Honda's CTX700

Michael Moore's Honda CTX 700, which uses the same flat twin engine as the NC700 and the US-market version of the NM4 Vultus, complete with Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Read all about Michael's CTX FF project here:
http://www.eurospares.com/HondaCTX700.htm

Honda's CTX700

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Hmmm

I've also looked at this powertrain, although not the dual clutch option (Simplicate, add lightness!) and agree that the seat height is a bit high http://bikeweb.com/node/2461. I think the late, belt final drive, Tmax is a better option. Much lower seat possible, very easy conversion with no need to modify the rear suspension, and the belt drive finally allows higher gearing, possibly fooling the speed limiter and giving the economy boost. The 'frame' is just a pair of alloy castings, easy to fit different front ends. If I didn't have a Voyager, that's the FF I'd build, with an HCS of course.

Of course they've all got horrid, obsolete, petrol engines. I think the C-evo scoot is the definitive powertrain at the moment.

But anyone building an FF, anywhere, should be encouraged, we seem to be running out of people who can build anything.

Hello Royce, I don't think

Hello Royce,

I don't think the TMax has ever been sold here in the USA, for big scooters you get the 650 Burgman Suzuki or the Honda Silverwing, and they are neither common nor inexpensive when found.

The DCT adds an extra clutch and some electronics to the engine, but in return it allows the feet, once the rear brake mastercylinder is moved to the left handlebar (no clutch lever there), to have nothing they need to do except enjoy the ride. So the simplicity comes back by eliminating making shift and brake foot controls and routing them around the rest of the bike. I've seen reports of some of the Honda 700s (with or without DCT) surpassing 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance which is encouraging. I like the DCT and see no need to ever have another manual clutch motorcycle. The DCT also has what I see as an advantage over CVT in that it uses a conventional transmission, and there are economy and sport automatic modes as well as the ability to manually shift/override the ECU.

I also wanted standard/modern 17" tires and brakes which seems to rule out a big scooter. Suspension upgrades (OEM is pretty basic) were easy to come by for both the rear damper and the telefork.

I don't see a need for modifying the rear suspension as it doesn't affect the riding position. Relocating the damper would open up a small amount of space for a fuel cell, but probably not more than a gallon.

The Honda doesn't allow as low of a seat height but seems to have enough other things that I want/like to be a reasonable choice for my project.

Having just met a couple of Zero owners I'll admit that e-power does seem very interesting, especially for packaging issues in an FF. But that will be a project for a future time, I've got this one to do first.

cheers,
Michael

Mk3 Tmax WAS sold in USA. Suzuki Burgman 650 has many advantages

Correction Michael, the Mk3 Tmax was indeed sold in the USA (2008-2011) although bizarrely, not the Mk4 530, even though it was launched in LA!. Burger King 650s are not that rare – there are two owners' forums devoted to them! Personally, if I were doing a 'quick and dirty' FF now (and having actually ridden converted versions of both) I would probably choose a Burger King over a Tmax because: 1/ you can get the seat just as low, if not lower; 2/ you have a 'Power Button' as standard which is like having an instant Malossi kit, but only when you want it; 3/ The drive belt is car-style, metal-reinforced and heavy duty, designed to last the life of the bike, not a rubber band that has to be replaced regularly; 4/ ABS became standard about ten years earlier than on the Tmax; 5/ It has 9bhp more than the most powerful Tmax 5/ It comes as standard with other handy gadgets and gizmos such as heated grips and seat and 6/ electric screen and 7/ electric mirrors! On the down side it's heavier than a Tmax, but as Ian Pegram showed with his Mk1 Genesis, an FFed Burgman 650 can feel lighter than a Burgman 400, never mind a Tmax500, even when weighed down with a laminated glass windscreen and a roof!
http://bikeweb.com/node/2755
PNB

BMW & Kymco 650 maxiscoots also sold in USA

I should add that there are 3 other maxiscooters sold in the USA that have more power than the Tmax 530: Both versions of BMW's 650 and the Kymco 650 which uses their own version of the same motor. PNB