Breaking News - NEW HONDA ADV in the US -- NC700X

[Rincewind]

This news is hard to believe.  We were just discussing this bike and it's potential price with Smeggy in another thread.  After 22-years Honda is coming back to the ADV market, and with a great price.

Honda NC700X in the US for $6999 - http://powersports.honda.com/street/adventure.aspx

[Fourstring]

Fuel capacity - 3.7 gallons.



Fuck - really?

[Rincewind]

Fuel capacity - 3.7 gallons.



Fuck - really?

I have read it was made with fuel efficiency in mind and has a range of 240-miles.  

The flipside is that it has an engine shared with the new Integra scooter.  

[garry]

Honda kinda takes on the Wee Strom/SV650. Looks to be a nice, affordable, versatile standard for paved road use with a little extra suspension travel (6") to soak up bad pavement.

I don't see any "adventure" in the mix though. Needs more suspension (8") and a 19" front wheel to go there IMO.

[Rabidsnipe]

Cool.  I'm also really surprised to see this in the States.  I thought for sure we'd never see it.  I think I'll have to get a test ride just to see how weird it feels.  Ride reviews indicate the low rev range takes some getting used to.

And, I think this is probably one of the better looking new Hondas I've seen in a while.

[bomber]

This is great news! Another great bike for real world roads in the frost belt!

I remain skeptical wrt mailage/range, though . . . if it really DOES get 50MPG under spirited conditions, that'd be fine.

[Cablebandit]

I don't see any "adventure" in the mix though.

You sure?  It has a beak.

[Rincewind]

An interesting review by Kevin Ash can be found at http://ashonbikes.com/content/honda-nc700x-0

It's no powerhouse - only around 50bhp and a very low rev ceiling.  They worked closely in conjunction with the car division, and the engine has roots in the Honda Jazz 4-cylinder.  It shares a platform with a naked bike model and scooter, neither of which are shown on Honda US website yet.  To get the ABS brakes, you must also get the DCT transmission.

Many riders will take some time to adapt to the short shifting and low revving needed to make the most of the machine, and sure enough, on the bike’s press presentation in Portugal there was a clear polarisation of opinions between those journalists who ‘got’ the NC700X and those who didn’t. The latter complained about constantly hitting the rev limiter as they were searching for power at the top of the rev range, but with the NC, you have the power already and immediately at much lower revs – there’s no looking to do, it’s in your face. It’s like changing from a petrol car to a turbo-diesel.

[Lawn Dart]

Adventure?  Well, depends on how you define Adventure.  As a road-adventure, heck yeah, that would work great.  Fire-roads, washboard, nothing with rocks, yeah, that's great.  Heck, about 80% of the roads in Death Valley could readily be conquered by this thing.

I've always loved the original F650GS Dakar with the Rotax Single.  There's really not much need for more than 50 HP to have an adventure.  Fuel economy makes a lot more sense.  4 gallon tank and 60+ mpg is a sweet deal.

But if you're thinking of hitting the BAM, or the TAT, I'd have to say the NC700x would have a pretty tough time...

LOVE the gas-tank helmet storage though!

[Rincewind]

Honda kinda takes on the Wee Strom/SV650. Looks to be a nice, affordable, versatile standard for paved road use with a little extra suspension travel (6") to soak up bad pavement.

I don't see any "adventure" in the mix though. Needs more suspension (8") and a 19" front wheel to go there IMO.

True it is more of a "Crossover" styled bike.  But with Honda launching into the "Adventure" genre in the US, could this mean the Transalp, Crossrunner 800 or ADV-focused Crosstourer may be next?  We shall see.  

[Blunder]

From Honda, really? For the first time in over 30 years Honda comes out with a bike and I say to myself, "Hmmmm, maybe."

[CosmicCowboy]

I dunno. For what it is, seems like the Versys would be a better choice. More HP, lighter, bigger fuel tank.

[wibornz]

Looks stupid, and will not be competitive in the market against the Tiger 800.  Way to go Honda, one more uninspiring bike.  At least Honda is still make a cool generator.

[Rabidsnipe]

Harumph!  No ABS w/o automatic shifting?  That's kind of a buzz-kill.

[Rogue]

What's wrong with him is that he has an open mind.  Kind of rare around here don't ya think?  

[Rogue]

Look at the packaging on that bike.  I think it's a great design.  It may even hit all the right buttons at once.  Affordable Adventure bike; practical, very good efficiency, looks unique, Honda may have something here.

[tvpierce]

I could do without the storage compartment where the tank should be.  If I want storage, I can easily strap on a tank bag, or lock my helmet to the bike... but I can't very easily add an extra 2 gallons of fuel.

I applaud the fuel economy though... and the notion that just because it's a motorcycle, it doesn't need to have a redline north of 10K.  

Looks like a great commuter.

[Rogue]

LOL!

Somebody already complained of the gas tank and potential range without seeing full reviews.  

If Honda can keep it priced way below the Tiger 800 and BMW F800GS, it may save them and their dealers.  

[Rincewind]

$8,999 w/ABS & DCT.  

That is $700 over the NEW V-Strom 650 with standard ABS.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2012/DL650A.aspx?category=dualsport

[Cablebandit]

I'll believe the mileage when it gets some real world use, especially with the DCT.