Silverwing vs Honda CTX700 DCT

Any thoughts.

Lots of folks on this site are more knowledgeable than me, but in my humble opinion it's just a question of what you like.  Both are in effect "cruisers" as far as riding position.  The SWing is also a "touring" bike, but the CTX700 DCT can be tricked out to be more of a touring bike.  The SWing is a step through design like most scooters which makes mounting and dismounting a lot easier than a tricked out CTX with panniers and a top case.  I think the CTX gets a little better fuel economy, but may be more expensive to maintain in the long run than the SWing.  I like both bikes.  Both will run at highway speed all day long, but after the first two hours, it's likely you'll need to stop every hour or so to work out the kinks and restore circulation.  I own a SWing, but I would be proud to own a CTX700 DCT, too.  Like they say...different strokes for different folks!

Think open chain/no center stand on CTX700DCT....and goofy seating position.

john grinsel wrote:

Think open chain/no center stand on CTX700DCT....and goofy seating position.

Never noticed a seat problem when I drove a CTX but the first two items you mention, John are deal-breakers for me!!! Just my 2 cents worth.

When I saw the CTX I thought it was great, I was sold on it! 65mpg and available with full fairing and bags.
It was low enough that even with my bad back and leg, it was mountable, The CG was low enough that I could manage it at a stop and in a parking lot without my knee giving out and dropping it. The bar and peg positions were about right for me too...........

Then I saw The Chain, and the only thing I could think is how could Honda, once again, come so close to a winning shot and then miss the target.

I agree with all of John's points. Cruiser style feet forward is goofy. And your CoG is your butt, not got feet.

Foot position is a matter of preference, but also is dictated by factors such as leg proportions, previous injuries etc.

The problem with the cruiser peg position on the CTX is the same as on any other standard that uses a forward control peg layout, and that is you don't have the option of not being foot forward.
The Swing allows both stretched out as well as tucked under and any where in between, some on this forum have gone even farther and installed hiway pegs.

Another, issue with foot forward is back strain. Always being locked into that position will kill your back, even with a good backrest!

Also, the CG is actually lower then your butt on both the Swing and the CTX, that's why they don't feel top heavy at a stop, and no, nobody implied it was at your feet, although when you ride foot forward you can regain some of the control you lost from not having them being under you by applying foot pressure to anchor you to the bike, it doesn't have much to do with your foot position in relation to the bike's CG.

I had my Swing for 7 years and have had my CTX700 DCT for 2 years now and I really enjoy the CTX. I'm surprised that some here are mentioning the 'feet forward' position, since I rode my SWing with my feet all the way up on the floor board. I did get a Corbin for my CTX and I find it very, very comfortable. The CTX and SWing have about the same amount of power but the CTX is quicker off the line. I have also gotten 72 mpg on a couple of occasions but usually average mid to high 60's. I do miss the full wind protection and storage of the SWing though. I have a top case on my CTX and may one day buy sidecases but my wife and I don't do overnight trips, so that may wait for awhile.

As for the chain, all I do is lube it and the chain and sprockets are good for about 30,000 miles. I had it adjusted for the 8,000 mile service but they said it was in great condition. I think in the long run the maintenance is probably about even. The belts generally are about $120 or so for the SWing and that is every 16,000 miles. But I think more people are making a big thing out of the chain which I haven't found any problem with so far. I just use the spray can of chain lube and it takes about 1 minute and I don't have a center stand yet.

I find that the CTX handles the twisties much better than the SWing and I had the hyperpro's in my SWing. It also feels smoother on the interstate but takes the potholes about the same as the SWing. IMO, if weather protection and storage is most important then I would suggest staying with the SWing. The DCT works great and you will hear it shift but I don't feel it shift so that is nice. I do wish they would make the Air Flow for the CTX but they don't and I sent an email to Givi and they have no plans to make one either.

But I really enjoyed the SWing and enjoy the CTX just as much. I will say that the CTX feels much better balanced and feels much lighter than the SWing. I'm not saying this to put down the SWing because I think the SWing was a great bike, but the CTX is a brand new design so it should be expected to have improvements. So I hope this helps others if anyone thinks they may think of a CTX. I do think if the Integra was brought over I would have bought that instead. I just like the storage it has, even though they say it only fits a helmet. But the CTX is a very smooth bike and so well balanced. But for those that ride in the rain or cold on a regular basis, I would think you would enjoy the SWing more. The SWings weather protection, with the Givi AF, was excellent IMO.

I viewed a Youtube video, yesterday, that swapped the stock Honda windscreen on a CTX700 for a Cee Bailey windshield. This is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgF-54XOy2s It was posted about a year ago, but has had over 13,000 hits. It looks like a very easy install, is reasonably priced and would greatly reduce the wind buffeting and maybe improve your ride in wet weather. I enjoy your posts. Thanks.

Apples vs. Oranges???

Kenjj50 wrote:

I viewed a Youtube video, yesterday, that swapped the stock Honda windscreen on a CTX700 for a Cee Bailey windshield.  This is the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgF-54XOy2s   It was posted about a year ago, but has had over 13,000 hits. It looks like a very easy install, is reasonably priced and would greatly reduce the wind buffeting and maybe improve your ride in wet weather.  I enjoy your posts.  Thanks.

