders sticking out and ask you if it's the new Moto Guzzi.

No problems with the fit and finish, or any operational problems.

Retail price new is a bit on the high side, so shop for a low mileage used one or a leftover. MPG is decent for the power, running costs are low.

If you want a touring rig it comes fairly well equipped other than you need to add a trunk and taller windshield.

Takes bumps a little rough. Doesn't matter what bike I am on. I like to stop after 100 miles or so.

I've only had two bike and the CTX is a lot more powerful than my first. Seems smooth, doesn't vibrate.

I like the OEM seat and the chrome exhaust, good look. Not too much chrome, just right.

Stable at slow and highway speeds.

Smooth. Good acceleration.

Mine is fairly new but no complaints so far. Feels firm and tight.

Taller windscreen.

Love the way the bike handles. Have not been able to go on trips longer that 300 miles yet but did not have to stop and stretch just get gas.

Love the torque and the ability to not have to shift down from 5th when having to slow down around 25 or 30 miles an hour.

Really the primary reason I bought this bike.

Comes well equipped. I've added tip-over bars to protect the rear cases and will add some additional lighting to the back of the bike.

Stops on a dime, brakes are also "linked". Front and rear. Cool technology. Rear shocks are great, and adjustable. Front shocks a little soft but new oil fixes that.

Torque monster. No downshifts needed to pass on the highway. Just twist and hold on.

Honda. Enough Said. Never any issues whatsoever.

2 oil changes per year and rear drive fluid changes once a year. If you ride as much as me. Cheap maintenance, oil filter is easy location so just do it yourself.

The deluxe comes with Traction Control, Speakers and Bluetooth. Lots of value in this bike!

The brakes are a 5 but the ride quality a 2. Brakes stop on point even as heavy as it is. The suspension is yet to be desired. Plush but sloppy in the corners. Biggest downside however fixable.

Super smooth reliable engine but it's a 5 speed that has you wanting 6. Gear box is refined though. The engine has enough power but Honda could of given it more. If Honda only carried over the 1300 Pan European powerplant it would of been bang on. But they didn't.

Holds up to the reliability and quality control of a Honda. Perfect paint, fit and finish, etc.

14000 mile valve checks with easy access, 4000 mile oil changes, 8000 mile gear oil changes.. Certainly below average.

Lots of features to offer. Bluetooth, LED lighting, audio and adequate panniers that could of bern bigger.

It could benefit from a little beefier plastic here and there.

Very smoott ride. Outstanding ABS brakes.

It's a Honda. Nuff said.

A few hundred dollars per year, plus tires. Good gas mileage, in the high 40s

Fast enough for me. I would enjoy more power, but can't use it where I live.

Best seat I've been on

Brakes are stellar and have great stopping power. The ride quality is very smooth and for a larger bike its very nimble on the road. Again the only complaint would be that the suspension could be better.

Gonna give this a 5 because this engine is rock solid and from everything I have read and hear from people I talk to, it's practically bomb proof.

Build quality is pretty solid. Only real complaint is the cover for the battery is lacking and has flimsy clips. Reliability has been great so far. No issues with anything.

I haven't had an annual service yet but was told major service is only every 25k. I do all the regular servicing myself.

The ABS brakes and traction control are really nice features as well as the nice cluster of instruments. One of my favourite things though is the all around LED lighting.

The shorty windshield looks good, but the taller one is recommended if you plan on traveling any distance.

Awesome Brakes

No issues

As good as any bike I've owned

Probably the best feature of this bike is that beautiful V4. There's just nothing else that compares, except maybe Honda's flat 6.

It's a Honda - reliability speaks for itself. Fit and finish are very good, and after two seasons now, no mechanical issues at all.

Excluding tires, this bike doesn't need much. Oil change every 3-4k, check fluids every 8k, valves every 16k.

Could have opted for the Deluxe with ABS, TCS, auto-cancelling turn signals and sound system, but I just didn't want all that on my bike. Not much else for equipment other than the digital dash and trip info, which is perfectly adequate.

Adjustable rear. Inverted front fork. ABS

Good power to weight ration. Gear ratio good. Low end torque excellent.

It is a Honda - that says it all

8,000 mile service intervals. 45 miles to the gallon.

