Is economy your goal? If so, read on.....These bikes are incredible. I bought my DCT version a year ago as a cheap commuter bike, covering 110 miles a day, mostly 'A' road and motorway. By doing a steady 50mph I am regularly seeing 90mpg+ (typically 92mpg, but have achieved 95mpg). Sure, it means my commute takes ten minutes longer but that's a small trade off price to pay for the almost unbelievable mpg figures. Even on those occasions I roll along at 70mph it will still return in the mid sixties mpg, so not exactly disastrous...The riding position is perfect for filtering, allowing a good enough view of whats happening around to be able to react, and upright enough that you are not crouched over like quasimodo..... add to that the ability to store a full face helmet in the false tank and this bikes usability just gets better.
That sounds brilliant. I have had times where I've wished I had the choice of DCT as well as somewhere to keep my helmet when out and about. It's great how practical this bike is. It's been a couple of years since riding this one, so I'll have to see about trying a newer one out. Apparently the DCT is better on the newer ones.
the nc700x is what we call a "eierlegendewollmilchsau". lots of torque, good handling, low consumtion ( 4,3l/100km = 53mpg full loaded ). i use it for traveling and as commuter bike. i made some modifications like barkbusters, heated grips, bigger windshield, avon trailrider... the nc700x dct took me nearly everywhere in europe on highway, gravel, mud...
...and people say they are just a "commuter" bike. Nonsense! I can see that this bike is easily capable of going the distance with adventure touring :)
A local lady I know used to have the NC700 DCT and she really liked it, it was her first big bike. She's got a bigass BMW tourer now. I Used to always chuck all my stuff in the storage bit lol She also had a topbox on hers so was practically a small van XD They have reallly good MPG too.
+Bex88 Yeh, the tank doesn't sound very big but the mpg is decent so should do long distances well. I imagine you can fit a lot on board if you have top box and panniers as well.
Ooooh I know they look great and do perform as advertised. But BMWs are problem bikes. Once one thing breaks, sell it, because it's just all downhill from there.
I would not change mine....I love it.Honda have built something rather special here...if your thinking if getting one dont think..just get one..you wont regret it.
Really want one! I find manual bikes exhausting (probably just not used to it as I have a scooter), but I like the riding position of bikes. Having an auto motorcycle is just the ticket!
Nice review Phil, I actually told my dad about this model as now he's older he struggles with his left foot to change gear, told him and he wasn't overly impressed with it being an auto until he realised you could still control up and down the box yourself, RSM8.
+Skeggy Cruiser Cheers Skeggy, youu do have the best of both worlds with it. It's fine once you get over the strangeness of it. I'm sure I'd get on fine owning something with DCT.
These bikes are fantastic....whether your 16 or 60...think of it this way,all those years ago if all motor vehicles were built this way then 25 years later someone built a bike with a manual clutch so that instead of riding fully automatic you now have to pull a lever in and continually kick another lever with your foot in order to achieve what the bike does automatically...I wonder how many would have been sold...
That was the old model you rode.New model came out last year which has new dash and better improved dct. I have the "old" 750S version and yes spot on when you say it's a sensible ride, but does what I need it to do and I quite like the dct, you get used to it. They are actually quite heavy bikes but the difference is the weight which is very low down compared to most other bikes. very fuel efficient too when commuting.
+SpinyBiker Ahh, I did wonder because some of the images of the dash I've seen looked different. Once I got over the initial weirdness of the DCT I was fine with it. The weight did feel like it was quite low down. It's very practical and I'd certainly consider having one for touring on.
I had the Africa Twin manual, but after 6 months traded for the DCT. I had a disabling left ankle injury years ago and although I can shift just fine it gets sore fast and just became a big obstacle. After about a 1000 miles on and off road I won’t buy another bike that is auto. Took a while to adjust my mind to not manually running the gears but once I adapted to paddle shifting when I felt like it and never stalling it’s sooooo much better.
i believe your excellent review has returned me to my original idea - the Honda DCT .. but now i favor the NC instead of the CTX and i may just pull the trigger on this motorcycle .. i'm 6'2" and i'm more used to the standard upright rider triangle of this bike over the feet-forward cruiser style of the CTX Thanks Phil480 !
