mwcogburn
Member
If you haven't already done it, you might want to check out the FAQ thread. http://nc700-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6952
What made you decide to buy your NC?
- Thread starter MotoZen
- Start date
buckshot
New Member
Bought my S because of the promotional deals Honda was having at the time, the frunk (big part of it), it looks way better IMO than the X, it was in stock at my local dealer, and it seemed like a decent first bike for a new street rider. The MPG was a nice bonus.
All that being said, I will probably sell it and get an FZ-09 next season. I was in love as soon as I saw that bike, and have always been a Yamaha guy. I will miss the frunk of the NC, but I'm ready for a bit more excitement. Still glad I bought the NC though, it's taught me a lot and I probably would have wrapped myself around a telephone pole on something with more guts.
All that being said, I will probably sell it and get an FZ-09 next season. I was in love as soon as I saw that bike, and have always been a Yamaha guy. I will miss the frunk of the NC, but I'm ready for a bit more excitement. Still glad I bought the NC though, it's taught me a lot and I probably would have wrapped myself around a telephone pole on something with more guts.
Papamike
Member
Honda/DCT/Frunk/X type
MotoZen
New Member
Every time I show the frunk to other motorcyclists they think it so cool and then I hear "Why don't they do this on more bikes?" I love the frunk! I was teaching a novice motorcycle class this weekend and needed to bring teaching material, water bottle, snacks, jacket and sneakers and it all fit in the frunk. Gotta love that and then of course I had a great place to store my helmet.
Akar.Zaephyr
Site Supporter
(wow, thath's quite a post... Sorry. TL;DR on the bottom)
I originate from motorcycle family (my father and younger brother both ride), so it was only a matter of time before I catch up. I started with a 50cc scooter as a commuter machine, but after few weeks I already knew I'll have a maxi-scooter one day. Not because of lack of power, but because I got hooked up! I didn't manage to start the course last year (called late September so they didn't start new courses anymore...), so I decided to give it a go first thing early spring, and started reading around during winter. I thought I'll stay in maxi-scooter community...
As my DL course started, I realized that I actually prefer regular bikes than maxi-scooters. Yes, maxis have greater wind/rain protection, uber storage compartments, and are fantastic commuter/weekend-tourer machines (400cc and up), but they really lack in frame stiffness, suspension feedback, power-to-weight ratio... Simply nothing can beat the synergy of rider and machine when you're driving a bike that you have between your legs, rather than sitting on it like on a chair, granted - a really comfortable one. The sensation was simply addicting!
I've had an occasion to ride a few bikes during my DL, starting with Suzuki GN125 for learning basics, going through Yamaha YBR250, then Honda CB500F and Suzuki GS500, and finally - Suzuki Gladius, a machine you take the exam on in Poland. I discovered I didn't like 500s too much, with forward-leaning position I didn't feel comfortable with, and I couldn't imagine myself commuting on a machine like that. So these CB500F and GS500 - are a popular first-bike machines? Sucks... Gladius, on the other hand, turned out to be a machine I enjoy, despite hearing a lot of bad press about it from people who had the opportunity to learn and take exams on it before. It's heavy, but well balanced, easy-to-lean and easy to feel, but it can bite back of you make a mistake so you need to be awake. And that V2 sound when engine-breaking
So, without going off-topic too much , I learned naked bikes with straight-up position are something that suits me, which is kind of funny, considering I liked Honda Hornet's looks for more than I can remember. I guess history turned a full circle on me
Some time around the start of my DL course I started looking around, and as I continued my course, I started shifting from maxi-scooters to normal bikes. At the same time, I could appreciate the storage capabilities of maxis, but it looked like I'll have to decide what's more important - storage or bike fun? That is when I accidentally stumbled upon Honda NC700S review.
Frunk? Low balance point with a forward-tilted engine and a tank under your butt? Radical! I love radical!
DCT? Oh man, really? Twist-and-go on a naked? Frak me if I don't like that idea!
700cc, low-hp, high-torque, low-reving parallel twin? I feel something funny in my stomach...
High MPG? Who wouldn't like that?
Honda's legendary reliability? It doesn't get any better than that!
The more reviews I red, the more hooked up I was. Even skeptics admitted that after spending some time with this bike, they started to love it for its friendliness, ease of drive, fantastic DCT, frunk and in general - being great trip companion, no matter if you commute, or go for a week trip. Like a faithful Golden Retriever - one you can trust with your life and will never stab you in the back.