Ken,

I do have the 24" Cee Bailey on my CTX but it still isn't quite as good as the AF does for the Silverwing. I had 4 different shields on the SWing and the AF was by far the best for me.

As a new Swing rider, I find the lack of direct powertrain connection (slushbox effect) is somewhat disconcerting after more than 25 years on manual transmission motorcycles. While I'm sure that skilled Swing riders become accustomed to this, the lag between the twist of the throttle and power to the rear wheels when cornering makes it more challenging than a conventional powertrain. After years on a variety of Honda motorcycles (mostly V4's), I'm really enjoying the Swing, but would love to see one with a DCT or manual transmission. I suspect this is the CTX (and dare I say) the DN04 market.

I bought the Swing for the lockable underseat storage and Honda reliability. Maybe should have waited to find a PC800 in good shape.

As to chains vs belts or driveshafts: Properly maintained chains are not all that difficult. I've always lubed mine every 500-600 miles and have found that adjustment was necessary at 7-10,000 mile increments. Yes, it's more fuss than a belt, but my last VFR went more than 30,000 miles on its original chain and sprocket and was still good.

Steve

2014 VFR800F (bought new)
2010 Silver Wing (new to me, 5000 miles)
2001 Kawi W650 (20,000 miles Sold)
2003 VFR800 (30,000 miles Sold)
1999 VFR800 (14,000 miles Sold)
1995 VFR750 (20,000 miles totalled)
1993 CBR600 (20,000 miles Sold)
1989 NT650 (18,000 miles Sold)
1970 Yamaha R5-350 2-smoke (10,000 miles Sold)

Givi Windshield (re-installed OEM), Top Case, no other mods...

Edgett wrote:

<> [T]he lag between the twist of the throttle and power to the rear wheels when cornering makes it more challenging than a conventional powertrain.<>

FWIW I've found that if you keep the RPMS up a bit while,at the same time, using the rear brake for control diminshes that power lag when exiting a turn.

Tim

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Edgett wrote:

<> [T]he lag between the twist of the throttle and power to the rear wheels when cornering makes it more challenging than a conventional powertrain.<>

FWIW I've found that if you keep the RPMS up a bit while,at the same time, using the rear brake for control diminishes that power lag when exiting a turn.

Tim

As stated above this is apples to oranges. The only real similarity is the motors. Yes you will learn to adjust to the drivetrain on the SWing. Once I did, I really like the smooth power pulling out of a sharp turn with the scooter. Having ridden both I find the CTX is more sporty and the SWing is quieter and more comfortable on long drives. As to the chain, I have a close friend that owns a CTX and his biggest gripe IS the chain. He has already had to replace his once at 14K or so, plus the adjustments. On the SWing you can push 20K before replacing the belt and that is it. No lube or adjustments.

It just comes down to what you are comfortable with...

I was hoping to purchase a CTX but couldn't find any in my area for a reasonable price so I went with a silverwing. Plus the DCT versions aren't sold in Canada so my choice was made for me. I like the look and sound of CTX but now that I've driven the Silverwing a while I see lots of advantages for comfort and touring. The CTX has more style, IMO. The Silverwing = more utility, esp. commuting.

A few of you talk about the chain being a big downside... I found this belt-drive kit in the far corner of the interweb:

Brazilian CTX belt drive kit

585 USD and its yours...?

can_sky wrote:

I was hoping to purchase a CTX but couldn't find any in my area for a reasonable price so I went with a silverwing. Plus the DCT versions aren't sold in Canada so my choice was made for me. I like the look and sound of CTX but now that I've driven the Silverwing a while I see lots of advantages for comfort and touring. The CTX has more style, IMO. The Silverwing = more utility, esp. commuting.

A few of you talk about the chain being a big downside... I found this belt-drive kit in the far corner of the interweb:

Brazilian CTX belt drive kit

585 USD and its yours...?

Be nice if it was in English... LOL Google tries but still . That said IF I had a CTX I would consider this for sure. Harley has used belt drive since 1994 and it is probably the most reliable part of the bike
I am guessing that if you drove a lot of miles this would pay for itself over time. If you put 1000 miles/year not a good idea...

There are a lot of motorcycle that are fun, a lot that are great touring machines but I'd argue that the maxi scooter is more useful overall. I see guys riding sport bikes with a big pack on their backs. Crouching like a jockey with twenty pounds on you bike doesn't look all that handy. I can carry almost as much under the seat and in the top box than my Goldwing 1800 could. Plenty for a few days on the road or going to the store for a week's groceries. After nearly 60years of riding manual shift bikes, I really like the twist and go. Especially when it really goes. I've owned a lot of bikes and have been scooter only for almost a year now. For some reason I no longer feel like I'll buy another bike. Silverwing, Burgman or C650GT these things beat motorcycles like the CTX even with the dual clutch easily for me. Different strokes for different folks but I like the maxi.