Honda CTX 1300 part 3

More about my Honda CTX, resiting the GPS, adjusting the suspension and how to remove the top box.

[@KennyB1204]

Thank you VERY much for your videos on the CTX 1300. I recently purchased a used one, and on the ride home I was surprised by the jarring I received through the handlebars and seat when I passed over some unavoidable and significant imperfections on the highway. I was frankly a bit disappointed and concerned. I am now thrilled to report that, because of Part 3, I adjusted the rear shocks to #3. What a relief!! Thank for sharing your useful information in such a laid back, jovial way. I just hit "subscribe". Happy and safe riding!!!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching and your feedback. I was considering changing the bike until I discovered how to adjust the rear shocks. Now I am very happy with it.

[@melvyneason6650]

Steve just watched part three and great to see the top box does come off. Thank you great vidio.👍😀

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Glad you enjoyed it. This bike now lives in Ireland near to Dublin.

[@johnnyBqwazy]

@@StevenUpton14-18was gonna ask that very question. So you moved or you sold it I take? If so Anything new in sight? Still riding😊 ?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

@@johnnyBqwazy - I decided to go back to European touring and wanted a bike with a cruise control and bigger luggage. I had previously owned two BMW K1600's and changed the CTX for another K1600.

[@TheWolfIsHere]

I'm just found your channel searching Honda CTX 1300 and all I've seen your breaks it down like for us regular mechanics. Hope all is well and good. New fan

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@melvyneason6650]

Hi Steve. I am about to buy my CTX1300. Like your vids very helpful however wish I had seen them before regarding bone removal of luggage but I am sure I will enjoy the bike. Keep the vids coming 👍

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching and I hope you enjoy your new bike.

[@zammie]

I just picked up a used used Honda ctx1300 with 13400 miles. Love it! Hondas tough, rides excellent. Lots of thumbs up. Your videos have been super helpful learning about the bike. Thanks for taking the time mate. From western Mich., Jason.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@2169scs]

Thanks for the info on the CTX. I just purchased a CTX today for 7 k with only 11 k miles on it. The dealer put all new tires on and is doing a 10 k service on it. He said would change all the fluids including the brake fluid. I will see if my shocks are at number 3 position when I pick it up today at noon. I like the smoothness of the engine. Thanks again for your video.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. If the shocks are still on the factory setting you will probably find it a hard ride. No. 3 was the best foe me.

[@2169scs]

Hi Steven, My shocks were set at 4. I took the CTX out on the freeway and back roads today . I did 220 miles today at 37.5 mpg. I've viewed a few video on this bike. Some like it, some hate it. I've been ride a 2012 Harley Street Glide for 5 years. I like the smoothness of this Honda motor vers the non mllwalkee Harley engine I had. I actually like to ride this bike. The forks are a little stiff. The handling is predictable, power is adequate, braking is decent. Lots of plastic, fit and finished just ok. I notice releasing the clutch in first year there's a slight wobbly feeling when the clutch is ingauged, not smooth. There is no slipping, the gears shift smooth in 2 to 5 . Maybe I should of took out the extended warranty on this used bike. I just purchased it and think I have 7 days to buy it. Thanks for getting back to me. Ride safe

[@StevenUpton14-18]

@@2169scs - I had mine from new and also had a Harley before, a 2010 Heritage Softail. I liked the CTX, but for going on holiday for two weeks the luggage is far too small. I have changed it for a BMW K1600.

[@davidburns6784]

Thanks Steve a great series of videos and very informative, thank you for taking the time to do them

[@StevenUpton14-18]

And thank you for watching. Had the CTX for 17 months and done 2400 miles. The more I ride it the more I like it.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@User-wo4vh]

Awesome review, going to look into the Sena bc of your review. Thanks!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@paul528i]

Great advice about the spanner!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@PHXNTXMDRK]

We just recently worked on a 1975 Norton commando. Very beautiful bike!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thanks for watching.

[@daddydukeboy771]

You sold me. Great info. I’ll be searching for a low miles CTX 1300 Deluxe.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. They are not very common in the UK.

[@SBKPete]

Hi Steve, I’ve just come across your channel by chance and I’ve now subscribed. Really enjoying the CTX videos in particular. And I had exactly the same CB1100, in the same colour as your bike. I’ve now got the 2020 EX 1100. Love em 😊 Take Care

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I have changed the CTX for a BMW K1600. But keeping the CB 1100 forever! It is a 2013 year model, bought in November 2015 unregistered and zero miles. Looks like it came off the production line yesterday.

