How Long Do Honda CTX700s Last? (3 Examples)

The CTX700 is a small series of mid-sized tourers from Honda powered by the NC700 powerhouse Honda first clubbed the market over the head within 2012.

The standard CTX700 has forward foot controls like a cruiser, with broad bars and a fairing, while the CTX700N rendition is a standard or “naked” edition, stripped-down besides the modest fairing around the headlamp.

Both versions were available in a “D” variant that incorporated both anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), allowing riders to choose between either a fully automatic mode or paddle-shift active gear selection, but just how long will a Honda CTX700 last?

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Here Is the Short Answer to How Long a Honda CTX700 Lasts:

A well-kept and suitably stored Honda CTX700 can last for well over 100,000 miles. Its liquid-cooled V-twin NC700 motor is a legend of reliability. It’s a newer model, hard to track longevity; the NC700 is based on the motor of the Honda Deauville, which lasts over 300,000 miles.

How Many Miles Do You Get on a Honda CTX700?

While the Honda CTX700 has only been out since 2015, its predecessor, the Honda Deauville, lasted well over 100,000 miles, up to 300,000 miles in some cases—the number one variable is attention to the maintenance schedule.

We dug through the forums, and, as we mentioned earlier, the CTX700 hasn’t been around for long enough to find high-mile exemplars we can sink our teeth into.

There are numerous examples of CTX700s with over 60,000 miles on the clock, but we wanted to know if it could last for the long haul as a touring bike. There’s no doubt the NC700 is a reliable engine—we’ll get more into that later.

But to answer the question of what a CTX700 will be like after the 60,000 miles it can clearly eat for breakfast, we turned to examples of the NC700’s predecessor, the NT700.

Below we’ve compiled some real-life examples of riders who’ve gotten high miles out of their faithful Honda CTX700.

As a CTX700 owner, the engine is essential as its NC700 is based on the NT700. One owner of a Honda moto powered by the NT700 claimed that, right around the time they hit the 140,000 miles on the bike, its fork seals, brake discs, speedometer, and wiring, all had issues developed requiring the parts to be replaced. The engine, however, ran like new.
The owner of a Black 2008 NT700-packing Honda Deauville bought his bike new and kept up with regular service upkeep, inspected, stored, and rode properly, rode the motorcycle responsibly, and was able to clock 255,000 all original miles on the engine your CTX700’s is based on.
In another case, a NT700-equipped bike owner clocked 320,000 miles’ worth of cross-country touring. This guy’s ridden his bike so hard he says that he’s had to replace the bike’s fairing, thanks to road debris damage. The motor still runs just fine.

That said, as we mentioned earlier, there is a huge variable in how long a CTX700 will last—whether its owner adhered to the service schedule provided in the bike’s owner’s manual.

We know many of our readers are used-bike owners in the midst of troubleshooting. Whether you’re a current CTX700 owner or just on the hunt for one, reviewing and adhering to the CTX700 maintenance schedule can help you hit those 100k plus mile marks, and then some.

Honda CTX700 Maintenance Schedule

Here is Honda’s direction for the difficulty levels for the upkeep items:

X: Intermediate. “We recommend service by your Honda dealer, unless you have the necessary tools and are mechanically skilled. Procedures are provided in an official Honda Service Manual”
XX: Technical. “In the interest of safety, have your motorcycle serviced by your dealer.”
Regardless of the suggestions, there’s no shame in checking in with a Honda-literate mechanic once in a while to make sure you’re in tip-top shape.

Maintenance Procedures

Here are the maintenance procedures outlined in the owner’s manual:

I: Inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace, if necessary. Use lithium soap-based grease for general exterior lubrication.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean

Notes:

*1: At higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
*2: Service more frequently if the motorcycle is ridden in unusually wet or dusty areas.
*3: Service more frequently when riding in rain or at full throttle.
*4: 50 STATE (meets California’s spec laws).
*5: Replace every 2 years, or at indicated odometer interval, whichever comes first. Replacement requires mechanical skill.

Items		x 1000 mi	0.6	4	8	12	16	20	24
Emission-Related Items		x 1000 km	1	6.4	12.8	19.2	25.6	32	38.4
Fuel Line	X				I		I		I
Throttle Operation	X				I		I		I
Air Cleaner*2						R			R
Crankcase Breather*3				C	C	C	C	C	C
Spark Plug (IFR6G-11K)		Every 16,000 mi (25,600 km): I Every 32,000 mi (51,200 km): R
Valve Clearance	X				I		I		I
Engine Oil (Pro Honda GN4)		Initial = 600 mi (1,000 km) or 1 month: RRegular = Every 8,000 mi (12,800 km) or 12 months: R
Engine Oil Filter (HF204RC)			R		R		R		R
Clutch Oil Filter (DCT models, part 15412-MGS-D21)			R				R
Engine Idle Speed	X		I	I	I	I	I	I	I
Radiator Coolant*5					I		I		R
Cooling System	X				I		I		I
Evaporative Emission Control System*4	X					I			I
Non-Emission-Related Items
Drive Chain (Motul chain care kit)		Every 500 mi (800 km): I L
Brake Fluid*5 (Honda DOT 4 only)				I	I	R	I	I	R
Brake Pads Wear				I	I	I	I	I	I
Brake System			I		I		I		I
Brake Light Switch					I		I		I
Brake Lock Operation	X		I	I	I	I	I	I	I
Headlight Aim					I		I		I
Side Stand					I		I		I
Suspension	X				I		I		I
Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners	X		I		I		I		I
Wheels/Tires	XX				I		I		I
Steering Head Bearings	XX		I		I		I		I

What Is Considered High Mileage for These Models?

