Honda NC700X: a fair measure

(from Avto magazine 26/2012)

text: Matevž Gribar, photo: Aleš Pavletič

passion reasonable price or the ratio between price and quality of a motorcycle (the same situation may be reflected in the automotive world or the textile industry) are roughly divided into three groups. Some of them are modern, advanced, innovative, well built and expensive. This group includes, for example, the BMW K 1600 GT. Then we have fully rugged (we're talking new of course) bikes that are slightly underpriced compared to (more modern) competitors due to old designs and only slightly updated tech that was developed xx years ago. One of them - Suzuki Bandit - in fact, there is nothing in it, but hidden under the skin, well, "experimental" technology. The third group includes cheap fakes, which are not so numerous in the world of serious motorcycles, but we can find them among scooters, mopeds and off-road toys. These are Asian copies of European (or Japanese) originals, which in our experience are rarely worth the money required. In order not to offend the lucky owner, we omit the case. There are other nuances.

Now let's take a look at this Honda, which we drove for the first time in Slovenia in December 2011 and then again in the fall of 2012. Is it an enduro because of the X, or maybe a semi-scooter because of the helmet trunk? Is the Honda badge worth it or have they overdone the economy?

Despite the vertical position of the rider behind the wide handlebars and the letter X, we are enduro, I found out by making my way through some kind of castle. Just 165 millimeters from ground to ground, Honda ran aground on a pile of earth. From the world of dirty motorcycles, the designers of the NC700X pulled out only useful things for every day: comfortable position, easy operation, good forward view, standing ability to drive. Thanks to these features, you will be able to drive on rubble more safely, but not much more difficult than with your road (naked) sister S.

Regarding the relationship with scooters, two things should be noted: the first is unusual. useful cavity between the driver's seat and the head of the devouring frame, trarara, also an XL size helmet. The same solution was shown four years ago by Aprilia (Mana 850), except that it was possible to open the trunk while the engine was running (useful when crossing a border or when paying tolls), and in Honda, engine operation and trunk opening are separated by a connector OR. Sichera Japanese. Secondly, it is possible DCT automatic transmission with dual clutchas in Integra.

We were eager to try this combination, but unfortunately the test bike was not available with the AS. Apparently ordered too little. We told you! (I am citing an editorial from the 2012 Moto Catalog: »NC 700 X DCT? Well, you could be counted on the fingers of both hands at the end of the season. ") Let's stop at the drive machine: don't expect liveliness 700 cubesRather compare it to the 650cc single-cylinder engine. cm and add a smooth ride. The engine is serviceable, economical (the plant promises 3,6, the actual consumption is about four liters per hundred km), unpretentious. However, it would be difficult to write, at least in volume, that he is alive.

Let's evaluate in more detail end products or value for money. We think the NC is worthy of the Honda name. It's "made in Japan" so you won't find spot welds on it as we criticized many years ago on the Spanish-made XL 700 V Transalp. How did they manage to get such a reasonable price? Look, there is only one front brake disc, and the rear is made of the same piece of sheet metal. Like the brakes, the shelf suspension is “available but works,” the brake pedal is made of simple sheet metal ...

The fact that the two bikes (S and X) were made on the same base also speaks in favor of lower production costs. In short, you can write that you will not find nobility on a motorcycle, but everything works. Sufficient for undemanding riders, beginners and anyone looking for a new car with a reasonable price guarantee. Fair measure.

Face to face

Matyaj Tomajic

The concept of triplets, including the NC700X, has always pleasantly surprised me. Lightness, spaciousness, reliable drive, mechanical assembly and ease of use will convince you over time. The NC700 X also represents a diversification in a class of equally powerful motorcycles, buyers of which were more than condemned to technically outdated concepts and uninteresting design models. Considering my expectations, I do not find a serious flaw. You may want a little more profiled rubber so you can walk faster on sandy trails. Try it, the bike is good and the price is reasonable.

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

  Test model cost: 6.790 €

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder in-line, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 670cc, 3 valves per cylinder, fuel injection.

  Power: 38,1 kW (52 KM) at 6.250/min.

  Torque: 62 Nm @ 4.750 rpm

  Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

  Frame: steel pipe.

  brakes: front disc Ø 320 mm, three-piston brake caliper, rear disc Ø 240 mm, single-piston brake caliper.

  Suspension: front telescopic fork Ø 41 mm, travel 153,5 mm, rear single shock absorber, travel 150 mm.

  Tires: 120/70ZR17, 160/60ZR17.

  Growth: 830 mm.

  Fuel tank: 14,1 l.

  Wheelbase: 1.540 mm.

  Weight: (with fuel): 218 kg.

We praise and reproach

utility

helmet space

flexible, comfortable motor

low fuel consumption

fair price

cute, interesting look

durable finish

the engine in experienced hands is malnourished

less precise gearbox