[Clutch]

Has anybody ridden both yet? I'm on a Street Glide now, and looking to try something different. I'm only 5'3, so the low seat on the CTX1300 caught my interest.

I went to a Honda dealer in my area and was told they don't allow test rides. I'm not sure exactly how they sell anything, if they don't allow test rides ...

Anyway I was curious if anyone has any experience on both bikes? What were the biggest differences and similarities?

I think my biggest concern was whether the CTX's smaller engine would be a downgrade from my Street Glide (twin cam 103). I need to keep up with my husband on his F6B (1800). So I really don't want to downgrade to something slower than the Street Glide.

A minor concern was the flimsy plastic saddlebag latch on the CTX. The salesman almost broke it when he tried to open it. Has anyone had issues with their saddlebags?

Thanks for reading -- and if I get a chance to test ride, I'll post back.

 

[sleepngbear]

Hi Clutch, and welcome to the forum!

I haven't ridden a Street Glide, but I've had plenty of twin-cylinder cruisers that would mostly smoke any stock HD. The CTX1300 doesn't have quite the same instant low-end snap of a big twin, but it does still have a lot of grunt. The V-4 pulls longer and smoother than any twin. One member here has a ridden (or maybe even owns) both a CTX1300 and a F6B, and said that the CTX can easily keep up. Having owned a variety of bikes myself, none of which being slouches in the performance department, I can tell you that the CTX1300 can easily hold its own with most other stock machines. Bottom line, the 1300 V-4 is definitely not a downgrade.

As for the saddlebags, if the salesman almost broke one, then he's probably just a clod. I have had no problems with mine at all. Unlock, lift the lever, raise the hook over the catch and pull the bag open. Once you've done it once or twice it's a piece of cake. The thing to be most careful of is to not drop stuff in the left bag on the ground when you open it. (If you're bringing home groceries, put the eggs in the RIGHT side!)

What other bikes have you ridden besides the Glide? Maybe there's something else in your experience that I could compare it to. The CTX will be a very different ride from your HD or any other V-twin, but I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

 

[bob]

Welcome to the board Clutch!

I would say that unless your hubby likes going WAY over the limit (85+) you would have no problem keeping up with the CTX. Even at those speeds you'd be fine. But then I haven't tried a Street Glide. The closest bike I've owned is a GW GL1500. I know the CTX can easily keep up with that bike with no problem. The f6b can easily outrun the 103 ci as well as anything smaller than 1800cc in cruiser and touring styles but if you can keep up with the Street Glide I think you'd have no problem with the CTX. It's pretty fast in spite of the smaller engine.

Absolutely no problems with the saddle bags. Latches are more durable than they may seem at first. New, they do grip a bit tight but they work just fine as long as you line up the latch with the notch in the lid. That salesman must have really been trying to force them, and not have much sense about how to do some things. I know if I really tried I could break the latches on my GW factory cases, my Givi E52 top case that was on my Burgman, as well as the saddlebag latches on my ST1100 and those are all quality latches and all of those are plastic of varying quality. I consider the latches on my CTX bags very good and will last as long as I don't abuse them... as with anything.

Too bad about the test ride issue. I know there are some dealerships that don't allow rides. They must not like to sell much in my book. Maybe there is another dealer in the area?

 

[Clutch]

Hi Ed, and thanks for your response! I'm definitely more interested in finding a place to test ride a CTX1300.

My experience is limited to v-twin cruisers ... Honda Rebel 250, Honda Shadow 750, Harley Street Bob, and the Street Glide. I also rode my husband's F6B once. It's a totally different feel from anything I've ridden before, and I feel like I need something a bit shorter and lighter-weight.

Do you think an F6B might be more similar in feel to the CTX than a v-twin cruiser?

 

[Clutch]

Thanks Bob! It's helpful to see the comparisons between the bikes.

It's rare that we'd go 85+, but it's nice to know there probably wouldn't be an issue with a CTX at that speed.

And it's good to know about the saddle bag latches. I suppose if you really TRY, you can break anything The latches seem to fit really tight, and I have no doubt that they'd stay shut while riding -- and probably keep most of the rain out as well. He must have been extra clumsy with them.

