There are definitely some good, even great, engineering elements to the CTX. However, it seems that total engineering is not within the Honda company's grasp.
To wit:
1) The tall engineering windshield was not designed by engineers, rather by marketing folks with the possible aid of engineering interns. The tall windshield is worse than no windshield at all. It increases head buffeting, forces the head down, and costs 13% in gas mileage.
2) The gas tank is rediculously small AND difficult to fill up. The gas station hoses (in California) will not even fit in the tank causing a safety and vapor issue. Having to fill up a commuter motorcycle every day is insane.
3) The CTX700 is at least 100 pounds overweight. This causes the underwhelming power of the CTX to be seriously stressed....no margin for emergency situations as occur almost every day on the freeway.
4) The fairing is nice, BUT...the lack of a serious lower fairing costs wind drag and makes for cold feet in the winter.
5) Visible motorcycles mean enhanced SAFETY. Black and dark red do not qualify. We need a pearlized yellow and all mirror chrome paint options. Honda has a very visible yellow on their flagship tourers so they are equipped to make it happen. Enhanced LED lighting for both normal riding and for braking would also increase the SAFETY of the riders. Many motorcyclists are killed from behind.
Honda used to be famous for engineering talent. We should all let Honda know that bean-counters and marketeers do not make great motorcycles.
And, yes, I am an engineer (PhD level).
Cheers!
To wit:
1) The tall engineering windshield was not designed by engineers, rather by marketing folks with the possible aid of engineering interns. The tall windshield is worse than no windshield at all. It increases head buffeting, forces the head down, and costs 13% in gas mileage.
2) The gas tank is rediculously small AND difficult to fill up. The gas station hoses (in California) will not even fit in the tank causing a safety and vapor issue. Having to fill up a commuter motorcycle every day is insane.
3) The CTX700 is at least 100 pounds overweight. This causes the underwhelming power of the CTX to be seriously stressed....no margin for emergency situations as occur almost every day on the freeway.
4) The fairing is nice, BUT...the lack of a serious lower fairing costs wind drag and makes for cold feet in the winter.
5) Visible motorcycles mean enhanced SAFETY. Black and dark red do not qualify. We need a pearlized yellow and all mirror chrome paint options. Honda has a very visible yellow on their flagship tourers so they are equipped to make it happen. Enhanced LED lighting for both normal riding and for braking would also increase the SAFETY of the riders. Many motorcyclists are killed from behind.
Honda used to be famous for engineering talent. We should all let Honda know that bean-counters and marketeers do not make great motorcycles.
And, yes, I am an engineer (PhD level).
Cheers!