i have read that this bike has trouble with the rear suspension /shocks. also, the transmission develops troubles and the wireing? any of this true? i am talking as a tendency /bad characteristic of the bike. not just from useage. what say y'all?
ills of the ctx 1300
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Most of this bike, particularly the engine and transmission, is right out of the ST1300. That ST has been around since 2002 and has been proven bullet proof. Same goes for this bike. Sure, there are a few quirks, but that can be said about EVERY SINGLE BIKE on the road today. Wiring? no issues that I ever heard about. Transmission? Like I said... the same transmission has been on the road since 2002... no issues that I know of. Suspension? That's up for debate. If you are one who thinks that any bike suspension should be perfect right out of the box then, yes, the suspension can be considered not so good. But, I've yet to ride a bike, including my Gold Wing, with such perfect suspension. I would not consider the suspension to have any problem or issue. A lot of riders who don't like the factory stock setup usually put on aftermarket suspension components regardless of what bike they ride. Same with this one. I was fine with the suspension on mine. No issues that I know of. The ONLY thing I can think of that certain riders say about the rear shocks is the short travel. But again, there are plenty of bikes in this class that have that. So really no trouble or issues that are trouble on this bike that I know of.
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The only wiring issues I've had are the handlebar controls. Since mine is outside most of the time and in the rain, the switch contacts have corroded. But nothing a little contact grease couldn't fix.
I did have a mouse build a nest in my air filter and it chewed on a few wires under the cover. Painted the exposed wire with liquid tape.
And it's just me, but I have a beef with non waterproof connectors on a motorcycle. So I put contact grease inside and seal the wire inlet holes with liquid tape. Kind of a poor man's waterproof connection.
I did have a mouse build a nest in my air filter and it chewed on a few wires under the cover. Painted the exposed wire with liquid tape.
And it's just me, but I have a beef with non waterproof connectors on a motorcycle. So I put contact grease inside and seal the wire inlet holes with liquid tape. Kind of a poor man's waterproof connection.
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302 Posts
If you are a "heavier rider" (as I resemble that remark I speak from experience) then the rear shocks are probably a weak point. Mine gave up the hydraulic fluid after a few years and 10,000 miles. Replaced with some Progressive HDs, one level below top of the line and had my forks redone with RaceTech innards and it's night and day better! Otherwise, no issues and hands down best, most comfortable and favorite bike I've ever owned!
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61,000 original miles on mine and I have none of these problems. In fact, I've had no problems at all, other than the broken tab on each middle cowl, and a little oil spray in the air filter from one of the cylinders at about 45,000. Had the dealer install 5w fork oil to eliminate possible vibration in the bars.
I had read most of the posts on this forum for over seven years now, and I don't recall seeing any common deficiencies in this motorcycle.
I had read most of the posts on this forum for over seven years now, and I don't recall seeing any common deficiencies in this motorcycle.
Bought mine in Oct of 2014 and like every bike I've ever owned have spent the ensuing years changing stuff to suit ME. As stated above the engine (although tuned different) and trans have been around a long time and considered bullet proof by most. Actually was one of the things that drew my attention after having ridden a ST1300 which I considered top heavy for me. I'd say the broken tabs on the plastic would be the #1 issue that just about everyone has had or takes special gentle handling to avoid breakage. Go for it, you can find the answer to 97.5 % of any questions on this bike right here. Stay safe.
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299 Posts
Who ever was reporting that about a Honda was probably trying to buy the bike out from under you. Ha
People have to pick on something so a one year bike might have been an easy target. It easier to work on a bike that has more years of production because you've seen more as a mechanic.
More aftermarket for a bike that has 5+ years of production.
Bang for the buck is pretty good in my opinion, but if I were shopping for more tour and less cruising I'd consider the goldwing. Can't go wrong if you don't mind a little more weight or maybe FB6.
Not very many dissatisfied owner that I have heard. I'd buy one again no hesitation.
People have to pick on something so a one year bike might have been an easy target. It easier to work on a bike that has more years of production because you've seen more as a mechanic.
More aftermarket for a bike that has 5+ years of production.
Bang for the buck is pretty good in my opinion, but if I were shopping for more tour and less cruising I'd consider the goldwing. Can't go wrong if you don't mind a little more weight or maybe FB6.
Not very many dissatisfied owner that I have heard. I'd buy one again no hesitation.
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154 Posts
I feel like this bike is the swiss army knife of bikes. It can tour, cruise, and carve twisties unlike anything else I've ever ridden.
The vibration in the bars and the front suspension, and awful side mirrors are the only thing I can complain about, and those are all easily remedied.
