wheelwatcher
New Member
Forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong forum, as I'm fairly new here. Got my NC700X just a few weeks ago and though that's not enough time to say I know it completely, here are some initial comparisons I can make with it and my other bike, a 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and other bikes I've ridden. For reference, keep in mind that I'm 44, slender, tallish (mostly legs, short torso) and approximately 175 pounds.
Both bikes like to short shifted, that is to be shifted while the engine is still spinning fairly slowly, compared with many other bikes that beg to be revved higher between shifts, lest the engine protest with a stumble, grumble, falter, shudder. A BMW 1200GS is a good example of the other side of the spectrum where hi revs between shifting makes the engine happy and smooth-running. Between the V-Strom and the NC it's a close call. I'd say the V-Strom is even better at running smoothly at lower rpms, compared with the NC, and that helps a lot when you are crawling along on the freeway in heavy traffic or negotiating a parking lot and I suppose it would be an asset too while off-roading where the obstacles are galore and slow riding is often the best way to be safe. But I'm talking mostly about low-speed riding in first or second gear, when the V-Strom has the upper hand. The NC seems unhappy to go below 2000 rpm without some stumble and surging. I'm guessing that's the restrictive engine mapping mandated by our EPA and am curious how much improvement could be made with a Power Commander which my V-Strom already has. The NC, on the other hand, excels when low rpm short shifting is desired to maximize efficiency and thus fuel mileage. So, low-rpm riding in a particular gear is easier with the V-Strom, but low-rpm shifting is better with the NC700X. At least how I see them so far. I used to have a Yamaha FZ6R, and that was the most flexible and smooth-running motor I've ever experienced. Almost like an electric motor.
The NC is very composed during sudden, hard braking. It doesn't pitch forward like many other bikes. I hate the rear shock going over rough, uneven pavement, but just for the sake of emergency braking, the forks and brakes do very well. I'm looking forward to seeing how removing some preload from the rear shock (don't ask Honda for help, right?) might make the ride less harsh. I've read others complaining more about the forks than the rear shock, but so far it's the rear suspension I find most bothersome. I think how the rear shock was set up by the dealer could influence how well it would behave for a particular rider, another factor with how the shock behaves.
Great ergonomics for the rider, but little space for the passenger feet if either person has large shoes. If I had to take a passenger, especially a large male, I would much prefer to take the V-Strom, as we aren't competing for foot room like on the NC.
I haven't had a chance to take a smaller person on the back of the NC yet, but I can say I really like the seat. I've got the kind with the texture vinyl, and it seems to support more of my behind than the one on the V-Strom, which, although it looks larger, and presumably more comfortable, puts more pressure on my groin and has me teetering back and forth between my left and right buttock. I'm really uncomfortable on the V-Strom seat for much more than an hour, but so far I'm digging the NC seat, although it is a bit low for me (I'm 5'11 and all legs) and I think would be better if it was flatter and not slope downwards into the tank. The textured surface helps as well as the firmness of the foam underneath.
Spatially, I really like the position of my arms, torso and butt on the NC, although I do find myself wanting to slide forward into the tank and the position of the footpegs makes it hard for me to hold myself back. Greater seat height might help.
I got a good workout (a massage please!) installing Hepco & Becker side racks along with Pelican 35L side cases. Yes, it's wider than I'd like (with still some wasted space between rack and bike, and I can tell the difference when there is a head or side wind, but I think the added convenience of storage space outweighs the loss of aerodynamics. Great thing about this set up from Caribou Cases (who I believe devised the connecting latch between the rack and the cases and drilled the cases to work with those H&B racks) is that it's extremely strong and stiff. There's hardly any play when you try to move the affixed cases. Besides storage capacity, you get added protection to the bike in the case of a tip-over as the stout cases and racks will absorb much of the impact. The really appear to be sturdy! I hope the H&B belly pan and engine guards that I have on order are as impressive.
Overall, I really like it. It would be even nicer if it had a better rear shock, a little more boot space to share with a passenger and ran a bit smoother at slower speeds. I think two of those three issues can be remedied, but only after some more money is spent. It's going to be a while.
It's a great commute bike for going the speed limit without a lot of weight. While it's short on horse power, it really hustles and it's easy to stay in it's powerband without revving it up high. No complaints with acceleration, even with a passenger, but I think it would be taxed with a lot of cargo, which I'm now able to carry, at speeds over 65mph or on windy roads at high speed. It seems even spunkier than the V-Strom and I really like it's bubbly engine. Plus, I got 68 mpg on my first tank and that included slower stop-and-go city driving as well as 60mph highway jaunts with some gridlock. Steady speeds at low (close to 2K) rpm really pays off with fuel economy with this bike.
