Motorcycle genres have been a blurry topic for some time now, thanks to sport-adventure-supermoto-touring-kitchen-sink hybrids, and Honda's just-announced 2012 NC700X pulls previously distinct bike categories even further apart.
With long suspension travel, a low center of gravity, a tank-mounted storage compartment and an available dual-clutch transmission, the new NC700X packs a genre-busting combination of features and characteristics.
Considering the (far pricier) DN-01 didn't exactly set showrooms on fire, will Honda's newest offerings turn the tide for unusual bikes?
Check out our Guided Tour of the 2012 Honda NC700X, and decide for yourself.
Related:
- 2012 Honda Buyer's Guide: Details on Every Bike in the Lineup
- 2012 Honda Gold Wing Review: Hello Again, Old Friend
- 2011 Honda Shadow RS Review: Cruising Made Easy
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Very cool bike!
- Bags of torque
- Very low CG
- Fuel mileage rivalling the CBR250
- Full face helmet fits in the storage compartment
- ABS
This is a very unique bike. My first thought was that it’s a more pragmatic version of a crotch rocket. I adore my Ninja but there are times when I miss the comfy seat, full-fairing and saddlebags my old CB-750 provided.
A lot of nice features, but my question is: how important is storage space for a helmet?
Funny thing about the DN-01 is that there is one on ebay that was won in a raffle, but the winner never picked it up. I can see why considering one would have to pay income taxes on the MSRP, and sales tax as well. You’d walk out the door owing thousand in taxes on a bike worth maybe $6k.
I thing being able to lock your helmet in (not on) the bike when you go in to a restaurant, store, or whatever, is pretty neat.
I think there is a very small market for this type of bike in the States, just don’t see it selling well here.
Hey, Pete,
I worry a bit about my helmet being stolen just because of the inconvenience – can’t ride and get home without one.
To me helmets are such a personal item, like a toothbrush, but I guess not everyone thinks like that.
I like it! This segment of motorcycles is growing. It’s modern looking comfortable. It might not burn up the road but who cares, I’m sure it will break every speed limit in the US. It looks like you can put many miles at a shot on this and not be jacked up.
Hi Scottie..I completely agree…I guard my helmet obsessively.
I think being able to lock in a clean, waterproof, reasonably secure stoarge compartment for short stints is great. Beats packing it into a coffee shop, where some clown knocks it off the table that’s too small.
If it’s carry it with me or lock it to the traditional outside helmet lock, I’ll take it with me.
Cheers!
How sad is it when Honda has to copy B.M.W. ? That beak on the front just looks silly. Other than that I like it and its price. (hard to believe)
It’s hardly a BMW copy….the Beemer is a LOT uglier. And I agree..the beak sucks. Check NC700S…no beak…looks a lot better.
Gas tank is too small. Also, who wants to lift the rear seat to gas up. Poor design
Can they make a bike look any Uglier? Yuck!
Overall, I like it. I like the bit of storage in front that is surely more than the tiny spots most have in the tail. However, I’m not sure I’d be a fan of having to lift the tail to put gas in. I never sit on my motorcycle while refueling like some of my friends do, but if you carry a bag or something on the rear seat, you’d have to unload it every time. But realistically, if I bought one of these, I’d probably add the topcase and luggage anyway and the rear seat could probably stay empty.
I want to see the in-town mpg. I commute daily on my 06 VFR and on the freeway I get 45-48 mpg, dropping down to about 35-38 in town. With 5.6 gallons, I usually refuel with about a gallon left after 180 miles when I’m commuting to work. I’m afraid the 3.7 gallons of the 700 will run short quickly.
I think it will sell better than the DN-01, of course that wouldn’t take much! This one at least look more like a motorcycle than the bloated scooter that the DN-01 resembles. I’ve ridden both the VFR1200 with the DCT and the “Do Not – Order 1″ with its cvt and at least the DCT feels like a real motorcycle shifting since it actually has gears. If this iteration of the DCT is improved over the original VFR1200, then it should work pretty well as the original didn’t appear to have too many flaws.
But finally, this is the land of posers and polishers and if a motorcycle isn’t fast, flashy, or both, it doesn’t seem to sell. Sadly, practical bikes are low volume because compared to other countries, in the USA the motorcycle is generally more of a hobby or status symbol than a necessary component of transportation.
I think Sloan hit it on the head to some degree , these bikes will never sell well in the states. Cruisers and sportbikes are what people want and it is more of a hobby for riders in the USA. I don’t agree that makes someone a poser just because that is not there main mode of transportation. Just because it’s flashy or fast does not mean they don’t ride their bikes. Saw several bikes out today on cold January day and the bikes I saw fit the flashy and fast type of bikes. These people are out riding. Are they posers? Just because Europe and Asia like a type of bike does not mean the USA has too. Face it, if these are the types of bikes you like, you are in the minority in the USA.