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

[Justin]

I have just bought this months BIKE magazine. In it, there is a feature on the Honda CX500 of the late 70's to mid 80's. From what I remember, it was reasonably popular and in the UK, was affectionately (or was that derisory) given the nickname 'Plastic Maggot'. This bike was loved by motorcycle couriers in the UK as a dependable, swift and reliable motorcycle workhorse. Now I'm not going to say that the new NC700X is harking back to that era, but what caught my eye was the power output. Yes, you've guessed right, it was a 'mere' 50 hp. So maybe that just shows nothing else other than how we, as bikers, have got caught up in or are now fixated on horsepower. Ultimately, this new Honda is what it is and will be whatever any new owner decides it to be. This is why we have such a diverse range of machines from all the manufacturers which gives us soooo much choice in trying to find our perfect motorcycle. And here's the kicker, that doesn't exist !!!!

Yeap, I had a CX500, was as reliable as a stone. Only had about 40 HP if I recall, and moved the bike along just fine. The NX700x is lighter and has 10 more ponies, so there should be no lack of power. Sure, my Busa has more power on one cylinder, but do I really *need* 200 HP? Nope, it's just because I can. I've enjoyed bikes with 40 HP just as much as bikes with 200+ - so I don't think I would call this bike under-powered, it's just not over powered.

[NoGear]

The wife is going to the IMS show in Chicago on Feb 10 and I've asked her, because we all know you can't tell a wife anything, to take a good look at the bike and pick up as much information as she can on it. Who knows, one might just find it's way into my garage.  I've been looking at the Wee Strom but I'll see which fits me better. First I have to find a job when I get back from Iraq and that will decide where I'll be living. I don't want to use the FJR as a daily commuter anymore. I'd like something a bit smaller for that and this bike might just be it.  The only real minus I see for the bike is the gas cap under the rear seat. I really wish they would of done it like on the BMW but that isn't a deal killer in of it's self.

[atadaskew]

The red one offered in Europe looks really nice.  Much nicer than the dull grey.

It would sell much better here if it was red.  Red bikes always sell better than grey.
Why wouldn't they bring the red over here?

[Cablebandit]

I thought the grey/gray looked nice and the red looks like ass.  

[Papa Lazarou]

. In it, there is a feature on the Honda CX500 of the late 70's to mid 80's. From what I remember, it was reasonably popular and in the UK, was affectionately (or was that derisory) given the nickname 'Plastic Maggot'. This bike was loved by motorcycle couriers in the UK as a dependable, swift and reliable motorcycle workhorse.

Actually, we called them the Plastic Scarab.  

I think this new Honda may just do to commuting what the C90 did 40 years ago. I approve.

[atadaskew]

I thought the grey/gray looked nice and the red looks like ass.  

You thought wrong.

[Cablebandit]

Well that would be a first.

[atadaskew]

Well that would be a first.

I dunno, you're 0 for 2 right now.

 

[gritsngravy]

I'm  assuming this thing will replace the Nt700v and if that's the case deals will be out there for that model.   The bike I really want to see over here is that old school cb1300.   Its got some decent storage under the seat and reminds of that '82 750f that I fantasized about buying but never could in the lean years.  

[atadaskew]

   The bike I really want to see over here is that old school cb1300.   Its got some decent storage under the seat and reminds of that '82 750f that I fantasized about buying but never could in the lean years.  

Say it did make it here.  Would you replace your BKing w/ it?  I'm sure performance wise the BKing will smoke it in every category and may even be a 'nicer' bike to ride when you're not on the gas.  Seeing it has a much more modern chassis.
But the CB1300 does look really nice.

[sammyseaman]

Say it did make it here.  Would you replace your BKing w/ it?  I'm sure performance wise the BKing will smoke it in every category and may even be a 'nicer' bike to ride when you're not on the gas.  Seeing it has a much more modern chassis.
But the CB1300 does look really nice.

Can't speak for Grits buy I would. Hell, I sold my Sprint 1050 to get a Thruxton. Not a very logical decision but I couldn't be happier.

[Fourstring]

I think some members here have lost their objectivity. Not everyone wants nor needs a bike that does 160mph +. Not everyone can afford a bike that will do 160mph +.  Not everyone can afford the insurance on a bike that does 160mph +.  Not every bike needs to weigh as little as a MotoGP competitor bike (those bikes wouldn't last begin ridden every day).

This bike has a niche. It's someone young looking for their first bike and can't afford to pay $2,000 a year in insurance. It's the person who's looking for a bike to ride to work or school on and to save some money on gas too.  It's a bike for some one who wants to do some light touring on that doesn't plan to race down the interstate at 100mph.

What this bike isn't is a track day bike. It isn't a bike to race your buddies thru the twisties on, thought I'm sure with a good rider it would beat a lot of normal riders on better equipped machines.  It isn't for someone who thinks the more horsepower the better.

Just because it doesn't have what some people thinks makes a good bike for them, doesn't mean it isn't a good bike. It just means it isn't a good choice for them. Personally, I'd like to have a bike to ride everyday that was lighter than my FJR, less expensive to maintain, better on fuel and still have room to carry what I wanted to carry.
I love my FJR and I ride it almost every day when I'm home rain or shine but lets face it. It's a better sport-tourer than a lane splitter.

What is REALLY important to us on our daily drivers:

Reliability
Low initial cost is always good
Low operating cost
Low repair cost
Easy to work on
Farklebility (my word, I made it up I call dibs on it)

If this bike proves to have these things then wouldn't it be considered a good bike even if it doesn't fit what you are personally looking for?
 
