Honda makes an interesting bike - Honda NC700X

[Ridercam]

I think Honda is currently is on to something. Frankly as a commuter bike, the Honda NC700X is hard to ignore. A bike that runs 16,000 miles between valve adjustments. Oil changes every 8,000. At 6999 for a base model...Honda NC700X, its getting mad reviews and should hold its value reasonably well. It has a lot of great 'adventure touring' accessories available straight from Honda including heated grips, integrated bags and inside storage. With 25% down - less than $100 a month.

I see this bike and am reminded of the 80s version of the 700 nighthawk. I think it makes the F650 GS overpriced and pricey to operate. One could save enough to buy this bike verses the GS, ride 8000 miles to Terra DEl Fuego camping and hostels and fly home before you could get the BMW 650 GS out the showroom floor. Moreover, Honda will have most parts on the shelf everywhere in just a few more months.

I know many like to work on their bikes which is great. I love my airhead and will keep it for the things it gives me. I for one appreciate engineering but I will chose riding over wrenching any time.

[Garnet]

I like a the concept, BUT up here in Canukistan it's $8995, which is $200 more than the G650 GS.

[Major Softie]

You left out the fact that, in the Cycle World test, they got 73 mph just "kinda" trying to ride easy.

But, it's slower than a 1200 Sportster, so it's no Nighthawk.

The Cycle World currently on news stands is devoted to middleweights, and has about 10 middleweight bikes tested. The NC700X is one that they give some special attention to since it's a completely new model. From what I read, it's today's Honda CB350: inexpensive, fun but not terribly quick, indestructible reliable commuter. Or, in Duane language: it's the 2-wheel Camry.

[robert]

You left out the fact that, in the Cycle World test, they got 73 mph just "kinda" trying to ride easy.

But, it's slower than a 1200 Sportster, so it's no Nighthawk.

The Cycle World currently on news stands is devoted to middleweights, and has about 10 middleweight bikes tested. The NC700X is one that they give some special attention to since it's a completely new model. From what I read, it's today's Honda CB350: inexpensive, fun but not terribly quick, indestructible reliable commuter. Or, in Duane language: it's the 2-wheel Camry.

Kinda like a Checker cab only uglier.

[Ridercam]

You left out the fact that, in the Cycle World test, they got 73 mph just "kinda" trying to ride easy.

But, it's slower than a 1200 Sportster, so it's no Nighthawk.

The Cycle World currently on news stands is devoted to middleweights, and has about 10 middleweight bikes tested. The NC700X is one that they give some special attention to since it's a completely new model. From what I read, it's today's Honda CB350: inexpensive, fun but not terribly quick, indestructible reliable commuter. Or, in Duane language: it's the 2-wheel Camry.

A new 1200 sportser has a 10,500 msrp plus HD set up fees (not including the needeand arts which make the bike ridable). We know what that honda 350 meant to us. Duane knows about what successful bikes are. A motorcycle is a symbol of freedom - why shouldn't it be easy and without worry.

[Zombie Master]

Judging from the major redesign on the new dual clutch VFRs, once again Honda will undoubtedly make the first purchasers the test rider/developers and get it sorted years later. Might become a good bike with time. I remember how the first CB750s would crack open their crankcases if run with a loose chain. Honda is the Microsoft of motorcycle engineering. Why anyone would buy this when Suzuki DL650s offer much better performance, accessories galore, and a measure of actual off road capability at a better price, is beyond me. But common sense has become uncommon.

[Sibbo]

Not available in Australia but I'd sure buy one at US pricing ..

[enigmaT120]

I might like one, but wow, are they trying to make it ugly?

[Ridercam]

I might like one, but wow, are they trying to make it ugly?

That is familiar... Pick any GS of any displacement and you say the same.
Like many things... It's not ugly if you are on one. Don't look when you pass a tanker truck!

[Jeff in W.C.]

I see this bike and am reminded of the 80s version of the 700 nighthawk. I think it makes the F650 GS overpriced and pricey to operate. One could save enough to buy this bike verses the GS, ride 8000 miles to Terra DEl Fuego camping and hostels and fly home before you could get the BMW 650 GS out the showroom floor. Moreover, Honda will have most parts on the shelf everywhere in just a few more months.

I glanced over a review of this bike in either Rider or Motorcyclist. While the base price is attractive, it's a pretty stripped down bike and with options it an easily go to into the $11,000-$12,000, which was the about the price of the bike they tested. I don't really know what's standard on the F 700 GS vs the NC700X to make a reasonable cost comparison.

And, I love the look of Honda's Nighthawk series.