Photos started to surface about a week ago of this new Honda CTX1300. As soon as I saw it, I thought, “Hmm, … Motus.” Two different approaches to longitudinal V4 motorcycles. Let’s see what we have.
The Honda comes in at 1261cc compared to 1650cc for the Motus and while the Motus comes in at 160 or 180 horsepower, depending on whether you get the “R” model, the Honda, doesn’t say. Motus is chain drive, Honda is shaft. Motus is 6 speed, Honda is 5 speed. Motus is a pushrod V4, 2 valves per cylinder and the Honda is DOHC, four valves per cylinder. I can’t find and can’t remember the weight number for the Motus, (500 something maybe?) the Honda says 724 pounds wet.
The Motus will run between $31K and $37K, Honda hasn’t announced pricing yet.
In all reality, these are aiming at two different market segments, but people are going to compare so I thought I would jump in and do it myself.
Even though Honda brings up the sound of the CTX1300 saying it has “a distinctive V-4 engine pulse and exhaust sound,” I am pretty sure it’s not going to sound like this!
Interesting bike.
Honda press release:
The all-new CTX1300 is a machine for people who care more about riding than fitting in. It’s a motorcycle that loves short commutes or longer travels; a bike for people who want bags without all the baggage.
The CTX1300 expands the innovative concept first introduced with the CTX® series—the idea of combining higher levels of comfort and technology to create a riding experience unique to Honda. These bikes place a premium on ease of use and a spacious rider environment with comfortable ergonomics. But now, by tying into Honda’s longstanding and successful heritage of V-4 technology, the CTX1300 adds a full load of 1300-class muscle with exhilarating right-now thrust accompanied by a distinctive V-4 engine pulse and exhaust sound. That helps make the CTX1300 an advanced motorcycle in multiple ways—one that incorporates class-leading comfort, unusually broad-shouldered versatility and new technology to deliver an unmatched riding experience. Its moderate weight, low center of gravity, nimble handling, and relaxed riding position make the CTX1300 a joy to ride wherever the day may lead, while its styling gives it a unique look that makes it stand out in a crowd.
There’s also a Deluxe model that adds technology such as an audio package including Bluetooth® connectivity—a Honda first application of this technology—Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, self-cancelling turn signals plus blacked-out styling elements that add to the CTX1300’s distinctive equation. Colors: Metallic Black, Gray Blue Metallic, Candy Red; Price: TBD; Availability: March 2014
Link: Honda Powersports
Ryan says
Looks like they just changed the ergos and fairings of their ST1300 which would be a closer comparison to the Motus. I currently ride an ST1300. My wife describes the sound like the Jetson’s car.
Greg says
I have often wondered why the V4 configuration isn’t more popular in motorcycles and small cars.
FREEMAN says
As with just about everything, I would venture to guess that it has to do with cost. A v-configuration is probably more complex and expensive to manufacture than an inline-4-cylinder. Just me guessing.
Lost Boy says
Yamaha’s been using it in the vmax since 1985.
dave says
Very interesting ideas coming from Honda lately. First the NC700 with its functional “frunk”, second is the CTX700 which in my opinion makes the NC look a whole lot better. Third, Honda got it right with the F6B, built for riders who wanted a trunk-less Gold Wing. However, the CTX1300 is an interesting concept for bringing in more riders, which will make my decision to stay with an ST1300. Yet, I am starting to understand how people that grew up with 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s motorcycles didn’t fully like the motorcycle styles of the 80’s on through the 2000’s. At least Honda brought over the 2013 CB1100f to our shores.
Jim says
Minature Goldwing
anders 'ace' eliasson says
724 lbs ain’t miniature anything … :^D …
ACE
JP Kalishek says
as someone who has on occasion picked up a loaded ST1100, I can second this motion. All up the old 1100 is like 730#.
Franky Lava says
Looks nothing like the Motus. In fact, no looks at all. Build a bike, Honda, not a sleigh.
JP Kalishek says
hmm. the folks over at ST-Owners are often speculating on a replacement for the ST1300. Glad this is not it. I will stick with my old ST1100 and ride near 300 miles between fill ups, getting 45-50mpg (unless I get rowdy and travel .. ahem … a bit briskly and get only 39-43).
My preference would be a slight update to the STeed, as in a better fuel managing, slight body change, fix some heat issues (I live in North Texas. The 1300 is considered a cooker by some of the riders), and a diet (the abs andwhatnot add to the old 1300’s weight so it too is 730#, like my old steel framed 1100). Yes, I know these kind of things will never be lightweights.As for the motrs, well, both my old belt cammed 1100s are nearing 100,000 miles (both are going to need new belts soon) and these are noted to go well over 200,000. I’ve not heard of the 1300 going quite as far yet, but I am sure there are a few out there. These should be around a long time if anyone buys them.
I’m also sure the ST darksiders are going to see if that swingarm fits … it comes with a 200/50 rear vs the ST’s 170/60, but is a dual shock design.