 

QFT

But I'm still skeptical.  This bike, on paper, fits exactly what I really need in a good, do-it-all bike.  I've got no other beef with anything on the bike except fuel capacity, and I owned a Burgman with a 2.5 gallon tank yet loved it anyway.

My issue is not with the checkboxes, but how it's really going to work.  For years, I harped about Honda not bringing the Dullsville to the States.  So they did; and it cost ten grand.  Fine, so no low initial cost.  

Then I find out that valve checks are almost impossible at a home garage, rear tire changes involve removal of half the bike, and real-world mileage and reliability are spotty.  So ease of maintenance and reliability are gone too, probably taking low operating cost with them.

So the Dullsville, a bike that should make all the sense in the world for a guy like me, fails in delivery of what I'd actually like from Honda; a boring, Accord of a motorcycle, which the Dullsville proclaimed it was.  I'm simply dubious this bike is going to deliver but I hope I'm wrong.

[sleazy rider]

I read rumors of Continental TKCs in the appropriate sizes for these 17" wheels soon.....  

[Rogue]

The Guzzi V7 develops 40 rwhp and about the same amount of torque, with a redline of 8k RPM.  

The NT700X is going to be very similar to Aprilia's Mana GT.  The Mana has an 840cc V-twin engine with a SOHC, 4-valve heads, and about 54 rwhp.  The Mana is also fitted with a DCT type transmission.  Well, the last road test I read of the Mana stated it had gears.  Another older road test of the Mana said it had a CVT.  I'm confused now.

Either way, the Mana GT weighs around 550 lbs. wet.  I'm guessing the Honda NT700X is going to be similar in weight (if not heavier), and about similar rwhp.  If the road test results of the Mana GT is any indication, the NT700X is going to be a fun to ride bike (not slow, and certainly not as slow as Maxi Scooters).  So I wouldn't worry too much about the power part.  It's going to be just fine.  It would probably make for a great do-it-all bike.

[NoGear]

The Guzzi V7 develops 40 rwhp and about the same amount of torque, with a redline of 8k RPM.  

The NT700X is going to be very similar to Aprilia's Mana GT.  The Mana has an 840cc V-twin engine with a SOHC, 4-valve heads, and about 54 rwhp.  The Mana is also fitted with a DCT type transmission.  Well, the last road test I read of the Mana stated it had gears.  Another older road test of the Mana said it had a CVT.  I'm confused now.

Either way, the Mana GT weighs around 550 lbs. wet.  I'm guessing the Honda NT700X is going to be similar in weight (if not heavier), and about similar rwhp.  If the road test results of the Mana GT is any indication, the NT700X is going to be a fun to ride bike (not slow, and certainly not as slow as Maxi Scooters).  So I wouldn't worry too much about the power part.  It's going to be just fine.  It would probably make for a great do-it-all bike.

Honda says "wet weight" is 472

[gritsngravy]

Say it did make it here.  Would you replace your BKing w/ it?  I'm sure performance wise the BKing will smoke it in every category and may even be a 'nicer' bike to ride when you're not on the gas.  Seeing it has a much more modern chassis.
But the CB1300 does look really nice.

The CB would be an addition.    I just can't see selling either one of my present bikes,  still love 'em both.   It's really a moot point because as much as I like that 1300 we all know how well standard bikes sell in the US.   Suzuki got it right with their bking, it's an excellent bike caught out by over the top styling and a dying US economy.   Now that I have the King the big CB would be more of a nostalgic dream realized.  Great bike and at this stage of my life I'm done with the  trading/selling game, I'm all about holding on to what I've got and enjoying them as much as possible.  

[kebrider]

The girl and I bought a Tmax last year for decompressing after 450 mile days strafing the Blue Ridge/Smokies. We are 12K per year sport riders. We ride hard. We love the Tmax.

My advice to anyone is don't criticize an automatic transmission on a motorcycle (the Mana rocks too).

My other advice is not to criticize mid 400lb motorcycles with 50 rear wheel horsepower. The most significant performance element on any motorcycle is the rider. We rarely look at the spec sheet we just tune the suspension and add top quality tires.

It doesn't seem to matter what we ride we still have to wait on somebody's 150 HP sportbike at the end of the Dragon. Pretty sure this new Honda would maintain the status quo.

As cool as acceleration is...not slowing down is where the fun truly begins.

KEB


 

[Windblown]

As cool as acceleration is...not slowing down is where the fun truly begins.

KEB

Sig worthy.  

[atadaskew]

As cool as acceleration is...not slowing down is where the fun truly begins.

The problem with that on public roads is that is when risks are being taken.
Many times you should slow down - is there gravel on that corner?  Is there a wet spot?  Have I come up against slower traffic?

Maintaining momentum is cool up to a point.  On a more powerful bike, you slow down for such hazards, then can gas it once clear.  On a slower bike the only way you are going to keep up is by ignoring hazards.  That's eventually going to bite you.

[sammyseaman]

The girl and I bought a Tmax last year for decompressing after 450 mile days strafing the Blue Ridge/Smokies. We are 12K per year sport riders. We ride hard. We love the Tmax.

My advice to anyone is don't criticize an automatic transmission on a motorcycle (the Mana rocks too).

My other advice is not to criticize mid 400lb motorcycles with 50 rear wheel horsepower. The most significant performance element on any motorcycle is the rider. We rarely look at the spec sheet we just tune the suspension and add top quality tires.

It doesn't seem to matter what we ride we still have to wait on somebody's 150 HP sportbike at the end of the Dragon. Pretty sure this new Honda would maintain the status quo.

As cool as acceleration is...not slowing down is where the fun truly begins.

KEB

You're asking STNers to not criticise? You don't know us very well, do you?