Phil goes the extra mile on his tests. Testing an adventure bike in the sand! It's a very marmite bike. Some people love them, some will never get used to it.
I think Honda should be fitting the Africa Twin engine to a bike like this, not everyone wants an adventure bike with a sky-high seat, neither does everyone want something as low powered as the NC series.
Mate of mine has one, not tried it myself but he said it was a bit strange for the first few miles. Shame Honda don't do more bikes with DCT, especially in-line 4's, I'd love a CBF 1000 DCT :))
I was in touch with these cowboys at south coast honda , and was in the process of buying a honda fireblade sp1 , mainly dealing with Jamie , when contacted them to pay them for the new bike and arrange collection , they claimed that my bike had been mistakenly sold over the weekend ... I would be cautious dealing with them , things didn't add up
That's not good. I get mistakes happen, but not sure how they would accidentally sell a bike that was already sold. I've had a similar thing happen to me before, only it wasn't a bike, it was a vacuum cleaner we ordered at an electrical shop.
I like the NC range, though I'd definitely have the manual. I really like the look of the NC750S in the red/black colour scheme, but I need to test ride one because I worry from the lackluster crib sheet that it'll be too slow top-end for me
Although I don't currently own one I'm a great fan of the Honda DCT system. Having said that there isn't a bike in the range that suits my requirements yet, I'm hoping they release a NC1000X (NC750X with the Africa Twin motor). Thanks for sharing the video.
The NC 750 X has a couple of good things. It looks very good, it is really fuel efficient it rides like a motorcycle is has a lot of luggage space. But it feels like a naked bike I already changed the windshield but it still does not feel comfortable. And compared with a 4 cylinder it is not as smooth. I am not sure if I wille keep it. I am thinking of changing with a real scooter like the Yamaha T max 530 but they are crazy expensive.
I've got the 16 model in manual, like you said it is a comfortable bike to ride, great fuel economy. you should try the manual model I think you will like it more.
+GwresYnKernow I meant to say in the video that in theory you could ride it without a left leg without needing modifications. I didn't even know about the handbrake until people mentioned it in the comments hahah
Not sure I'd like auto, can't rag the hell out of the gears. That sandy car park reminded me of my first bike drop many years ago as a noob I applied the front brake and lost the bike 😬
+Sparky Rides Sand is horrible! If you stick this in the manual mode you can rag it the same as a proper manual. It only changes down by itself if the revs go too low, otherwise you pretty much have control of the gearbox.
going over a road like Baleach Na Baa or HardKnott Pass and similar ones including even more challenging ones in Europe and other places! I would think it'd be better if in manual rather than automatic mode! what do you think?
I didn't even know about the handbrake until people were commenting about it haha. If I ride a newer version, I will definitely find out how it all works.
When stopping at traffic lights or stop signs on a hill you don't need the handbrake absolutely. First (as usual) you use the foot brake and stop the bike. If you need get off from the bike on a hill you use the handbrake in order to prevent your bike from a downhill race ;-) It's really easy and convenient to use the handbrake on a hill.
+CalmBiker It was tip toes each side for me. The 650 S version has a lower seat height I believe. The auto is a bit strange to start with. After having time to think about it, I'd consider having it for a commuter.
From what I remember, it won't beat having proper gears as there is still a bit of a lag when you shift down. Although I do hear that the newer version is improved.
I didn't even know it had a handbrake haha! They didn't tell me about that, I'll have to have a closer look at that. I'm sure if the handbrake was left on, some safety feature would have prevented me from riding off.
I Had this model in uk it came with dunlop tyres made to honda spec dangerous in the wet had accident on wet rd complained to handa uk this was such a problem in uk some byers only baut the bike if honda changed the tyers I complained & was told to go to honda dealers to have a free change of tyres to my choice.only problem with bike but still sold it lost confidence in it
A few have said that. I didn't even realise there was a handbrake on it hahah. I would have thought that it would have some kind of fail safe that doesn't let you ride off with the brake on?
