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Driving report: Honda NC 700 X

New Concept Bike from Honda

The type code NC stands for "new concept", a kind of kit from which three mid-range motorcycles were created. The NC 700 X now offered the first opportunity to study the new concept while driving.

Honda

Honda NC 700 X.

A two-cylinder engine that is fully wound at 1500 rpm in a high gear, without shaking itself, without hammering its connecting rod and main bearings like a blacksmith on red-hot iron – that must be a cruiser V2 with a lot of flywheel. Not necessarily! Recently, Honda has an in-line two-cylinder in its range, which with 670 cc has not even half as much displacement as the stylish American heavy metal and still masters the pulling exercise described above.

In contrast to cruiser engines, the moderately long-stroke Honda engine even pulls energetically up to the rev limiter. It starts quite early at 6750 rpm, and that requires getting used to, readjusting the body’s own acoustic gear indicator. If you don’t want to stick your eyes to the tachometer, it’s best to shift up while the engine is still buzzing comfortably. Overall, however, not a bad way of delivering 48 hp.

And the chassis provides everything you need to use it. Sufficient stiffness, a long wheelbase and caster for stability, relatively narrow rims and tires for maneuverability, suitable ergonomics for drivers of different lengths and long suspension travel for comfort. In the case of the NC 700 X, even particularly long spring travel of around 150 millimeters.

Driving report: Honda NC 700 X

New Concept Bike from Honda

Honda

Rain suits, camera equipment and lots of little things can be found here. But not the tester’s Shark helmet; he was too big in size M..

The NC models – it was similar in the last MOTORRAD – can be so inexpensive because they are simply built and economically equipped. And what’s on them works well. The brakes, for example, two simple solo discs, with a three-piston floating caliper at the front and a double-piston floating caliper at the rear. Thanks to the standard ABS, the concern of installing too toxic linings and thus provoking many front wheel locks, the Honda engineers decided on a crisp friction pairing. The brakes react spontaneously and bite strongly. The slices are also relatively thick, so they can withstand a lot of heat. Incidentally, both discs are concentrically lasered from one piece of steel; this minimizes waste and adds a little bit to the low price.

In simplified terms, the impressive logic of the NC concept is as follows: A motor with cylinders that are strongly inclined forwards reveals a large space above itself. It can be used either as a fuel tank or as a storage compartment, e.g. for a full-face helmet.

Such a compartment is very useful on both a scooter-like vehicle and a motorcycle, so the tank must be under the seat. However, there it cannot be as voluminous as at the location of the subject. That is why the engine has to be particularly economical with petrol so that it has a decent range with a 14.1 liter supply. Quite apart from the fact that a low-cost vehicle that is aimed at young drivers and beginners is good for low fuel consumption. So the question arose: What did the NC 700 X consume on a 159 kilometer lap, including photo rides? With less consumption-conscious driving style including the mentioned motorway drive it was 7.57 liters, which corresponds to 4.74 liters per 100 kilometers. More economical drivers got by with exactly four liters. This is not a sensation, but it is worth all honors. And another reason for a test. As soon as possible.

Technical specifications

Honda

Thanks to the low-lying motor and the frame covers swinging downwards, the NC chassis can carry a large storage compartment and various "superstructures".

engine
Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, a balance shaft, an overhead, chain-driven camshaft, four valves per cylinder, rocker arm, wet sump lubrication, injection, Ø 36 mm, regulated catalytic converter, battery 12 V / 11 Ah, mechanically operated multi-plate oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, O Ring chain.
Bore x stroke 73.0 x 80.0 mm
Cubic capacity 670 cm³
rated capacity 35.0 kW (48 hp) at 6250 rpm
Max. Torque 60 Nm at 4750 rpm

landing gear
Bridge frame made of steel, telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel, central spring strut, directly hinged, adjustable spring base, front disc brake, Ø 320 mm, three-piston floating caliper, Ø 240 mm , single-piston floating caliper, composite brake, ABS.
Cast aluminum wheels 3.5 x 17; 4.5 x 17
Tires 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17

Dimensions + weights
Wheelbase 1540 mm, steering head angle 63.0 degrees, caster 110 mm, spring travel f / r 154/150 mm, seat height 830 mm, tank capacity 14.1 liters.
Two year guarantee
Colors black, silver, white, red
Price 5990 euros

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