First 360 Video with the Honda CTX

 

Joan and Steph had appointments at Steph's hairdresser this morning.  It gave me the opportunity to get out on the CTX and shoot some 360 video.  The preview photo...

 I didn't have the opportunity to download and edit the video and add audio to it until this evening.  Joan and I spent a good portion of the afternoon getting the battery replaced in her iPhone.  After a couple frustrating phone calls, using the phone number for the Apple Store in the Arrowhead Mall - and getting switched to Apple's Help (??) Center, I finally hung up and made an appointment at that store online.  Seems you can't actually call into the store... I wanted to find out how much and how long it would take.

The how much part was only $49 + tax; not out of line.  The how long part drug on and on.  We were there early (after receiving two e-mail reminders about this appointment - which I made just a few hours ago)... they can't take you early.  So, we wandered around the mall... first time either of us have been in a mall in over two years.  Joan took the opportunity to do a little shopping.  I walked and carried stuff.

Back to the Apple Store at the appointment time, a "Genius" who had to run all the diagnostics that we had already done to determine that the phone did, indeed, need a new battery.  He told us it would take an hour and 15 minutes.  Interestingly enough: they can send you multiple notices to remind you of your appointment, but they can't send you a text when the work is done.

We went back at the time we were told, and... the phone wasn't done.  The explanation: "Um, something didn't work with that battery, so they are putting in another one - it will be another 45 minutes."  We were tired of walking and shopping, so we went back to our car and shopped for me... at a cookie store a few blocks away.  We enjoyed our treat, then meandered our way back to the mall.  I got to wait in the car while Joan went in to pick up her phone.  It took longer that either of us thought, because they had me listed as the one who dropped off the phone (I made the appointment) and they didn't want to release the phone to Joan.  Yes, her phone.

I was less than impressed with this particular Apple experience.

Back to the video... I was working on uploading the video while typing the above, so here is the latest "2 wheel video" featuring the CTX...

(YouTube was slow on the uptake while loading this video, so started on 3/14, finished on 3/15... beware the Ides of March?)

Spring forward?

 

Not here in Arizona.  They don't change to Daylight Saving Time.  No clock changing this morning, but we'll go through two time zones when we had back to Texas.  The day still has the same 24 hours... where's the "saving"?

--------

Trying to get a head...

Head-board, that is.  Steph and Dan got a new king size bed (with all the cool adjustments - it can fold you up like a taco, although I don't see the point in that), and she has been considering options for a head-board that will match the bed and their bedroom.  She found what she was looking for - new, still in the box, on Offer Up.  This morning, we drove to where the lady selling it said to meet her.

As a guy who likes to shop on-line and have it sent to our house, meeting at an intersection west of Buckeye felt like we were doing something naughty.  We drove separate, since the cargo area in our car is bigger than either of theirs.  I think the lady selling the head-board was a bit concerned when she pulled up and there were two vehicles there.

That out of the way, Steph did the deal and we loaded the head-board into our Equinox.  I thought we might have to put the front passenger seat down (and have Joan ride back with them), but it fit with no problem.

Back at their house, we did a "test fit," then determined how she wanted it attached: to the wall instead of the bed frame, so it meant a trip to the nearby Ace Hardware to pick up the right size screws and wall mounts.  Since I was doing the work, I suggested that Steph buy lunch.  We stopped at a sandwich shop near them (life in the big city - there is a lot of stuff reasonably nearby), got what Steph promised were "great sandwiches" (they were) and then back to their house.

Then, the drilling.  I did the work, explaining to Steph what I was doing along the way.  Putting the headboard in place, I turned the screwdriver and hammer over to her so she could get some hands-on.  In the end, we all stepped back for a look - it was the last thing needed to pull it all together.  Looks good!

Back to the coach for us, a nap for Joan and Rufus, and a ride for me.  It got up to 80º today - I was able to wear my armored mesh shirt (yes, with another shirt under it), very comfortable.  A nice ride, and I am getting very comfortable with the CTX.

