[Marv]

I sat on the new 2014 Honda CTX700N yesterday. After siting on it but not riding it I came to the conclusion to keep my 650. The Honda is a really nice looking motorcycle with lots of good features. I have not rode a standard motorcycle for more then 50 years and do not ever want to go back to a manual gear shift bike. The seat is reasonable low but at 81 I had trouble getting my leg up to mount it. The foot pegs were a little bit too far forward for me but this is a personal preference. There is NO storage on the bike at all except a small cubbyhole for your glasses. The bike feels and is much lighter then my 650 and you can definitely feel it. The front disc brake look anemic compared to the 650 dual disc brakes. To make it into a comfortable cruiser you would have to add a top box, saddle bags and a lot of other items. Another thing I noticed that I didn't like was the rear brake pedal. If you're going to make an automatic bike why not put the rear brake on the left handlebar like a scooter. If they are trying to tempt scooter riders to buy their automatic motorcycles you would think they would have thought of this. It's a strange feeling to squeeze the handlebars and find nothing on the left side. For someone who has never rode a motorcycle before this would be an excellent choice. I think it is the future for motorcycles. Compare it to cars. Who would buy a stick shift car other than a sports car these days.

 

[Buffalo]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

The position of the rear brake lever is determined by Federal rules so Honda had no choice. If it has a step through frame then federal law says the lever goes on the handle bar. If it has conventional motorcycle layout with a tank then the you get a foot brake lever.

 

[ErikDK]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

The CTX700 I took for a spin had the rear brake lever on the left handlebar, like the Burgman.

European and US legislation must be different regarding this subject.

I disliked the way the transmission "forgot" to change up again after kick-down, like a distracted, unexperienced rider.

I also disliked the complete lack of thought to protecting the rear shock absorber against the spray from the rear tire.

I don't like motorcycles designed like a peacock's tail - to prove that you can afford to disregard all considerations to ease of maintenance.

 

[mikeyMarine]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

I don't like motorcycles designed like a peacock's tail - to prove that you can afford to disregard all considerations to ease of maintenance.[/quote]

:shock: now that just brings to mind a whole bunch of interesting questions about peacocks i never had before

 

[QuantumRift]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

I saw a 700 last Sat. morning at Home Depot when I was there to pick up some things. I was chatting with the owner. The fuel tank is under the seat, I believe he said.

Much of what the OP says was said of the DN-01 as well.

The position of the rear brake lever is determined by Federal rules so Honda had no choice. If it has a step through frame then federal law says the lever goes on the handle bar. If it has conventional motorcycle layout with a tank then the you get a foot brake lever.

 

[Buffalo]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

I saw a 700 last Sat. morning at Home Depot when I was there to pick up some things. I was chatting with the owner. The fuel tank is under the seat, I believe he said.

It doesn't matter if that object occupying the space between the seat and handlebars is a real gas tank or not. If one is there then federal rules say the rear brake lever must be activated by the right foot.

 

[DewaltDakota]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

I have a CTX700N (manual tranny) - the gas tank is in the "normal" spot for a motorcycle. The access to it, and the little glovebox, is under a panel, in front of you.

 

[QuantumRift]

Re: Comparing the Honda CTX700 automatic with the Burgman 65

And I...wasn't arguing about the position of brake lever, just that fuel tank was under his seat. His bike was manual shift anyway.

I saw a 700 last Sat. morning at Home Depot when I was there to pick up some things. I was chatting with the owner. The fuel tank is under the seat, I believe he said.

It doesn't matter if that object occupying the space between the seat and handlebars is a real gas tank or not. If one is there then federal rules say the rear brake lever must be activated by the right foot.