Well, that's more than enough ranting for this late of night before any response/reply from you folks. Hope it motivates you to share your experience with this exceptional motorcycle. Ride safely and with gusto!
Both bikes like to short shifted, that is to be shifted while the engine is still spinning fairly slowly, compared with many other bikes that beg to be revved higher between shifts, lest the engine protest with a stumble, grumble, falter, shudder. A BMW 1200GS is a good example of the other side of the spectrum where hi revs between shifting makes the engine happy and smooth-running. Between the V-Strom and the NC it's a close call. I'd say the V-Strom is even better at running smoothly at lower rpms, compared with the NC, and that helps a lot when you are crawling along on the freeway in heavy traffic or negotiating a parking lot and I suppose it would be an asset too while off-roading where the obstacles are galore and slow riding is often the best way to be safe. But I'm talking mostly about low-speed riding in first or second gear, when the V-Strom has the upper hand. The NC seems unhappy to go below 2000 rpm without some stumble and surging. I'm guessing that's the restrictive engine mapping mandated by our EPA and am curious how much improvement could be made with a Power Commander which my V-Strom already has. The NC, on the other hand, excels when low rpm short shifting is desired to maximize efficiency and thus fuel mileage. So, low-rpm riding in a particular gear is easier with the V-Strom, but low-rpm shifting is better with the NC700X. At least how I see them so far. I used to have a Yamaha FZ6R, and that was the most flexible and smooth-running motor I've ever experienced. Almost like an electric motor.
The NC is very composed during sudden, hard braking. It doesn't pitch forward like many other bikes. I hate the rear shock going over rough, uneven pavement, but just for the sake of emergency braking, the forks and brakes do very well. I'm looking forward to seeing how removing some preload from the rear shock (don't ask Honda for help, right?) might make the ride less harsh. I've read others complaining more about the forks than the rear shock, but so far it's the rear suspension I find most bothersome. I think how the rear shock was set up by the dealer could influence how well it would behave for a particular rider, another factor with how the shock behaves.
Great ergonomics for the rider, but little space for the passenger feet if either person has large shoes. If I had to take a passenger, especially a large male, I would much prefer to take the V-Strom, as we aren't competing for foot room like on the NC.
I haven't had a chance to take a smaller person on the back of the NC yet, but I can say I really like the seat. I've got the kind with the texture vinyl, and it seems to support more of my behind than the one on the V-Strom, which, although it looks larger, and presumably more comfortable, puts more pressure on my groin and has me teetering back and forth between my left and right buttock. I'm really uncomfortable on the V-Strom seat for much more than an hour, but so far I'm digging the NC seat, although it is a bit low for me (I'm 5'11 and all legs) and I think would be better if it was flatter and not slope downwards into the tank. The textured surface helps as well as the firmness of the foam underneath.
Spatially, I really like the position of my arms, torso and butt on the NC, although I do find myself wanting to slide forward into the tank and the position of the footpegs makes it hard for me to hold myself back. Greater seat height might help.
I got a good workout (a massage please!) installing Hepco & Becker side racks along with Pelican 35L side cases. Yes, it's wider than I'd like (with still some wasted space between rack and bike, and I can tell the difference when there is a head or side wind, but I think the added convenience of storage space outweighs the loss of aerodynamics. Great thing about this set up from Caribou Cases (who I believe devised the connecting latch between the rack and the cases and drilled the cases to work with those H&B racks) is that it's extremely strong and stiff. There's hardly any play when you try to move the affixed cases. Besides storage capacity, you get added protection to the bike in the case of a tip-over as the stout cases and racks will absorb much of the impact. The really appear to be sturdy! I hope the H&B belly pan and engine guards that I have on order are as impressive.
Overall, I really like it. It would be even nicer if it had a better rear shock, a little more boot space to share with a passenger and ran a bit smoother at slower speeds. I think two of those three issues can be remedied, but only after some more money is spent. It's going to be a while.
It's a great commute bike for going the speed limit without a lot of weight. While it's short on horse power, it really hustles and it's easy to stay in it's powerband without revving it up high. No complaints with acceleration, even with a passenger, but I think it would be taxed with a lot of cargo, which I'm now able to carry, at speeds over 65mph or on windy roads at high speed. It seems even spunkier than the V-Strom and I really like it's bubbly engine. Plus, I got 68 mpg on my first tank and that included slower stop-and-go city driving as well as 60mph highway jaunts with some gridlock. Steady speeds at low (close to 2K) rpm really pays off with fuel economy with this bike.
Well, that's more than enough ranting for this late of night before any response/reply from you folks. Hope it motivates you to share your experience with this exceptional motorcycle. Ride safely and with gusto!
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Don't let anyone tell you such black and white does or does not when comparing bikes that you have owned and ridden, versus theirs.
