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2014 Honda NC750XA DCT Review
2014 Honda NC750XA DCT on Totalmotorcycle.com
Honda NC750X – go your own way round…
You may not be a movie star or a grizzled survivalist, but you still like to get out there and take the road less travelled. With a number of changes for 2014 including a 75 cc jump in displacement, the NC750X may be the perfect travel companion. Taller gearing extracts maximum performance from the new engine’s horsepower and torque increase, while retaining the NC’s relaxed power delivery and outstanding fuel economy. And to make sure the larger engine retains the uncanny smoothness and unique feel of its predecessor, a second balance shaft and a new muffler have been added. More aggressive dual-sport tires help when the road less travelled isn’t paved and more comprehensive instrumentation helps put your mind at rest by keeping you informed when you’re miles from anywhere. Of course, the 750 version retains many of the attributes and features that made the NC700X so popular – long travel suspension, generous ground clearance, linked ABS brakes, upright seating position and the cavernous storage area where the fuel tank would normally sit. So wherever your adventure takes you, go your own way, go on a Honda NC750X.
The NC700X set new standards for design, fuel economy and functionality. The new NC750X adds more power, but retains the advanced attributes that made its predecessor so popular
The NC700X – launched two years ago as a brand new model, part of a 3-bike platform – has become one of the best selling motorcycles in Europe. Its combination of torque-laden parallel twin-cylinder engine, frugal fuel economy and tough adventure-style chassis, riding position and looks has won it recognition from thousands of customers as a superb, stylish do-it-all tool.
For 2014, the NC750X is the next evolution – a bike designed to offer more of what every rider liked about the original NC700X, and nothing less.
For 2014, the NC750X is the next evolution – a bike designed to offer more of what every rider liked about the original NC700X, with a larger 745cc engine design ensuring a punchy performance in the low-to-mid range. With more power and torque, positioning this model in the new A-license category, as well as twin balancer shafts, new exhaust muffler and taller gearing, ABS as standard; the NC750X is one of the most cost-effective and all-round useful motorcycles available.
Launched as a Fun Crossover Commuter concept, 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, make it a truly useful motorcycle both for day-to-day living and weekend touring.
Available as an option on the NC750X, Hondas second-generation DCT gearbox offers a unique combination of direct riding feel and ease of use. A world first for motorcycles when launched in 2010, it delivers consistent, seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature in use.
The addition of an extra 75cc, more power and torque, twin balancer shafts, new exhaust muffler and taller gearing – plus a host of detail upgrades including ABS now fitted as standard, and revised software for the optional DCT gearbox – further improve one of the most cost-effective and all-round useful motorcycles available.
2014 Honda NC750XA DCT Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
A larger 745cc engine capacity gives the NC750X more power and torque throughout the entire rev-range.
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, 2-channel ABS, 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. The DCT itself has received software updates and offers an even more intuitive riding experience.
Over the last two years the NC700X has proved itself a unique and compelling two-wheeled proposition – and the NC750X is even better.
2014 Honda NC750XA DCT Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Engine
An extra 75cc capacity has been added to the liquid-cooled, SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine thanks to a bore increased 4mm to 77mm. Stroke remains at 80mm, as does compression ratio of 10.7:1. Peak power is boosted to 40.3kW @ 6,250rpm with maximum torque of 68Nm @ 4,750rpm. Both power and torque curves are considerably stronger throughout the entire rev-range.
The design of the NC750X engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid range. Its relatively long-stroke architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers combine with the high-inertial mass crankshaft to produce large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm.
In addition, for 2014, Honda’s engineers have added an extra balancer shaft to inject the engine with just the right amount of ‘good’ vibration. The effect of the twin balancers is to counteract vibration from higher rpm inertia, making the engine feel more refined, yet still with the distinct “throb” delivered by its 270° firing order.
A new muffler design with revised internals to regulate backpressure due to the capacity increase, further adds to the riding experience, with a more characterful beat and exhaust note.
The overall gearing is now 6% taller, giving increased top speed and more relaxed highway cruising; another effect of the taller gearing is to broaden the usable rpm range relative to road speed For those choosing the DCT option – 34% in the first nine months of 2013 across Europe – the gearing is 6% taller across 1st to 5th gears, and 3% taller in 6th.
There are other benefits to the innovative engine configuration of the NC750X. It is both practical and efficient in terms of layout, freeing up space within the body of the motorcycle – thus making room for the large storage compartment, capable of taking a full-face helmet.
By keeping the number of parts to a minimum, the engine is kept light (it weighs 62.4kg, 69.2kg in DCT form), efficient and reliable. There is just one 36mm throttle body and where possible components are made to do more than one job; the camshaft drives the water pump, while one of the balancer shafts drives the oil pump.
Thanks to extensive stoichiometric analysis during development the engine is always fed the exact fuel/air ratio required for a complete and clean burn at all rpm in any riding situation. Fuel consumption of 81.6mpg (WMTC mode) is particularly impressive and goes a long way toward making the NC750X inexpensive to run day-to-day. It also extracts close to a 250 mile range from the 14.1L underseat fuel tank.
The clean combustion also minimises harmful exhaust gas emissions; PGM-FI fuel injection system supplies the optimum amount of fuel/air mixture thanks to an oxygen sensor in the exhaust. A revised high-absorption catalyser is located close to the engine – as a result the catalyst reaches operating temperature quickly after a cold start, further reducing emissions.
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Available as an option on the NC750X, Honda’s second-generation DCT gearbox offers a unique combination of direct riding feel and ease of use. A world first for motorcycles when launched on the VFR1200F in 2010, it delivers consistent, seamless gear changes, and very quickly becomes second nature in use.
