I did a similar suspension upgrade on my Integra NC750D. I felt only a small improvement when riding alone, stock suspension is totally ok. Bike feels a little bit more planted and slightly improved cornering. But 2-up riding fully loaded made a massive difference, totally worth the upgrade for this use case.
Your videos are much more informative and are useful. I can see you've put good thought into them. You ought to do a playlist on bike clothing, gloves, & gear. I searched, but couldn't find anything. Thanks.
Very useful video summarizing the changes to the improved suspension. I'd go for something similar on my NC. I did a similar job to a 2016 Moto Guzzi V7ii and the results were just as good. Using a marine analogy, it was equivalent to switching from a flat hull to a deep V in a rough sea.
Once again, a great video for us NC'ers to ruminate over! Then consider partaking of the upgrades when the time comes! I don't really ride off road on mine but some of our roads in the UK have so much degradation that any improvement in the suspension will be offset by reduced dental care bills...... What on earth are you going to change/upgrade next Adrian???
Thanks mate. Given the low cost, upgrading the forks is a no-brainer to me. It’s made road riding more enjoyable. Next upgrade? Hmmm Wendy would like to improve Me. But 40 years of her work seems to have had no effect!
Very Informative, Great Videos, But an upgrade a bit pricey for me, Though I have to say that the Stock Suspension seems to work quite well with two up. Me at 92 K and Mrs F at 56K + Luggage, No problem.... When I am riding Solo, that is a different matter, rather Spine Jarring at times.
Interesting that I did the same suspension mods to my 700X that you have done - four years ago. Ohlins rear with adjustable preload, damping, rebound, and RST cartridge emulators and springs. I am mostly satisfied, except I'd like to soften the damping on the forks, but that's major surgery to get to the adjustment.
Well I watched all 4 with interest. A comprehensive overview of the work and of your reactions to how it changed the feel of the ride. I must ask my mechanic if he's ever replaced the fork oil on any of the 4major services he's done... in the schedule it says "inspect and clean, lubricate and replace if necessary" ... hmmm. If not it would be well worth asking him to do it next time. Not dreadfully keen to do it myself, probably have the skills and ability to follow the steps, definitely don't have the tools!!
Thanks mate. I’ve ordered the full fork kit for Wendy’s CB500X so will have a vid review some time in the near future. As the CB has the same setup as the NC I’m expecting similar improvements to her bike.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Yeah I just went through the manual and looks pretty much the same. What I couldn't find is a way to tighten the mirror though, I have one that keeps sagging, it's the top joint, not where the stem meets the bars, I fear it's not adjustable :(
I put the yss in my cb500x..they were to firm so I removed the valves, backed off the screw holding the small spring which allowed the plate to move easier so compression was be a bit softer...
Hadn’t even considered an NC750X and now your videos have really thrown another bike into the equation!! Question please, if you don’t mind . Fuel filter. Have you ever changed it? Great videos by the way, very clear, great humour.
Honda NC750X Stuff thanks for that. You’re a pain! 🙂 I was tossing up between a Bullet 500 and an old Airhead; I know my BMs. For some reason I saw a 2015 NC750X locally for sale and did my normal UA-cam check..... valves..... saw your video and wow, they are so easy to get to and they are normal!!!! For some reason this is important to me. BM tappets, 15 minutes. My Transalp, 700 years; okay 5 hours!! You’ve really made me think about the NC thanks.... sort of.... 😊
Awsome video! Like how the front and rear of the motorcycle is working together nicely now. Also, your bike sounds lekker! Wonder if it's possible to get YSS suspension parts in South Africa?
Excellent report sir. Btw, you call that winter? We’re going through blistering heat here in Montreal Canada. The thermometer today reached 32c but it will be -22c in six months. Now that’s winter.
When you look at your bike in the background on the last shot, it just seems like those front forks are just too skinny for a bike this size and weight. I'm happy with my new 750DCT so far, but it will be interesting to take the commute to work next week and compare the ride feel. BTW- I love the sound of your bike. Sounds like an off-road bike for sure.
