2014 Honda CTX700, CTX700D are probably the world’s dullest motorcycles

The 2014 Honda CTX700. Deathly dull and ugly...

Honda seem to have taken it upon themselves to build the dullest, most boring motorcycles in the world. After the NC700X and CBR500 series, they’ve announced the 2014 CTX700, which is, presumably, a motorcycle, but could just as well be a toaster, sewing machine, microwave oven, washing machine or any other household appliance.

“Made for travel with an efficient fairing and windscreen up front, the CTX700 boasts features that make it an ideal partner for exploring all that the open road can offer,” claim Honda. The bike is powered by a liquid-cooled SOHC 670cc parallel-twin and has a regular 6-speed gearbox, while the CTX700D gets an automatic dual clutch transmission (DCT), which allows riders to either use a fully automatic mode or use paddle-shifters to shift gears without having to use a clutch. The CTX700D also gets ABS.

So why should you buy a Honda CTX700 or CTX700D? The ‘benefits’ that Honda claim for the CTX are an upper fairing and windscreen that divert wind around the rider, adding to comfort and reducing fatigue, abundant torque in the low-end and midrange for easily accessible power, crisp throttle response, linear and smooth power delivery, an engine balancer shaft that quells vibration for smooth operation and rubber-mounted footrests that add to rider comfort. Yawn…

Yes, we know, the CTX’s low seat height, non-intimidating power delivery and super-optimised ergonomics will probably appeal to some. And the range of accessories available from Honda – tall windscreen, heated grips, an array of saddlebags and a bunch of chrome bits – might get some touring types excited. For us, however, this bike is entirely devoid of any emotion whatsoever – it’s dull and cold and clinical and frigid. And that it comes from a manufacturer that used to build some of the most exciting, most technologically advanced motorcycles in the world makes it doubly sad.

Now, while the CTX700 itself is deathly dull, what we do find interesting is the CTX700D’s second-generation automatic six-speed dual clutch transmission, which uses two hydraulically controlled clutches to deliver quick and smooth gear changes. This DCT thing has three modes – one manual (MT), which allows the rider to shift gears using buttons, and two automatic (AT) modes – S for sporty riding (sporty riding, on this bike?!?!) and D for more relaxed use. If Honda can adapt this DCT for use on the next-generation Fireblade, on which lightning fast clutchless shifts will actually be useful, they might really be on to something. A DCT-equipped CBR1000RR in 2014? Yeah, well, let’s hope something good comes of this mess that’s the CTX…

2014 Honda CTX700 / 700D: Tech Specs

Model: CTX700 / CTX700D with automatic Dual Clutch Transmission and ABS

Engine Type: 670cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin

Bore and Stroke: 73.0mm x 80.0mm

Compression ratio: 10.7:1

Valve train: SOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction: PGM-FI with 36mm throttle body

Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance

Transmission: Six-speed (CTX700) / Automatic six-speed with two modes and a manual mode (CTX700D)

Final Drive: Chain

Suspension:
Front: 41mm fork; 4.2 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link single shock; 4.3 inches travel

Brakes:
Front: Single 320mm disc with two-piston caliper (CTX700) / Single 320mm disc with two-piston caliper; ABS (CTX700D)
Rear: Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper (CTX700) / Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper; ABS (CTX700D)

Tyres:
Front: 120/70-17
Rear: 160/60-17

Wheelbase: 60.2 inches

Rake (Caster angle): 27.7°

Trail: 114.0mm (4.4 inches)

Seat Height: 28.3 inches

Fuel Capacity: 3.17 gallons

Colors: Cool Candy Red, Pearl White (CTX700) / Cool Candy Red (CTX700D)

Prices: From US$7,000 - US$8,800