Considering that you can drive a car with the parking brake still engaged I can't imagine why a bike would be any different, esp. considering that there lots of things that are standard with all cars that aren't on bikes.
Whenever my bike goes in for work, Honda give me one of these... As a commuter, it is fine, but I just don't like it, there are plenty of better bikes out there...
+geoffcapeschamp How is it not a tourer? It has the comfort, fuel economy and grunt for long trips and has luggage options as well as the storage compartment. Honda class it as an adventure bike, and yes that may be a bit overstated, but it is definitely something easily capable of some touring with the added bonus of not being too heavy for a commuter.
![18 Wheels of Steel - Rainy trip during August 2023 - NC750X [4K/RAW]](/img/n.gif)
Is economy your goal? If so, read on.....These bikes are incredible. I bought my DCT version a year ago as a cheap commuter bike, covering 110 miles a day, mostly 'A' road and motorway. By doing a steady 50mph I am regularly seeing 90mpg+ (typically 92mpg, but have achieved 95mpg). Sure, it means my commute takes ten minutes longer but that's a small trade off price to pay for the almost unbelievable mpg figures. Even on those occasions I roll along at 70mph it will still return in the mid sixties mpg, so not exactly disastrous...The riding position is perfect for filtering, allowing a good enough view of whats happening around to be able to react, and upright enough that you are not crouched over like quasimodo..... add to that the ability to store a full face helmet in the false tank and this bikes usability just gets better.
That sounds brilliant. I have had times where I've wished I had the choice of DCT as well as somewhere to keep my helmet when out and about. It's great how practical this bike is.
It's been a couple of years since riding this one, so I'll have to see about trying a newer one out. Apparently the DCT is better on the newer ones.
Is that US or Imperial mpg?
@@L.V-Rider Imperial. I suspect it is actually more but the display only shows three digits so it gets to 99.9 and cannot go any further
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne 92imph is 32.5km/L. That is almost what I get with my Honda 125. I won't talk about the Bandit 1200 though.
These are sold out in California, the DCT version. I want one so bad.
the nc700x is what we call a "eierlegendewollmilchsau". lots of torque, good handling, low consumtion ( 4,3l/100km = 53mpg full loaded ). i use it for traveling and as commuter bike. i made some modifications like barkbusters, heated grips, bigger windshield, avon trailrider... the nc700x dct took me nearly everywhere in europe on highway, gravel, mud...
...and people say they are just a "commuter" bike. Nonsense! I can see that this bike is easily capable of going the distance with adventure touring :)
A local lady I know used to have the NC700 DCT and she really liked it, it was her first big bike. She's got a bigass BMW tourer now. I Used to always chuck all my stuff in the storage bit lol She also had a topbox on hers so was practically a small van XD
They have reallly good MPG too.
+Bex88 Yeh, the tank doesn't sound very big but the mpg is decent so should do long distances well. I imagine you can fit a lot on board if you have top box and panniers as well.
Ooooh I know they look great and do perform as advertised. But BMWs are problem bikes. Once one thing breaks, sell it, because it's just all downhill from there.
I would not change mine....I love it.Honda have built something rather special here...if your thinking if getting one dont think..just get one..you wont regret it.
Really want one! I find manual bikes exhausting (probably just not used to it as I have a scooter), but I like the riding position of bikes. Having an auto motorcycle is just the ticket!
You soon get used to gears, it becomes second nature. However it can be a pain in slow traffic, that's where auto really helps.
Nice review Phil, I actually told my dad about this model as now he's older he struggles with his left foot to change gear, told him and he wasn't overly impressed with it being an auto until he realised you could still control up and down the box yourself, RSM8.
+Skeggy Cruiser Cheers Skeggy, youu do have the best of both worlds with it. It's fine once you get over the strangeness of it. I'm sure I'd get on fine owning something with DCT.
