New to the Crosstourer. First questions.

[Treadlightly]

Newbie first question!   Hope to buy one of these underrated Honda’s soon, at the moment I’m finding my way around a new to me brand. Some have a gold finished engine whilst other are black or maybe silver? Does this just depend on model year, or is there more to it than that? I understand the model is discontinued by Honda but  I’ve noticed the dealers still have a few new ones left ranging from 2018 to 2020 model year. Will these bikes be identical in spec? Finally is it only the highlander model that has factory fitted heated grips, essential to me these days. Looking forward to your advice. 

[Hartley]

I don’t believe any CTs were built after 2018. To my knowledge other than colour schemes there were no further changes after 2016 when the lever adjustable screen was added along with 3 “S” mode DCT. 

There are some bikes registered later than 2016 bikes that are not 2016 models. Mine for example is a 15 bike registered Jan 17. I was aware of this and was reflected in the deal.

Heated grips can be fitted as an option, my first CT was a base model that I spec’d to my own requirements. My recommendation would be not to pay the ridiculous price for the Honda heated grips, not only are they very expensive they are also very poor.

Note that a centre stand also an option but does come as part of Highlander kit.

My currect CT is a Highlander but I only bought it as it was a good deal at the time. I’d buy a base bike, the only Honda option I’d take would be the main stand. I’d go after market on everything else.
 

[Treadlightly]

Thanks Harley, that is exactly the sort of thing I want to know, I did have my suspicions about the years. I also heard the latter bikes are mapped leaner to get them through euro 4 all those years ago, and that the very early ones were smoother on the throttle. I’m  sure if I find it's a problem there are ways around it!