Honda's NC700X was a bold departure from the middleweight and open-class sportbikes that for a great number of years captured the attention of motorcyclists with blindingly quick acceleration, racy ergonomics, and MotoGP-inspired handling. At the time of its introduction in 2012, this commuter-friendly light-duty sport-tourer—currently branded as an "adventure" bike alongside the Africa Twin, VFR1200X, CB500X, and CRF250L Rally—had two features that separated it from many other streetbikes: truly outstanding fuel economy and "room for junk in the trunk," a reference to the 22-liter storage compartment (sufficiently large enough to swallow a full-face helmet) located where the gas tank would normally reside.
For 2018, Honda fitted an LED headlight, taillight, and running lights, and bumped displacement of the undersquare SOHC parallel twin from 670cc to 745cc via a 4mm increase in cylinder bore. Two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)—that's Honda-speak for traction control; you can even hold down the adjustment button to turn off TC—was likewise incorporated. The dash-centered rev-counter bar is nine-way color-adjustable, and the liquid-crystal display further reflects preprogramed fuel efficiencies: green, light blue, or orange. A smooth-shifting Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) is optional and adds antilock braking.
Likes: Cylinders tilted forward 62 degrees for a low center of gravity and easy handling
Dislikes: Conventional 41mm fork and 320mm single-disc brake somewhat dated
Verdict: A moderately priced street motorcycle that is fun to ride and highly efficient
“The NC is atypical, particularly in the character of its liquid-cooled, 670cc parallel-twin engine,” Senior Editor Blake Connor wrote in 2012. “Even on your first ride, it becomes clear that Honda is really onto something here. If the 700X is ridden conservatively, 80 mpg is not out of the question.”
"You give away that class-leading horsepower, but in return you get a torquey, easy-to-ride engine whose wide pulling power is ideal for first-time motorcyclists." Technical Editor Kevin Cameron wrote those words about the NC-X, but they also apply to other twin-cylinder models like the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Versys 650.
For 2019, the NC750X is only offered in one color—Ultra Blue Metallic—so differentiating the standard model from the DCT/ABS-equipped version might be difficult. That said, Honda offers many accessories, from saddlebags to heated handgrips and even a centerstand, the latter to ease checking the drive chain and tire pressures.
