All Duels – Duel Honda NC700X Vs Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom: culture shock – Austerity … on a motorcycle!

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Duel Honda NC700X Vs Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom: culture shock

All Duels - Duel Honda NC700X Vs Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom: culture shock - Austerity ... on a motorcycle!

These are undeniably two philosophies that clash through these two road trails. Will the reasonable pragmatism of the Honda NC700X prevail over the fun versatility of the Suzuki 650 V-Strom? Bipolar duel test…

Austerity … on a motorcycle !

Austerity is unfortunately a topical notion these days and it does not seem ready to change … Honda has therefore gotten up to speed by unveiling its new range of economical and sober motorcycles last fall: the NC700 triptych.

The trail, the roadster and the "motorcycle-scooter" thus share the same chassis and the same in-line twin of 47.6 hp (in 35 kW version) or 51.8 hp (in 38 kW version) which is distinguished by its bird appetite: 3.58 l / 100 km according to the world’s leading manufacturer !

Both motorcycles are available either with a "classic" manual gearbox, or with the dual clutch transmission. Dual Clutch Transmission, but the Integra is only offered with the DCT: a logical choice for this hybrid halfway between a motorcycle (engine and chassis) and a maxiscooter (position and trim).

But for this new Site duel, it is in the "mechanical gearbox" version that the small Crossover NC700X (read our) challenges the homogeneous Suzuki V-Strom (read our and our).

Honda has strived to create the most economical motorcycle possible without compromising too much on quality. The result is a machine with successful lines and sober but well-made equipment..

For example, there is only one brake disc at the front, but its petal shape and generous size (320 mm) are reassuring. In addition, the NC700X is fitted as standard with C-ABS, the excellent combined "rear-front" braking system dear to Honda..

The fairly dynamic design is more reminiscent of a slightly leggy roadster than a utility trail, while the white color suits it perfectly (black and metal gray are more sober).

DL 650 V-Strom: an old acquaintance … rejuvenated !

Faced with the Honda, the new version of the Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom is undeniably more opulent. Almost unchanged since 2004, the Suzuki trail underwent a salutary makeover in 2011 to continue to satisfy riders-always seduced by its versatility.

The DL 650 V-Strom is now (a little) sexier and remains just as playful with its twin-cylinder inherited from the late SV650. The latter also took the opportunity to gain two horses (69 hp at 8,500 rpm). It’s not a revolution, but it’s always taken !

The bike in our test was initially a Travel Edition version, but it was "de-accessorized" by Suzuki France for the purposes of our comparison. It still has some equipment that is not original such as hand guards, the high screen and the huge protection bars (read the "Commercial information" part of our technical sheet on the following pages).

Next to the 650 V-Strom, the NC700X looks very slim. And yet, the Honda weighs an additional 4 kg (218 kg fully loaded against 214) and almost 25 cc more cubic than the Suzuki (669.6 against 645 cc) !

The taut – even sharp – lines of the NC700X and its pointed rear hull distort the perspective, especially next to the curves of the V-Strom and its imposing luggage carrier..

Regarding the perceived quality, there is overall equality between the very "plastic" side of the Honda and the few visible threads still present on the Suzuki. Nevertheless, the latter is making efforts. To be convinced of this, it suffices to observe the rubber pads attached to the frame in order to protect it from the friction of the boots: a delicate attention which would not have been too much to preserve the Honda plates….

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