[@SteveZ1]

Excellent. Thank You for making parts 2 and 3.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@posativJ311]

Wanted to share some more information. In regards to straps when the top box is off, the black rods sticking out the sides near the back are for tie downs for straps.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you. Makes it quite versatile being able to remove the top box so easily.

[@bogdanvelica]

it's a delight watching you Steven, grate job. I am very interested to know about the front suspension as I am going to get one of these next year. Thank you !

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thanks for watching. The front suspension is fixed, nothing you can do about it. However, once I had changed the back from setting 1 to setting 3 it has transformed the ride. I was seriously thinking that I will change the bike for one with a softer ride after Honda told me they could not change it. As it is now, I think its fine and the ride is so much better. No need to do anything about the front end.

[@LinuxGalore]

Ive had a few Honda's with the oldest being from 1996 and yes they all have a suspension adjustment spanner in the toolkit.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching and your comments.

[@conan2war]

Thanks Steve, great information. I will be adjusting my suspension and checking out that helmet. Lou

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@monfanan1901]

Hi Steve, just watched your 3 video,s like it. I leave in Taiwan and I am about to buy the very same bike. So I am looking at KZbin to have return on experience like you do. Thank you.... Waiting for your next video.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I am sure you will enjoy the CTX.

[@ansondale1]

As they say, knowledge is power. Thanks Steve.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@rvail136]

Thanks for the heads up on the helmet. They're available for $209 US (roughly 150 pounds sterling).

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@007djrose]

Brilliant, loved the bit about the top box, I have a back rest, for my 10 year old Grandson, and I wanted the baggage carrier for tent and other camping gear. Your description of the top box and the plate look so much better than I anticipated, the plate is much better for piling camping gear on. Made me think I need to change the backrest for the box now. Cheers and thanks. Dave P.S. I see you were RAF Regiment, well done.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. Not Regiment, RAF Police dog handler.

[@James-jt4wf]

Glad to see you found a kit.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@siegelsdad]

Outstanding videos, helpful information thank you.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@osceolaseminole5596]

Thanks for updating this bike with part two and three. How do you feel about it after having it for a longer time?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I changed it for a BMW K1600 GTL. I wanted more luggage space and a cruise control for long range touring.

[@firesail6707]

Hello. New to your channel and I wanted to ask about the reported harshness of the front forks (as you indicated the rear suspension was good after adjustment). Also, is the five-speed transmission adequate or should it have come with a sixth "overdrive" gear? Thank you.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I found that when hitting the occasional pothole there was quite a jolt up my arms. If the front suspension was adjustable I would have made it softer. For everyday use the 5 gears was fine; however, for motorway riding at 70 mph (on the continent 130 kph (82 mph)) it could have benefitted form a 6th gear and been more economical. I liked the bike for everyday use, but wanted something more suited for long-range touring, so I changed it for a BMW K1600 which had none of these issues, but it did cost a lot more money!

[@firesail6707]

@@StevenUpton14-18 Thanks for the helpful reply. I think I would be in the same situation.

[@rafaszafraniec9381]

I like this kind of presentation. I am just a happy user of BMW K1200GT and Moto Guzzi Breva 1200. Now I think about changes :) What you recommend? BMW K1600GT or Honda CTX 1300? BY the way in your first presentation I could see another motorbike - what is this? Thank you in advance for your opinion

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. the other bike is a Honda CD1100. I have now changed the CTX for a BMW K1600.

[@craigmiddleton7669]

Great info again Steven!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@orhansogut5492]

I liked your accent, it is so understandable:)))

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you! 😃

[@orhansogut5492]

@@StevenUpton14-18 i am thinking to trade my 2022 vstrom 650xt with ctx1300. Is that a right decision from your point?

[@allenfazer]

Great video Steve, very informative, if you ever decide to sell your bike let me know I'm on the market for a CTX 😁

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I exchanged it a few months ago for a BMW K1600. Nothing wrong with the CTX, just wanted more luggage space and a long range tourer with cruise control..

[@allenfazer]

@@StevenUpton14-18 Congratulations on the new bike! The person who purchased your CTX was a lucky man! Safe riding

[@StevenUpton14-18]

@@allenfazer - Thank you.

[@samchisolm8713]

Well done.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@pholland8353]

I didn’t get a spanner in my tool kit😢

[@StevenUpton14-18]

@@pholland8353 - Sorry to hear that, but thank you for watching.

