[FIRE UP]

Gang,
Well, I sold my beloved 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT after about 3 years of great on and off fun with it. I love(d) that bike. But, it was a very top heavy and big bike. Even for my elephant sized body of 6' 2 1/2" and around 245 lbs., it was a beast to man-handle around while walking it around the garage or any other walking predicament. Riding it was a ton of fun. But, that was then, this is now.

I've grown used to having a couple of bikes in the stable to choose from for darting around here and there or even a 50-100 mile run in the morning or evening. So, I'm missing the A/T for that situation.

Soooooo, I've been eyeing a couple of bikes. One, a Honda CB500X and the other, a Honda NC750X. After watching several you-tuber videos on the CB500X, I've learned quite a bit about it and from what it appears, you're totally better off if you purchase a '22 or '23 due to the very decent improvements in those models/years over the previous versions.

But, what I'm so used to on our '18 Wing Tour DCT Airbag is the very, very low rpms at higher speeds like freeways and even county roads with 55-60 mph speed limits. My A/T ran right at 4,000 rpms at 60 mph and while I never really liked that, I tolerated it for the time I owned that bike. I am not one of those that buys a tiny bike and runs the snot out of it at higher speeds. I don't believe in that. You want to go FAST, BUY A BIGGER BIKE is my motto.

Now, the question. I think I'm leaning towards the NC750X. I'd like another DCT and those models have one. But, unlike many of you, I don't like matte anything! Nor do I like black wheels or totally blacked out bike/scenarios. I like COLOR. That's just me. So, what this all means is, the version(s) of the NC750X I'm presently seeing for sale that have color, as in red and silver or white maybe, are the manual versions. I really like and have gotten very used to the DCT operation. Am I capable of still shifting, yeah. Once you've done it for 60 years, that's something that will never leave the old brain cells.

But, for those that have or had one, an NC750X in either manual or DCT, may I ask what your thoughts are? What may I also ask is the 60 mph rpms for either of those models? I surely appreciate your help here.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Gang,
Well, I sold my beloved 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT after about 3 years of great on and off fun with it. I love(d) that bike. But, it was a very top heavy and big bike. Even for my elephant sized body of 6' 2 1/2" and around 245 lbs., it was a beast to man-handle around while walking it around the garage or any other walking predicament. Riding it was a ton of fun. But, that was then, this is now.

I've grown used to having a couple of bikes in the stable to choose from for darting around here and there or even a 50-100 mile run in the morning or evening. So, I'm missing the A/T for that situation.

Soooooo, I've been eyeing a couple of bikes. One, a Honda CB500X and the other, a Honda NC750X. After watching several you-tuber videos on the CB500X, I've learned quite a bit about it and from what it appears, you're totally better off if you purchase a '22 or '23 due to the very decent improvements in those models/years over the previous versions.

But, what I'm so used to on our '18 Wing Tour DCT Airbag is the very, very low rpms at higher speeds like freeways and even county roads with 55-60 mph speed limits. My A/T ran right at 4,000 rpms at 60 mph and while I never really liked that, I tolerated it for the time I owned that bike. I am not one of those that buys a tiny bike and runs the snot out of it at higher speeds. I don't believe in that. You want to go FAST, BUY A BIGGER BIKE is my motto.

Now, the question. I think I'm leaning towards the NC750X. I'd like another DCT and those models have one. But, unlike many of you, I don't like matte anything! Nor do I like black wheels or totally blacked out bike/scenarios. I like COLOR. That's just me. So, what this all means is, the version(s) of the NC750X I'm presently seeing for sale that have color, as in red and silver or white maybe, are the manual versions. I really like and have gotten very used to the DCT operation. Am I capable of still shifting, yeah. Once you've done it for 60 years, that's something that will never leave the old brain cells.

But, for those that have or had one, an NC750X in either manual or DCT, may I ask what your thoughts are? What may I also ask is the 60 mph rpms for either of those models? I surely appreciate your help here.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Hey gang,
OP here. Wow, great responses! From the major majority of the experienced players here, it appears the NC750 is no rocket ship. That's perfectly fine with me. I'm not now, never have been, and never will be, a Ricky racer. I've owned maybe 2-3 dozen motorcycles and have never purchased any of them for speed. At darn near 500 lbs, I expect a 750 (actually less) cc motorcycle is not gonna be a laser beam in terms of speed, AND, get GREAT GAS MILEAGE at the same time, ain't gonna happen.

So, for all intents and purposes, the general operation, general speed capabilities and total overall satisfaction from the many who've replied not only on this thread but also linked threads, it appears the bike is a great overall bike if, you're not expecting Hyabusa performance which I DEFINITELY AM NOT! Hopefully I'll get to test one our in a few days and let you all know what my impessions are. Thanks so much for participating here. It's the very kind of info I was looking for.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

I watch and read UK and Europe based moto websites and Youtube videos.

It’s my impression the NC700/750X are very popular in the UK and Europe, where it is favoured for its practical design (under the faux gas tank storage) and its exceptional fuel economy, making it a very desirable commuter bike.

Think of it in North American terms as a large scooter, especially with available DCT. In North America, we culturally value large displacement motorcycles, anything less than 1000cc is often deemed too small and “underpowered.” From that perspective, the NC700/750X will never be very popular here.

Personally, I’d have an NC750X in a heartbeat if I had room. There’s a lot more enjoyment to motorcycling than just fierce acceleration. I value the engineering expertise that can produce a 750cc bike WITH DCT with exceptional fuel economy.

Tim

THAT is a very, very good and true statement.

