All Comparisons – The Honda NC700S challenges the Kawasaki ER-6n and Suzuki Gladius – Basic instincts according to Kawa, Honda or Suz

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Honda NC700S challenges Kawasaki ER-6n and Suzuki Gladius

All Comparisons - The Honda NC700S challenges the Kawasaki ER-6n and Suzuki Gladius - Basic instincts according to Kawa, Honda or Suz

In 2012, Honda intends to shake up the basic motorcycle segment with its economical roadster, the NC700S. Site opposed the novelty of the winged crest to its twin-cylinder compatriots: the acclaimed Kawasaki ER-6n and the Suzuki Gladius. Comparative test.

Basic instincts according to Kawa, Honda or Suz

Of the three candidates here, the most basic is undoubtedly the NC700S. Its lines are simple and unabashed, and only the headlight detached from the rear shell gives the whole a welcome touch of originality. The equipment of the motorcycle is to match.

Contrary to what Honda suggests on his, the frame of his roadster cannot be mistaken for a "diamond": his welds are a little too coarse and anyway – we do not do it at MNC! -, it is made of steel…

The swingarm is made of the same metal and its rectangular section is not eye-catching, nor is the perfectly classic stainless steel silencer. Traditions are good, however we conclude after examining the double exit pot – the bottom one is fictitious! – the Suzuki.

Racy ER-6n

The ER-6n impresses with its attractive double-tube swingarm, which perfectly matches the design of the new frame. Linking the two elements, the remote mono-shock absorber – as on the 1199 Panigale! – brings a sporty touch totally absent from the NC700S.

The little Kawa is not limited to that: from – very – far away, one might think that it is equipped with an inverted fork. By approaching, the plastic covering of the fork does not make any more illusion but the three discs "in petals"ensure the family link with the Z1000, as well as the switch mounted on the top of the tank or the saddle in two parts.

The Honda is the only one devoid of any trim or protection at the level of its hydraulic fork – blunder at the joints, therefore – and its rear shock absorber is exposed to dirt for lack of wheel lick. Likewise, no scoop adjoins its radiator, unlike its two competitors.

The NC wiring harness and other small components are not perfectly camouflaged … but it’s far from better on the ER-6n and it’s even worse on the Gladius! In terms of finish, the Honda even defends itself quite well and MNC particularly likes the aggressive cutting of the single front and rear discs..

Because yes, the small winged roadster is satisfied with a single disc at the front, inside which its rear counterpart is cut: a clever method adopted by Honda to lower costs. Incidentally, the use of a single disc greatly facilitates checking the pressure of the front tire: economical and practical, therefore! We also appreciate the pretty design of the rims, as well as the simplicity of the lines of footrest plates..

Single NC700S

It should be noted in this regard that the plates of our test Gladius showed very marked signs of wear. Those of the ER-6n were in better condition thanks to their pads – originally glued on the 2012 model – but they were not virgin of any mark, the boots of some journalists having rubbed beyond the protections…

The Honda’s plastic biton shoe is less convincing than the Kawasaki’s sharper one, but it has the merit of dressing the lower part of the bike. On the Suzuki, the oil filter, the starter, the hoses and the oxidized pot manifold are much less neat (for info, the ER-6 and the Gladius had 2,500 km on the clock and the Honda 1,000 km).

Likewise, Honda agreed to equip its NC700S with a transparent windshield as standard, which, due to its small size, does not change the situation on the motorway but is more effective than the tiny smoked cap of the ER-6n..

Regarding the Gladius, you will have to dig into the accessories catalog – and 237 euros in the wallet – to find a headgear on the counter. Question instrumentation the three motorcycles are in the basic.

Original Gladius

The Honda, in the first place, informs its driver of the bare essentials. The display is fully digital and if the speed is perfectly visible, the tachometer is too thin. Clock, odometer (or trip A and B) and gasoline gauge complete the "picture".

The Kawasaki polishes its sporty appearance via a tachometer with a white background and an electric blue needle matching the also blue backlighting of the digital screen. Site leaves free the appreciation of this "Fast and Furious" style, opinions being shared even within the editorial staff.

On the other hand, the presence – in addition to the information present on the Honda – of instantaneous and average consumption as well as the remaining range will undoubtedly be appreciated by all users of the ER-6n..

The Suzuki for its part trades information concerning fuel – no consos or even gauge! – against a gear indicator engaged. The Gladius is the only one to ignore the coded key and its barrel looks too much like that of the old "Bandit", or even the VanVan 125 of the last century….

In summary: while Suzuki has chosen the path of originality in lines and rudimentary in equipment, Kawasaki is playing it increasingly trendy in 2012 and Honda is proposing a return to pure basic. But wait a little longer before you gamble: MNC testers only get on motorcycles…

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