[@flipperMAN2001]

Hi Steven, i'm thinking of getting one off these which is 2000 kms across country (Aus) and would have to order it blind and get it shipped (COVID-19 state border lock downs). How do you think it would go for someone 6 foot 4? many years ago i had a CX500EC which had my shins hitting the barrels. Stay safe ,, cheers

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I am 6’ 1” and I had no problems. Depends if your height is in your legs or body. Your shins might touch the engine. To be sure you should sit on one before buying.

[@TheCaptearl]

Hey Steve tell me more about the mount on the handlebars. Im not mounting a a gps. Just my cell phone. I think it's a perfect location. One more thing is the case part of mount or sold separately?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

It is a Ram Mount. You replace one of the 4 bolts with the Ram Mount replacement which then gives you the ball to add Ram Mount bits to.

[@MsDenver2]

Mate I had a head on crash with a car on my Kawasaki z1000st not my fault, the full face helmet saved my life . Please where a full face helmet shoei do lovely safe helmets.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

I am wearing a Shoei full face helmet. The front is flipped up because I am stationary.

[@nealbeard1]

Are you still happy with the bike? I admit I had not heard of this bike until recently. Saw a poor review on MCN. Thought to myself that means you will now get more for your money. Looks like a really nice bike.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I took it to Germany in July (on a trailer) and rode nearly 1,000 miles on it in two weeks. Still very happy. If the 2018 Gold Wing was about £20k I would consider changing it. But as its £30k I am happy to keep the CTX.

[@marks146]

Wondering, did it come with an owner's manual?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. It was new when I bought it, so I am sure that it did have a manual. However, that was several years ago and I feel sure that I would have passed it on when I sold it.

[@ezyeagle]

Hi Steve great video. I wasn't sure how to adjust the suspension. I am in America and I have the CTX 1300 Deluxe model. My bike has Bluetooth built in from the factory and the bike will pair up to my phone and GPS and I can play my music to my Bluetooth helmet. Does your bike not have Bluetooth?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. Regarding Bluetooth, I’m not sure. When I get home I will have to check (I am working in Finland). Even though you could hear your phone through the bikes speakers, you cannot talk, as there is no mic. Might be good to route the GPS instructions through the bikes speakers though. As the amplifier is better and the sound is directed at you. I could then hear it whilst wearing a none-Bluetooth helmet.

[@ezyeagle]

I am using a Sena SMH10 communicator for my helmet. That way I can use that to talk to the motorcycle that is Bluetooth to the phone. It lowers the music and the phone volume comes up

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you. I will have to explore this more when I get home.

[@Touchatout59]

Steven If you have a motorcycle license, you must be a good person ;-) Stéphane

[@StevenUpton14-18]

One would hope so.

[@Stephenlesliewilds]

Hi Steve. Enjoyed you video and tomorrow I will be adjusting my suspension. However I am a bit worried about your helmet. I don’t think it is legal in the U.K. .... not up to the required standard and in any case if you were to come off ( heaven forbid) your chin is not going to enjoy contact with the road .... so the helmet is not a good idea. Go on eBay and search for Vcan Bluetooth helmets and for £174 you can buy a flip up Bluetooth helmet and it has fm radio too. Senna is good stuff for radios etc but I don’t think the helmet design is up to it. Take some advice from an old biker and protect yourself properly .... I have the Vcan helmet in jiving yellow. You can see me a mile away. Steve Wilds

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thanks for watching and the advice.

[@grahamparker9470]

Hi do you still have the small screen .? is it for sale.?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Sorry, I let it go with the bike when I changed it a couple of years ago.

[@tomaszs822]

Sweet video!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@mcrande]

In the US they have the Deluxe it has everything that you except ithas the blackout kit and the tall windshield and trunk box the blacout is where if it has chrome on the engine it is black plus the rims are black. The standard has nothing no abs, no traction control and, no radio just the side boxes. From my understanding there is no shock adjustment tool in the tool kit just a spaner a couple of screw drivers that is all, I think that is the same as the Deluxe since I have the standard I don't know. l believe the Canadian version comes with heated grips and centerstand US version doesn't I have heard of guys having the deluxe with a centerstand and ones that don't.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

I always think it’s strange why they vary the spec. so much for different countries. Doesn’t make ant sense to me. Thanks for watching.