These bikes are fantastic....whether your 16 or 60...think of it this way,all those years ago if all motor vehicles were built this way then 25 years later someone built a bike with a manual clutch so that instead of riding fully automatic you now have to pull a lever in and continually kick another lever with your foot in order to achieve what the bike does automatically...I wonder how many would have been sold...
storage is brill . half a dozen beers and a curry no problem...... yeh iam single lol
That was the old model you rode.New model came out last year which has new dash and better improved dct. I have the "old" 750S version and yes spot on when you say it's a sensible ride, but does what I need it to do and I quite like the dct, you get used to it. They are actually quite heavy bikes but the difference is the weight which is very low down compared to most other bikes. very fuel efficient too when commuting.
+SpinyBiker Ahh, I did wonder because some of the images of the dash I've seen looked different.
Once I got over the initial weirdness of the DCT I was fine with it. The weight did feel like it was quite low down.
It's very practical and I'd certainly consider having one for touring on.
Yeah, I’m on my second dct and none of them act like your review. Yeah. And yeah they’re lots of fun.
I had the Africa Twin manual, but after 6 months traded for the DCT. I had a disabling left ankle injury years ago and although I can shift just fine it gets sore fast and just became a big obstacle. After about a 1000 miles on and off road I won’t buy another bike that is auto. Took a while to adjust my mind to not manually running the gears but once I adapted to paddle shifting when I felt like it and never stalling it’s sooooo much better.
I really like the Africa Twin, just a bit too tall for me. Although I do hear that they do a low seat and can be lowered enough.
Auto correct messed my comment up. I won’t buy another that isn’t auto
i believe your excellent review has returned me to my original idea - the Honda DCT .. but now i favor the NC instead of the CTX and i may just pull the trigger on this motorcycle .. i'm 6'2" and i'm more used to the standard upright rider triangle of this bike over the feet-forward cruiser style of the CTX Thanks Phil480 !
I love the engine low grumble and feel of those engines. I passed both mods 1st time on the naked version. Well built bikes but rpm is very low.
+EinkOLED I will have to try the naked version. It looks a little bit more fun.
The crossover looks nice too, like a luxury nc750x. Another alternative is the 500X
I think if you get used to it all its fun to ride , seems easy when in the city with much traffic
+dimmube Yes, city commuting on this must be nice and easy
Ciao England! I love and I miss you..Cheers from Italy.
Phil goes the extra mile on his tests. Testing an adventure bike in the sand! It's a very marmite bike. Some people love them, some will never get used to it.
+Paul Ford Aye hahah. The sand was completely unintentional, I promise!
Honda Nc750x DCT ABS world's best tourist bike in 750cc range 💪💪💪💪💪👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌💝💝💝💝💝
But dont expect to get an ex large full face helmet in the frunk...only pin head ones fit...
I think Honda should be fitting the Africa Twin engine to a bike like this, not everyone wants an adventure bike with a sky-high seat, neither does everyone want something as low powered as the NC series.
That should be a good combination. The Africa Twin is too tall for me, but that engine in something like this would be good.
Mate of mine has one, not tried it myself but he said it was a bit strange for the first few miles. Shame Honda don't do more bikes with DCT, especially in-line 4's, I'd love a CBF 1000 DCT :))
+Ian Collings It does take a bit of getting used to. I think I'd get on fine with DCT
Well young man, only you Sir, can make the choice and spend your money. Love your reviews though, just like TMF (The Missenden Flyer) soooooo honest
I've watched loads of reviews on this bike and this was by far the most informative. Thanks.
Thanks Woody :)
I was in touch with these cowboys at south coast honda , and was in the process of buying a honda fireblade sp1 , mainly dealing with Jamie , when contacted them to pay them for the new bike and arrange collection , they claimed that my bike had been mistakenly sold over the weekend ... I would be cautious dealing with them , things didn't add up
That's not good. I get mistakes happen, but not sure how they would accidentally sell a bike that was already sold.