Sorry for a little longer answer, but I can see how my choice of machine evolved over time, as I gained more experience with regular motorcycles, and wanted something commuter-friendly for the week, while still capable of cruising on trips during weekend. Turns out NC was tailored for me, I only needed to mature enough to admit I want a bike instead of maxi. And to explain to my wife why I chose the former over the latter, and how that doesn't mean I'll kill myself the moment I turn the engine on
TL;DR: I come from maxi-scooters society and NC has everything best from the two worlds (maxi and bike) combined! Frunk and DCT, combined with motorcycle frame, transmission type, suspension and giddy-on position. It only lacks a bit in the wind-protection department, compared to maxi where you can hide your legs behind the front part, but still - there's no better commuter bike so far!
I originate from motorcycle family (my father and younger brother both ride), so it was only a matter of time before I catch up. I started with a 50cc scooter as a commuter machine, but after few weeks I already knew I'll have a maxi-scooter one day. Not because of lack of power, but because I got hooked up! I didn't manage to start the course last year (called late September so they didn't start new courses anymore...), so I decided to give it a go first thing early spring, and started reading around during winter. I thought I'll stay in maxi-scooter community...
As my DL course started, I realized that I actually prefer regular bikes than maxi-scooters. Yes, maxis have greater wind/rain protection, uber storage compartments, and are fantastic commuter/weekend-tourer machines (400cc and up), but they really lack in frame stiffness, suspension feedback, power-to-weight ratio... Simply nothing can beat the synergy of rider and machine when you're driving a bike that you have between your legs, rather than sitting on it like on a chair, granted - a really comfortable one. The sensation was simply addicting!
I've had an occasion to ride a few bikes during my DL, starting with Suzuki GN125 for learning basics, going through Yamaha YBR250, then Honda CB500F and Suzuki GS500, and finally - Suzuki Gladius, a machine you take the exam on in Poland. I discovered I didn't like 500s too much, with forward-leaning position I didn't feel comfortable with, and I couldn't imagine myself commuting on a machine like that. So these CB500F and GS500 - are a popular first-bike machines? Sucks... Gladius, on the other hand, turned out to be a machine I enjoy, despite hearing a lot of bad press about it from people who had the opportunity to learn and take exams on it before. It's heavy, but well balanced, easy-to-lean and easy to feel, but it can bite back of you make a mistake so you need to be awake. And that V2 sound when engine-breaking
So, without going off-topic too much , I learned naked bikes with straight-up position are something that suits me, which is kind of funny, considering I liked Honda Hornet's looks for more than I can remember. I guess history turned a full circle on me Some time around the start of my DL course I started looking around, and as I continued my course, I started shifting from maxi-scooters to normal bikes. At the same time, I could appreciate the storage capabilities of maxis, but it looked like I'll have to decide what's more important - storage or bike fun? That is when I accidentally stumbled upon Honda NC700S review.
Frunk? Low balance point with a forward-tilted engine and a tank under your butt? Radical! I love radical!
DCT? Oh man, really? Twist-and-go on a naked? Frak me if I don't like that idea!
700cc, low-hp, high-torque, low-reving parallel twin? I feel something funny in my stomach...
High MPG? Who wouldn't like that?
Honda's legendary reliability? It doesn't get any better than that!
The more reviews I red, the more hooked up I was. Even skeptics admitted that after spending some time with this bike, they started to love it for its friendliness, ease of drive, fantastic DCT, frunk and in general - being great trip companion, no matter if you commute, or go for a week trip. Like a faithful Golden Retriever - one you can trust with your life and will never stab you in the back.
Sorry for a little longer answer, but I can see how my choice of machine evolved over time, as I gained more experience with regular motorcycles, and wanted something commuter-friendly for the week, while still capable of cruising on trips during weekend. Turns out NC was tailored for me, I only needed to mature enough to admit I want a bike instead of maxi. And to explain to my wife why I chose the former over the latter, and how that doesn't mean I'll kill myself the moment I turn the engine on
TL;DR: I come from maxi-scooters society and NC has everything best from the two worlds (maxi and bike) combined! Frunk and DCT, combined with motorcycle frame, transmission type, suspension and giddy-on position. It only lacks a bit in the wind-protection department, compared to maxi where you can hide your legs behind the front part, but still - there's no better commuter bike so far!