Lost Boy says
I know its all in the eye of the beholder, but imo this bike is ugly as hell. The st1300 is much better looking. Other than the GoldWing and Valkarie honda hasn’t produced a cruiser in the last 40 years that sounds nice with a set of pipes. Everytime I hear a shadow with pipes go bye I cringe. That being said, if this engine sounds anything like a vmax or motus, I’d love to see it stuffed into something like a shadow.
Lost Boy says
I guess that’s not 100% fair though because Honda hasnt been making cruisers that long. The cb’s are considered “Standard”, and I love the sound of my 77 550.
Franky Lava says
??? Honda’s been making cruisers for decades, sold many thousands, but this stx is a indeed ugly as hell for someone who still remembers what a bike looks like. This IS a sleigh on two wheels. Santa Claus?
Britman says
The ST1300 got the F6B hammered one night in a ssedy sake/karaoke bar and the CTX1300 is their lurrrrve child.
benroe1000 says
I know what honda is thinking. Hey we need a “middleweight” bagger to go along with the goldwing bagger that is distinctively “honda”. Should this be done at the stake of hitting every branch on the way down the ugly tree? I think not. This thing really sucks. Nobody asked for an st1300 cruiser.
Dan says
How is a 724 pound bike a middle weight?
It’s large, just not super-sized!
ThisOneGoesToEleven says
It’s impossible to get past the ugly appearance of this new model, despite it’s typically Honda impressive motor, mechanical engineering, and quality of finish. How can Honda allow something like this to be created and green lighted into production as is? It clearly has no beauty, no elegance or grace, no sense of proportion, no style, no showroom appeal. Nobody wants to look at this in their garage, or would have a sense of pride of ownership in looking at it. It doesn’t cost any more to design fairings and bodywork that looks great- why don’t they understand that we want our bikes to look good, and that this is quite ugly and lacking so much?
marc says
i kida like it! i have old bikes for character and new bikes for tech best of both worlds
Steve Marzocco says
As one of the Editors in Chief of one of the leading Moto-Journalist sites (forget which one, sorry – although they did a video report so shouldn’t be that tough to find) observed from the EICMA show, this is definitely one of those cases where pictures really don’t do a bike proper justice at all.
Note also, Honda already has planned a respectably robust range of accessories, including larger windshield. Given that quite a few accessories houses already have a fair number for the similarly “bagger-cruiser” styled version of the Goldwing, F6B…no big betting needed to being able to count upon many more choices besides, to personalize this bike for wide ranging tastes for buyers. We will, of course, see!
johnvinyl says
I personally think this is a beautiful bike! How can some people consider it ugly? Anyway, I’ve got a VTX1300 and a ST1300 and I wouldn’t mind adding this to my stable of Honda’s………..
ShadowRider says
I’m with you, Otto. I saw the CTX 1300 at the Chicago bike show and fell in love. A week later I put down a deposit on one, a Metallic Black Deluxe. It will be the first one out of the dealership and thus one of the very first in the Chicago area. I expect it will get some attention for awhile! I formerly owned a 1200 Gold Wing and now an 1100 Shadow Sabre, and this bike has the best of both, plus some modern updates.
Otto says
I saw this bike up close yesterday at the IMS in Minneapolis. This is a beautiful bike. Ergonomics were great for me.
I grew up loving the 750 Four with a Vetter Fairing (the first bike I remember noticing). This reminds me of the lines of the old Vetter fitted bikes.
Luke Puget says
So, yeah, beauty is in the eye and all and I will admit that the ST1300 has more curb appeal, but I like this one. The ergonomics look more pleasing than the STs I’ve ridden and I can’t wait to try one out.
NomadRider says
I like it. Honda reliability in a bike that might actually fit my 6’4″ frame. Honda tends to favor riders under 6′ tall with too many of their bikes.
coal says
This is a mysterious bike aimed at several types of bikers , such as sport, tourer and stretching the limits to the street glide lookers, not riders. The bike is not ugly , it is in fact a fantastic effort to make a change and create a new breed which has captured my attention. The mysterious part of the bike is that the moment someone sits on the bike the look of the bike changes , and I have never seen that before. Harley just put out like 8 colors of the new street glide so they have tons of confidence in project rushmore and Honda put out 3 colors of this bike and Yamaha only put out 2 colors. I have read every review of this bike and I have a lot more questions, such as are your hands protected by the fairing, What is the wind buffering for non helmet riders. What comforts do they have for the two up riding. I also wish that they would give some better defined names to this bike, and not the CTX garbage. If they want to define the bike they have to take a few steps from Harley and give it a name that defines the experience and personality of the bike.
Rich says
I like it. I’ve ridden an old sabre years ago and I thought the engine sounded great, but never liked the looks at all. I’ve always liked the Guzzi’s, and even the Honda GL500 engine layouts. I went to a local Honda Dealer to check it out and was told he doesn’t plan to stock the bike. That sort of attitude won’t sell many bikes…
I’m sure other dealers will offer a floor model though.