Hi Adrian I've just bought the complete yss fork upgrade kit for my 750x dct , the kit includes springs , spacers , pd valves , spring compressors and oil , BUT no instructions on how to set up the pd valves ?? also NO mention of drilling the bigger holes in the damper tubes , that you did in the previous video ?? Can you remember what the dimensions were for the holes and any info. on the pd valves please ? Have watched all your videos several times , a great help !! kind regards Derek UK you seem like an " old " friend now !
YSS are a bit confusing. They now don’t recommend drilling the tubes. But I can’t see that as good advise as this doesn’t allow the valves to work correctly. I think they have done it to make it less daunting to install. But you need to make your own choices of course. I drilled two 8mm holes as shown on my vid. They theory is to eliminate the damping from the rod and allow the valve to do all the damping. The valves - it’s a bit hit and miss but the instructions that came with mine said light damping was 1.5 turns and mid damping 2.5 turns. That is, screwing down the valve spring from a starting point of “no tension” on the spring.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Thanks Adrian for your comprehensive reply , yes I agree the holes do need enlarging as you say to make the pd valves do their job ! when setting the pd valve initially did you wind them back to zero then set them midway ? kind regards Derek
I can’t remember what they were initially set at. But I did wind them back to zero. I’ve changed them a couple of times and have settled for two turns in, 10w oil, 115mm from the top with the PD valve in place. But the setting isn’t “magic” - you may find a different setting more to your liking.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Thanks again Adrian , I understand what you're saying so I'll use your " settled " settings as a starting point ! I must have a look at your cb500x suspension vids. many thanks Derek
Thank you for the very informative series of videos. Can you comment on how the front now behaves under heavy braking ? For the type of riding that I do I find the stock front suspension dives too much. I would never have the confidence to attempt to fit the emulators myself but thankfully my motto is "if a job is worth doing it is worth forcing someone else to do it for you"...
I like your philosophy ! Fork dive ? Sounds like the spring could be too soft for your weight. But I’m 100kg and haven’t experienced excessive dive under brakes so I can’t offer a view.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff What are you implying !!!! (goes of to eat another biscuit...) I am the same weight so I am probably still getting used to bikes after a long time away. The front brake is amazing (but then I am comparing it to my old 500 Bullet). Best wishes
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff You have added the preload adjusters to your bike so your bike is a little different than stock under heavy breaking. Perhaps it helps there.
Hey man, thanks for producing your videos, I also have a nc750x and they are quite helpful. Last week I ran over a huge brick in the middle of the road, and my wheels got completely crooked. I wonder if you know which material is the NC original wheel made of, and if you recommend a repair or replacement. I now the second is the best option, but I thought it's worth trying given the price difference. I'll try to bring next week to a megwheel repair shop, but I could use some of your knowledge to make the best decision. Thank you!
I have to thank you once again for a very informative and enjoyable video. I’m going to have to pull you up though. You seem to be hogging all the limelight, when you claim to be ignorant! What about your very attractive assistant with the brain and your father’s brother-in-law bobby?
Thanks very much for this series. I'm 2 years and 20k miles in on a four year old NC750X and considering YSS forks and rear shock. Re: how long they last/servicing, how are getting on with them two years/x miles on?
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff haha sorry I didn't realize your accent. Now it makes sense. But I thought australia was a red rock and sand. But hey what do I know
And...the NC750X weighs how much? More than a naked R1200GS (but Not the R1250GS). The word Heavy begins with an H and so do the words Harley and Honda. I own an unnecessarily-heavy 2018 CRF250L Rally and a 2019 Road King Special (which Does Have a lower COG than the Road King). The Rally weighs within ten or 12 pounds of a XR650L (I know, carbureted and very high.)
I did a similar suspension upgrade on my Integra NC750D. I felt only a small improvement when riding alone, stock suspension is totally ok. Bike feels a little bit more planted and slightly improved cornering. But 2-up riding fully loaded made a massive difference, totally worth the upgrade for this use case.
Great series on the suspension upgrades, really informative and superbly filmed. I don't have an NC750X but thoroughly enjoyed watching the series.
