Milan Motor Show 2013: traveling to the future with the Honda CTX1300

Although in our market it is a fairly misunderstood motorcycle concept, Honda continues to bet on the futuristic line that, years ago, burst onto the market with the Honda DN-01. I think I have seen two of that model in all these years, but the Honda CTX1300, with a engine derived from Pan European, It will surely be able to curdle more in the market by reinforcing its role as a cruiser. Although if I tell you the truth, I don't know how to classify this model.

Around the new V4 engine inherited from the successful road car, a set is assembled with the same philosophy that the Honda CTX700 was already presented at the beginning of the year but with much more balanced general capabilities in my opinion. A motorcycle with a cruiser appearance, dimensions and aesthetics, the logical thing is that it has a good engine to match, and the four-cylinder I see as a much better option for those to whom this peculiar aesthetic catches their attention.

Honda CTX1300: back to the future

I suppose that as in all models, the initials that make up the names of each motorcycle have a meaning. In the case of the CTX, the "C" stands for Comfort, the "T" stands for technology and the "X" stands for eXperience. These three premises are what Honda has followed to try to offer control and stability with a relaxed driving position, character and torque through the V4 engine and exclusivity to, they say, meet the wishes and expectations of many motorists.

The heart in charge of moving the Honda CTX1300 As I was telling you, it is the one of the well-known Pan European that we have seen so much on our roads but conveniently adapted to the times and the qualities of the new model that it is going to propel. Work has been done to achieve more torque at low and medium rpm without hiding the characteristic V4 sound with its double exhaust outlet, one for each cylinder bank.

They have not been cut and although the power may seem low, 84 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions and a maximum torque of 106 Nm at just 4,500 they will ensure forceful accelerations. Thanks to the five-speed gearbox with final drive by cardan, it has been ensured that we always have large doses of thrust at the same time that we can have a relaxed feel and low consumption on motorway routes.

Regarding consumption, they have homologated figures of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, something that together with the 19.5-liter tank offers autonomy greater than 330 kilometers between visits to service stations. It is not a figure that stands out for its austerity, but it is not bad either.

As for the master lines that have been followed to shape the Honda CTX1300 They have tried that the futuristic bagger style set a benchmark. Its low, elongated image takes the genes of the Honda Goldwing FB6 but is not overwhelmed by its dimensions, but has been designed to be easy to use with a low seat and a natural and relaxed riding position. The fairing has been studied in a wind tunnel to improve efficiency and practical cases are incorporated into the original luggage.

Standard incorporates a Audio system with two speakers controlled through a simple display on the control panel in which we can put music through our iPod, MP3 or smartphone. Thanks to Bluetooth it is also compatible with intercom systems.

The headlight is entirely made up of LED technology and the bodywork, for the moment, will only be available in Candy Prominence Red color, very corporate of Honda, although a little variety would not be bad. There is no news about availability and prices yet.

Honda CTX1300

Motor
- Type: V4 90 °, DOHC, water-cooled (Euro 3)
- Volume: 1261 cm3
- Bore x stroke: 78mm x 66mm
- Compression ratio: 10: 1
- Maximum power: 62 kW (84.3 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 106 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel system
- Power supply: PGM-FI electronic gasoline injection
- Fuel capacity: 19.5 liters
Transmission train
- Clutch: Multi-disc in oil bath with hydraulic drive
- Transmission type: 5 speed
- Final drive: Cardan
Chassis and frame
- Type: Double cradle, separate down tube
- Length: 2,380 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,645 mm
- Launch angle: 28 ° 30 ''
- Seat height: 735 mm
- Ground clearance: 130mm
- Curb weight: 338 kg
Suspension
- Front: 43mm inverted fork (USD)
- Rear: Aluminum swingarm with conventional double shock absorber and mechanical spring preload adjustment
Wheels
- Front wheel: Die-cast aluminum
- Rear wheel: Die-cast aluminum
- Front Rim: 18 "X MT3.50"
- Rear Rim: 17 "X MT6.25"
- Front tire: 130 / 70R18
- Rear tire: 200 / 50R17
Brakes
- Front: Two 310 mm discs. C-ABS
- Rear: 316mm hydraulic disc