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SinCityNC
New Member
The NCX for me is the result of a life-long progression. What's weird is that while my father never rode a motorcycle, he had me on a Honda Z50 at six years old. (As I consider it now, perhaps he didn't like me very much and was hoping I'd ride it off the side of a mountain, lol) I crashed that little bike so many times, it's sick! Next was a Suzuki CCI90, Suzuki TS185, RM125, XR175, XR250, RM250 (x2), and finally an RM500. (I actually did ride off the side of a mountain a couple times too) When I went off to college, Dad sold what was left of my bikes and I had a hiatus from riding while I got married, had our daughter, first mortgage, etc.
Once I had my feet under me again, I bought a Nighthawk 750 in about '93, and returned to life on two wheels. Learning to ride on the street was a chore, and I really didn't like it at first, but I learned, albeit slowly, that one simply cannot toss a street around without consequences. A myriad of different bikes followed as I learned and slowly, oh so slowly came to learn I am NOT immortal. I was slow to learn ATGATT as well. (I smacked a deer at 95mph on a modified VFR and slid down the highway on my face for about 350ft+; was fully geared and it saved my face and life, crushed disks in my spine notwithstanding.) I took a six year break after that, but the damn things kept calling me back.
In '08, I rescued my '85 Nighthawk from my neighbor's back yard and did a restoration, complete rebuild from ground up; still have that beast in my garage, been riding it since I finished it in summer '09. I found that the upright seating of the UJM is the only riding position my back can withstand consistently, and I simply hate the "cruiser culture" in Vegas, and as such would never buy an HD, Boulevard, Shadow, or similar. The 'Hawk is fantastic, but it is 30 yrs old, and stuff breaks, a daily rider she isn't. The 'Hawk, however did teach me safe and sane riding along with an annual advanced motorcycle safety and techniques class each year since '08.
2011, and I'm browsing the Nighthawk owners forum, and someone posts a link to a new UJM from Honda coming soon....NC700. Yup, I'm one of those weird fools who actually loves the looks of the NC. As life has it's way of being lifey, I was in hard times, my business had failed and I was mid-career change and picking up a new bike was not an option at the time. But....I was in love, I adored the NC from afar and bided my time by harassing the local dealership with several fake purchases just so I could ride the NC. The salesmen came to hate it when I walked in the door, lol. But I did do a lot of business in vintage parts there, so I was tolerated.
2015, and I'm in my current job as a manager of 10 mini-casinos located all over Vegas for almost three years, my feet under me again, older, slower, mortal, and mostly sane. My dealer calls me; took in a 2012 NCX manual w/2300 miles on the clock. They wanted too much money for it, but the timing was right and I figured I owed them a little for the harassment I had dished out for the last two years.
I bought it. I paid a little too much and have found some hidden modifications that I'm not too sure about, but I absolutely, totally, head-over-heels adore this bike. Perfect for my job, fun for joyrides, handles like it's on rails (especially after riding a top-heavy Nighthawk for the last six years), fuel injection, frunk, infinite farkles, and upright seating position. I actually like going to work now because I will get to ride from store to store! My current HOA just might tag my car as abandoned soon, hehe.
I'll have the NCX for as long as she or I hold up. I think the bike will probably outlast me.
-Don
Once I had my feet under me again, I bought a Nighthawk 750 in about '93, and returned to life on two wheels. Learning to ride on the street was a chore, and I really didn't like it at first, but I learned, albeit slowly, that one simply cannot toss a street around without consequences. A myriad of different bikes followed as I learned and slowly, oh so slowly came to learn I am NOT immortal. I was slow to learn ATGATT as well. (I smacked a deer at 95mph on a modified VFR and slid down the highway on my face for about 350ft+; was fully geared and it saved my face and life, crushed disks in my spine notwithstanding.) I took a six year break after that, but the damn things kept calling me back.
In '08, I rescued my '85 Nighthawk from my neighbor's back yard and did a restoration, complete rebuild from ground up; still have that beast in my garage, been riding it since I finished it in summer '09. I found that the upright seating of the UJM is the only riding position my back can withstand consistently, and I simply hate the "cruiser culture" in Vegas, and as such would never buy an HD, Boulevard, Shadow, or similar. The 'Hawk is fantastic, but it is 30 yrs old, and stuff breaks, a daily rider she isn't. The 'Hawk, however did teach me safe and sane riding along with an annual advanced motorcycle safety and techniques class each year since '08.