After my ride, I took a few minutes to set up a camera mount on the CTX.  It is about time I did a video (or shot some stills) on this bike

I watched another video (I am surprised that I am still finding videos about this bike that I haven't already seen) this morning, and the guy doing the review of the bike went on and on about "what a dog the bike is in Drive mode."  Easy solution: put it in Sport mode.  His biggest gripe: you can't rev the motor at a stoplight.  What a maroon.  People who ride scooters learn that right away - twist the throttle and you will be moving forward.  Quickly.  I've heard that same complaint in other videos, so apparently these yahoos are listening to each other.  If you have a high end sports car with paddle shifters, you can't rev that at a stop light, either.  Here's a solution: don't rev it.  If you have any car with an automatic transmission, you can't rev that at a stop light.  Well, you could shift it into neutral, rev it, then shift it back into drive... but, you will just look like a dumbass.  Don't rev it.  When you see (and hear) someone revving their bike, know that there is no reason for that, other than an attempt to get people to look at how cool you are... or show them what a dipshit you are.  If your bike is running so bad that you need to keep twisting the throttle while at a stop to keep it running, you need to fix your bike.

50 and nifty...

 

Someone is having a birthday today.  Well, statistically, a bunch of people are having a birthday today, but it is one special person I'm referring to with this post: yes, our sweet girl.  I won't mention the number, but if you can read the title, you'll have some idea.

Festivities are planned.  An early breakfast outing this morning.  An evening reminiscent of her 21st birthday, except we don't have to go to Vegas for the gaming.

Where did all those years go?  I demand a re-count!

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!  All those years ago, when I first saw your face, I thought: "Life is never gonna be the same..."  I had no idea.  Your Mother and I could not be more proud of the woman you are.

--------

I smell like a summer's eve...

Well, those weren't her exact words... she said, "You smell like a douche bag."  But I think she meant what I first typed.

I got a cover for the CTX - one day from Amazon.  I swung by Steph's house to pick it up.  The floorboards I ordered arrived, too, but it will be a while for the splines to attach them - but, I digress.

Back to the whole douche bag thing: I use vinegar/water to wipe down the bikes in between an actual wash.  The CTX had a layer of dust on it (another joy of being in the desert), and I didn't want to put the cover over a dusty bike - if it flaps in the wind, the cover against the dust will put fine scratches in the paint.  So, I wiped the bike down with the vinegar/water and a micro-fiber cloth.  Looks good.  Then, I put the cover on it...

It was a snug fit, so I took the top case off and put it in the cargo trailer; that's better.  "Why don't you just put the bike in the cargo trailer?" you ask.  Again, thanks for asking - it is that give and take here that keeps me on my toes.  The cargo trailer will hold two bikes.  Right now, it is set up for the Xmax and the Vespa; I will have to re-do chocks and tie-downs before the Honda can go in there... and right now, the CTX is the new kid and doesn't have "favored bike status."  Don't get me wrong: I am truly enjoying that bike, but I understand the "honeymoon phase," and I'm not leaving the Vespa out in the dust and wind here.

Back to the title: I came in smelling of vinegar.  I thought I smelled more like a pickle, but I think Joan wanted to use the douche bag descriptor.  No, I haven't done anything to piss her off.  That I know of.  I'm considering it a term of endearment.  No matter - I took a shower.  We will dress like grown-ups to dine at a high-falutin steakhouse in the casino.  And, really, how often do you get to say "high-falutin"?

It is Steph's birthday, and she and Joan have been planning some things.  The casino and steakhouse today; a Segway tour in Scottsdale in a few days.  We did cards and gifts after breakfast out this morning.  We are eating with the reckless abandon of someone in a higher tax bracket than me.  Apparently, these birthdays with a "0" at the end only come around once every ten years or so.  ;-)

We are ready to go get the kids.  Joan just came out of the bedroom - what a babe!  High heels and dressed like a grown-up; hair and make-up done.  I am going to have to up my game to be seen with her.

--------

The results...

I am the only one who broke even at the casino.  Yes, because I didn't play again.  I watched the action at the tables and walked around the casino while Joan, Steph, and Dan made investments.  We met in front of the steakhouse just before our reservation time.  The food and service were good, as you'd expect at these prices.  I saw the disappointment in the waiter's eyes when he brought out a birthday dessert for Steph... and we still ordered other desserts that we had planned on.  None of it went to waste.

The first time in Desert Diamond Casino for all of us - it is big, new, and nice.  Masks required.  Busy - tables and machines were mostly full.  We were one of early dining parties, and the place was full when we left.

