First ride: 2014 Honda CTX700 motorcycle with an automatic transmission

Several motorcycle makers have been directly targeting new and returning riders of late, looking to bolster their sales figures and brand-loyal ranks. Honda has been more aggressive than most in creating products specifically aimed at this market, leading to the new-for-2014 CTX700, along with the NC700X, CBX500, and Grom.

The CTX combines a modern aesthetic with an available automatic transmission and antilock brakes. Its midsized 670cc engine is tuned for midrange power, rather than the less new rider friendly peaky top-end often associated with sport bikes. The seat is a low 28.3 inches, and the foot pegs are slightly forward. The CTX splits genres, making it hard to classify, and that is arguably part of its appeal.

We recently had a chance to ride a full-featured CTX700, the version with a modest fairing and a slight windscreen. (A naked version is available for $6,999, called the CTX700N.) Rather than a six-speed manual, our loaded $8,799 CTX700 had the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission and ABS, a proven, life-saving feature that has special appeal for the target buyer.

As promised, we found the CTX700 to be easy to ride, docile at low and high speeds. Our riders considered it to be nimble enough, but not truly sporty. The laid-back seating position doesn’t encourage aggressive riding, even if the taut suspension seems willing.

The forward-mounted foot pegs were comfortable for cruising, but a couple of riders commented that the pegs don’t allow you to rise off the seat when faced with bumps. Consequently, we found that the ride could be a bit jarring at times.

The engine proved torquey, delivering adequate power at midrange rpms. Compared with other motorcycles, the CTX700 favors a short-shifting approach, rather than revving deep to redline, even when it does the shifting. This contributes to the gentle character the bike exhibits. Acceleration is mild from a standstill, but quite adequate out on the road. Linked front and rear brakes on our ABS model were strong and easy to modulate, with either the lever or the pedal.

Find the best motorcycle for your needs and budget with our motorcycle & scooter buying guide.