04-04-2015, 11:40 AM
So, I went and test road a used 2014 CTX1300 DLX today. I keep teasing my dad that he needs a baby Goldwing and thus does have the same vibe as the F6B. I wanted to see if I thought he might like it as a replacement for his current bike, a V-strom. His back is messed up and I thought the neutral position would suit him.
I was wrong, but I came across somewhat disappointed with it in general. The reason it won't work for him is because the choppy, stiff rear suspension transmits a lot of impact right up your spine. It's not easy to light off the footpegs to use your legs to absorb the shock.
The ride in general was too stiff and did not have any feeling of plushness like a Goldwing. The swept back bar and risers also transfer a lot of chatter from the front end. As expected, lean angle is limited, but the wide 200mm rear tire helps to keep you from turning in too quickly. Some people are ok with taking corners slow, though.
The biggest let down was the power train. I wish they would have left the power output the same as in the ST1300. While there was good mid-range, that was about it. The engine felt rough and weak off idle. It felt like it wanted the stall taking off despite a bit of throttle and clutch slippage. There just isn't much going on until 3000 rpm which doesn't lend itself to short shifting. Power signs off at 7000, so I found myself shifting constantly. It wasn't much run to run through the gears. The ST1300 is much more entertaining. There was also a lot of driveline lash with getting off and on the throttle.
This bike was used and had the taller Honda windscreen. I still heard a lot of wind. I'm 6'1" with a 34 inch inseam.
I did find the linked brakes to be nice. I like having the front brake step in with a little stab of the rear brake pedal. The feel at the lever was similar to that of the CB.
I suspect this may be why these are slow sellers. This dealer has had this used one for months and have several new ones on the showroom floor.
I was wrong, but I came across somewhat disappointed with it in general. The reason it won't work for him is because the choppy, stiff rear suspension transmits a lot of impact right up your spine. It's not easy to light off the footpegs to use your legs to absorb the shock.
The ride in general was too stiff and did not have any feeling of plushness like a Goldwing. The swept back bar and risers also transfer a lot of chatter from the front end. As expected, lean angle is limited, but the wide 200mm rear tire helps to keep you from turning in too quickly. Some people are ok with taking corners slow, though.
The biggest let down was the power train. I wish they would have left the power output the same as in the ST1300. While there was good mid-range, that was about it. The engine felt rough and weak off idle. It felt like it wanted the stall taking off despite a bit of throttle and clutch slippage. There just isn't much going on until 3000 rpm which doesn't lend itself to short shifting. Power signs off at 7000, so I found myself shifting constantly. It wasn't much run to run through the gears. The ST1300 is much more entertaining. There was also a lot of driveline lash with getting off and on the throttle.
This bike was used and had the taller Honda windscreen. I still heard a lot of wind. I'm 6'1" with a 34 inch inseam.
I did find the linked brakes to be nice. I like having the front brake step in with a little stab of the rear brake pedal. The feel at the lever was similar to that of the CB.
I suspect this may be why these are slow sellers. This dealer has had this used one for months and have several new ones on the showroom floor.