[99FormulaM6r]

2012 NC700X Overview

Looks really interesting. Good looks (IMO), super efficient, and most importantly to me, is that it can switch from a standard commuter during the week to a 2-up long distance touring bike on the weekends. Plus, a starting price of $7000 is appealing as well.



The chassis itself is used on 3 different bikes, a scooter being one of them. Honda's plan is to get more people riding motorcycles, especially in congested environments. Being it has tons of luggage, and will eventually come available with ABS and their DCT transmission (automatic), they're thinking people who would never ride a scooter, but are intimidated by a motorcycle, might buy one to replace or compliment their vehicles.



Myself, I think a relaxed running motorcycle (low redline, lots of torque) with good street manners and a comfortable seat would be a perfect cruiser, without the cruiser seating position.





Anyways, looks like it could be the next vehicle in the stable to compliment the TW. What do you guys think?

 

[kj7687]

I've been a big fan of this bike since the day it was introduced. It's definitely a top contender for the position of "best commuter motorcycle". With all that storage space, you could carry a lot of stuff. And it's still sporty enough to have a little fun with on the weekends. Oh and the price and fuel economy are huge selling points, too!

 

[jbfla]

Very nice. Looks to be in the same catagory as Versys or V-Strom 650.



Here's one I saw in person at Daytona Bike Week:

It's seat was a bit tall for me, but a lowering link should solve that.



The local Honda dealer here said they are expected to arrive at US dealers the first week of August, and that each dealer would only be receiving one bike in the first shipment. He said he had already pre-sold the one he was getting.



jb

 

[Dark Sol]

It sounds like a badass bike to me. I love low end power over making a bike scream (thus why I got a CB900, power shifting at 4-5k and cruise shifting at 3-4k kicks ass) but I'm a little concerned if this bike is taking it a little too far...it's only 670cc and I recall reading it runs 60 mph at about 2700 in top gear.... that may be a little too tall and stress such a small engine in the long run. Hell, my 900 is running about 3600 at 60...we'll just have to see I guess.

 

[99FormulaM6r]

I'm hoping as long as you're not making hard pulls in top gear, there will be enough torque to handle the job. I think I remember reading that the output was close to 45-50 ft-lbs or something like that. As long as the motor is tuned for torque at that low speed, it should be alright.



Plus, Honda's never break anyways, right?

 

[PalmStateCrawler]

Me likey! I'll have to head up to the honda dealership and check it out next month. Thanks for the heads up on that one. I have been looking at the vstroms and verseys for a while now but can seem to convince myself that I really like them. This may be the ticket.

 

[Xracer]

If Roe and I can ride it two up with out getting monkey butt after 100 miles then one may find a home at our place. Even with a better seat after 75 miles on the C-50 it's time to stop and rub our backsides.

 

[jbfla]

If Roe and I can ride it two up with out getting monkey butt after 100 miles then one may find a home at our place. Even with a better seat after 75 miles on the C-50 it's time to stop and rub our backsides.

The NC700X seat doesn't look comfortable for the passenger. X, you need a Goldwing for comfort.

jb

 

[Xracer]

Or another dresser Harley. The seat is the only thing Roe misses about my last one.

 

[qwerty]

Honda is trying to take the World's Fugliest Production Motorcycle Championship from Suzuki.



The seat is not conducive to easing pressure points and muscle strain by shifting position. Might be a good commuter, but won't be doing a lot of big-mile days.

 

[kj7687]

It sounds like a badass bike to me. I love low end power over making a bike scream (thus why I got a CB900, power shifting at 4-5k and cruise shifting at 3-4k kicks ass) but I'm a little concerned if this bike is taking it a little too far...it's only 670cc and I recall reading it runs 60 mph at about 2700 in top gear.... that may be a little too tall and stress such a small engine in the long run. Hell, my 900 is running about 3600 at 60...we'll just have to see I guess.

If you don't want to pull low RPM in top gear, just downshift to fifth or even fourth, or better yet, go faster ;-D

 

[99FormulaM6r]

Honda is trying to take the World's Fugliest Production Motorcycle Championship from Suzuki.



The seat is not conducive to easing pressure points and muscle strain by shifting position. Might be a good commuter, but won't be doing a lot of big-mile days.

Everybody has their own tastes, but I really see nothing wrong with the V-strom look. Besides, with the number of these type of bikes that are out there (for now), it's different from everybody's GSX-R, Soft Tail, Goldwing, etc. etc. etc.

As for the seat, I'll pass on judgement until I can sit on it. The TW seat is great for shifting position, but remains uncomfortable after 20 miles for me, regardless of where I "shift" to, where as when I've used my dad's '06 1200 Sportster, the seat isn't good for shifting position, but allows me to ride for many miles comfortably.





This being said, if they were the same price, I'd rather just get a Kawi Concourse 14....but alas, $7000 < $16000

 

[small's]

Its gonna take some effort to beat a vstrom in the ugly department but they are great bikes.

 

[rmoore2112]

Ugly? The NC700x is a chick magnet.





Honda NC700X by The Adventurous Eye, on Flickr

 

[crunch]

I put about 50 Km on an 'X' last week. It had lots of grunt; sounds like a subdued Ducati, particularly when you get off the throttle. Vibration was minimal. The 6500 RPM redline was a non-issue for me, and 6th gear was almost too high, unless going over 110 Km/Hr. It's happiest around or over 3000 RPM. It reminded me greatly of my '79 CB750, except it was more sophisticated. Handling was, in my limited experience, good. Brakes are fine; I didn't get into the ABS, but it did stop quickly.



The seat, for me, was a bit of a problem; it tended to push me toward the 'tank', and I was squirming about after an hour or so, trying to get comfortable. You can stand on the pegs, if necessary. I'm 5'9" and about 195 lbs, with short legs, by the way. I could easily live with the seat height.



In the search for my next bike, I want to try a CBF1000 and the Versys 1000.

 

[Xracer]

Guess I won't worry about the seat. I'm getting a Harley Ultra this weekend.

 

[jbfla]

... I'm getting a Harley Ultra this weekend.

Post a photo when you get a chance.



jb

 

[Xracer]

Post a photo when you get a chance.



jb

I'll try but first I've got to find some knobbies and a skidplate to fit.Also have to raise the front fender. Mud clearence looks a little tight.

 

[Xracer]

The Harley dealer won't talk to me anymore! I'm sure that other people have wanted to dual-sport their dressers but for some reason there's no off-road accessories in the catalog.Tons of chrome crap but not one skid plate or high mount muffler kit. I'm starting to think I've bought the wrong bike!!

 

[2goose]

Honda long ago won the ugliest bike contest with the Rune !