FAQ help needed

[mwcogburn]

I am going to post what I have so far for comment. I still consider it a work in progress so I am not looking for feedback on grammar, inconsistent case, etc. Please tell me if I have anything factually incorrect. Also, suggest any questions that need to be added. I have stolen some of your postings for some of the answers, thanks.

I will be posting five sections. The FAQ is divided into four sections and I also have a leftover/housekeeping section.

 

[mwcogburn]

Questions for People Considering Purchasing an NC700/NC750

Q: Is the NC700/NC750 the right bike for me?

A: There are a number of threads that attempt to answer this question. The NC700X is a very versatile bike. There are a lot of OEM and aftermarket accessories available to customize the bike to your needs. It can be effectively used as a commuter, touring machine, or light off highway bike. If the upright ergonomics fit you and your riding style fits the bike then it is a good choice. If you are expecting a 100 HP sport bike, you should keep looking.

Q: Is the NC700/750 a good choice for a new rider?

A: Safety should be the first priority for a new rider. If you have not already, you should consider taking a course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or similar organization.

There are two essential questions the new rider must answer for themselves. Are you tall enough for the seat height and are you strong enough for a 700cc class motorcycle. Compared to other motorcycles of the same size the low center of gravity of the NC will be beneficial to the new rider.

Finally, make sure the bike fits your desired riding style. This is sometimes difficult for a new rider to know. If you are looking for a versatile commuter, one up tourer, or light adventure bike the NC will serve you well. If, for example, you are looking for a sport bike or cruiser you should probably look for a different motorcycle.

Q: Is the NC700/NC750 a scooter or a motorcycle?

A: A scooter is characterized by a step-through floorboard space and the engine is mounted on the swing arm. Scooters usually have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The NC700/NC750 is available with a dual clutch transmission (DCT). Because of this automatic transmission some people consider it a scooter.

The NC700/NC750 does not meet any of the definitions of a scooter (including transmission). It is without a doubt a motorcycle.

Q: Are there any issues that are commonly reported for the NC700/NC750?

A: Most people find the seat uncomfortable. The main complaint is that there is too much forward slope. This slope causes the rider to slide against the fake tank. The bigger issue is that it causes most people a lot of discomfort and causes them to have to stop frequently. There is an easy mod that can be done to raise the front of the seat ( http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-mods/1574-seat-mod-slope-change.html ). There are also a number of aftermarket solutions available from companies such as Seat Concepts, Shad, Corbin, Russel Day Long, etc.

Broken Frunk (storage compartment) lock; To help prevent this press down on the frunk or seat when opening them. Some people have installed hidden emergency pull cables in case this happens. Here is a thread that discussed this in detail. http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-technical/1372-how-open-glove-box-without-key.html

2014 trip meter random reset; This is a known issue with the 2014 NC models affecting the Trip A reading. The Trip A value randomly resets to zero. At this time Honda does not have a fix.

 

[mwcogburn]

General Questions

Q: Where can I get a owners manual or service manual for my NC700/NC750?

A: The official service manual for the NC series is published by Helm, Inc. For more information see the Helm website at Helm Incorporated: Choose Product Category This material is copyrighted. As such no links to unlicensed copies are allowed on the forum.

The owners manual is available through your local Honda dealer or Helm, Inc. at the website above. The owners manual has information that will enable the owner to perform all the routine maintenance (including answers to frequently disputed questions like fluid specifications), body panel removal instructions, and other great information.

Q: Are the same models available in all countries?

A: No. Since this is an international forum it helps to keep this fact in mind. The US does not get the NC750 and ABS is only available on the DCT. Canada and the UK get the NC750 and ABS is available on the manual transmission bikes. Australia only gets the NC700S and NC750S. There are other differences in models offered in other countries.

Q: Why can't I get the fuel economy some others get?

A: There is no simple answer to this question. Factors affecting fuel economy include aerodynamic drag, riding speed, riding habits, rider weight, winds/weather, etc. The most important factors are aerodynamic drag and speed. Any modifications to the bike will affect drag positively or negatively. Some mod effects even seem counter-intuitive.