I also read the bags can be removed, if necessary, so that's good too.

 

[bob]

... -- and probably keep most of the rain out as well...

The first week I had the CTX I rode to work in the rain most days that week. Rain did not get in at all. I carry my work laptop sometimes and it fits easily and stayed dry.

... I also read the bags can be removed, if necessary, so that's good too.

The bags are bolted on, but my tool kit did include the Allen wrench needed to remove them (5mm hex tool). 2 bolts and they're off. I've read also that it looks better to remove the saddlebag brackets... same tool I think.

 

[dubbsrider]

Thanks Bob! It's helpful to see the comparisons between the bikes.

It's rare that we'd go 85+, but it's nice to know there probably wouldn't be an issue with a CTX at that speed.

And it's good to know about the saddle bag latches. I suppose if you really TRY, you can break anything The latches seem to fit really tight, and I have no doubt that they'd stay shut while riding -- and probably keep most of the rain out as well. He must have been extra clumsy with them.

I also read the bags can be removed, if necessary, so that's good too.

Clutch,

I think you will be just fine keeping up with the F6B. Just for giggles the other day I wanted to see how fast it really was and at 105 it still wasn't done pulling. I let off due to some traffic but there was no issue getting to that speed. I would find a different dealer that does allow test rides. I was just at my dealer last night dropping mine off for the first service and the owner said he was going to order a demo because he has had lots of people asking about it and he didn't have mine there long enough to let any of them see it..lol!

 

[gravityglide]

Has anybody ridden both yet? I'm on a Street Glide now, and looking to try something different. I'm only 5'3, so the low seat on the CTX1300 caught my interest.

I went to a Honda dealer in my area and was told they don't allow test rides. I'm not sure exactly how they sell anything, if they don't allow test rides ...

Anyway I was curious if anyone has any experience on both bikes? What were the biggest differences and similarities?

I think my biggest concern was whether the CTX's smaller engine would be a downgrade from my Street Glide (twin cam 103). I need to keep up with my husband on his F6B (1800). So I really don't want to downgrade to something slower than the Street Glide.

A minor concern was the flimsy plastic saddlebag latch on the CTX. The salesman almost broke it when he tried to open it. Has anyone had issues with their saddlebags?

Thanks for reading -- and if I get a chance to test ride, I'll post back.

The CTX is not only low like the street glide but more importantly it is narrow which means that your legs are not spread as wide giving you even more stability on slick roads when at a stop. When I sat on the F6B i could notice the wider spread, for what its worth to you.

 

[sleepngbear]

Hi Ed, and thanks for your response! I'm definitely more interested in finding a place to test ride a CTX1300.

As Dubbs says, I'd be calling around to any dealer in riding distance. One is sure to allow test rides.

My experience is limited to v-twin cruisers ... Honda Rebel 250, Honda Shadow 750, Harley Street Bob, and the Street Glide. I also rode my husband's F6B once. It's a totally different feel from anything I've ridden before, and I feel like I need something a bit shorter and lighter-weight.

Not to sound too obvious, but you'd find the CTX's V-4 to be smoother than any V-twin, but not quite as smooth as the F6B. Power delivery is going to be very different from the HD, but pretty similar to the F6B. Also, the CTX is electronically speed-limited to 120 mph.

Seat height of the CTX is actually .5" higher than the F6B, 1.7" higher than the Street Glide.
Weight is 100 lbs lighter than the F6B, 51 lbs lighter than the Street Glide.

Do you think an F6B might be more similar in feel to the CTX than a v-twin cruiser?

Yes, definitely. But the CTX will feel lighter. And I believe nimbler.

I know I probably say this after every new bike I've bought, but I'm pretty sure I enjoy riding the CTX more than any other.

 

[sleepngbear]

It's rare that we'd go 85+, but it's nice to know there probably wouldn't be an issue with a CTX at that speed.

These days I rarely go above 80 any more myself (but I still like getting up there in a hurry). The CTX will do it comfortably all day long.

And it's good to know about the saddle bag latches. I suppose if you really TRY, you can break anything The latches seem to fit really tight, and I have no doubt that they'd stay shut while riding -- and probably keep most of the rain out as well. He must have been extra clumsy with them.

