All Tests – Honda NC700X motorcycle test: the utility-eco-trail! – NC700X: practical and voluntary!

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Honda NC700X motorcycle test: the utility-eco-trail !

All Tests - Honda NC700X motorcycle test: the utility-eco-trail! - NC700X: practical and voluntary!

Objective of the Honda NC700? Attract several types of two-wheeler users with a roadster, a scooter and a crossover built on the same mold. And given the qualities unveiled by the NC700X during its first test, the concept seems to have a future !

NC700X: practical and voluntary !

A kind of ultra-versatile "needy", the NC700X must offer a multitude of practical aspects. And on this point, the Honda blows hot and cold…

In terms of comfort and ergonomics, the new Honda 2012 comes close to – but does not achieve – flawlessness: as usual with the world’s leading manufacturer, the controls fall perfectly to hand, which is no excuse not totally lack of clutch lever gap adjustment.

In addition, the fact that you have to use a BTR wrench to adjust the height of the short and narrow windshield is detrimental on a motorcycle of this ilk. Especially since the protection of this equipment remains basic, even in the high position: the shoulders are largely exposed to the elements, just like a large part of the helmet. !

Solidly adjusted, the side fairings do not offer them either an impassable bulwark to drafts or rain. And having to dig into the catalog of options to benefit from the services of a luggage rack and a center stand is frankly limited. Especially since the final transmission is done by chain…

However, it is worth mentioning the presence of two very practical equipment. The first is the combined ABS-type (C-ABS) braking system fitted as standard on the NC700X and Integra (optional on the NC700S).

Once again, the recognized efficiency of C-ABS hits the mark: the braking of the NC700X is progressive and safe, despite the use of a single disc – 320 mm anyway! – in the front. Admittedly, the bite and the "dosability" are not the main characteristics of the adjustable right lever, especially at the start of the race, but the power and endurance respond well and truly present..

Second club argument common to the three NC700s: their "tank box"! Indeed, as described above, the gasoline tank of the NC700X (and two others) is fictitious: it actually gives way to a large storage space, as on the BMW F 650 CS and Aprilia Mana.

Able to accommodate a full face helmet without too much difficulty, this box opens and locks using a lock located on its upper part. Too bad that a felt-like coating does not cover the inside of this unlit space, in order to avoid scratching your helmet with use.

To refuel, all you have to do is turn the key in the other direction: the passenger seat rises and gives access to the fuel tank filler opening. A handling that is all the more simple and practical as the seat is mounted on hinges and receives a clever rod which serves to keep it open.

Assessment: versatile yes, fun no…

Designed around the same basis, the NC700 family is intended to be a pragmatic category: by choosing a platform that is deliberately simple and inexpensive to produce, Honda is trying a "low cost" approach that is ultimately quite unprecedented in the world of two-wheelers..

Obviously, presented like that, the concept is not really dreamy and even seems light years away from the passion dimension supposed to surround the practice of the motorcycle. Especially since if the NC700X is indeed practical and a priori economical in use, it is on the other hand much less "fun"as described by Honda in its press kit.

On the other hand, the NC700X (just like probably its two sisters) is not a cheap motorcycle, as could be feared by its “economic” positioning. Honda quality standards are generally respected and a few pretty parts even enhance the perceived quality (petal disc brakes, pretty stick rims, two-tone engine guard, large well-integrated passenger handles, etc.).

Apart from a few unflattering details (such as the on-board console which is admittedly quite complete – see technical sheet on the following pages – but a little cheap, the footrest plates sensitive to scratches and the few Rilsan collars placed here and there), this new Honda product 2012 therefore has nothing to be ashamed of. Aesthetically, it is even more harmonious than the Crossrunner from which it is inspired, with the possible exception of its original detached rear light..

However, in view of its price (€ 6,490 and € 7,498 with DCT), the NC700X may come up against proposals that are much more rewarding and powerful – but less versatile – such as the Kawasaki ER-6n (€ 7,099 with ABS) or the Yamaha XJ6 (€ 6,999 with ABS). And it is not its perfectible protection or its chain transmission that will convince the pure switch to prefer it to a scooter….

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