First Look: Honda shows off its new cruiser CTX1300

Honda on Monday morning took the wraps off the brand new CTX1300, a grown-up version of its popular CTX700, aimed at what the company perceives as a growing community of riders who want a cruiser but don’t want a Harley-Davidson.

The attractive new machine features a purring watercooled V-4 engine, five-speed transmission, shaft drive and hardsided luggage bags. Standard features on the base model are a low-profile windscreen, LED headlight and tail light, and tuned exhaust pipes. Seating is a low 29.1 inches

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Somewhere on the motorcycle spectrum between the company’s CTX700 and larger Gold Wing cruisers, the CTX1300 has relaxed upright ergonomics with less of the feet-forward stance than the CTX and considerably less overall weight than the Gold Wing -- at 724 pounds, more than 100 pounds lighter, the company said.

The CTX1300 is among the first of what promises to be a robust line of new motorcycles from Honda, which reported a “better than average industry growth” of 9% and is expecting a healthy 2014.

“We’re expanding the market and making it stronger,” said company spokesman Bill Savino, who predicted the bike would appeal to a “young boomer and older Gen X” buyer.

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The deluxe model includes ABS braking, traction control, self-canceling turn signals and a sophisticated sound system with speakers and Bluetooth capability.

Base and deluxe editions will be offered in three color schemes.

Honda did not release an official MSRP for the two units, but said the base model would cost about $17,000 when it begins to be sold in stores in March. Dealers will be taking orders before that, though -- starting this week.

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