Trail – Honda NC750X test: X without mischief – A successful concept

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Honda NC750X test: X without malice

Trail - Honda NC750X test: X without mischief - A successful concept

Thanks to a relevant stylistic overhaul and the provision of practical modifications, the 2016 Honda NC750X is becoming more attractive and more pleasant. Enough to seek new heights, even if a few flaws remain … Test – fast! – of the DCT version.

A successful concept

Launched in, the Honda “NC” siblings include three models built on the same engine and chassis basis: the “X” trail, the “S” roadster and the “Integra” scooter. At the time, this concept of sharing platform common in the automobile was rather rare in motorcycles (read in particular our).

Thanks to the economies of scale achieved, Honda has enriched its range with a trio of very attractive two-wheelers from a price point of view, in addition to being formidably economical and practical with their appetite for anorexic sparrows (less than 4 l / 100 km ), their famous "tank-box" on the S and X models and their DCT double clutch gearbox.

It was a success (130,000 sales worldwide to date, all models combined), encouraging the Japanese manufacturer to regularly refine its concept. Something carried out every two years exactly: the displacement was first brought to and here is the tip of the end of its new headlight … entirely LED in 2016 !

Our test of the Honda NC750 X in video

In addition to this first full test of the new Honda NC750 X, also discover our since its presentation in Malaga (Spain).

The new vintage of the NC750X is the first to give us its handlebars in the Malaga region (Spain), bolstered by its status as the best-selling Honda full-displacement in Europe last year. Yes, this little 54.8 hp utility trail is the new winged crest’s bestseller! In these conditions, that Honda never ceases to seek to improve it seems as logical as it makes sense..

Static: sexy, the X !

Among the changes made to the 2016 NC750X (all the technical details explained on page 3), the most striking is visual: the redesigned front end is much more attractive, its look inspired by other "house" trails (Crosstourer and Crossrunner ) even exuding a certain form of stylistic audacity. Inescapable and fashionable element, the little "beak" emphasizes belonging to the trail genre.

The more massive and angular fairing sides bring dynamism and modernity, just like the new front headlight switched to "Full LED" (the rear already was). Good point also for the new silencer, more elegant with its oval tip and its casing covered with polished metal. Less bulky, this output contributes to the transition to Euro4 standards in the same way as the reconfiguration of the catalyst and the injection.

The quality of finish takes the opportunity to make an appreciable leap forward through more careful surface treatments and a better integrated electrical network. Some new "coquetries" enhance the whole with the image of the angled valves, the dark tinted indicators and the clutch lever – on the NC750X with standard gearbox – now adjustable in six positions.

Only the rudimentary square section swing arm and the "plastoc" aspect of certain trim elements betray the entry-level positioning of the bike. In particular the "plasticized" clutch housing and the engine guard – also plastic – looking cheap and especially very fragile for a trail !

At the same time, the "X" is not an enduro motorcycle with its 17-inch stick rims shod with road-type tires (Dunlop Trailmax or Bridgestone Battlewing), despite its suspension travel of 153 and 150 mm : a short passage on a very rolling path during this test reminded us of this !

A reminder all the more vivid that with 230 kg all full facts – including 10 to the credit of the DCT option at 800 euros -, the NC750 X is not really a featherweight in terms of its engine capacity: V-Strom and Versys 650 show 15 kg less … and only 12 kg more (242 kg with double clutch, 232 without).

We also regret the absence of rubber on the rear footrests, of a plug (UBS connector available as an option) and above all of a central stand (also optional) to lubricate the chain. Hand guards would also be welcome on this trail-stamped motorcycle, both for the look and to protect against shocks and cold (hand guards form an invaluable bulwark in winter).

The last three modifications made to the NC750X, however, should help to "digest" its few practical shortcomings. Starting with its new screen, pierced at the bottom to avoid turbulence at high speed but above all, 7 cm higher. Even if this windshield is still not adjustable, such a height gain is promising: hopefully because the previous one sinned precisely on this point !

Another practical aspect revised: the clever "tank-box" placed between the legs of the pilot gains a liter of capacity (from 21 to 22 liters), in order to close more easily on a helmet. MNC tested with different models of integral and modular, and almost all of them entered without problem. Only helmets with a large shell or whose shell has a specific shape (very high or elongated via a spoiler, for example) have posed a problem..

By the way, the cover of this very practical storage space now features 4 lashing hooks in the form of notches. What to forgive Honda for the absence of light to illuminate the interior, as well as a carpet covering to avoid scratching the screen of helmets? Likewise, the 14.1 L fuel cap – still located under the passenger seat – would need hinges….

Finally, the instrumentation is reorganized for better readability. It’s better, even if some characters are still too small. The information offered is similar to 2015, with among others the gear engaged, the time, fuel consumption (average and instantaneous) and two daily trips: nothing is missing. The screen also adopts a better anti-reflective treatment (much more effective with the sun in the back) and a new display of different colors.

The engine speed – in the form of a bar graph – is displayed in light blue if driving is considered "Eco" then turns orange after a certain threshold, programmable as desired. Nine different colors are available for this function! And it’s not over since the welcome message is also configurable: at startup, the console can for example display your first name. Or that of your wife, Marquez or Rossi…

The kind of totally useless – but downright funny – gadget that makes you smile when you squeeze the starter and engage the first. Or rather to let the electronic control unit of the DCT take care of it since our short test run – 86 km! – is carried out on an NC750X with double clutch !

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