NC700X DCT
Fri, 25/05/2012 - 21:15
Finally got my hands(and backside) on it and took delivery today. Dealer says it's the first one out of his showroom. Just hope it's not the last. lol
Tue, 29/05/2012 - 18:48
#3
Re: NC700X DCT
Hi does anybody know when the 700x will be on sale in Irish rep.
Wed, 30/05/2012 - 17:46
#6
Re: NC700X DCT
Blimey! Now that's impressive.
I'm sure people on here would be interested to see how you get on as the miles accumulate.
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 18:09
#7
Re: NC700X DCT
Anyone read Kevin's updated ride on the NC700X in the Telegraph? Seems much less complimentary than the original test. I moved a GSX1250 on for an NC and I've not had it for months, but there must be something up if he's getting 50mpg urban. I do a 14 mile each way commute into the centre of London, mostly stop-start 30mph and I'm getting 69mpg consistently - riding with no thought for fuel economy. In fact, because of the stiff frame an the low centre of gravity it an absolute blast for urban riding. I don't need a top box and don't have to wear a rucksack. Build quality puts the GSX to shame. One front disc and 8,000 mile service intervals will make this £5K cheaper for me to run over 3 years - enough for a "fast" used bike on the side. The only downside is the slightly uncomfortable seat, otherwise a great bike. I expect the DCT is even better.
Sat, 02/06/2012 - 09:24
#8
Re: NC700X DCT
Mat
I must say that your figures are more like what I was expecting people to come back with once they'd started using their NCs in the real world. Kev's report is a little surprising though his reports are normally very realistic when it comes to fuel figures so I've no reason to doubt what he says.
I wonder whether the DCT is better on fuel or not?
Sat, 02/06/2012 - 23:39
#9
Re: NC700X DCT
Had a testride on the S version recently as high mpg is a minor obsession; I get 62 mpg from a yr 2010 Yaris 1.3. I would cal my riding smooth & 'spirited' but I'm no sports jockey.
My assessment as follows,
- fantastic build quality; built in Jaan!
- usual 21st century over design, but not bad looking by today's standards
- pretty heavy
- seat looks way better than it feels ; numb bum after 30 mins!
- Handling OK. But no KTM
- brakes nice & secure ; not too sharp
- midrange grut Honda wax on about ( where is it) ; 2 gears down required for safe overtakes is not on else
- feels dog slow & very dull even against a 600 monster
- very dull riding experience
- feels like a scooter motor ( which it is)
- transalp 700 is way better around & that's no dream bike itself
- seems competitively priced but would need to be even less with a hop up power option (electronic) extra 15 bop to make aup for dullness
- ER 650N is same money and bucket loads more fun; ridden in ECO mode that will easily get 65+ mpg
Overall nice try but a scooter is ascooter even if you put full size wheels and frame on it!
Sun, 03/06/2012 - 20:16
#10
Re: NC700X DCT
Odd as I test rode an ER6n at the same time. No good for me at 5'11" as it felt tiny. It had power but wasn't particularly enjoyable and felt flat on the motorway (and unstable above 70mph). I'm taking mine on its first all day ride tomorrow so I'll see how it fares. It is a scooter in disguise - nothing else (in the full size bike arena) matches for price, economy and practicality, which is why I bought it. It's interesting in Kevin's long term review that he compared it with a V-strom. I was rather underwhelmed with it when I tried it - build quality was better than some of Suzuki's offerings but still had some cheap-looking fixtures and fittings. It was also much more unwieldy to push around and felt too big and bulky in traffic (the NC is remarkably slim, only let down a little by the wide bars and mirrors). Another point is the service intervals and the cost of servicing - minor services on my GSX were way more than on an equivalent Honda. Add a rack and top box to the V and you're talking £2K more. Having owned a CBF1000, CBR600F, VFR800, Bandit and GSX1250 this bike is the best of the bunch for commuting. It's also the first bike I've owned that is genuinely fun to ride on London's streets as the power is so immediate at such low revs. It also looks built to last. As I said with the money I'll save I could get a used middleweight sports bike for those moments of biking madness. If you must have only one bike and you like to rev it, though, the NC is not for you.