[@mcrande]

Steven Upton Steven I totally agree with you I understand emissions parts might be different in certain countries but options and even names of vehicles like i believe the Ford Falcon in the UK is the Fusion in the States I probably should have Googled that before I said anything. I enjoyed your videos I love my CTX 1300 when you where riding it in the first video I heard the engine and the transmission whine it was like riding my own 👍.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching, and your feedback.

[@mcrande]

Steven Upton 👍

[@jspangler8608]

I'm considering selling off a pair of Harley Davidson's to buy one of these. SACRILEGE!!! The lower center of gravity and sporty looks had me looking at this model. My only concern: if it is a great bike, why is it no longer in the sales lineup? Only one year? Thanks.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. Honda only made it for one year to use up surplus stocks of Pan European engine and drive trains when they decided to discontinue the model. Incidentally, I had a Heritage Softail before this CTX. It tried to kill me when it attacked a car whilst taking a blind left turn. Due to the floor boards it took wide turns as it did not lean very far. I was on a narrow English country lane taking a left turn, with no view due to high hedge rows. A car was just around the corner and the right crash bar hit his front offside wheel. Fractured my left hip, broke right big toe and a bone in my right hand. The bike was a right-off and we also wrote-off the car. I was only doing 5 ph and the car was almost stationary. Whilst lying in hospital scanning my iPad for the next bike I came across the CTX and a dealer who claimed to have the last three new ones in the UK. Whilst I miss the Harley in some respects, the CTX is a better ride in all respects. Smooth, it corners, the brakes work etc. etc.

[@trumpisatruepatriot3431]

J Spangler I just bought a ctx and selling my 06 road king.... owned three Harley’s and now I’m over it. Want comfort instead of cool. I also own a Pacific Coast that I’m probably going to sell because it’s just like the CTX but the 1300 has more power than PC 800. The 800 is a sleeper...what a wonderful bike.

[@JohnBraman413]

is there a line that you line up when doing suspension adjustment? couldn't see any markings on it.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

I do not have the bike now, so cannot go and check. I seem this remember that it was very easy to adjust and line up on the number. I change it three weeks ago for a BMW K1600

[@JohnBraman413]

why did you get rid of it?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

@@JohnBraman413 I wanted a bike with more luggage capacity and a cruise control. I have had two K1600's before, so very familiar with them.

[@johnrocker2986]

Steven, excellent video. Will you do some on the road filming with voice over.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. See part 1, I filmed riding it in that one.

[@joeybni]

thanks for the info

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@numbone2945]

Hello Steven. I've heard other reports of the CTX being hard on rear tires. Has that been your experience? Also, thank you for your historical videos. I happened upon you today Nov 11 2021 by chance.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I did not keep the bike long enough to replace the tyres. However, they were no different to any other bike I have had over the last 40 years.

[@luckyphil6486]

Hi Steve . Just caught up with your latest Vlog. Glad you made some sense out of the top box and the sat nav mount. Was the mount from eBay or a Honda thing. ? Also I think you may find that the helmet you bought from Canada is a DOT helmet and not legal on our roads . I could be wrong but I lived in Canada some tears back and I brought a White Harley helmet back with me. It had DOT written on back of helmet and I was told it was illegal. Maybe things have changed and hopefully yours is legal. Did you have to take cases off to adjust the rear shocks or can you manage to get that tool in with the bags in place.? Thanks for the informative Vlogs Phil

[@luckyphil6486]

Hi Steve I just looked into those Calvary helmets and I think they are DOT ( department of Transport) which means not legal on our roads. I was told if the police stop you they can charge you as tho you are not wearing a helmet. Just thought I’d let you know before you wear it again. Please feel free to ask around. I wore my white HD one for quite sometime but once I found out I ended up selling it . Phil

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thanks for watching. I suspect you may be right about the helmet. I have used a cut down helmet for several years that I bought from a Harley dealer in the USA and so far never been pulled up about it. I was even wearing it when I had an accident in October 2016. The police did not mention it at all. I adjusted the shocks without removing anything. There is enough space to get one hand in, but I could not get enough leverage to turn it, by inserting a chunky allen key into the hole provided I could do it. Using the proper tool must be even easier (unless the handle is too long). If you could get two hands in there you would not need any tools. It makes a world of difference to the ride comfort. I was beginning to think that I needed to change the bike as it was way too hard a ride.

[@luckyphil6486]

Steven Upton hi Steve. Ok will try to get mine adjusted this week. I’ve had mine 2 weeks and not been on it yet because of weather and work so hope to remedy that soon. Yes it’s a grey area with the helmet. Keep up the good work and have a good week Phil

[@StevenUpton14-18]

You too. Where are you?