Q: Why does the red fuel gauge bar stay on?

A: The red bar is directly applied behind the LCD display. When the display is registering at least one bar, it blocks the red bar from sight. When the last bar flashes, it appears to be flashing red. This design also means the red is visible when the instrument panel is powered down.

Q: Are there any questions I should not ask on the forum?

A: You can ask any question and the group will almost always respond graciously. However, there are some topics that result in numerous differing opinions that will only serve to cause more confusion. For these topics it is best to rely on the owners manual, service manual, or local dealer. You can also search for these threads and read for hours if that is what you are into.

The following are frequently disputed topics that should probably just be avoided;
"Do I need to change my oil?", “What oil should I use?”, “what gas should I use?”, "Should I use synthetic oil?", "Can I continue riding on a patched/plugged tire?", "Lane splitting, practical or completely insane?", "Regular maintenance, how much is too much?", etc.

Q: What does a horn relay do and why would I need one?

A: The horn switch (button) is designed to handle a lower amperage load than some horns require. A horn relay allows the horn to work without burning out the horn switch. The oem horn does not require a relay but aftermarket horns with high current draw do.

 

[mwcogburn]

Maintenance Questions

Q: How do I properly adjust the chain tension?

A: The following thread discusses the proper technique for adjusting the chain http://nc700-forum.com/forum/how-tos/433-drive-chain-maintenance.html Below is a summary of the required tasks (please read thread for detailed description with photos);

1. Lift the rear wheel of the bike off the ground while ensuring that the bike is stable and will not fall.
2. Clean and lubricate the chain with products that are safe to use on o-ring chains.
3. Remove and clean under the front sprocket cover.
4. A chain alignment tool or straight edge is recommended to ensure proper alignment of the rear wheel as you adjust. Do not rely on the markings on the swing arm to align the rear wheel/sprocket.
5. Pull the bottom section of the chain down and measure to a stable reference point.
6. Push the bottom section of the chain up and measure to the same stable reference point.
7. Subtract to determine the amount of deflection of the chain.
8. Loosen axle, release the lock nuts on the adjusting bolts, and turn adjusting bolt to obtain proper slack measurement ( 30-40mm (1.2 to 1.6 inches)). It is better to be a little loose than tight.
9. Make sure everything is properly seated and aligned and tighten. The rear axle nuts should be torqued to 98 N-m (72 ft.-lb.).

Q: What are the stock chain and sprocket specifications?

A: Specifications are listed below;
NC700X/XA/SA
OEM Drive Chain(Size) - (Number of Links) [Model]
DID (520) - (114) [DID520VO-114LE]
RK (520) - (114) [RK520MKO-114-LE]

NC700X/XA/SA
Sprocket Tooth Count
Front- 16T
Rear- 43T

NC700XD (DCT)
OEM Drive Chain(Size) - (Number of Links) [Model]
DID (520) - (112) [DID520VO-114LE]
RK (520) - (112) [RK520MKO-114-LE]

NC700XD (DCT)
Sprocket Tooth Count
Front- 16T
Rear- 39T

There are a number of opinions on how to maintain the chain and sprocket. The following thread has a lot of member input on the topic http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-technical/4260-recommended-chain-sprocket-costs.html

Q: What tires will fit the NC700/NC750?

A: The following is a good thread that discusses the various tires people have used on their bikes. http://nc700-forum.com/forum/tire-tech-talk/4984-tires-fit-nc700.html

Q: How do I adjust the valves?

A: The NC series motorcycle uses rocker arms to actuate the valves. Each rocker arm has an adjusting screw with a lock nut. Most people report very little movement when they measure the gap. It is still important to check the valve adjustment every 8,000 miles (especially the first one). With a little mechanical ability and the proper tools this task should take about 3 hours the first time and 2 hours each time after that.

