Honda NC750X (2016): First Riding Impressions

Honda's NC750X with a clean new look, Michael looks like he's had a shave too.

Updated with an extra 75cc and 6bhp for its initial release in 2014 over the replaced NC700 model, Honda’s adventure-styled all-rounder, the NC750X, gets a host of tweaks for 2016.

A big seller throughout Europe thanks to its low rpm performance, practical nature and mega economy, Honda have concentrated on an ethos of “strong new design and improved performance features”.

Bike Social have been invited to the press launch in Malaga, Spain, and are among the first in the world to ride the updated Honda. Web Editor, Michael Mann, is riding both the NC750X and Integra today and his full reviews of both bikes will be published here soon.

The manual gearbox version of the NC750X has a price tag of £6649 while the DCT (auto) option comes in £400 dearer at £7049. The bikes high, 830mm seat now comes with a 70mm taller screen for improved protection and visibility, while LED front and rear lights give the bike a more refined finish. Rugged and more adventurous looks make it appear like the NC750X has been to the gym during the off-season while suspension changes include proportional damping on the front forks and added preload adjustments to the rear. Extra space in the storage compartment where you’d normally expect to find the fuel tank, increases capacity to 22-litres and that should comfortably fit a full-face lid.

Very much the beginner's adventure bike with a easy-to-use 750cc twin lump

The revised DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) gearbox, celebrating its 6th year in production models, is at its most economic and comfortable in D mode while S1, S2 and S3 offer variable levels of sports performance with a more alert throttle response and longer revs before the auto ‘box changes up. Meanwhile, the manual bike gets a lighter clutch thanks to a revised clutch lever ratio and new dogleg lever. 

Mann called in just now with his first impressions of the Honda NC750X, here’s what he had to say:

"Despite its Africa Twin challenging weight, the agile handling and torquey performance of the updated Honda particularly in the low-mid rev range is one of the stand-out highlights so far. The seat height on paper is tall, but the NC is easily accessible and offers a really comfortable ride."

He added: "Getting familiar riding a bike with no clutch lever is relatively simple and the new 3-stage DCT gearbox is a vast improvement on the previous model. All-in-all the new NC feels more refined particularly with its new fancy Showa suspension. Its looks have got better with age too. Storage space in the area where the fuel tank usually is, is up by 1-litre to 22-litres which will just about host my Arai RX7-V helmet."

There's a massive storage area for Michael's massive helmet.

Both the manual and DCT bikes are available in three new colours for 2016; Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Arcadian Red and Glint Blue Wave Metallic.NC750X is available in three new colours

NC750X is available in three new coloursNC750X is available in three new colours

FULL TECHNICAL SPEC

Engine

745cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, SOHC, parallel 2-cylinder

Max power

54 bhp / 40.3 kW @ 6250 rpm

Max torque

50.15 ft-lbs / 68 Nm@ 4750 rpm

Frame

Diamond; steel pipe

Suspension

Front: 41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm stroke

Rear: Monoshock damper, prolink swingarm. 150mm travel

Brakes

Front: 320mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads

Rear: 240mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and resin mold pads

Wheels/tyres

Front: Multi-Spoke Aluminium Cast, 120/70ZR-17M/C

Rear: Multi-Spoke Aluminium Cast, 160/60ZR-17M/C

Dimensions

Length: 2230mm

Width: 845mm

Height: 1350mm

Wheelbase

1535mm

Ground clearance

165mm

Seat height

830mm

Weight (wet)

220kg (Manual), 230kg (DCT)

Fuel consumption (claimed)

80.8 mpg

Fuel tank

14.1 litres

PRICE

Manual: £6649

DCT: £7049

 

Follow the Bennetts Twitter account for more updates throughout the launch and be sure to check back later for the full review. Get in touch if there's anything specific you'd like to know.