I've had a similar thing happen to me before, only it wasn't a bike, it was a vacuum cleaner we ordered at an electrical shop.
lol... I was pretty cross , but worked at better in the end ... anyway great vids :) 👍🏽
I like the NC range, though I'd definitely have the manual. I really like the look of the NC750S in the red/black colour scheme, but I need to test ride one because I worry from the lackluster crib sheet that it'll be too slow top-end for me
+Spectre223 Oh yes, the red and black is cool. I will try and get on the S, I think they have one.
Although I don't currently own one I'm a great fan of the Honda DCT system. Having said that there isn't a bike in the range that suits my requirements yet, I'm hoping they release a NC1000X (NC750X with the Africa Twin motor). Thanks for sharing the video.
+DervMan It seems to be quite a popular option, so they probably will introduce it to more bikes in the range. A NC1000 would be good!
africa twin
i wonder how long it will last and what it will cost to repair
The NC 750 X has a couple of good things. It looks very good, it is really fuel efficient it rides like a motorcycle is has a lot of luggage space. But it feels like a naked bike I already changed the windshield but it still does not feel comfortable. And compared with a 4 cylinder it is not as smooth. I am not sure if I wille keep it. I am thinking of changing with a real scooter like the Yamaha T max 530 but they are crazy expensive.
I've got the 16 model in manual, like you said it is a comfortable bike to ride, great fuel economy.
you should try the manual model I think you will like it more.
I have the 750s (auto is useful as I have no legs :p), it's fantastic.
+GwresYnKernow I meant to say in the video that in theory you could ride it without a left leg without needing modifications.
I didn't even know about the handbrake until people mentioned it in the comments hahah
Can not wait till you ride the Honda NM4 with DCT
+Sonnybee01 I'll be the Judge of that (see what I did there?)
Indeed :)
Not sure I'd like auto, can't rag the hell out of the gears. That sandy car park reminded me of my first bike drop many years ago as a noob I applied the front brake and lost the bike 😬
+Sparky Rides Sand is horrible!
If you stick this in the manual mode you can rag it the same as a proper manual. It only changes down by itself if the revs go too low, otherwise you pretty much have control of the gearbox.
I don't know about elsewhere but the NC700X is available without the DCT in the States but you'll have to forfeit the ABS though.
going over a road like Baleach Na Baa or HardKnott Pass and similar ones including even more challenging ones in Europe and other places! I would think it'd be better if in manual rather than automatic mode! what do you think?
Oh yeh for the twisty stuff I'd definitely put it in manual!
Same as the Honda NM4 in some ways. The centre of gravity and design are different between the two.
I have never read a review on how the handbrake works on a hill. For example when stopped at traffic lights or stop sign on a hill.
I didn't even know about the handbrake until people were commenting about it haha. If I ride a newer version, I will definitely find out how it all works.
When stopping at traffic lights or stop signs on a hill you don't need the handbrake absolutely. First (as usual) you use the foot brake and stop the bike. If you need get off from the bike on a hill you use the handbrake in order to prevent your bike from a downhill race ;-) It's really easy and convenient to use the handbrake on a hill.
bring it on I love it dct
Bret Snow I have to say, I would be tempted to have something with DCT. Once you get used to it, it's quite a luxury to have.
I am too old to change over to DCT, I can see some small advantages but I think it would be unsafe and take away from the "ride".
+Darrell Eidse I can see what you mean about it taking away from the ride. Surely if anything it is safer, must be almost impossible to stall it?
After 10 years of riding my Yamaha Tmax, I'm too old to go back to shifting again. Left hand just doesn't want to clutch in urban traffic anymore.
Bland I think is the word.. Genuinely surprised you didn't mention the handbrake
Wait, what, it has a handbrake?? hahha, they didn't tell me about that!
Yes, bland is a fairly decent word to describe it. It is a sensible machine.
The large plastic lever just to the right of the left hand controls
My legs must be weirdly short. I can't get my feet down on that bike so was surprised you could!