Here are a couple of threads that are very informative on the topic. Please take the time to read through both.
http://nc700-forum.com/forum/garage...lve-adjustment-video-step-step-diy-guide.html
http://nc700-forum.com/forum/how-tos/4513-valve-adjustment-step-step.html

Q: How do these plastic body fasteners work?

A: The owner's manual has illustrations and instructions on operating the fasteners. Pushing the center in unlocks them and then the whole clip can be pulled out. To reset it, spread the legs out a little and they can easily be pushed up and into the pin shaft. The center section will then be raised above the rest of the clip. Insert the clip into the hole and then push the center section down flush. with this action, the clip will be locked in place.

Q: Do I need a battery charger?

A: It depends on how you use your NC. No other maintenance is needed if you ride regularly and each trip is long enough to fully charge the battery. If you ride infrequently or routinely make very short trips you should consider using a charger/conditioner. For routine charging you should only use a conditioning battery charger like a Battery Tender.

Q: How should I prepare the bike for winter storage?

A: The following are some of the more important things to consider doing in preparation for storing the bike; cover or store indoors, oil the chain, remove/disconnect the battery or connect to a battery maintainer, add fuel/ethanol stabilizer or remove fuel.

 

[mwcogburn]

Modification Questions

Q: What aftermarket hard and soft bags fit and what bracket part #'s are needed?

A: There are a large number of panniers (side/saddle bags) and top cases available for the NC700/NC750. In fact, there are too many options to answer this question in this FAQ. Please read the following thread for the answers. http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-mods/5412-pictures-various-honda-nc700x-saddlebags.html

Q: How do I install the springs on the center stand?

A: There are two schools of thought on this. Several people believe the easiest way is to follow the instructions. Most people, however, seem to prefer using a strap or string tied to the rear wheel to leverage the spring into place. This can be done by pushing the bike forward or by using a ratchet strap. The following thread illustrates these methods http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-technical/2401-centerstand-trick.html

Q: Do I really need a center stand?

A: A center stand is not required. It does, However, make chain and rear wheel maintenance easier. It is also a very stable alternative to parking on the side stand in some situations.

Q: Can the NC700X/NC750X be lowered for shorter riders?

A: Yes. There are several aftermarket lowering kits including Kouba Link, Lust, and Soupy. Enter “lowering link” in the search field and you will see at least a dozen threads on the topic. Some owners have also made their own lowering links.

Q: How do I remove my stock bar weights?

A: The handle bars are fitted with internal and external weights to reduce vibrations. It may be necessary to remove these weights to mount hand guards. Note; many owners choose to leave them on and get a longer screw to mount the hand guards. The following thread discusses removal of weights as well as some alternatives to removal. http://nc700-forum.com/forum/how-tos/5244-bar-end-weight-removal-how.html

Q: Why do my stock bar weights turn? Are they loose?

A: This is perfectly normal due to the design of the internal mounting structure. The ease with which the bar end weight turns can vary between bikes and even between the left and right side of a single bike.

Q: Has anyone put two disks on the front wheel?

A: No. This would be a very expensive proposition and the original design is very effective without modification.

Q: I want to configure my NC700X/NC750X for off highway use. What aftermarket accessories (and manufacturers) would be good for protection from light impacts?

A: Some of the more commonly installed items for this purpose include;
Hand guards (Trackside, Barkbuster, Cycra, Acerbis, etc.)
Skid plates (Hondabikepro/South Bound Honda [user/advertiser on this forum], Hepco & Becker, TCI Products)
Crash bars (GIVI, Hepco & Becker, TCI Products)

 

[mwcogburn]

Leftover stuff

General specs? {I don't know how to answer this}

starting the DCT after improper shut down? {I don't know how to answer this}

I want Givi luggage but I can't figure out what hardware I need. {I refered to the luggage thread in an answer above}

Do I actually need to read the owners manual? (Where is the owners manual?) {answered above}

How about a maintance chart,I know its in the manual but it may be nice to have in here also. {this would be a copyright violation}

 

[mwcogburn]

I can handle ctiticism so please be honest.