The system uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears: the other for 2nd, 4th and 6th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. When a gear change occurs, the system pre-selects the target gear using the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as, simultaneously, the second clutch engages.
The result is a consistent, fast and seamless gear change. Furthermore, as the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption of the drive to the rear wheel, any gear change shock and pitching of the machine is minimised, making the change feel direct as well as smooth.
With extra benefits such as durability (as the gears cannot be damaged by missing a gear), impossibility of stalling, low stress urban riding, and reduced rider fatigue, DCT has seen increasing acceptance in the market: 34% of NC700X customers chose the DCT option across Europe in the first nine months of 2013, compared with 20% in the whole of 2012.
Three modes of operation are available. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift with the handlebar trigger control buttons. Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding, and achieves optimum fuel efficiency. Automatic S mode is sportier and the ECU lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, giving greater performance. It also shifts down sooner when decelerating for extra engine braking.
In either D or S mode, DCT offers immediate manual intervention if required – the rider simply selects the required gear using the up and down shift triggers. At an appropriate time DCT seamlessly reverts back to automatic mode, depending on throttle angle, vehicle speed and gear position.
Furthermore, in “D” mode, the DCT system detects variations in rider input typical to certain environments, from busy urban streets to mountain switchbacks, and adapts its gear change schedule accordingly to create an extra level of riding compatibility.
For the NC750X, upgrades to the software and operating logic ensure an even more intuitive system; downshifts in D and S mode happen earlier for a more responsive feel and extra engine braking, making corner entry natural. Kick down is also smoother thanks to faster gear changes.
Chassis
The rugged steel diamond frame delivers the high levels of rigidity required for agile, responsive handling in a variety of conditions. It’s also ideal where space is at a premium, since it takes up very little volume but offers superb riding dynamics. Rake is set at 27° with trail of 110mm, wheelbase of 1,540mm and front/rear weight distribution of 48/52. Kerb weight is 219kg (229kg DCT).
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 6-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.
And 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.
41mm telescopic forks feature 153.5mm stroke. The rear monoshock has 150mm travel and operates through Pro-Link which offers an optimised balance of a soft initial stroke, for dealing with low-speed bumps, together with excellent control.
The front 320mm wavy disc and two-piston brake caliper offer plenty of easy to modulate stopping power, complemented by the rear 240mm wavy disc and single-piston caliper. Lightweight two-channel ABS – fitted as standard – enhances braking confidence in low grip conditions. Cast aluminium front and rear wheels – sizes 17 x 3.50-inch and 17 x 4.50-inch – wear 120/70 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 tyres.
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. Also, even if attempts are made to hot-wire the engine, or substitute the ignition switch module, because it’s the ECU that’s in control 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
Accessories
A range of dedicated Honda Genuine Accessories are available for the NC750X, to tailor its specification perfectly for each owner:
35L top box
45L top box on/off
29L pannier kit
Pannier kit decoration panel
Top box 35L inner bag
Top box 45L inner bag
Pannier inner bag set
DCT footshift gear lever
High windscreen
Front side cowl panel
Leg deflector kit
Foot deflector kit
LED fog lamp Kit
Accessory pipe
Grip heater kit
12V DC socket kit
Main stand
Alarm
U-lock
2014 Honda NC750XA DCT – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $NA USD
See 2014 Honda NC700X
2014 Honda NC750XA DCT – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $9,199 CDN
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Displacement
745 cc
Bore & Stroke
77 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Valve Train
Chain-driven SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Transmission
Six-speed
Final Drive
#520 O-ring-sealed chain
Rear Suspension
Single shock, Pro-Link swingarm; 154 mm (6 in.) travel
Tires
120/70ZR – 17 radial front; 160/60ZR – 17 radial rear
Brakes
Front 320 mm wave disc with twin-piston caliper; rear 240 mm wave disc with single-piston caliper. ABS
Seat Height
830 mm (32.7 in.)
Wheelbase
1,540 mm (60.6 in.)
Curb Weight
219 kg (483 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride
Fuel Capacity
14.1 litres
Colour
Metallic Silver
Warranty
12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus
2014 Honda NC750XA DCT – Totalmotorcycle.com UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: Standard £6,299; DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) £6,899** GBP
Engine
Oil Capacity
3.7L (DCT: 4.1L)
Battery Capacity
12V/11.2AH
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.1 litres
Bore × Stroke
77mm x 80mm
Carburation
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Max. Torque
68Nm @ 4,750rpm (95/1/EC)
Starter
Electric
Engine Displacement
745cc
ACG Output
420W/5000rpm (DCT : 450W/5000rpm)
Compression Ratio
10.7 : 1
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve, SOHC parallel 2-cylinder
Fuel Consumption
81.6mpg
Max. Power Output
40.3kW @ 6,250rpm (95/1/EC)
Transmission
Clutch
Wet multiplate hydraulic clutch (DCT:Wet multiplate hydraulic 2-clutch)
Final Drive
Chain
Transmission Type
6-speed Manual Transmission (DCT: 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission)
Dimensions and Weight
Seat Height
830mm
Caster Angle
27°
Dimensions (LxWxH)
2210mm x 840mm x 1285mm
Kerb Weight
219kg (DCT: 229kg)
Trail
110mm
Frame type
Diamond; steel pipe
Wheelbase
1540mm
Ground Clearance
165mm (minimum)
Wheels, Suspension and Brakes
Suspension Front
41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm stroke
Brakes Rear
240mm single wavy hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and resin mold pads
Rim Size Front
17M/C x MT3.50
ABS System Type
2-channel ABS
Wheels Rear
Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Suspension Rear
Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travel
Tyres Rear
160/60-ZR17M/C (69W)
Brakes Front
320mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads
Rim Size Rear
17M/C x MT4.50
Tyres Size Front
120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)
Wheels Front
Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.
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