A brilliant series of upgrading the NC750X motorcycle. Thank you...j
Thanks mate. It was fun to do and satisfying to feel the difference.
You and your tinkering are going to hit me in my wallet! 😉 Glad to see your able to be about again!
Yes. It’s a good feeling - tinkering, and being out, albeit restricted to the state. But NSW is pretty big!
I did the same on my 2015 Bonneville both front and rear, made a big difference.
Your videos are much more informative and are useful. I can see you've put good thought into them.
You ought to do a playlist on bike clothing, gloves, & gear. I searched, but couldn't find anything. Thanks.
Thanks mate. Clothing and bike gear? Sorry, no point. I only have cheap stuff I’ve owned for years so can’t compare it to anything else.
Very useful video summarizing the changes to the improved suspension. I'd go for something similar on my NC. I did a similar job to a 2016 Moto Guzzi V7ii and the results were just as good. Using a marine analogy, it was equivalent to switching from a flat hull to a deep V in a rough sea.
Hmm. Excellent analogy.
Well done and well worth it ! Looking forward to the next mod, best wishes (KB Wales)
Great series, I noticed this last weekend that with the camping gear on board the bike was hitting bumps pretty hard so maybe......
My logic was ... it’s way cheaper than getting a new bike and I can’t spend the money when I’m confined to a rocking chair !
Great review, the results are all to clear!
beautiful video congratulations
Once again, a great video for us NC'ers to ruminate over! Then consider partaking of the upgrades when the time comes!
I don't really ride off road on mine but some of our roads in the UK have so much degradation that any improvement in the suspension will be offset by reduced dental care bills......
What on earth are you going to change/upgrade next Adrian???
Thanks mate. Given the low cost, upgrading the forks is a no-brainer to me. It’s made road riding more enjoyable.
Next upgrade? Hmmm Wendy would like to improve Me. But 40 years of her work seems to have had no effect!
Another great video! Congratulations!
Very Informative, Great Videos, But an upgrade a bit pricey for me, Though I have to say that the Stock Suspension seems to work quite well with two up.
Me at 92 K and Mrs F at 56K + Luggage, No problem....
When I am riding Solo, that is a different matter, rather Spine Jarring at times.
The fork upgrade was good value for benefit at $150 au for the valves.
Yes shocks are expensive.
Interesting that I did the same suspension mods to my 700X that you have done - four years ago. Ohlins rear with adjustable preload, damping, rebound, and RST cartridge emulators and springs. I am mostly satisfied, except I'd like to soften the damping on the forks, but that's major surgery to get to the adjustment.
Well I watched all 4 with interest. A comprehensive overview of the work and of your reactions to how it changed the feel of the ride. I must ask my mechanic if he's ever replaced the fork oil on any of the 4major services he's done... in the schedule it says "inspect and clean, lubricate and replace if necessary" ... hmmm. If not it would be well worth asking him to do it next time. Not dreadfully keen to do it myself, probably have the skills and ability to follow the steps, definitely don't have the tools!!
Thanks mate. I’ve ordered the full fork kit for Wendy’s CB500X so will have a vid review some time in the near future.
As the CB has the same setup as the NC I’m expecting similar improvements to her bike.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Yeah I just went through the manual and looks pretty much the same. What I couldn't find is a way to tighten the mirror though, I have one that keeps sagging, it's the top joint, not where the stem meets the bars, I fear it's not adjustable :(
CaptainCranky - correct. Not adjustable at the mirror end. Maybe it’s time to buy some of those ugly “adventure” mirrors.
I put the yss in my cb500x..they were to firm so I removed the valves, backed off the screw holding the small spring which allowed the plate to move easier so compression was be a bit softer...
Hadn’t even considered an NC750X and now your videos have really thrown another bike into the equation!! Question please, if you don’t mind . Fuel filter. Have you ever changed it? Great videos by the way, very clear, great humour.
No. Haven’t changed the fuel filter. Don’t plan to either. Here in Oz the fuel is pretty good so no need to change it.