[@luckyphil6486]

Steven Upton . I Steve . I am based up just south of Manchester . Whereabouts are you?

[@renegadebiker24]

Cheerio Steve, Greetings from Arkansas in the U.S.A. I was sent this video by another CTX 1300 rider, and I have a channel on KZbin called "renegadebiker24". I also have a CTX 1300 as well. I have made a lot of videos on it, and some recently. I did not get a spanner with the tool kit when I got the bike. If you can, please let me know your comments on some of my recent videos.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you fro watching. Did you see that there are three parts to the CTX video? Will have a look at yours.

[@renegadebiker24]

Steven Upton yes. I did. Thanks.:-) Yep, I did.

[@59vaughn]

Don't sweat the amount of miles...it's the living while riding that matters..love the mature reviews of a nice bike....looking at one now...trying to get over my BMW r1150r s clutch actuator take a leak and stumping my riding....except for the 05 rocket roadster which is beastly at times so I try to keep it on a leash...or the 07 vtx1800f1, a very relaxing cruiser but also has limitations....looking for a full bagged and glassed addition....possibly Kawasaki Vulcan type or Yamaha fj1300 tourer... unless Honda shows a better deal....like the senna half top..first I've seen...got the 20 in a full face but not satisfied...

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@mriverdance]

Watch out for insurance. I'm seeing price differences by brands and age.

[@JohnBraman413]

looks like a givi top box. any chance you know what model number?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

It came with the bike from new and as far as I am aware is a Honda top box. Givi may have made it, but there are no badges to say so.

[@williamkennedy6662]

Hello Steven just caught ur blog and found it very interesting. My query is, where did u obtain the windshield?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. The windshield came with the bike. It is the CTX with 'Touring Pack.' This gives you the windshield and top box.

[@williamkennedy6662]

I am living in the USA and finding out this bike is not real popular here in the states, so am having problems finding this particular bike, but i shall keep on trying. Thanks for responding.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Its not popular in the UK either; I have only seen one other on the road here. They stopped production of it in 2014 or 15. I got one of the last in the UK that was still in the crate. Bought it in Nov. 16 and registered it Jan. 17. I do not understand why it is so scarce, as its a good bike. The more I ride it, the more I like it. Have a look at this forum, you may find one for sale in the USA. www.ctx1300forum.com

[@ezyeagle]

It wasn't popular in 2014 because it was pretty expensive. As of late they are discounted quite a bit in the US. I got mine fresh out of the crate in June of this year for $10, 000 and I have seen them here for a bit less now. I agree, it's a great bike and I love it more and more each time I ride it.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. I was told in October 2016 by the dealer that there were only two new, unregistered CTX’s in the UK; one still in the crate and one in the showroom. I called a number of dealers and even Honda UK to verify this, and they all said the same: no more are being made and there are none available, it’s a discontinued model. I bought the one in the crate, but waited until Jan. 1st 2017 to register it.

[@hornet224]

The full suspension setting actually ranges from "1" to "5". "1" is the softest and "5" is the hardest. At 6:26 you say "1" is the hardest. I don't think you are correct. Check you Owner's Manual. After watching your video, I went out to my bike and changed it from "1" to "4". It got harder. So I changed it back to "1". Other KZbin videos corroborate.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Sorry for my error, I was going from memory.

[@davidlavorci4507]

Thanks a lot ....helped me greatly ... Just sub

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@James-jt4wf]

You probably have a tool in the kit that comes with the bike.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. It was in a black bag in a black space in a pannier. Just did not see it.

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

steven are they still making and selling this bike in UK ?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Sadly, no. It was only produced for a couple of years. When I bought mine in Oct. 16 I was told by the dealer that it was the last one in the UK still in the crate. I was told by a Honda dealer only last week that it was made to use up surplus Pan European engines and drive trains. And that there would not be any more made.

[@user-fc8xn5ns1n]

🔥

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@556suppressor]

Is 1 or 5 the softest shock setting ?

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching. Going from memory, 1 is the hardest and is the factory setting. I found 3 to be just right.

[@Stephenlesliewilds]

That should have said hi viz yellow !!!

[@StevenUpton14-18]

Thank you for watching.

[@James-jt4wf]

That is not good customer service that would not fly in New York.

[@StevenUpton14-18]

It is disappointing when a Honda dealer just does not know their own bikes. Ps. Sending this from Newark airport I’ve been in New York and New Jersey for the last three weeks.