LED lights. Comfortable seat. Need to get tall wind screen.

Brakes are really good. Low CG makes it easy to handle. I regularly go tank to tank without stopping just to fill up and continue on to the next tank fill. Usually go 200-220 miles between fills with another 30-40 reserve left. Longest single day trip was 660 miles with only gas and short lunch stops. Suspension is stiff and hard when new but softens up a lot after 8000 miles and it's very comfortable to me now.

It's a Honda engine. Well proven to be bullet proof with over 12 years in the ST1300 and still running strong in those bikes. Smooth and strong. Lot's of torque below 5000 rpm where most would ride this bike. That should take you up over 90 mph. No need to go faster really.

Low to me. Costs are mostly for tires and oil/filter. Otherwise nothing much needed to keep it going. It just goes. Gas not included in that figure but I get 48-52 mpg highway during the normal riding season.

Bought the Deluxe for the ABS/TC. BT audio is nice.

Solo, I've completed 6 days in a row at 12 hours each day. AVG 600/day. Riding forest roads, surface and freeway miles. All stock except optional touring shield/luggage rack. Stock ergo doesn't put pressure on your tail bone due to legs being more under you than in front.

The retuned ST1300 engine has great torque. Even in 5th you can slow to 35mph and twist and go. The results will put a smile on your face. Over 70mph, expect mpg to plummet. The smooth deceptive humming of the engine will give you satisfaction when you pull away from traffic or a light.

It's a Honda. The ST engine. The Only quality issue has been one clip on a left fairing plastic panel not fitting flush.

$100 for 2 oil changes (every 8k). Spent $272 for a set of Michelin CII's.

1/3: Side opening panniers are shallow. You can put a half shell helmet in one. They look nice and flow with the bike as far as looks, but the shape leaves one wishing for a better solution. 2/3: Audio system works ok, but the controls positions are not the best in my opinion. Too spread out across the panel requiring eyes off the road. 3/3: OEM tires (tyres?) wear too quickly and affect the ride quality after the first 3k miles. Still plenty of tread on rear tire, but replacing them has greatly improved travel on those multiple/consecutive 600 mile days.

people are too hung up on a hp number I love the motor and never have to rev it to get some where and its still fast, not 1000rr fast but 750LB cruiser fast

plastic fit could be better, again come on Honda

only see oil changes and tires in the future

better with tall wind screen and bags aren't great but livable

Excellent ABS brakes

85CV are good enough most of the time but add 20CV more and it's a 5 stars

Some minor issue which is normal since this is a brand new model

The deluxe model with optional accessories is simply "perfect" for my needs

only 86 hp and 1300cc ? and a bike that's weights 330kg = slow .

Great running gear, poor quality and very fragile plastic body parts. This model has the most expensive panniers in the world. Each side will cost £2500 to replace ( yes £5000 for a pair ). Most other parts seem just as inflated .

very stable under power and breaking although foot break a little low to be ideal for me

the de-tune to Cruiser spec does not fill me with joy. Just 88BHP from this bullet proof 1300 is not enough at times and not made up for by low end/low rev torque.....still find yourself stirring the gearbox

A study in build quality

A tank will run at 150 to 200 miles depending on usage etc

Not overburdened with kit given the overall quality of Bike. I have had the touring screen fitted which is fantastic, deflects all the wind and road spray over your head whilst you don't have to look through the screen when riding. The bike visual design is fantastic and attracts many many admiring looks and positive comments. Red is by far and away the best colour

Bike rides nice under all conditions. Except largebumps or pot holes really harsh. I canride for about 180 miles then I need to stop for gas.

Decent power at any speed. Not going to win any drag races.

Would change the cover in the fairing were you get access to the battery poor design. Dealer had to replace mine When they broke a clip that holds it. Kept popping up.

Only 3000 miles on it so far. Do like that I can run Regular unleaded in it. Do not like that The factory Dunlop Tires are Honda only. Gashed my rear tire Had to put a metzler on it because no one stocked the tire in the pheonix metro area. Have no problem with it being a dealer only tire if any one of the multiple Honda Dealers in the valley had it in stock.

MUST BUY DELUXE MODEL. Traction control is great in the rain. Wish it had an adjustable windscreen. Will be buying larger one for it.