First 200 mile ride impressions: I bought the CTX700 DCT after riding a Honda PCX 150 scooter. Of course, I was immediately aware of the "extra weight", physical size, and for me, the extra "power". I find the ergs very good on a 90 minute ride… only a little arm/hand fatigue from holding the throtle. The slightly forward positioning of the pegs, for me, is excellent… at 61, pegs right under me tend to hurt my knees more… and the pegs on this CTX are not so forward where my 5'7" frame is stretching - a very natural position for me. I already love the DCT… yes, I do drive cars with standards, but find the DCT to work as advertised, and feel that with the overrides and manual shifting modes, I am not missing much - still feel like I can control the shifts, but enjoy the technology of the DCT. I have the stock windshield, so may need to get a taller one in the future… as am sure at long highway treks the wind buffering will be annoying. Most of my riding is in the the country to the Hudson Valley and Catskills - back roads and some nice roads doing 55-65mph. I averaged @ 62mpg on the first 200 miles. I am happy with that and think it will improve once I stop shifting so such on my "learning curve"! For me, the weight takes some getting used to… it feels lighter than the 516 lbs, but still a lot heavier than my scooter was… yet, it seems to handle excellently and turn well (once I got some miles in and adjusted to the size and weight). For those who wonder is it a scooter or cycle? Well, to me it sure is a cycle - a far beast from my PCX 150. Again, I feel like I control the shifting when I want to, just no need to use your left foot to instigate a shift - just your fingers on the buttons/paddles. I do not have the faring model, but did get the side bags, heated grips, 12V. accessory, and back rest with luggage rack. The heated grips have 3 heat options, and seem to work well… the plastic housing around the control on the handlebar seems pretty cheap though. The saddle bags can hold a good bit of stuff - quite roomy. Of course they add a lot of "width" to the profile, and some lbs. as well.Happily, using your key they detach in seconds, so I can take them off when there is no need to carry a lot of extra stuff… they have handles, so one can use them as luggage when you get to your destination. Nice fit, nice look, nice touches, nice storage. The 12v. accessory plug is in the cubby/glovebox - it is positioned in a hard to reach place, unless you have tiny hands… but for me, all I had to do was get my plug adapter into it once, and leave it… now I can charge up my phone, etc. as need by on longer rides. The back rest looks great, and the luggage rack while not very long, is just fine for my needs… convenient bungee cord hooks are provided on the rack and the frame.
Yes, I wish it did not utilize a chain drive, but to me it is not a big deal to maintain that… just a simple routine every 600 miles or after riding in rain. I hope to get a rear lift/jack to help with chain maintenance - it seems worth the small investment as compared to having to roll the bike and clean the chain (what a pain!). I am having trouble finding the proper lift solution, but being a new bike, assume soon many will be on the market that will fit this bike properly. As someone else on these forums suggested to me, I will check with my dealer for their input on this… sure they will have the proper one to sell to me (or get on Amazon, etc.)
As for "power", I can't see needing anything more powerful than this. I easily passed trucks, etc. on NYS Thruway… I do not normally speed, but did get up to 80mph passing some trucks, and it had plenty of kick left. The acceleration is very good from the get go… honestly, I am not street racing this thing, and can't imagine needing more. I think Honda made a good choice with this engine.
Sorry for the length of this first impression review, but hope it helps others decide if this bike is meant for them. Being a newer rider, these impressions are just my true feelings, untainted by those who argue about 0-60 and manual or not. In conclusion, I think it will be a very very good bike for my needs.
Happy riding to you all!