So far, in the videos I've watched pertaining to the NC750X, it appears that the majority are made by folks outside of the U.S. And, while a very large percentage of those reporting folks do agree that the power available is not over whelming, they ALL state it's plenty enough for great fun and typical acceleration. As I've stated before, I'm not looking for rocket power. I never have when searching for a motorcycle. I just enjoy your basic motorcycling. And I think this NC750X is gonna fit the bill PERFECTLY.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

There are 181 hp Mazda MX-5s (Miata) and 797 hp Dodge Challenger Hellcats.

Both are hellaciously fun, just different fun.

Tim

Yep,
Did all that high acceleration full throttle drag racing BS for a few years back about a thousand years ago. Too costly, too much trouble, and unless one is on a track some place or in the middle of the Gobi desert, at 70+ years old, I sure as hell don't need any speeding tickets. So, it's mild throttle and just plain fun riding for this old fart.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Wasn't it you that told us about the low COG of the NC700X, compared to the Versys? I couldn't remember who stated that.
But if INTHEWIND couldn't get a ride on the NC because of one not being available, I understand his going ahead with the Versys purchase. He was READY for a change and didn't want to wait any longer.

About the US Honda dealers having a negative view of the NC700X: I keep hearing about the "sluggish" view of the NC. Is that primarily because the bike isn't a "go fast" type bike like the 600RR types? Speed seems to me to be a U.S. type attitude vs what the Europeans want when it comes to ADVs. Dealer negativity can kill a model however. Just look at what happened with the Harley V-ROD. Not to mention the Buell.

In this quest for a new bike, specifically the NC750X DCT, the videos and writeups I've seen and read do state that the engine in those bikes is not a rocket ship. But, EVERYONE states that it's PLENTY of power for general riding, general acceleration etc. Passing is a tad sluggish but doable. As just about all who've reviewed this bike have stated, you CANNOT have superior gas mileage AND top notch performance at the same time, not gonna happen.

These NC 750's are hovering around 65-75 mpg, based on riding technique and application. THAT'S what I'm looking for, not Hyabusa runs from stop light to stop light. If one wants rocket ship performance, than from what I can see and read, DO NOT buy the NC750X. If one (such as myself) want's a well rounded, low COG bike, decent performance, ultra ease of the DCT, VERY GOOD built in storage, and a few other attributes, then the NC750X might be for you. I really won't know 'till I take my first test ride on Friday. But I suspect I'm gonna like it.

If any dealerships have or present any form of negativaty towards the NC750X, that's up to them, it's a free world and free speech. But, with that being said, they (the dealerships) can have all the negativity they want but the bikes are still being manufactured, shipped to them, and sold. Can't be too much negative it that's what's happening.
Scott
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Dave,
I surely thank you for that information and writeup. Very much appreciated. I don't follow motorcycle production and or global procurement of such. But I do know that Europe and many other countries do regard motorcycles as some serious basic transportation. I think there's a whole ton of motorcycles/scooters that never make it to the states but sell by the gazillions in those countries. With all that being said, and based on your statements above, I'm kind of surprised that the NC lineup is actually still with us. There's 2023's out there for sure. The last part of the last sentense in your writing DEFINITELY applies to me! ".....and then there's the EXPERIENCED seasonal riders NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE BOY RACER PERFORMANCE and uncomfortable ergonomics...." Very true indeed! I will be test riding a 2020 NC750X DCT this Friday!
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Please provide a review of your test ride!

Roger that Sir, will do!
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

I'm especially interested in what you have to say about the seat.

Roger that six2go,
I will definitely report on that. However, I'm typically not overly critical of factory seats, on just about any bike. I know and realize that the factory(ies) of most motorcycles simply cannot produce a seat that will automatically satisfy all potential riders. I've owned 6 Wings to date and have never changed a factory seat. And, each and everyone of them all feel like I'm riding on a brick after about a hundred miles or so. I really don't mind that because, lots of other parts of this old body get tired along with the butt after that kind of distance. It's part of my existance. I just stop someplace and go walk around or grab a lunch or something like that. Then, after a brief break, I hop back on and I'm good for maybe another hundred or so, possibly less.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

I fully understand Scott. I'm 78 and don't do the long days either but I like to be comfortable while I am in the saddle.

Alright six2go,
Here ya go. I got a chance for about 60 miles on the new to me NC750X DCT today. The weather was GREAT and the roads, well, as good as they are for southern CA. Traffic was fairly light for a weekend day and great weather and, the area I was playing in. I got some 45, 55 and 65 mph time in and for several miles at each. I'd say I was in the saddle at the longest, about 20 minutes, maybe 30. I'd stop, look around at the surroundings and maybe take a picture of something.

At present, I don't really have a lot to complain about in terms of the seat. That does not mean it's a perfect seat, not by any stretch. Each persons butt is different and will have limits on just how long one can sit in the saddle before a given seat will start to cause issues. One rider may only do 50 miles and start to get tired of a seat. While another rider may get double or triple that mileage on the same seat before they complain. Including the two test rides, and the run around zoomies today, I've only put actually around 100 to 125 miles on it.

I'm getting used to it and things are smoothing out. I do have an issue though. I'm hearing what I might describe as a "Whirring" type sound as I gain speed from a starting stop. It's pretty noticeable as you approach 25-35 and above. I have done some preliminary tests and can't seem to narrow it down. I've put it on the center stand and spun the front tire as fast as possible which isn't fast and the only noise I get doing that is the noise from the brake pads in contact with the rotor as they have residual pressure. I need to pry the pads away slightly to create total clearance and then spin the wheel to see maybe, if I can detect any wheel bearing noise.

The second potential is of course the tire. The bike only has 2,200 miles on it so, obviously there's very little wear on those tires. There may be, I say MAY be some ultra slight cupping but, if it's there, it's really slight. Can a tire cause this noise, even when it's somewhat new? Anyway, so far, this is my primary issue.
Scott