2011, and I'm browsing the Nighthawk owners forum, and someone posts a link to a new UJM from Honda coming soon....NC700. Yup, I'm one of those weird fools who actually loves the looks of the NC. As life has it's way of being lifey, I was in hard times, my business had failed and I was mid-career change and picking up a new bike was not an option at the time. But....I was in love, I adored the NC from afar and bided my time by harassing the local dealership with several fake purchases just so I could ride the NC. The salesmen came to hate it when I walked in the door, lol. But I did do a lot of business in vintage parts there, so I was tolerated.
2015, and I'm in my current job as a manager of 10 mini-casinos located all over Vegas for almost three years, my feet under me again, older, slower, mortal, and mostly sane. My dealer calls me; took in a 2012 NCX manual w/2300 miles on the clock. They wanted too much money for it, but the timing was right and I figured I owed them a little for the harassment I had dished out for the last two years.
I bought it. I paid a little too much and have found some hidden modifications that I'm not too sure about, but I absolutely, totally, head-over-heels adore this bike. Perfect for my job, fun for joyrides, handles like it's on rails (especially after riding a top-heavy Nighthawk for the last six years), fuel injection, frunk, infinite farkles, and upright seating position. I actually like going to work now because I will get to ride from store to store! My current HOA just might tag my car as abandoned soon, hehe.
I'll have the NCX for as long as she or I hold up. I think the bike will probably outlast me.
-Don
ST13Fred
Active Member
The 670cc parallel twin is the latest Honda innovation w/excellent MPG, so I need to add that in my decision.
dbtx
Elite Member
I love the boxer engines and really want a 1200GS but it is so big and heavy, esp for my 140lb frame. The 800 was my second choice but like you I read about a lot of issues with them (even more than the usual BMW issues
I am very curious about the new Africa Twin revival
http://powersports.honda.com/africatwin.aspx
netizen
Active Member
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Let's see... I liked the lower center of gravity... the straight up seating, the new concept engine with high milage was right up there too.
Honda reliability, and low maintenance cost added to the economical attraction as well.
But all that in an ugly bike would not have sold me. The bike has a nice look to it. It also has a short wheelbase, which gives you the ability to turn the bike in a short amount of space at low speed. For some reason that has always been important to me. The long wheelbase bikes bother me for that same reason.
The versatility of the NCX is also another big selling point to me. It can be a great commuter bike, a very good Adventure bike, or an excellent touring bike. That's hard to find all that in a bike these days. This bike appeals to a wide range of riders, so it gives you some choice, especially if your one of those riders who fit several if not all of the above categories.
"One bike to rule them all" Ok... that might be a bit much to claim..... but the NCX sure can compete in all 3 categories very well, especially if you make any effort at all in setting it up for any or all of these categories!
Commuter bike
Adventure bike
Touring bike
Honda reliability, and low maintenance cost added to the economical attraction as well.
But all that in an ugly bike would not have sold me. The bike has a nice look to it. It also has a short wheelbase, which gives you the ability to turn the bike in a short amount of space at low speed. For some reason that has always been important to me. The long wheelbase bikes bother me for that same reason.
The versatility of the NCX is also another big selling point to me. It can be a great commuter bike, a very good Adventure bike, or an excellent touring bike. That's hard to find all that in a bike these days. This bike appeals to a wide range of riders, so it gives you some choice, especially if your one of those riders who fit several if not all of the above categories.
"One bike to rule them all" Ok... that might be a bit much to claim..... but the NCX sure can compete in all 3 categories very well, especially if you make any effort at all in setting it up for any or all of these categories!
Commuter bike
Adventure bike
Touring bike
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Konrad
New Member
Honda, DCT, Scooter like trunk, Scooter like gas mileage, Semi-off roadable. A week before I learned about the NC I told my boss I wanted a bike that I could ride with one hand, but more power than a scooter of course, but not enough I find myself riding too recklessly. And then POOF. My perfect bike that had been out for two years came to my attention. Had to have it.
ZorakTheFool
New Member
frunk, honda reliability, low revving engine
