Experience freedom like never before

THE Honda NC700X, which was launched two years ago as a brand new model part of a three-bike platform, has achieved an impressive level of sales, becoming one of the best-selling commute motorcycles in South Africa.

Its combination of torque-laden parallel twin-cylinder engine, frugal fuel economy and tough adventure-style chassis, riding position and good looks has won recognition from thousands of customers worldwide as a superb, stylish do-it-all tool.

Launched as a fun crossover commuter concept from Honda, loaded with a great deal of fresh thinking and new technologies, its sheer all-round competence with convenient details like helmet storage space where the fuel tank would normally be, made it a truly useful motorcycle both for day-to-day living and weekend touring.

For 2014, Honda has added the NC750X to its range, a bike designed to offer more of what every rider liked about the original.

A larger 745cc engine capacity gives the NC750X more power and torque throughout the entire rev-range, while delivering the pride in ownership of a full 750cc motorcycle.

The gearing is taller, but acceleration and top speed are both improved, while the addition of twin-balancer shafts and new exhaust muffler ensure a smooth yet characterful engine feel.

Additional instrumentation, plus a span-adjustable brake lever, two-channel ABS (only available on Dual Clutch Transmission), revised seat material and off-road pattern tyres, round out the updates.

Still affordable to buy and run and still made in Japan, the NC750X offers high build quality and the option of Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) six-speed gearbox.

An extra 75cc capacity has been added to the liquid-cooled, SOHC eight-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine thanks to a bore increase of 4mm to 77mm. Stroke remains at 80mm, as does the compression ratio of 10,7:1. Peak power is boosted to 40,3kW at 6 250rpm with a maximum torque of 68Nm at 4 750rpm. Fuel consumption is 28,9km/l. It also extracts a 400km plus range from the 14.1-litre underseat fuel tank.

Seat height is 830mm and the seat itself features a new cover for improved grip.

The riding position is upright and neutral, with a high viewpoint for enhanced hazard perception.

The addition of a six-position span-adjustable brake lever for 2014 adds adaptability. Another advantage of this adventure-style riding position is great low-speed control, combined with the low centre of gravity and 35 degree steering lock. The result is exceptional low-speed handling and balance.

Thanks to a carefully shaped fairing, the NC750X is equally comfortable when cruising at speed, the windscreen and bodywork divert wind around the rider, minimising fatigue.

The clear and easy-to-read instrument display features a digital speedometer, digital bar-type tachometer, clock, bar-type fuel meter and two trip meters. Updates for 2014 include a gear position indicator and “instant” and “average” fuel consumption.

The NC750X features the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS), an effective anti-theft set-up. If the ID chip embedded in the motorcycle’s key and the ID in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) do not match, the engine will not start.

With this electronic inter-lock system, the engine will only fire when one of the keys with the correct ID chip is used. Even if attempts are made to hot-wire the engine, or substitute the ignition switch module, the ECU system is still in control and the engine will not start.

The NC750X will be available in the following colour options:

• Sword Silver Metallic.

• Graphite Black.

• Matt Pearl Glare White.

• Candy Arcadian Red.