Honda NC750X Stuff thanks for that. You’re a pain! 🙂 I was tossing up between a Bullet 500 and an old Airhead; I know my BMs. For some reason I saw a 2015 NC750X locally for sale and did my normal UA-cam check..... valves..... saw your video and wow, they are so easy to get to and they are normal!!!! For some reason this is important to me. BM tappets, 15 minutes. My Transalp, 700 years; okay 5 hours!! You’ve really made me think about the NC thanks.... sort of.... 😊
Awsome video! Like how the front and rear of the motorcycle is working together nicely now. Also, your bike sounds lekker! Wonder if it's possible to get YSS suspension parts in South Africa?
Really great watch 👍 and looking forward to your next instalment, maybe a road trip or more maintenance 😁😁
Thanks mate.
Excellent report sir. Btw, you call that winter? We’re going through blistering heat here in Montreal Canada. The thermometer today reached 32c but it will be -22c in six months. Now that’s winter.
Yep. Winter is a great time for riding here. Summer is to be avoided though with temps up to 40c. Glad we don’t get your extremes.
Why would you live where it gets that cold? 5 Celsius is just bullshite
When you look at your bike in the background on the last shot, it just seems like those front forks are just too skinny for a bike this size and weight. I'm happy with my new 750DCT so far, but it will be interesting to take the commute to work next week and compare the ride feel.
BTW- I love the sound of your bike. Sounds like an off-road bike for sure.
Hi Adrian
I've just bought the complete yss fork upgrade kit for my 750x dct , the kit includes springs , spacers , pd valves , spring compressors and oil , BUT no instructions on how to set up the pd valves ??
also NO mention of drilling the bigger holes in the damper tubes , that you did in the previous video ??
Can you remember what the dimensions were for the holes and any info. on the pd valves please ?
Have watched all your videos several times , a great help !!
kind regards Derek UK
you seem like an " old " friend now !
YSS are a bit confusing. They now don’t recommend drilling the tubes. But I can’t see that as good advise as this doesn’t allow the valves to work correctly. I think they have done it to make it less daunting to install.
But you need to make your own choices of course. I drilled two 8mm holes as shown on my vid. They theory is to eliminate the damping from the rod and allow the valve to do all the damping.
The valves - it’s a bit hit and miss but the instructions that came with mine said light damping was 1.5 turns and mid damping 2.5 turns. That is, screwing down the valve spring from a starting point of “no tension” on the spring.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Thanks Adrian for your comprehensive reply , yes I agree the holes do need enlarging as you say to make the pd valves do their job !
when setting the pd valve initially did you wind them back to zero then set them midway ?
kind regards Derek
I can’t remember what they were initially set at. But I did wind them back to zero. I’ve changed them a couple of times and have settled for two turns in, 10w oil, 115mm from the top with the PD valve in place.
But the setting isn’t “magic” - you may find a different setting more to your liking.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Thanks again Adrian , I understand what you're saying so I'll use your " settled " settings as a starting point !
I must have a look at your cb500x suspension vids.
many thanks Derek
Thanks for another good one. Will try to get some at home. Too lazy to go out :)
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the very informative series of videos. Can you comment on how the front now behaves under heavy braking ? For the type of riding that I do I find the stock front suspension dives too much.
I would never have the confidence to attempt to fit the emulators myself but thankfully my motto is "if a job is worth doing it is worth forcing someone else to do it for you"...
I like your philosophy !
Fork dive ? Sounds like the spring could be too soft for your weight.
But I’m 100kg and haven’t experienced excessive dive under brakes so I can’t offer a view.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff What are you implying !!!! (goes of to eat another biscuit...)
I am the same weight so I am probably still getting used to bikes after a long time away. The front brake is amazing (but then I am comparing it to my old 500 Bullet).
Best wishes
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff You have added the preload adjusters to your bike so your bike is a little different than stock under heavy breaking. Perhaps it helps there.
C Cooper ha! Sorry. The brakes are adequate only. Try a modern sport bike. Makes your eyes pop out of their sockets 🤪
@@alanhassall very good point, well spotted 👍👍👍
Very good thank you , have fun
Very nicely done. Good production and great job on improving the suspension. .... Would you recommend the NC750X?
