Honda NC700X Long-Term Review
Posted by Team Motorcycle on Oct 28th 2016
| There seems to be a resurgence in the popularity of motorcycling as of late and while the reasons for this renewed interest in the motorsport are debatable, the fact that so many manufacturers have broken into the burgeoning entry-level market is evidence enough that more people are getting involved. Many of these new riders are people looking for a more affordable alternative to a car, or perhaps to save money in the face of ever-increasing gas prices. These practicality-minded daily riders are a growing segment of the motorcycling community and Honda realizes that this market is under-served. Their solution? The NC700x and NC700s, adventure and street oriented versions of an all new platform whose novelty is reflected in its name; NC stands for "new concept" and it shows that Honda has some radically different ideas about what a motorcycle can and should be. I've put several thousand miles on my NC700x, and in my travels have covered everything from tarmac to rocky forest roads. While this bike certainly won't be for everyone, Honda has certainly accomplished what they set out to do--build the most practical motorcycle to date. |
| PROS: |
| This motorcycle was designed for someone who rides every day and doesn't have the time to maintain a highly strung race replica. Honda's reputation for reliability has never been called into question but this engine is truly built to last. It's based on a cut-down version of a Honda Fit car engine which was designed with economy, reliability, and efficiency in mind. While detuned, its torque curve is broad and flat meaning lots of usable power when riding around town. Fuel economy is outstanding with well over 70mpg being easily attainable. 80mpg is not out of the question with careful driving which the predictable and mild-mannered character of the engine encourages. While some might see the detuned engine as a drawback, this sort of performance per gallon would not be possible otherwise. Maintenance is infrequent and generally fairly easy with 8000 mile oil change intervals and simple screw-and-locknut valve adjustment despite the engine's technological advancement. Engine life and reliability so far seems to be top-tier in the motorcycle world. |
| The NC700x is very affordable for such a capable machine. It doesn't have a lot of fancy technology apart from the advanced engine and silky fuel injection system, but it will hang with the best of them. One of the things that makes this motorcycle so unique also contributes to its surprisingly good handling. While not an especially light motorcycle, the NC700x's engine is positioned so far forward as to be nearly flat. This has the effect of lowering the center of gravity and making the machine much more flickable and lighter to steer. The aluminum gas tank is positioned under the seat and within the frame to further lower the center of mass. It honestly feels like a much lighter motorcycle, especially at slow speeds. Where the gas tank would typically be sits an impressively cavernous waterproof and lockable storage compartment that can contain most full-face helmets, or a lot of groceries. It's worth noting that there are essentially zero other motorcycles with this feature, which seems strange after you've spent some time with the bike and gotten used to it. Honda says "You'll use it every time you ride," and they're not lying! In all the thousands of miles I've put on the NC700x there has never been a trip, long or short, that I didn't use it on. Hopefully more manufacturers will take a cue from Honda's new concept and provide similar storage as a standard feature. |
| CONS: |
| While the NC700x is very much a jack-of-all-trades sort of motorcycle, it doesn't do any one particular thing incredibly well. While on paper the performance numbers of the NC700x may not make the bike seem like anything special it's important to realize that while the motorcycle is plenty fast and handles great, it is far from the best-handling or fastest bike around. It just goes and asks very little in return. Unfortunately some consider this relative lack of specialization or flair to give the NC700 a somewhat dull character. Also, while it looks more like an adventure bike than a standard commuter it really wasn't designed to be a true adventure machine from the factory. Luckily this platforms versatility also makes it very flexible for shaping into your own vision. There are enough crash bars, auxiliary lights, hard cases, skidplates and other farkles to make it a worthy adventure motorcycle. Just remember that with the weight and ground clearance of the bike you just aren't going to be effortlessly hopping over logs. The low center of gravity and perfect weight distribution make it very composed and fun to ride on loose surfaces though, so it doesn't feel out of its element on gravel or dirt. It's also pretty easy to go the opposite direction and make an interstate-gobbling touring ride. Heated grips, a tall windscreen, lockable hard sidecases/topbox and a 12v power outlet inside the storage compartment are all options straight from Honda. Get yourself a Bluetooth helmet, phone mount, and some heated gear and you could tour endlessly on this thing, getting great mpg the whole way. So while it is definitely true that the motorcycle is not the best at any one type of riding it does many very well with the right customization. |
| FINAL ANALYSIS: |
| Honda has really done some new things here, and some of them are legitimately groundbreaking. The storage compartment is wonderful for a daily rider like myself who doesn't want to carry their helmet around everywhere they go, or for people who use their bikes for every day things like getting groceries. It's a bike that was made to perform as intended every time without needing to be showered with attention and maintenance all the time. It's simple, yet modern. Stylistically utilitarian but with a certain refinement and grace that just makes it irresistible to someone who values practicality and value as much as I do. If you're looking for substance over flash, endless maintenance and exotic looks, this is the motorcycle for you. Kudos to Honda for taking a chance on this excellent machine. |