It was a special day and a delight for us to be able to spend it with Steph and Dan.

Back to back...

 

If you said, "I think you're doing it wrong," you get 25 bonus points for your sense of humor.

We had some running to do today, including lunch out (Joan wanted Blaze Pizza) and necessity shopping (not the same as shopping for fun stuff).  When we got home mid-afternoon, Joan said, "I think I'll spend some time reading outside if you want to take your bike out."

"Um... OK."  I'm always up for a ride.  I geared up and took off - no destination, no schedule.  I rode out to Verrado, and spent some time riding through the neighborhoods to get a feel for slow speed handling on the bike.  Each time out, it is a new discovery.  Plus, Verrado has actual grass in the yards there, and my eyeballs like to see some greenery.

I had swapped out the Corbin seat for the OEM seat - they really are quite different: the OEM seat sits lower and is softer (I think it has gel-foam in it).  By comparison, the Corbin is quite stiff (you have to break it in, like a saddle) and made with much higher-end materials.  I enjoyed the cushy seat today.  And, no achy spots from yesterday's longer ride.

When I got back to the motorhome and had my gear put away, Joan said, "You should take the Vespa for a ride now, so you can get a good back-to-back comparison between the two bikes... in case you decide you want to sell the Vespa."  I believe she is planting that seed.

Still, it was a good idea, so I geared up once again and got the Vespa out.  Just a short 5 mile or so ride, with the chance to get it to 55 mph on one stretch.  They are SO different, it is hard to make a comparison... but... I told her, "It is like comparing a Miata to a Cadillac."  Well, to be fair, the Vespa isn't like a Miata, and the CTX certainly isn't like a Cadillac... but, did I mention: so different.  It feels like you are sitting on the Vespa, and more in the Honda.  The Vespa is short and lightweight; the CTX is long and heavy (by comparison).  The Vespa feels peppy; the Honda feels leisurely (when in Drive mode) and more powerful (when in Sport mode).  I have the Vespa set up just the way I like it: windshield, seat, phone and camera mounts, USB connection to power the phone, storage under the seat as well as in the top case.  The Vespa is the epitome of all that is good about a scooter... and the CTX is a capable, low-slung motorcycle.

If I had to choose one right now, it would probably be the Honda... but I really want to live with it a bit more before making any rash decisions.

In a sea of motorcycles, the CTX isn't trying to be like any others - I like the look, but I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea (and I don't like tea - but, I digress).  And the Vespa... it is a classic design; people who don't know anything about motorcycles or scooters recognize that "that is a Vespa!"  It is part machine, and part icon; a good example of Italian design.

How do you choose when they are so different?

Put your feet in the stirrups...

 

If you said, "What the gynecologist says," well, I have no experience with that.  I kinda felt like that today.

Joan picked us a route that takes us west then north to get to some curvy roads - my first opportunity to see how the CTX handles that.  It took some Interstate riding to get to those two lane roads...

While the Interstate riding isn't what we particularly enjoy, it gave me the opportunity to work with the Drive and Sport modes on the transmission.  Road construction had us down to 55mph due to some ugly ruts/gouges in the road surface... at that speed, Sport mode tended to "hunt" between 5th and 6th gears.  A press of the button to Drive and it stayed in 6th gear with lower RPMs.

About 12 miles west of Buckeye, AZ, we turned onto the 2-lane roads.  Elevation rose and the scenery changed from desert scrub to Saguaro Cacti and more rugged terrain.  Except for the numerous cattle guards, the road surface was good.  When we passed Vulture City Ghost Town, we pulled over to take in the view and get a couple photos...

It was a good stop; not just for photos, but I found the Corbin seat spread my legs wider than what I'm used to... no butt ache, but I could feel it in my inner thighs.  Getting off the bike and walking around to get a few photos fixed that situation.  I can only guess, regarding the title of this post, but the male equivalence of the doctor saying, "I need to you bend over..."  TMI?

The view from that Corbin seat on the CTX...

The best part of the ride (and partially covered by that marker for Vulture City in the map above) is all the curves in the stretch from south of Vulture City to Wickenburg.  That's the kind of riding we enjoy the most, and it was fun putting the CTX through its paces.

