Modern Vespa

I guess I have an affinity for blue bikes. I have been intrigued by Honda's DCT transmission and tried on their latest version of that in a Rebel 1100 and an NC750X. Neither was a great fit for this admittedly old body, then I considered a non-current model: the CTX700 DCT.

After finding a couple to try on for fit, I found a pristine (less than 2,000 miles) model while we are in the Phoenix area. I made an offer, the guy accepted it, and for the past week, I have been in "motorcycle mode" again after 9 years with just scoots. (Sold my last motorcycle in 2013.) The bike has a comfortably low seat height, so easy to toss a leg over, is comfortable, and the Dual Clutch Transmission allows me to ride it as an automatic (in Drive or Sport mode) or manual, using the paddle shifters. Fun bike. Close in color to my Vespa.

A video I shot yesterday...

I haven't figured out how we're going to get 3 bikes back home when we're ready to head that direction again - our cargo trailer holds 2. I'll deal with that when the time comes... tow a U-Haul trailer behind the SUV (I have our cargo trailer behind the motorhome) or leave the bike with our daughter and do a fly and ride after we get back home. I have time to work on it.

After 54 years of riding, I thought my conversion to scooterist was final... old dog, old tricks.

Congrats! The weather is going to be perfect this week! Wanna ride?

When I was originally shopping for a motorcycle, I considered the NC700. It was too tall for me, but I loved the trunk. Then my attention shifted to the CTX DCT, a very comfy, low seat height bike that I liked the looks of. Ultimately, I bought my Guzzi for myself, and my husband got the CTX700 DCT. His CTX is the twin of yours minus the Givi windscreen.

with a DCT does the rear brake get moved to the left lever like a modern vespa? or is this a readily doable mod?

The rear brake stays at the right foot. I see there is a kit sold (not by Honda) to move the brake to the left grip. I rode motorcycles for 45 years before I bought that first scooter 9 years ago - no problem with using the right foot to brake... although I will admit that my left had looks for something to do when braking.

My compliments to your husband's good taste! This week is spring break for our daughter and son-in-law (they are both in education), so my wife and daughter have us booked up this week (did a Segway Tour in Scottsdale today), except for tomorrow: time off for questionable behavior for me to spend the day with my long-time music partner.

Thanks for the invite - I'll drop you a note if it looks like we can get to the east side.

Best wishes,
Jim