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Tapatalk

 

[bamamate]

Q: What does a horn relay do and why would I need one?

A: The horn switch (button) is designed to handle a lower amperage load than a horn requires. The horn relay allows the horn to work without burning out the horn switch.

Might want to mention that he NC doesn't have a horn relay. The stock horn is low amps. When adding an aftermarket horn a relay is recommended.

I didn't see where you have the location of the Owner's manual listed.....in the compartment at the bottom of the frunk, need to remove the body fastener to access.

 

[mwcogburn]

That was the main one I was concerned about. I just guessed. The rest I at least tried to look up. Thanks for the save.

Sent from my GT-P5113 using Tapatalk

 

[670cc]

Wow, this is awesome. I will dig up the Givi and SW-Motech hardware info when I have a chance. I think we're about ready to copy this into a closed, sticky thread. Does anyone have a preference as to which forum to put it in? Main Lobby?

We can keep this here thread open for additional material ideas from the members-at-large.

 

[670cc]

Here's one to add.

Q. The spark plugs called for in the manual are ridiculously expensive and hard to find. Is there another spark plug that will work?
A. NGK BKR6E-11 spark plugs will work fine. They are less expensive and readily available. See this post for more discussion on spark plugs: http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-general-discussion/5987-ngk-spark-plug.html

 

[mwcogburn]

I will dig up the Givi and SW-Motech hardware info when I have a chance.

Here's one to add.

Q. The spark plugs called for in the manual are ridiculously expensive and hard to find. Is there another spark plug that will work?
A. NGK BKR6E-11 spark plugs will work fine. They are less expensive and readily available. See this post for more discussion on spark plugs: http://nc700-forum.com/forum/nc700-general-discussion/5987-ngk-spark-plug.html

Thanks 670cc for the help.

 

[anglachel]

Q: Are there any issues that are commonly reported for the NC700?

A: Most people find the seat uncomfortable. The main complaint is that there is too much forward slope. This slope causes the rider to slide against the fake tank. The bigger issue is that it causes most people a lot of discomfort and causes them to have to stop frequently. There is an easy mod that can be done to raise the front of the seat ( Seat mod......slope change ). There are also a number of aftermarket solutions available from companies such as Seat Concepts, Shad, Corbin, Russel Day Long, etc.

Broken Frunk lock; To help prevent this press down on the frunk or seat when opening them. Some people have installed hidden emergency pull cables in case this happens. Here is a thread that discussed this in detail. How to open glove box without a key

2014 trip meter random reset; This is a known issue with the 2014 NC models affecting the trip A reading. The Trip A value randomly resets to zero. At this time Honda does not have a fix.

minor correction to the word seat. (though I'm the last one that should be giving out speeling tips.)

 

[mwcogburn]

I edited the posts that contain the proposed FAQ's. I primarily changed spelling and grammar. I only changed factual content on a couple of items to remove ambiguity and reduce confusion.

I will ask 670cc to copy them to a closed thread if no one else has suggestions for changes.

p.s. Thanks anglachel for the spelling catch. These are hard for me to catch as my mind sees what I meant to wright (see, did it again ).

 

[bamamate]

Thanks mwcogburn for taking the time to put it together.

 

[mwcogburn]

Thanks mwcogburn for taking the time to put it together.

Glad I could help.

Marc

 

[JDE]

How about links to the main oil filter threads that show which ones will fit the NC? That was a common question a while back.

 

[mwcogburn]

And define frunk. I will do these two when I get privileges to update the FAQ thread. Thanks JDE

 

[JDE]

Thanks JDE

No, no, no. Thank you sir! For doing this!

 

[mwcogburn]

I updated the oil filter filter thread and defined Frunk.

Please take a look at the FAQ thread in the new member section and let me know if you think anything needs to be changed. Currently it is all in One post. I am thinking about breaking it into several posts by topic. I think this will make it easier to read.