2012 Honda NC700X and NC700XD: Affordable Fun
One of Honda’s latest offspring, the NC700X, was designed to appeal to new and re-entry riders as well as folks who want a lot of bang for their buck.
You can choose one of two NC700 iterations. There’s the base model, NC700X, with a regular six-speed transmission at $6,999, or for another two grand you can have the NC700XD, which adds a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and an antilock braking system (ABS). Too bad you can’t get a manual tranny with ABS!
Powertrain and Performance
Both versions are propelled by a unique water-cooled 670cc twin with single-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. What makes the engine different is the layout. The parallel cylinders are tilted forward a steep 62 degrees, which keeps the center of gravity low. The long stroke (80mm vs. a 73mm bore) combined with a high-inertia crankshaft work together to deliver high torque and smooth power. With cylinders firing at 270 crankshaft degrees, it mimics the character of a 90 degree V-twin layout, and a balance shaft damps vibrations quite effectively.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) feeds the engine through a single 36mm throttle body. With auto enrichment, no choke control is needed, and the engine fires right up cold or hot. Honda claims a peak of 51 horsepower at a low 6,250 rpm (at the crankshaft) and 45.7 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. Throttle response is accurate, and there’s a broad torque band that delivers linear power.
Choose the base NC700X with its conventional six-speed manual transmission and you get light clutch pull, smooth engagement, and slick shifting. If you get the optional DCT on the NC700XD, you’ll have no clutch lever or foot shifter, but instead you’ll have two automatic hydraulically actuated clutches that provide rapid, effortless gear changes. There’s also a parking brake lever on the left handlebar to keep it from rolling away.
In manual mode, gear changes are accomplished instantly with paddle-shift buttons on the left handlebar. You can select either of two fully automatic modes on the fly: “D” (Drive) is appropriate for conservative, around-town riding and saves gas, and “S” (Sport Mode) keeps the transmission in each gear longer for higher revs. A rev limiter kicks in before 6,500 rpm, and it’s easy to “bounce off” the limiter when riding enthusiastically as the bar-graph tachometer is difficult to see, and the engine revs freely. This DCT is a second-generation design (the first was the VFR1200) and it now incorporates a learning function that lets the ECM recognize various riding styles and adjust the shifting without human intervention.
Chassis and Handling
Honda’s engineers cooked up a steel, diamond-shaped trellis framework that employs the engine as a stressed member for greater resistance to twisting forces. Up front, a 41mm non-adjustable conventional fork with 5.4 inches of travel handles suspension chores with 27 degrees of rake and 4.3 inches of trail. At the rear is a Pro-Link suspension that uses a single shock with only preload adjustability and 5.9 inches of travel. A 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear tire are fitted, and while these are readily available, the small front wheel diameter seriously limits off-pavement agility.
On the NC700XD with standard ABS, the combined braking system consists of a single petal-type 320mm front disc with a three-piston, radial-mount caliper. The NC700X models get a similar rotor but have a two-piston caliper. Both models have a single 240mm rear rotor with a single-piston caliper.
Suspension travel is about an inch more than most similar bikes, and this imparts a cushy feeling. Steering effort is light; the bike turns in nicely, maintains a clean line through a turn, and the long-ish 60.4-inch wheelbase helps to make it stable at highway speeds.
Braking components and non-adjustable suspension (except rear preload) were cost-containing areas, and the single front disc doesn’t provide the amount of stopping force that we prefer on a fully loaded machine riding two up. Load-free curb weight of the NC700X is 474 pounds; the NC700XD is 505 pounds. When you apply just the front brake on the XD version, only the two outer pistons are activated. In order to get maximum braking, you have to apply the rear brake, which also activates that center front piston.
Where the gas tank is normally located on other bikes, you’ll find a 21-liter lockable storage compartment, which is supposed to stow helmets and other items. My XL didn’t fit. The 3.7-gallon tank is placed under the seat, which lowers the center of gravity, but its location limits capacity and hence range. Although Honda claims 64 mpg, expect real-world mileage to be closer to 50 mpg.
Ergonomics and Features
The NC’s riding position is upright. The handlebar is within easy reach, and footpegs are set slightly aft and high for cornering clearance. The seat height is 32.7 inches, and it’s firm and tapered so that shorter riders can reach the ground more readily. We found it started to feel too hard after a while, and the reach to the footpegs can feel cramped if you’re more than 6 feet tall.
The short windshield offers some wind protection, but fortunately the accessory list includes a taller windscreen in addition to a 45-liter rear trunk and liner, 29-liter saddlebags and liners, a rear carrier, front side cowl panel, foot deflectors, leg deflectors, heated grips, a 12-volt DC socket, and a centerstand. The saddlebag capacity is on the small side, so consider carefully before selecting these extras. Aftermarket panniers could provide more volume.
Parting Thoughts
Honda has delivered a well-made motorcycle with Japanese attention to detail, European styling, and American practicality that should appeal to beginners and experienced motorcyclists alike. Its size and ease of handling should make it attractive to folks of smaller stature too. The NC700 works equally well for local rides, commuting, long-distance tours, and sporty forays through the canyons. It’s an affordable, everyday motorcycle that can be well equipped for less than ten grand.
Technical Specs
+ nice styling, runs well, good value
– seat shape and comfort, small tank, no ABS available w/ manual gearbox
Distributor Honda
MSRP NC700X $6,999/ NC700XD $ 8,999
Engine liquid-cooled SOHC parallel-twin
Displacement 670cc
Bore and Stroke 73mmx80mm
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI, 36mm throttle body
Power 51 horsepower @6,250rpm, 45.7lb-ft of torque @4,750rpm
Cooling liquid w/ thermostatic fan
Ignition digital transistorized w/ electronic advance
Transmission manual 6-speed (NC700X) / automatic dual-clutch 6-speed (NC700XD)
Frame diamond-shaped steel trellis w/ engine as stressed member
Front Suspension 41mm conventional telescopic fork, non-adjustable, 5.4in travel
Rear Suspension Pro-Link, adjustable preload, 5.9in travel
Rake/Trail 27º / trail: 4.3in
Brakes Front/Rear 320mm single disc w/ 2 piston caliper / 220mm disc w/ single-piston caliper; combined ABS on DCT model only
Tires Front/Rear 120/70ZR17/ 160/60ZR17
Curb Weight 474lbs / 505lbs (DCT model)
Wheelbase 60.6in
Seat Height 32.7in
Fuel Capacity 3.7gal (U.S.)
Fuel Consumption 64mpg (NC700X) / 61mpg (NC700XD), claimed
Color Light Silver Metallic