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 18:30
#11
Re: NC700X DCT
Well just come back after some longer rides. Impressions:
- don't try going over 65mph on a windy day (probably the height of bike and rider). Doesn't like side winds at all.
- seat gives you a numb backside when riding at a constant pace for more than 40-45 minutes. It is crap and if I keep it long term would seriously consider having it reshaped and recovered. In traffic, oddly, it is much better. My CBF1000 was uncomfortable too, as was the F650GS I borrowed off a friend for a while. 1 mark off even so, Honda!
- mirrors are crystal clear.
- no rucksack on the back is great! Storage hole fits a big bike chain and a nearly-full rucksack.
- rode 219 miles on 70mph roads from brimmed to 1.2L left so about 75mpg.
- other than the seat it's an absolute joy to ride. Low revs at motorway speeds make it less tiring. Stick to 70mph and it's much happier - it can cruise at 85 easily but you don't feel like there's anything in reserve. Ideal for what I need - mostly city commuting with the occasional longer ride. CBR600F was much more comfortable for long journeys...
Sun, 17/06/2012 - 15:04
#13
Re: NC700X DCT
Just had first service at a dot under 800 miles. Averaging over 70mpg urban and expect it to get a bit better as the engine loosens up.
Fuel gauge is definitely pessimistic - Reserve comes on at about 160 miles, I do another 30 and brim the tank and can only squeeze 11 litres in so it looks easily good for 200 miles a tank (as I did when I chanced it to see how far it would go). My only lingering doubt is the uncomfortable seat, or maybe it's just that it would be comfortable if the bars were 3-4" lower. It feels like the seat needs to be flatter with the high bars. Handles beautifully - the low centre of gravity means you can really throw it round corners. Thanks to a dumbass woman in a 4x4 I got to test the ABS and brakes yesterday, and they stop perfectly, so there seems to be no penalty in only havin one front disc brake. It'll be half the price when it's time to replace it, too.
Wed, 04/07/2012 - 20:33
#14
Re: NC700X DCT
Further update at 4,000 miles:
There must be something up with Kevin's test bike as I'm now averaging 76.2mpg riding 80% urban in the centre of London...
Wish the rear suspension was adjustable as it's under-damped and therefore rather uncomfortable for any hour-plus journeys on London's awful roads. On the open road it does feel gutless above 55mph. It can easily do 85mph but forget overtaking.
The problem lies when you ride it every day. It's just not an inspiring bike to ride. It's not really much cop for long rides and to be honest a scooter or a 125 would be much cheaper to run and would get you around town just as quickly.
Nice try Honda, but not really for me unfortunately.
Anybody notice the striking similarity of concept to the Aprilia Mana? Twin engine, mid-sized, automatic clutch, storage area where the tank is, high-ish seat. There's nothing new under the sun...
Thu, 05/07/2012 - 00:33
#15
Re: NC700X DCT
Thanks for the update MatXB. Its interesting how living with a bike can alter your perception of it.
It's interesting that you mention the Aprilia Mana, a bike I've always been curious about. It seems that it's a concept too far for a lot of bikers. Hopefully the NC doesn't share this fate.
Thu, 02/08/2012 - 13:38
#16
Re: NC700X DCT
Further update just before the 8,000 mile service:
Getting a consistent 73-75mpg urban riding. I'm still not really enjoying riding it on the open road or motorway but in town it's a blast. Looks the same as the day I bought it so it looks like a very durable and well made bike. Steering geometry is quite lazy so tyre wear is markedly different front to back. Engine doesn't like being above 4,000 rpm and if you're two gears above where you should be you'll have to drop down otherwise yanking the throttle will have a 5-second delay.
Even though it is a brilliant idea and a very well made bike - better than most Hondas, in fact -I've just got a mega deal on my brother's CBR600F so it'll be up for sale soon.
I will miss the storage box and the economy though...
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