"So, how does it compare to the Vespa?" you ask.  Thanks for asking.  They are quite different: the CTX is better for me at Interstate speeds; it should be - it is 150 pounds heavier, longer wheelbase, bigger wheels, and more horsepower.  The CTX handles the curves fine... the Vespa makes me giggle as I'm going through the curves: the cool scoot darts through the curves like nothing else I've ridden.  The Vespa seems to angle in by just thinking about it... I had to do a bit more pushing on the handlebar (counter-steering - look it up) to turn as tight, but the Honda handles it just fine.  It would pull through a 25mph curve at 40 with no fuss.  Good wind protection on the CTX, but the Vespa keeps your legs and feet covered... I could feel the wind on my lower legs; not bad, but you notice.

And someone is going to ask: "How did it do on acceleration compared to Joan's Xmax."  Again, thanks for asking.  The CTX (in Sport mode) smokes the Xmax in a roll-on starting at 25 mph.  When running them from a stop, I let Joan get a couple feet off the line, then matched her speed... she said, "They seem pretty even from a stop."

I said, "I have the throttle turned about half way - I was intentionally staying beside you."  It's physics: better horsepower to weight ratio on the CTX.

Another stop for a couple more photos...

The photos with Joan by my bike were to keep me happy: the gravel was pretty soft there and it felt like the bike was leaning just a bit too far on the side-stand.  I asked if she wanted to ride mine, but she chose to stay on hers.  She will decide when the time is right for her to give it a try.  This is only our second ride together since we got here, so we're still getting ourselves "warmed up."  Speaking of warmed up: the jackets we were wearing today have liners in them, and we were glad they did.  It got down to 60º at the highest part of our ride, with some northwest wind.  You felt it when the sun went behind the clouds.

Instead of making this run a loop, we turned around and did the twisties again once we reached Wickenburg.  The road from Wickenburg the other way has more civilization and fewer fun curves.

We passed a truckstop on the Interstate on our way back in that was packed.  We considered fueling up there (the price was about 30¢ per gallon cheaper there compared to in town), but the lines were crazy long... a dollar or so difference in total for both bikes; not worth it to try to mix it up and wait forever in those lines.

Back in Buckeye, we stopped for a late lunch, then topped off our gas tanks.  Joan was disappointed with the 84 mpg she got with the Xmax; I was delighted with the 70 mpg I got with the CTX... considering the size and displacement, that is even better than what Honda says to expect.  While I did use Drive mode a couple times on the highway portion, I didn't spare the throttle in Sport mode as I find out what the bike can do.  Last time I topped off the Vespa, I got 64 mpg.  While it's easy to say it doesn't matter what you get for mileage with these bikes, it cost me $19 to top off the bikes today - the most I've ever paid for fueling our bikes.

Back at the motorhome, I let things cool down, then checked oil and tires.  The Xmax needed about 1 psi in each tire, the CTX needed about 4; the bigger wheels/tires on the CTX mean higher tire pressures.  The portable compressor I carry (swapped it from the Vespa to the CTX) made short work of that.

One other thing: I swapped the Corbin seat for the OEM seat to see if it does that same "open wide"...

It does not.  It's a tough choice: the Corbin seat gives more back support, but is quite firm; the OEM seat is softer (feels like there is a gel pad around the tailbone area) and definitely less of a reach to throw a leg over.  I have to say, looks-wise, the Corbin rocks!  I did take the bike for another short ride with the OEM seat since my butt and thighs were tuned in... you can definitely squeeze your knees into the tank with the OEM seat.  When I told Joan about how the Corbin seat made my inner thighs feel, she said, "Like doing a Thigh-Master workout."  Funny.

A nice long ride today, and no ibuprofen necessary.  :-)

I believe in music...

 

If you said, "Mac Davis, 1971," you get 10 bonus points.  Today was making-music day with my buddy Mark and a couple of his friends.

Before heading to Mark's house, I did get out on the CTX this morning.  50º, so it gave me the opportunity to see what the wind protection is like with the fairing on that bike.  Got a bit chilly from the knees down.  I ran the bike in Drive mode - some call that Economy mode... it is definitely more sedate than in Sport mode.  The bike had already shifted into 3rd gear by the time I got across the intersection... doing what it could to keep the revs low.  I don't think I'll be using that mode very often, because Sport mode is a lot more fun. 