The vibration in the bars and the front suspension, and awful side mirrors are the only thing I can complain about, and those are all easily remedied.
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299 Posts
I bought mine used with grips already kuryakyn iso grips with end weights gone. Never experienced vibration. Already had ctx700 mirrors to increase mirrors view at a higher view point I'm used to being a tall rider seems right. I can see out original mirrors still but rarely look at them. Front shock has a little more feedback if you go over recommended inflation which helps tire wear, but doesn't bother me at 39lbs and extends next need to add air
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852 Posts
I just recently went with 38 lbs in front and it seems to be working nicely. I'm not seeing that scalloping pattern showing up in the center.
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The best bike I have ever owned! Think I am on #15 bike or so in my 57 years.
I would like to say (knock on wood) that I have not had 1 problem with my bike.
Yes I have modified it as Stan says to fit ME, other than the usual maintenance has not let me down after 6 1/2 years and 57,000 miles. The bike I would buy if the time comes to replace my CTX would probably be an Indian Challenger or Goldwing (the new gen) or maybe another CTX1300!
I would like to say (knock on wood) that I have not had 1 problem with my bike.
Yes I have modified it as Stan says to fit ME, other than the usual maintenance has not let me down after 6 1/2 years and 57,000 miles. The bike I would buy if the time comes to replace my CTX would probably be an Indian Challenger or Goldwing (the new gen) or maybe another CTX1300!
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If I were to upgrade, the Goldwing would be my first choice to try out. I've been driving and riding manual transmissions since I was 18. Time to let a computer do the shifting.
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154 Posts
while a walking reverse sure would be nice, I look forward to the whole shifting gears thing...until traffic arrives, anyways.
the owners manual says 36 lbs in front 42 in the rear tire. sounds like the rear is too much to me
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262 Posts
I have been running 40 psi front and rear.
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852 Posts
Rear is fine. It seems like the front doesn't get that scallop wear pattern with a little more pressure.
I like this video on tires. It explains the reason for the 36/42 pressure settings.
you dont find that a bit too rough riding? too stiff on the front end?
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852 Posts
I found my front end a little stiff in the beginning before I increased the tire pressure. A bump or small dip like a below pavement man hole cover caused quite a shock in the grips. The handlebars were kind of bouncy on rough pavement like the shocks were too stiff.
I changed the battery from the original 14 size to a 20, simply because the 20 was cheaper and had more reserve. This added an additional 7 pounds to the forks. That's a lot of extra weight on the fairing. Imagine putting a 7 pound bag of ice on the left side. There is a noticeable difference when picking up from side stand. And a handling difference in turning and curves, but it doesn't feel like it's too much weight, just different. I got used to it very quickly and it felt normal.
What I discovered is the bouncy stiffness of the shocks was gone and the front floated on rough pavement. The same manhole cover and a railroad crossing is now just a minor rumble without the shock to the hands.
I like the handling in curves better as it feels more planted to the road with the stiff shock feeling eliminated. And the extra weight didn't throw off the balance of the bike at all. Low speed and parking lot maneuvering is a breeze, just like before.
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154 Posts
I have 56k miles, and the transmission is tight, I have no wiring issues,and the suspension is more a matter of personal choice and riding than actual failure.
I do have a leaky fork seal, but believe that was more from trucking it from Florida to Pennsylvania. The front suspension is stiff, no doubt. The side mirrors, as talked about a lot,are awful, no question. I added mirrors which is a cheap and easy fix.
Maintenance is not always easy with the mountains of plastic, and the fragility of the pins (bought 1000 on Amazon) and the mounting points, but any bike not naked has much of the same problem.
For what it's worth, this is one of the most comfortable, fun, and unique bikes I have ever owned. I like to call it a swiss army knife, because it does everything. Much like the Pacific Coast, it was made for a specific market that maybe missed the mark, but has so many positives, that the few negatives are easily ignored or remedied.
one thing i have found out. people on this site say they run 40 lbs in the front tire or so. i ran aproximately 38 in mine just yesterday[front tire]. it was positively bone jarring when i hit a hole or a quick dip in the road surface. i will drop it to 34 lbs on the next ride, therefore allowing for the 2 lbs expansion that is normal from the heat build up from friction with the roads surface. that ride quality yesterday was WORSE , than my 2009 vrod,which i traded for this 1300. i ran 38 lbs pressure in the rear of the 1300 and it was "ok" at best. not as good as i had hoped for. i feel betrayed, or misinformed. i thot these bike were supposed to be the best ride that ya could possibly get from a motorcycle. apparently i was led astray from reading articles postings and news provided by motorcycle magazines.
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