Would I recommend the NC.
Not really.
It’s only for descending riders who have grown up and realise “power” is not the main criteria for fun. 🤪
Bravo bravissimo
Did you upgrade the supervisors bike??
What diameter did you make the holes?
but for non-English speakers, can the conclusion be described in writing?
He said in short
"well worth doing, he'll never go back to the original suspension"
@@philogre5771 thank you!
Will be in the garage tomorrow to fit the fork upgrades. Very pleased with the rear shock. Out of interest what tyres are you running ?
At that time …. Shinko 705.
Was thinking of Pirelli MT60 s
Oh yes forgot to say the YSS paperwork said to use 15w fork oil instead of the 10w. What did you end up using?
Glad the upgrade paid off. One question...is the benefit more pronounced at faster speeds than slow?
Travel speed isn’t relevant. It’s the speed the fork compresses (sharp bump = high speed reaction). It’s these bumps that it helps most
Hey man, thanks for producing your videos, I also have a nc750x and they are quite helpful. Last week I ran over a huge brick in the middle of the road, and my wheels got completely crooked. I wonder if you know which material is the NC original wheel made of, and if you recommend a repair or replacement. I now the second is the best option, but I thought it's worth trying given the price difference. I'll try to bring next week to a megwheel repair shop, but I could use some of your knowledge to make the best decision. Thank you!
Sorry mate. I’ve got no experience with damaged wheels so can’t comment.
I have to thank you once again for a very informative and enjoyable video. I’m going to have to pull you up though. You seem to be hogging all the limelight, when you claim to be ignorant! What about your very attractive assistant with the brain and your father’s brother-in-law bobby?
I stand corrected. Yes my assistant is a definite advantage. Bob, on the other hand, is illusive and only turns up occasionally.
What camera do you use? And maybe some stabilization? Videos are so smooth ❤️
GoPro 7
Fresh oil could have been an assist also?
Yes fresh oil helps a very tiny bit too
Thanks for another great video. BTW did you ever find a reliable TPMS?
Thanks mate. No - haven’t bought another TPMS as yet.
Gday mate glad it was worth your time an effort just a question what exhaust is on your bike at tims it almost sounded like a triumph .
It’s a GPR. But many aftermarket mufflers sound similar on the NC as it has a 270 degree crank.
Thanks very much for this series. I'm 2 years and 20k miles in on a four year old NC750X and considering YSS forks and rear shock. Re: how long they last/servicing, how are getting on with them two years/x miles on?
Still as good as new.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff cheers 🍻
May I ask, what part of Australia were you riding??
South of Newcastle New South Wales
Did you consider progressive fork springs?
No. I don’t consider them to be an advantage.
Big downside of the 750x is the suspension. I can get the YSS kit form the UK for 300€. Key question:
Is it going to make a difference?
I can’t add anything more than what I have said in the video about my experience.
You must be in Florida winter with leaves on trees
Hmmm. Never been to Florida.
But I’m happy here in Australia.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff haha sorry I didn't realize your accent. Now it makes sense. But I thought australia was a red rock and sand. But hey what do I know
Ha! Accent? Accent? I don’t have an accent.
Most of us live around the edge of Oz. It’s only when you go inland a bit you get the red rock and sand. 🤗
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff of course you don’t have an accent….in Australia
The parallel twin sound nice. That the stock exhaust system?
No. It’s a GPR muffler
U do remember that the suspension travel is still under 14mm ? 🤔 - so this is NOT an offroad bike, even with the very useful upgrades u've made.
Our definition of off road must be different.
In Oz, these are roads. Off-road is single-track thru the bush.
And...the NC750X weighs how much? More than a naked R1200GS (but Not the R1250GS). The word Heavy begins with an H and so do the words Harley and Honda. I own an unnecessarily-heavy 2018 CRF250L Rally and a 2019 Road King Special (which Does Have a lower COG than the Road King). The Rally weighs within ten or 12 pounds of a XR650L (I know, carbureted and very high.)
Sorry mate. What is your point about suspension ?