While the longevity of a well-kept Honda CTX700 has the potential to surpass well over 100,000 miles, the used market deems a touring motorcycle to be high-mileage after 50,000 miles.

Yep. After just a measly 50k, the blue book value goes down. That said, just because a CTX700 is considered high mileage doesn’t mean it won’t far exceed that in utility.

The used-bike mags assume any medium touring motorcycle like the CTX700 is high-mileage after 50,000 miles. That said, these numbers are only proximate to you if you’re attempting to sell a used motorcycle. If you’ve got your heart set on a used CTX700, don’t let that 50,000-mile number slow you down.

You can use other aspects to determine a CTX700’s longevity, such as:

It maintenance history.
Where the previous owner or owners stored the CTX.
Run the VIN and check for any crash reports.
How the previous owner rode the motorcycle.

How Many Years Does a Honda CTX700 Typically Last?

A Honda CTX700 could last for more than 14-20 years if serviced per Honda’s spec schedule. A simple tourer like the Honda CTX700 has ridden an average of 3,000 to 5,000 miles a year; there are CTX700s on the road with well over 60,000 miles.

Is the Honda CTX700 Reliable?

The Honda CTX700 is one of the most reliable medium-touring motorcycles of the past 40 years.

The CTX700 was engineered to be an entry-level light tourer. As such, Honda-designed both the CTX700 and CTX700N to be simplicity focused.

I’m not the only motorcycle writer who hails the Honda CTX700 for a stripped touring machine. Its substantial value is utility, a recipe for longevity and dependability.

The CTX700 was presented and marketed as the idyllic dream machine for motorcyclists with an adventurous spirit who seek not just to hit the road for miles on end but to rip around town efficiently when they’re at home.

The light-touring course is a species of the bike meant to assume the scenery of the journey rather than deliver an adrenaline-crushing thrill ride.

The CTX700’s specs imply Honda wanted to be sure it would spend the trip on the road and out of the shop.

The secret to the CTX700’s dependability is that its 670cc parallel-twin motor is canted 62 degrees ahead to assist in preserving its light weight. Its smooth-running fuel-injected modern NC700 motor is based on the old faithful NT700, an icon of reliability further upgraded with modern engineering.

The optional six-speed manual gearbox pushes out even more low-end and midrange torque than its predecessor. Not only is it as reliable as the model it was based on if not more, but the NC700 engine also has a 270-degree crank to add a hint of V-twin-flavored thunder.

Its Dual Clutch Transmission further adds to its dependability factor by adding the option of fully automatic shifting or a manual paddle shifting function on the handlebars.

Does a Honda CTX700 Last Longer Than Other Motorcycles?

A liquid-cooled motor and Dual Clutch Transmission combine to make the CTX700 last longer than other motorcycles of the same size. While the motor came straight off of Honda’s NT700 models like the Deauville, it’s been upgraded with modern tech to last even longer.

What Typically Breaks First on a Honda CTX700?

The first thing to break on a Honda CTX700 is the starter relay switch; in 2015, Honda recalled 47,168 units, including myriad Honda CTX700s, due to an issue with the starter relay switch—Honda misapplied the sealant on the starter relays of affected CTX700s.

Honda’s inaccurate sealant application could interrupt an affected CTX700’s electrical system, inducing electrical failure.

In severe cases, the interruption resulted in a loss of power.

That said, it’s only the 2015 model; Honda has always been one of the most proactive motorcycle brands when it comes to addressing manufacturer slips, and this erroneously sealed starter relay was no exception to the trend.

The Japanese brand supplied repair kits and replacement parts to Honda Motorcycle technicians worldwide.

Honda provided instructions and told them to replace the starter relay on any dysfunctionally sealed CTX700 on the house.

If your CTX700 encounters failing starter relay symptoms like an electronic failure and power loss, your regional Honda technicians can run your VIN and upgrade your starter relay for free.

8 Great Tips to Make Sure Your Honda CTX700 Will Last Long

Here are eight excellent tips to enhance the life of your Honda CTX700:

Change your CTX700’s oil and filter as specified in the bike’s service manual.
Clean or replace your air filter as specified in the bike’s service manual.
Inspect and replace your spark plugs as specified in the bike’s service manual.
Inspect and replace your brake fluid as specified in the bike’s service manual.
Replace your radiator coolant as specified in the bike’s service manual.
Thoroughly clean, inspect, and lubricate your Honda CTX700’s engine and transmission components as specified in the bike’s service manual.
Store your Honda CTX700 appropriately.
Ride your Honda CTX700 regularly and responsibly.

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