CTX1300

[The Spaceman_imp]

Maybe it is different in the U.S., but I can hardly imagine that this kind of bike will be sold very well in Germany. German motorcycle riders do not like that kind of design. And it reminds me of the ugly duckling called "DN-01". Unsaleable in Germany...

Unsaleable in the USA, too. That thing was a disaster.

From the huge, strangely shaped fairing of the CTX1300, to its weird exhaust that goes forward then back, I just find it ugly. It looks like a Goldwing birthed a half-made kid. Just my opinion.

Now, that doesn't mean it isn't a fine machine, and it is probably a very nice riding bike. But I have to like the way it looks before I park it in my garage.

Please Honda! Update the ST1300 to compete with the BMW K1600! Please! Please? please. I don't think they're listening.

Honda seems to be falling behind, technologically. Most other manufacturers have electronic throttles (i.e. ride-by-wire), traction control, and now dynamic suspensions on their bikes. Honda doesn't have any of this technology on any of their bikes as of this model year (2013). At least in the U.S. What the crap!?

Unsaleable in the USA, too. That thing was a disaster.

From the huge, strangely shaped fairing of the CTX1300, to its weird exhaust that goes forward then back, I just find it ugly. It looks like a Goldwing birthed a half-made kid. Just my opinion.

Now, that doesn't mean it isn't a fine machine, and it is probably a very nice riding bike. But I have to like the way it looks before I park it in my garage.

Please Honda! Update the ST1300 to compete with the BMW K1600! Please! Please? please. I dlike us think they're listening.

Honda seems to be falling behind, technologically. Most other manufacturers have electronic throttles (i.e. ride-by-wire), traction control, and now dynamic suspensions on their bikes. Honda doesn't have any of this technology on any of their bikes as of this model year (2013). At least in the U.S. What the crap!?
Honda is focused on entry-level bikes aimed at bringing in new riders, and price-point bikes aimed at stretching existing market segments.

On the tech side, you're right for the most part, although they should get credit for DTC. Real men like us want no part of it, but its a real attraction for a lot of riders, especially new ones.

BTW: That wraparound exhaust was originally designed by Willie G. Davis for the '77 FXS Low Rider. I've seen some other bike designs that borrowed it. On the FXS it was necessary to produce equal-length exhaust headers. On this bike it just a styling exercise.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

If I am not mistaken the CTX 1300 will have traction control and ABS as standard.

The connection of masculinity and automatic transmission is pretty tenuous these days when you think about Porsche cars and Corvettes which while available with manuals are not selling as well. The new automatics while convenient and almost bullet proof will also out 'run" most of the manuals. Anyone who thinks they can shift a manual and gain over an automatic hasn't driven anything since the eighties.

Real men? There is no reason to go there and be insensitive to what others my hold as valid opinions. I suppose "real men" don't have power steering, brakes or air conditioners in their cars either? Or does this just apply to motorcycles?

I am certainly not the most manly of men but I am man enough to admit that an auto shift motorcycle is NOT entirely unappealing to me and I don't buy my motorcycles to boost my ego or attract attention from any one. I buy what I like and each of us should do the same. I will admit that I like to be complimented on my bikes and it does happen from time to time but I don't let allow myself to think that it is of any real importance.

If I need help with my man hood there are Dr's and products for that. I'll visit them as needed. I am man enough to ride any motorcycle I want be it a pink vespa or a chopper.

In addition if the automatic doesn't appeal to you then at least understand that it may advance the hobby to those who are not as manly or who need the automatic for reasons of disability.

Do real men ride trikes? Maybe a real man is able to recognize his limitations and is man enough to accept them and still enjoy his life and hobbies.

Ride one some time and be surprised how nice it can be. Especially for a commuter bike. Ever sit in traffic and inch forward for miles. That clutch hand gets pretty tired

[The Spaceman_imp]

Jeez bubbler, lighten up...it was just a joke. Automatics are fine, barely 5% of cars sold have sticks these days. And autos with launch control can outperform sticks in 0 to 60 times. Even race cars have flappy paddle shifters for chrissake.

Personally I'll give up my stick shift when they unwrap my cold, dead driving glove from it, but as for anybody else: N-Joy!