Back home, showered, and headed for Mark's.  This was a bit of a discovery day: the four of us hadn't played together before, so there was a lot of "Do you know this song?" questions.  Mark had sent us some song tabs to put on our iPads, but mine iPad Pro decided to be persnickity (and how often do you get to use that word?).  We made it work, but I'm sure it will be better next time we get together.  Still, a fun afternoon of playing and singing.  It has been two years since I've had the opportunity to make music with anyone else in person (Mark and I have done several music videos during that time).

Loop 303 was mostly light on traffic when we were here last - not the case anymore.  It is just as busy as I-10, and there are houses and apartments going up all over this west end of the Valley.

 

It's a blue bike thing...

 

The CTX I looked at last week was red - I thought the red was really sharp.  The CTX we looked at yesterday is a dark blue - and to my eye, it is even better looking.  Of course, I admit some bias, as this is pretty close to the Blu Energia color of my Vespa.  It wasn't like I was looking for a specific color.  This bike was about $1,000 less than the price of the one at the dealer, and that is before the dealer added on over $1,500 in "fees."  Plus, this blue one has another $1,000 in accessories, including a custom Corbin seat that isn't broken in, yet.  And, this blue one has fewer miles.

Yes, I made an offer on it, the seller accepted the offer, and we went to pick it up today; a couple photos after I took it for a test ride...

The style of the bike is "low slung" - it almost looks small with me standing next to it.  A few more shots in the seller's driveway...

With the paperwork done and money exchanged, we headed for home.  I put my Airpod earbuds in and Joan and I stayed connected by phone.  My test ride was around the neighborhood heading back to the motorhome, it was mostly highway.  For me, the Dual Clutch Transmission is the big "feature" of this bike.  It has a couple modes to select from (Sport Mode is pretty much the way I would shift this bike if it didn't have the DCT), as well as a Manual Mode that uses paddle shifters (like a Formula 1 race car).  This is SO much more than an "automatic."  In looking at videos on Honda's DCT, the thing that gets said all the time: "This shifts better and faster than you can."  Yep.  I tried it in Drive, Sport, and Manual - each of those modes serves a function.  You feel the shift, but it happens faster than than you could pull in the clutch lever and move from gear to gear with your left foot.  It also downshifts as you slow down - just like a good rider would.  Way different from the CVT transmission on a scooter.

I have seen/heard some people say the CTX is like "a big scooter."  Nope, it is all motorcycle, with Honda's exclusive technology at work.  That said, it takes some getting used to.  One thing I haven't had since we switched to scooters 9 years ago: a beefy exhaust note.  Nothing like the "loud pipes save lives" noise, just a good, low sound.

The seller had the stock seat on it, after I struggled with the backrest on the Corbin seat yesterday (just couldn't get my leg over/around that backrest).  It is comfortable, with just the right amount of cushion.  After getting the bike home, I swapped out seats to try out that Corbin seat...

It is certainly more substantial than the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seat.  It sits the rider up just a bit more (I can still flat foot the bike), and is wider at the front of the seat... using muscles in my upper thigh that haven't been used in a while.  The part of the seat that makes contact with the rider is all leather; the sides and that strip across the middle are made from a sturdy vinyl that won't break down.  And, in this seat, the vinyl is black with a snake-skin pattern.  It did not look good in the seller's photos, but is quite sharp in person.

There is a rider's backrest made for the seat, but it is removed in these photos; I don't think it is something I will use, but I may try it sometime when my hip gets more comfortable with the bike.

A view from the front, showing the Givi windshield (same brand I have on the Vespa)...

Initial thoughts: I like it.  A lot.  It has been 9 years since I've had a motorcycle (to be fair, a scooter is a motorcycle, but the form factor is different).  It has plenty of power and good road manners.  I ran it up to 75 mph on the highway - there was plenty more to be had, and it felt solid and stable.  I'm looking forward to getting it out where we can find some curves to run it through.  The seating position is a bit more "feet forward" than I've had before, bit it seems comfortable.  Another thing I haven't felt since we switched to scoots: breeze on my lower legs.  Not bad, just different.

After taking it out for another ride, I came home and have started going through the owners manual - I learned how to set the clock and reset the trip odometer.  I already knew how to use the transmission modes after a lot of hours of watching DCT review videos.  More to learn, though.