NT700: Have to remove exhaust to change tires ???

[et]

I've had my eye on Honda's NT700 since it came out.
I was seriously considering buying one if they were still available by the time I pay off my truck next year.
BUT I just read in this month's Motorcyclist that the exhaust has to be removed to change the rear tire.

Is this for real ? Or just another case of magazine "journalists" not knowing wtf they are doing ?
(After all; it IS Motorcyclist.)

--ET

[Rincewind]

That's the same thing I've heard.  Here's a video on the issue -

[gritsngravy]

From what I understand it is true, you must remove the muffler to change the rear tire.    Sounds like it could be a hassle if you are not into doing a bit of 'extra' work when it comes time to change tires.   If you are already spinning wrenches to remove the wheels anyway seems like it wouldn't be that big of a deal to me but ymmv.  

If you take it to a dealer and have them do it I'm sure they will charge a ton of $$ for the labor involved.  

At least it comes equipped with a center stand.  

[bubba zanetti]

Absolutely shameful engineering.  

[Xanth]

 
The person who designed that should be required to change tires on the NT700 for the rest of their life.

[tigertim955]

It might be easier to release the rear shock and drop the swing arm. You might gain access to the axle  that way.

[et]

Well after watching that video. I definitely will NOT be buying an NT700.
What a moronic piece of engineering.
Way to go Honda; you lost a potential customer.

[Rincewind]

There may be work arounds - I would do some searches at the UK owner's board: http://www.deauvilleuk.org/forum/

[sammyseaman]

I've had my eye on Honda's NT700 since it came out.
I was seriously considering buying one if they were still available by the time I pay off my truck next year.
BUT I just read in this month's Motorcyclist that the exhaust has to be removed to change the rear tire.
Is this for real ? Or just another case of magazine "journalists" not knowing wtf they are doing ?
(After all; it IS Motorcyclist.)

--ET

  Silly Honda

[atadaskew]

Absolutely shameful engineering.  

But to be fair it makes up for it with stunning good looks and outrageous performance.

[GerryPetrecca]

But to be fair it makes up for it with stunning good looks and outrageous performance.

[caddydaddy]

  Silly Honda

And BMW!  My friend has an R1200RT and you must remove the exhaust pipe to get the wheel off on it as well.  He says it's easy to do, and in reality, how often do you need to take the wheel off?  

[et]

And BMW!  My friend has an R1200RT and you must remove the exhaust pipe to get the wheel off on it as well.  He says it's easy to do, and in reality, how often do you need to take the wheel off?  

For those of us who do 30k per year (actually only 9 or 10 months) and use sport-touring or sport tires.
It would get rather monotonous to have to remove the exhaust to change a tire every 6 to 8 weeks.

[BamaBiker]

This is not the first time Honda has done this. You have to on the valkyrie. IT IS A PAIN, but dealers charge over $100 labor so I do it.

[caddydaddy]

I don't think I've heard of a BMW owner complaining about removing the exhaust. It's probably because they have the dealer mess with it!  

[shawn and gwyn]

thats just stupid.. we looked at them as a next bike for gwyn. glad we passed.

shawn

[sammyseaman]

And BMW!  My friend has an R1200RT and you must remove the exhaust pipe to get the wheel off on it as well.  He says it's easy to do, and in reality, how often do you need to take the wheel off?  

On some bikes I've owned? Once a year.

[Gary B.]

What blew me away in the mentioned article was the fact that you have to remove nearly ALL the bodywork to replace a headlight bulb!   Said it took hours! That concerns me more than tire replacement.

[et]

What blew me away in the mentioned article was the fact that you have to remove nearly ALL the bodywork to replace a headlight bulb!   Said it took hours! That concerns me more than tire replacement.

I can envision it now.
You're on a trip, headlight bulb burns out, you're in the parking of an auto parts store, in the rain, and basically disassembling the entire motorcycle; to change a fucking bulb !

If this model has been selling well in Europe for years; are Europeans actually using this motorcycle ??

[JamesG]

Finally, a rational reason to replace a stock exhaust with a slip on!

Thank you Honda!!!