[AzBob_imp]

Automatics on bikes are not the same as automatics on cars. On bikes, they take away the ability to perform certain maneuvers safely, such as slow speed turns, u-turns, etc., especially on higher horsepower bikes. Slipping the clutch is an important part of riding a motorcycle well.

[cbdtran_imp]

Automatics on bikes are not the same as automatics on cars. On bikes, they take away the ability to perform certain maneuvers safely, such as slow speed turns, u-turns, etc., especially on higher horsepower bikes. Slipping the clutch is an important part of riding a motorcycle well.

Ah - Automatic adds weight is the only drawback, the VFR1200 DCT you can shift up and down like F1 racing car or fully automatic. It however doesn't catch up yet, not a good seller so Honda gingerly test out the water. Manual is fine until one ride an automatic. I bet in a decade or so 50% of bikes are automatic.

[ingobohn_imp]

Automatics on bikes are not the same as automatics on cars. On bikes, they take away the ability to perform certain maneuvers safely, such as slow speed turns, u-turns, etc., especially on higher horsepower bikes. Slipping the clutch is an important part of riding a motorcycle well.

Ah - Automatic adds weight is the only drawback, the VFR1200 DCT you can shift up and down like F1 racing car or fully automatic. It however doesn't catch up yet, not a good seller so Honda gingerly test out the water. Manual is fine until one ride an automatic. I bet in a decade or so 50% of bikes are automatic.

...in the U.S. maybe.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

No debate we will need more fuel efficient transportation. Motorcycle based vehicles will be seen as more practical. Of course electrical powered will be part of this.

Certainly we will see change. If a fellow could predict the winners and the losers investing in the winners would be ideal.

[the Ferret]

I have no issues switching back and forth between my regular motorcycles and my Yamaha 400 scooter which is automatic. Both are fun. I think a big liter bike automatic would be a blast to ride.

I find the motorcyclists who argue most fiercely against autos are those who have never ridden one.

Do yourself a favor and test rode a Yamaha Tmax or Suzuki Bergman 650 and then come back and tell me how boring autos are.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

Absolutely Mr Ferret. If we had ten of these anti auto guys lined up to ride any one of these bikes mentioned every one of them would have a big smile on his face after testing one. Would they buy one? Probably not but down the road when the big bikes have gained weight and when the will isn't there to ride for hours at a time..... they may very well reconsider.

I mentioned trikes and for me at least the price and the size (since I don't ride double) make little sense to me. (And I've never ridden one). I've made the statement when I get to that point I'll take the car. I'll keep an open mind about it.

I love my little Vespa and it's quicker then snot up to 50 miles per hour and great fun. A mid sized bike like a CTX700 makes a lot of sense to me at my age. I don't know it I would go for the auto on that bike or not but I'd certainly consider it and especially if one would come up on the used market.

I am interested in the CTX1300. It's not going to be a DCT bike. I would think a goldwing with an auto would be the nuts and especially for the fellow going to the trike conversions. It has to happen.

And how 'bout the bosshoss? That's an auto. Tell me the guy riding one of those isn't a "real man".

[the Ferret]

I've never attached manliness to driving a stick, my sister and my wife can drive a stick car or motorcycle as well as most men I know. In Europe it seemed 95% of the cars I saw were sticks and 95% of the two wheeler I saw were automatics (scooters). Just the opposite here.

With regards to riding 3 wheeler, I have admittedly not ridden a modern one. Certainly nothing like the Can Ams. I have ridden Harley Servi cars, 2 wheelers with hacks, and Honda 3 wheeled ATVs. Of those experiences there is nothing that would tell me that I would enjoy riding a 3 wheeler on the street. But I look forward to test riding one of the new ones someday so that I can make an informed decision.

Part of the thrill of riding a 2 wheeler is the lean thru the corners. No 3 wheeled vehicle I have ever ridden leaned. Piaggio was making a 500 cc scooter with a parallelogram front end that leaned, so it is possible, but I have not had the opportunity to ride one of those either. The technology is certainly not beyond Hondas or Yamahas abilities, so we will see what the future brings.

At this point Im hoping to pilot a 2 wheeler at least 6 1/2 more years (70 is my goal).. And hopefully beyond that if my health both physical and mental permits.

If not, some kind of open aired conveyance is in my future, whether it has 3 wheels or 4.