[BlueSTeed]

Hello All,
My first post here. I started lurking this board after reading from a link sourced from this very site posted by a fellow member at the st-owners forum (about the CTX--we're looking for reviews too). For the record, I'm an owner of an '04 ST1300. The CTX1300 shares my power plant but the CTX offers a different kind of experience along with some of the package refinements that I've longed for in the ST. When and if Honda will ever modernize the ST is anybody's guess. In any case, the CTX has grown me so here I am. Whether this will be my next ride this year has yet to be determined but I can say it's in my top 5 right now; I'm also interested in new R1200RT, FJR1300, KTM1190, F6B Goldwing. Quite the variety, I know, but there's things in each of these that pulls me. Anyway, glad to be here.

 

[sleepngbear]

Welcome aboard!

Stick around here awhile, and I'm sure we can get the CTX from just in your top 5 to right up there in the coveted #1 spot.

 

[Panther Dash]

@BlueSTeed welcome to the forum!

I am wondering what you are looking for in your next bike. That could help us start a discussion about which one will be best for you.

 

[SoCalRyder]

@BlueSTeed welcome to the forum!

I am wondering what you are looking for in your next bike. That could help us start a discussion about which one will be best for you.

Good question to ask.
It would help if that can be answered as it can help us help you!
Lets hear it!

 

[rosy thorn]

Hello All,
My first post here. I started lurking this board after reading from a link sourced from this very site posted by a fellow member at the st-owners forum (about the CTX--we're looking for reviews too). For the record, I'm an owner of an '04 ST1300. The CTX1300 shares my power plant but the CTX offers a different kind of experience along with some of the package refinements that I've longed for in the ST. When and if Honda will ever modernize the ST is anybody's guess. In any case, the CTX has grown me so here I am. Whether this will be my next ride this year has yet to be determined but I can say it's in my top 5 right now; I'm also interested in new R1200RT, FJR1300, KTM1190, F6B Goldwing. Quite the variety, I know, but there's things in each of these that pulls me. Anyway, glad to be here.

Funny I've been lurking on the STforums since links to there starting showing up here LOL. Eclectic choices my man, but good taste indeed

Welcome to the show BTW

 

[BlueSTeed]

What am I looking for?

Thanks for the welcome!

What I'm looking for in a bike is represented in part in each of those models I listed. Forgive me but I feel a ramble coming on and you asked so...

I've been satisfied with my ST, it has served me well. In fact, my primary choice for a replacement bike would be a modernized version of this same bike. Unfortunately, Honda has all but officially stated the improbability of such a thing, if they do it at all. I've been patiently waiting for Honda to answer the busy competition in the sport touring segment. There's the award winning BMW with their flagship K1600GT/L. BMW also just updated the R1200RT. Triumph rolled out their all new TrophySE and Kawasaki's mighty Concour14. And Yamaha's continually impressive FJR1300. The ST1300 is an excellent machine and was at the top of it's game in its earlier years but Honda hasn't really touched the ST since it's inception in 2002 (UK), 2003(US).

The FJR1300's overall design doesn't appear to have changed much either but it's in it's third generation of improvements and has been completely modernized with all the current technologies and refinements. Why won't Honda do the same with the ST? Do they believe there no market segment for it? Well, it's been said before the competition lives on the same planet as Honda and the rest all see fit to aggressively go after the sport touring segment.

To me, the biggest bang for today's buck in that segment is the FJR1300 but I own my ST1300 outright. Even with all of the FJ's improvements, it could still be considered somewhat of a lateral move for me so I might be looking at something entirely different from what I already have.

When the CTX was announced, I admit I was less than happy about it. What is Honda up to? instead of revitalizing the venerable ST, they instead create an all new machine wrapped around the aged but proven, ST v4 engine.

Fast forward. The CTX has grown on me. The engine aside, the CTX seems to offer many of the modernizations, technologies and refinements that I'd want in a bike, I just wish the engine was as new and updated as the rest of the bike. I mean no disrespect to the engine, it's been rock solid for me so repurposing of this reliable and proven power plant seems like a good thing.

Though I am situated in the sport touring demographic, I came from the Sabre 1100. I've spent a few years in the so-called cruiser seating position. It's quite comfortable. I'm hardly leaned over now, in fact I'm sitting rather upright but the platform is different. I like the sportier aspects of riding, the performance, braking, handling, the bike's look...now add in the electric windshield, heated grips, custom seat, GPS, and other farkles and luxuries and I'm one happy camper.

Will I end up with the CTX? the jury is out but I will be paying close attention to the coming road tests, reviews, and experiences of new CTX riders, especially the ones coming from the sport touring segment.

Cheers!

 

[sleepngbear]

You definitely came to the right place! Hopefully the CTX grows on you enough to consider grabbing one. If not, there are the other sport touring options. Or you may decide to just stick with your ST. But I know all too well how that goes -- sometimes you just get the itch for something new and different. I think you're going about it the right way by carefully evaluating all your options. The new CTX is finally starting to make its way into the street -- and you know where to go to find all the news you can use.

 

[bob]

Welcome over here! Both ST and CTX are good bikes from what I can see here, and on the ST-Owners forums. Having the same proven engine is a big plus in my mind too, even with the minor differences in it that only enhances the the features and ride of 2 different riding styles.

 

[gadgetman]

Why Not...

Just add the CTX to the ST (if you can afford/justify that is)? After some proper in the saddle time, that might be the best decission. And if not, sell what makes sense with informed experience vs guessing.

I'm doing just that by adding the CTX to (assumed) fall between my old '82 V45 Sabre and newer '08 Wing. Things may remain that way for 3 totally or mostly different ride choices. But in time, that (and my view of needs/desires) may change and if so, something(s) may be sold. We'll see.