The latches do loosen up (in a good way) and get easier to fasten and un-fasten with use.

 

[Miks]

No contest, the CTX will be a huge improvement in performance over the Street Glide. You have to turn more RPM's to put the CTX in the sweet spot, but it won't take much to outperform the Street Glide. I had the 2012 w/103 and pipes, and although it had a lot of torque, it runs out of breath early and only makes about 62 horsepower.

You will DEFINATELY enjoy the better ride of the CTX! 2" rear travel on the FLHX makes it look good, but an awful ride!

 

[Clutch]

Well I finally got to test ride a CTX1300 yesterday. I also test rode the new Valkyrie.

Compared to the Street Glide, both the CTX and Valkyrie were more nimble and provided a smoother ride. Acceleration was much faster on both bikes. But once we got up to 80 MPH, the CTX was already at high RPMs and didn't have much capacity at all for a quick burst to pass. The Valkyrie was only at 2,500 RPMs at that speed and had plenty of "go" left.

On the CTX, the fairing and mini-windshield were useless. I was hit with just as much air pressure as the Valkyrie (which has no fairing or windshield whatsoever). The bonus over the Street Glide, is that the air pressure was smooth. On the Street Glide, I tend to get buffeted irregularly by the wind, which is incredibly LOUD and makes me feel like I'm fighting against it. At least on the CTX (and Valkyrie) the wind was constant and more quiet. It made for a more pleasant ride.

I wish the CTX had a bigger engine and more usable fairing and windshield. I wish the Valkyrie *had* a windshield and radio. I wish the F6B's fairing wasn't floor-to-ceiling gigantic -- it's like riding behind a wall. I think I need some kind of fusion of all three bikes to be happy

 

[sleepngbear]

Just a couple of comments, clutch...

For the windshield, there is a taller accessory from the factory, which by all accounts romantic people who already have one does an excellent job of adding wind protection.

As for passing at 80 mph, I had mine up to 80 yesterday for the first time, and it still felt like it had plenty to go. Enough for me, anyway. But besides that, exactly what are you thinking you're going to need an extra speed burst to pass at that speed?? Seriously, if you think you're going to need good acceleration from 80 mph, you're looking at sport bike territory. Otherwise, there are very few big touring machines that would be up to that, and they're going to cost you. If you have to keep up with the hub's F6B, you'd better get another F6B. Or a Triumph Rocket III.

 

[sleepngbear]

Hey, Clutch..... FYI -- I spun it up to 80 this morning on a rare uncluttered stretch of highway on the way into work, and them I cracked it. It's still got plenty of go in 5th gear. Just thought you'd like to know.

 

[flyboy]

I agree with sleeping bear, it's got PLENTY left at 80!

 

[coneye]

Clutch ,,, Me thinks you need a rocket tourer , They come with all the goodies, bags ect . and will more than keep up with your hubby

They , have a lot of clearnce . so you could do what i done , put shorter shocks on a nd drop it , i put progresive 35mm shorter on mine and dropped it through the triple tree 25mm , and I can now flat foot it at 5"7" . They handle very well in the slow stuff , But if you can handle a f65 , and valkkrie , you will have no problem with the rocket .

If you bought a seconhand low mileage , prior to 2013 , then you can down load the free tune on the rocket site , which takes of the restrictions they put on the 1, 2nd and 3rd gears , I did , and can tell you , if you do that , you truly will have a rocket , and never mind about keeping up with your husband , he won't keep up with you . .

But for me , , i'm looking at the ctx , I have looked at every bike on the market , the sports bikes are out , i don't want a sports tourer , anything that has me leaning is out the question , I have a adventure style bike and has good has they are , there not comfortable for touring 2 up ,

Goldwings , f65 ,, Naw Too big , valkrie , about the same has the rocket maybee a bit bigger , so similar , why change ,, So i looked at the harleys , Well the hamburgers with the lot , once again too big , road king a litle smaller but you still have 370 kilo and no where near the power , New Lt thunderbird same again , same weight , less power no shaft drive ,

I've only found one bike that may fit the bill ,and replace the rocket , thats the CTX , same seating , lighter weight, and enough power ,other than that the rocket is the one , might fit you , but remember it is a heavy bike , I personaly fail to see how a 1300 St motor can not be quick enough especielly if theres only one on it ,

 

[Croxy]

Has anybody ridden both yet? I'm on a Street Glide now, and looking to try something different. I'm only 5'3, so the low seat on the CTX1300 caught my interest.

