We live in a time when convenience is king, even in the motorcycle industry. Traditionally, motorcycles have been countercultural explicitly because they are not the easiest vehicles to live with. This rings especially true for those who live in a colder climate, which requires riders to have a certain level of commitment to the cause. This fact notwithstanding, there are now several versatile motorcycles on the market that remove other obstacles.
The Market Has More Versatile Motorcycles Than Ever
Yamaha
The rise in popularity of adventure and adventure-touring motorcycles is well documented. This has been supplemented by the introduction of several value-based touring alternatives that compete, albeit indirectly, with those bikes. All of these lighter travel-oriented motorcycles offer incredible versatility, being able to handle commutes, long-distance travel, and in the case of the ADVs, some level of off-road riding.
A shot of the rear tire of the BMW R 1300 GS AdventureBMW Motorrad
Suffice to say, if you are in the market for a versatile motorcycle, you are not short of options. The unfortunate reality of motorcycles like this is that they will always be compromised in some way. Most ADVs need long-travel suspension and off-road tires, which don’t exactly spell long-distance comfort. For those not particularly interested in riding off-road, a lightweight touring bike makes far more sense, and the bike in question continues to fly under the radar largely because of how misunderstood it is.
The Honda NC750X Takes The Hassle Out Of Motorcycle Ownership
MSRP: $9,499
Action shot of a white Honda NC750X DCT riding through the cityHonda Powersports
One look at its spec sheet, and it is easy to see why anyone would dismiss the NC750X out of hand. Add to this the fact that Honda seems determined to market it as an adventure bike, and we have one of the most misunderstood bikes on the market. While it certainly is not an ADV, it is a mighty practical touring bike that is arguably even more at home within the confines of a city, making an otherwise boring commute more fun.
The NC750X Has A Different Kind Of Parallel-Twin
Power: 58 Horsepower
Honda Powersports
While this is a 270-degree parallel-twin, it is a little different from the other engines that make use of this configuration. For one, it is in a relatively mild state of tune with a compression ratio of 10.7:1. This will make it both extremely reliable, and it won’t necessarily require premium fuel wherever you go. It is also laid flat in the chassis because the NC750X shares a platform with a couple of maxi-scooters in the form of the X-ADV and Forza 750.
The Advantages Of A Scooter Platform
Honda Powersports
Some enthusiasts will balk at the fact that this is a scooter in disguise, but the reality of the matter is that the benefits outweigh any perceived negatives. Once ego is taken out of the equation, you will come to appreciate how effective a modern DCT transmission really is in traffic and on longer rides. You will also learn that having the engine laid flat in the chassis like this helps keep the center of gravity low.
This aids handling, but the more practical benefit will be the added built-in storage you get from that frunk where the fuel tank would usually be. The underwhelming 58 horsepower figure is also overshadowed by the fact that the lump is able to produce 51 pound-feet of torque, all of which arrives pretty early in the rev range.
As Practical As A Motorcycle Can Get
Honda Powersports
We usually set a cap of 500 pounds for what we would consider bikes that are light enough to be used as commuters. At 497 pounds, it may seem as though the NC750X flies pretty close to this imaginary threshold, but because it wears its weight so low, you won’t feel it quite as much. Naturally, if it falls over, you will still feel its weight, but it will still be a lot easier to pick up than a lighter bike (like the Yamaha Ténéré 700, for example) which wears its weight higher up in the chassis. Its steel truss chassis is also nothing special, but this low center of mass means it has the same trademark neutral handling you would find on any Japanese motorcycle.
The DCT transmission will be a divisive feature, and if you are not willing to at least consider an automatic motorcycle, this is obviously not for you. But for those that are, it adds a layer of convenience that is most appreciable. It takes all the stress out of city commutes, but also makes long days in the saddle that much easier when touring. It certainly is not designed for spirited riding, though, and even though it offers decent roll-on acceleration, this is not much of a “sport tourer.”
Adventure Bike-Like Aesthetic Brings Its Own Advantages
Honda Powersports
We suspect that this lack of dynamism is one of the reasons why Honda wants people to believe that it is an ADV. The latest refresh certainly brought it right in line with all the other adventure and adventure touring models. It is also right in line with those bikes when it comes to features. It has combined ABS brakes (another latent scooter feature), adjustable traction control, ride modes, and a TFT dash with smartphone connectivity.
Even though it has a ride-by-wire throttle, it does not come with cruise control, which could be a deal-breaker for some. We can only assume that Honda decided to leave out this feature intentionally so it doesn’t step on the more expensive models’ toes, because if it were equipped with it, it would be the complete tourer.
Honda Powersports
Over the last few years, Honda has done an amazing job of putting together a lineup of diverse, yet versatile motorcycles that offer a lot of bang for the buck. This continues to fly under the radar a little, even though it might be one of the most versatile options. No matter how comfortable and effective it is, not everyone wants an automatic motorcycle, especially one that does everything almost a little too well. It is a ruthlessly efficient motorcycle that lacks a little personality and can feel a little appliance-like.
Honda NC750X DCT Versus The Competition
Cinematic shot of a rider cornering the Honda NC750X DCT through a winding road in autumnHonda Powersports
The Honda NC750X DCT exists in a class of its own. It’s a relaxed touring motorcycle that uses a scooter platform, comes with an automatic transmission, and offers more practicality than a typical tourer or crossover. So, if you’re looking for something that’s a sleeper, offers ultimate versatility, and is as easy to ride as a scooter, there’s hardly any better alternative to the NC750X DCT.
Action shot of a Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS riding through a tunnelKawasakiA Suzuki SV-7GX on a mountain roadSuzuki Cycles
However, as far as crossovers are concerned, the bike has a few noteworthy rivals, starting with the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the new Suzuki GSX-7GX. Both are more traditional crossovers, combining the sporty platforms with ADV-like design. The Versys 650 has been around for a while, and the 7GX builds on the bulletproof SV650 platform, so both are among the most reliable and versatile motorcycles you can buy today. Still, they can’t match the NC750X’ cost of ownership, fuel efficiency, and city-friendliness.
Triumph Motorcycles
Another good rival is the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, which features a 660cc inline-triple engine producing 81 horsepower. The bike is excellent value for money and is a capable touring bike, complete with sharper handling and rider aids. However, as a Euro bike, expect maintenance costs to be slightly higher than those of its Japanese rivals. Plus, the extra horsepower may feel like a handful in the city, unlike the NC750X DCT, which should feel relaxed in any riding condition.
Source: Honda Powersports