Auto? Hmm. Not sure. Seems a bit weird.
+CalmBiker It was tip toes each side for me. The 650 S version has a lower seat height I believe.
The auto is a bit strange to start with. After having time to think about it, I'd consider having it for a commuter.
I had a sit on an NC700S today. Much shorter and easy to flat foot.
anyway to lower the dct version?
@@Phil480 anyway to lower the dct version?
Very good.
How many times did you say "YA" ?
How was the manual shifting again,,can you drive it and shift like on a sport bike racing..down shift quickly then accelerate out of the corner.
From what I remember, it won't beat having proper gears as there is still a bit of a lag when you shift down. Although I do hear that the newer version is improved.
Phil480 Thank you.
I love honda nc
Shame the nc750x isn’t more exciting, I think the DCT would come alive with more peppy acceleration and power.
As someone else has said, maybe the Africa Twin engine in one of these would make it better.
It's far from slow.
If Its automatic whats to stop it rolling of the side stand. Do you leave it in drive or something?
It is equipped with hand brake.
Oh right. Just googled, Its a lever near where the clutch should be. Maybe it was a bland ride cos it was still on Lol
I didn't even know it had a handbrake haha! They didn't tell me about that, I'll have to have a closer look at that.
I'm sure if the handbrake was left on, some safety feature would have prevented me from riding off.
I Had this model in uk it came with dunlop tyres made to honda spec dangerous in the wet had accident on wet rd complained to handa uk this was such a problem in uk some byers only baut the bike if honda changed the tyers I complained & was told to go to honda dealers to have a free change of tyres to my choice.only problem with bike but still sold it lost confidence in it
Can we get a yeah counter in the corner?
Hell yeah!
Nice!
Good review. No clutch? Not interested. Thanks.
It's a Suzuki Bergman scooter in disguise :)
I'm sure you've got the handbrake on.
A few have said that. I didn't even realise there was a handbrake on it hahah. I would have thought that it would have some kind of fail safe that doesn't let you ride off with the brake on?
Phil480 There is a P parking brake light on the dash in red. Did you not feel it dragging? You must've thought it was terribly under powered! 😉
Considering that you can drive a car with the parking brake still engaged I can't imagine why a bike would be any different, esp. considering that there lots of things that are standard with all cars that aren't on bikes.
No, if the hand brake was on the lever would be almost pointing up.
Could you compare to a Yamaha FZ-07?
Good advice! LOL You got the Bike bug? I'm too old and poor, but it's fun to think about...
looks alright to be fair! not bad for an auto
+2Stroke Squashie Yeh, its very practical. That auto would be great for city commuting.
Very poor demo what about the combined ABS and the button on the right side of the instrument panel is to zero the trip meter.
Whenever my bike goes in for work, Honda give me one of these... As a commuter, it is fine, but I just don't like it, there are plenty of better bikes out there...
+metalhead18241 Oh yes, it's super practical, but it's not very fun inspiring.
metalhead18241 will
Its not an adventure, its not a tourer.......its a commuter.
+geoffcapeschamp How is it not a tourer? It has the comfort, fuel economy and grunt for long trips and has luggage options as well as the storage compartment.
Honda class it as an adventure bike, and yes that may be a bit overstated, but it is definitely something easily capable of some touring with the added bonus of not being too heavy for a commuter.
u forget to pay a ticket 5.50 ))
+Janis G'raf Hahah, I'm a Rebel!
Dct is designed for necessity rather than enjoyment. Manual anyday for me..
Ride a Tracer 900 please as its better than this bike
I was waiting for that haha, thanks Andy.
230kg for a twin - shocking!
+stevenv1992 Yep, same as my Scrambler, but with the Honda it feels quite low down so it doesn't feel like 230kgs
The comparative old SV650 must of been around 50 kg less than the NC! Makes one wonder where it all goes.
It's a Suzuki Bergman scooter in disguise :)
+Moto Ionic Hahah, all its missing is the electric screen and mirrors!