I went to a Honda dealer in my area and was told they don't allow test rides. I'm not sure exactly how they sell anything, if they don't allow test rides ...

Anyway I was curious if anyone has any experience on both bikes? What were the biggest differences and similarities?

I think my biggest concern was whether the CTX's smaller engine would be a downgrade from my Street Glide (twin cam 103). I need to keep up with my husband on his F6B (1800). So I really don't want to downgrade to something slower than the Street Glide.



A minor concern was the flimsy plastic saddlebag latch on the CTX. The salesman almost broke it when he tried to open it. Has anyone had issues with their saddlebags?

Thanks for reading -- and if I get a chance to test ride, I'll post back.

Well I just traded in my Ultra Classic and am picking up my CTX tomorrow afternoon. I also had a Road Glide in the past. I can assure you that a 1300 V4 would easily out pace a HD VTwin..........I'll post some comparisons once I get some time in on the new ride.......

 

[Raggedy A** Tanker]

One of the first things they teach at the Honda selling school is to "qualify the customer". Lots of folks wander in off the streets and think it would be fun to test ride a bike. They have no intention of buying. To these folks the answer is, "We don't permit test rides". If you are knowledgeable, appropriately attired in riding gear, and look like you have money then your odds of getting a test ride go way up.

 

[bob]

One of the first things they teach at the Honda selling school is to "qualify the customer". Lots of folks wander in off the streets and think it would be fun to test ride a bike. They have no intention of buying. To these folks the answer is, "We don't permit test rides". If you are knowledgeable, appropriately attired in riding gear, and look like you have money then your odds of getting a test ride go way up.

Maybe that's why I always seem to be able to get a test ride at any dealer around here. I always arrive on my current bike, wearing full riding gear, try to look like I know what I'm doing, and put on the attitude that I have money (not that I actually do). I also try to find out all I can about a bike I'm interested in testing or the parts/gear I'm looking at and sometimes can offer more information, with verification, about it than the salesperson knew. Both the local Honda and Suzuki/Kawasaki dealerships almost know me by name since I've been in to both so often over the last 14 years for bikes, service, parts and stuff.

I even helped the salesman at the local Honda store a few weeks ago to inform a potential buyer about the CTX1300 models he was interested in.
The salesman was clueless about those.
But, of course, I had arrived on mine in full riding gear and parked it right next to the outside displays of bikes for sale. and had just picked up the new spanner I had ordered from the parts department and was holding it while taking to the guy. I think the guy was thinking of getting his riding gear from home and giving it a ride later. :wink:

 

[Croxy]

Has anybody ridden both yet? I'm on a Street Glide now, and looking to try something different. I'm only 5'3, so the low seat on the CTX1300 caught my interest.

I went to a Honda dealer in my area and was told they don't allow test rides. I'm not sure exactly how they sell anything, if they don't allow test rides ...

Anyway I was curious if anyone has any experience on both bikes? What were the biggest differences and similarities?

I think my biggest concern was whether the CTX's smaller engine would be a downgrade from my Street Glide (twin cam 103). I need to keep up with my husband on his F6B (1800). So I really don't want to downgrade to something slower than the Street Glide.

A minor concern was the flimsy plastic saddlebag latch on the CTX. The salesman almost broke it when he tried to open it. Has anyone had issues with their saddlebags?

Thanks for reading -- and if I get a chance to test ride, I'll post back.

Well I've just picked up my CTX and I can assure you that in my opinion it would be a step up from the Street Glide.....two very different animals though....The CTX is very stable. I've only put about 60 miles on it so far and just came off of an HD Ultra Classic and prior to that a Road Glide.

The CTX will definitely outpace the Street Glide.....if you can test ride one I think you'd really enjoy it....:smiley-happy0034: