MORE VERSATILE THAN EVER.

2018 Honda NC750X Review on Total Motorcycle:

We’re all looking for one thing that does it all. Most of the time that means compromise. Not with our new Honda NC750X. The engine gets boosted to 745cc, and we’ve added Honda Selective Torque Control, more suspension travel, a more comfortable seat and a larger windscreen.

Since its introduction in 2012* (*As the NC700X) the NC750X has enjoyed consistent popularity throughout Europe, making it a permanent fixture in the ranks of Europe’s top ten best selling motorcycles.

Reasons for its success are several: its ground-breaking, torque-laden twin-cylinder engine, which sips fuel while punching the bike forward in the low-to-mid rpm ranges, the relaxed, roomy riding position, wide handlebars and comfortable seat and riding position, the compliant, long-travel suspension and distinctive adventure styling all play their part.

The storage compartment (where the fuel tank would normally be) is capable of holding a full-face helmet and Honda’s unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) that over a third of customers choose are further features that set the NC750X apart.

As a total package, the NC750X’s qualities combine to create a motorcycle which functions superbly. For all types of riding – commuting, touring and simply riding for pleasure – it is a motorcycle with compelling all-round appeal.

The NC750X has an adventure-oriented edge, with comfort for rider and pillion. A large windscreen gives great wind protection and there’s plenty of room in the storage compartment positioned where the fuel tank is normally situated, which also has a utility rail built onto its lid. The LED headlight and taillight add class and the instruments – with variable colour display – can be personalised and present a premium image to the rider.

The rear shock absorber features a spring preload adjustment system while Showa Dual Bending Valves (SDBV) front forks are fitted up front.

The NC750X’s 745cc twin cylinder engine puts out strong low-to-mid range torque, delivering strong acceleration from very low rpm. It returns 28.6km/l (WMTC mode) and now features 2 Level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which can also be turned off.

The NC750X’s DCT features a natural ‘feathered’ clutch feel around an on/off throttle. In addition to the most fuel efficient automatic D Mode, for sportier riding there are 3 levels of S mode.  

Also available for 2018 is a 35kW version allowing A2 licence holders to enjoy the NC750X. This new version can easily be converted to a full power version at the appropriate time at a Honda dealer.

American Honda announced today that its midsize adventure-touring machine—long heralded as the ultimate commuting motorcycle—gets a number of important updates for 2018, enabling sportier performance while retaining the practical, utilitarian attributes for which it is known. The new NC750X will initially be offered in Europe in early 2018, with U.S. availability next summer.

The new model year brings a 75cc displacement increase to 745cc, along with the addition of two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), while mode changes to the automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) allow the possibility of higher-rpm shift points. When it was originally introduced in 2012, the NC700 (as it was called then) was noted for its “crossover” styling and innovative features. Now, updates result in a sportier character and a larger engine. The result is a fresh take on a highly functional machine that is more versatile than ever.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer the NC750X to our customers, especially with these new, performance-oriented updates,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Customers will continue to appreciate this model’s practical benefits, while a displacement increase, HSTC, and DCT improvements give it a more vibrant character as well.”

2018 Honda NC750X Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Honda’s ultimate commuting motorcycle wears a tough, adventure look and features a torque-laden parallel twin engine, long travel suspension, internal storage compartment, LED lighting and LCD instruments with personalised colour options. Two Level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is also now fitted as standard. A 35kW version is available for A2 licence holders.

•Bold, adventurous design identity based on the “Sensual Performance” concept, with an LED headlight, taillight, and running lights
•Liquid-cooled, 745cc, SOHC, 8-valve parallel-twin engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid rpm range, with large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm
•New for 2018, the NC750X gets two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
•Twin engine balancers counteract vibration at higher rpm inertia, refining the engine yet still allowing the distinct “throb” delivered by its 270º firing order
•By minimizing the number of parts, engine is kept light, efficient, and reliable, as components are made to do more than one job where possible
•Available Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) features two automatic modes—DRIVE and SPORT—plus the manual mode. Adaptive Clutch Capability Control manages the amount of clutch torque transmitted, adding a “feathered” clutch feel when opening or closing the throttle, for a smoother ride. For 2018, the DCT rev ceiling for upshifts has been raised to 7,500 rpm to make more use of the engine’s peak power
•Faux tank includes a 22 liter storage area (enough to hold a full-size helmet). Lid features tank-bag rails on the outside and strap hooks inside
•Upright, natural riding position, with a high viewpoint for enhanced hazard perception and great low-speed control
•Showa Dual Bending Valve fork and single rear shock with Pro-Link® configuration for smooth ride in a variety of road conditions
•Attractive instruments use a negative LCD display, with information including odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel efficiency and consumption gauges, (optional) heated-grip temperature, and three-stage SPORT mode for DCT model
•Color of rev-counter bar display can be changed by rider
•Tall windscreen guides airflow around rider’s body

2018 Honda NC750X Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Styling & Equipment

• Adventure styling provides comfort for rider and pillion
• 22L storage area will take a full-face helmet
• Negative LCD instrument display can be personalised
• LED headlight and taillight
• Wave key with Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)

A lot of the experience of riding a motorcycle comes down to feeling, and guiding the NC750X’s design is the phrase ‘Sensual Performance.’ From the front the machine has a bold, adventurous identity with an LED headlight and running lights forming a unique impression.

The tall screen guides airflow around the rider’s upper body and a central duct equalises pressure. Slits on the upper left and right side reduce wind noise. The side cowls and side covers create muscular lines; the svelte seat unit and clear-smoke LED taillight are underlined in a minimal manner by the exhaust muffler, further emphasising the mass-forward stance.

The storage area has a 22L volume and the lid exterior features rugged external rails – useful for mounting a tank bag. The lid’s interior has four hooks to allow rubber straps to assist in organising luggage and make best use of all of the space.

Attractive instruments use a negative LCD display. Information includes odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel efficiency and consumption gauges, (optional) heated grip temperature plus 3-stage S mode for the DCT model.

The colour of the rev-counter bar display can also be changed by the rider; a total of 9 options are available. It is also possible to have colours change according to gear selected, rpm range or (for the DCT version) riding mode.

ECO and SHIFT mode are further options when riding with the display set to a single colour or (on the DCT machine) the mode-dependent setting. ECO mode turns the display to light blue if riding with good fuel efficiency, and green if riding even more economically. SHIFT mode sees the colour change to orange if engine rpm exceeds a level pre-set by the rider.

A ‘wave’ key features the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). If the ID chip embedded in the key and the ID in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) do not match, the engine will not start.

The NC750X is available in 5 colour options:

Matt Pearl Glare White

Candy Chromosphere Red

Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic

Glint Wave Blue Metallic

The range of genuine Honda Accessories include a specifically-designed new rear rack and knuckle guards to add integrated function and tough adventure style; 35L and 45L top boxes; 29L panniers; inner bags; centre stand; fog lights and fairing bars; 5-stage heated grips; U-lock and AC charging socket.

DESIGN

Much of the motorcycle-riding experience comes down to feeling, and guiding the NC750X’s design is the phrase “Sensual Performance.” From the front, the machine has a bold, adventurous identity, with an LED headlight and running lights forming a unique impression.

The tall windscreen guides airflow around the rider’s upper body, and a central duct equalizes pressure, while slits on the upper left and right sides reduce wind noise. The side cowls and side covers create muscular lines, and the svelte seat unit and clear-smoke LED taillight are underlined in a minimal manner by the exhaust muffler, further emphasizing the mass-forward stance.

Volume of the storage compartment is 22 liters (enough to hold a full-size helmet), and its lid features external rails that are useful for mounting a tank bag. Inside the lid are four hooks that allow rubber straps to assist in organizing contents.

Attractive instruments use a negative LCD display, and information includes odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel economy and consumption gauges, (optional) heated grip temperature, and three-stage SPORT mode for the DCT model.

The color of the rev-counter bar display can be changed by the rider; a total of nine options are available. It is also possible to have colors change according to gear selected, rpm range, or (for the DCT version) riding mode.

ECO mode turns the display to light blue if riding with good fuel efficiency, and green if riding even more economically. SHIFT mode sees the color change to orange if engine rpm exceeds a level pre-set by the rider.

ENGINE

The design of the NC750X’s liquid-cooled, SOHC, 8-valve parallel-twin-cylinder engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid rpm 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. The engine’s forward-leaning position lowers the center of gravity for optimum handling.

For 2018, the NC750X gets Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), featuring two levels. Level 1 allows some rear-wheel spin—on gravel or dirt for instance—while Level 2 reduces wheel spin, particularly on slippery roads. Level 2 is the default from “ignition on,” and a push of the button on the left side of the handlebar changes the setting to Level 1. Pushing and holding the button turns HSTC off.

Twin balancers counteract vibration from higher rpm inertia, refining the engine yet still allowing the distinct “throb” delivered by its 270° firing order, and bore and stroke are set at 80mm x 77mm. By minimizing the number of parts, the engine is kept light, efficient, and reliable, as components are made to do more than one job where possible; for example, the camshaft drives the water pump, while one of the balancer shafts drives the oil pump.

A lightweight, pentagon-shaped muffler uses two chambers joined by a hole-punched link pipe, which works with a final resonator chamber to create a deeply distinctive sound and exhaust pulse. The built-in catalyzer has a two-layer structure to help reduce emissions.

DCT
Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission technology is now in its eighth year of production and is steadily gaining popularity. DCT uses two clutches—one for startup and first, third, and fifth gears, and the other for second, fourth, and sixth gears, with the main shaft for one clutch located inside that of the other. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit.

The DCT system features two automatic modes, plus the manual mode for manual gear changes. The standard automatic DRIVE mode is for general or highway riding and maximum fuel efficiency. SPORT mode—which holds a higher rpm for up- and downshifts—offers three levels of performance.

Some riders prefer to ride higher gears, some lower, and the three mode options make it possible to tailor the gearbox response to riding style. The selected level is stored and acts as the default SPORT Mode for subsequent rides. It is also displayed on the dash.

The DCT used by the NC750X features Adaptive Clutch Capability Control, which manages the amount of clutch torque transmitted. This adds a natural “feathered” clutch feel when opening or closing the throttle, for a smoother ride. Further refinements include fast operation of the Neutral-Drive switch when turning on the ignition, as well as a control system in Automatic mode for gauging the angle of ascent or descent and adapting the shift pattern accordingly.

For 2018, the DCT rev ceiling for upshifts has been raised from 6,600 rpm to 7,500 rpm (which is where redline starts), to make more use of the engine’s peak power.

CHASSIS

The NC750X’s rugged steel diamond frame has 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 60.6 inches, and front/rear weight distribution of 48% / 52%. Curb weight is 474 pounds (500 pounds DCT), and seat height is 32.7 inches. The riding position is upright and neutral, with a high viewpoint. Another advantage of this adventure-style riding position is great low-speed control; combined with the low center of gravity and generous steering lock, the result is exceptional low-speed handling and balance.

The 41mm telescopic Showa Dual Bending Valve fork features 6.0 inches of travel and has ratios optimized for both compression and rebound damping. This allows the generation of damping force in precise proportion to piston speed (in the low-speed range), improving ride quality and comfort. Increased compression damping provides more progressive, firmer suspension response and helps reduce dive under heavy braking. Gray Alumite caps add a finishing touch.

The single rear shock features a spring-preload adjuster system and has 5.9 inches of travel. It operates through a Pro-Link® configuration that offers an optimized balance of a soft initial stroke for dealing with low-speed bumps, together with excellent control.

Up front, the 320mm wave rotor and two-piston brake caliper deliver plenty of easy-to-modulate stopping power, complemented by the rear 240mm wave rotor and single-piston caliper. Lightweight two-channel ABS provides powerful and confident braking even on slippery or wet road surfaces.

Cast-aluminum front and rear wheels—sizes 17 x 3.50-inch and 17 x 4.50-inch respectively—wear 120/70 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 tires. Forged-aluminum L-shaped rim valves simplify the process of checking and adjusting air pressure.

HONDA ACCESSORIES

The range of genuine Honda Accessories includes:
•Specifically designed new rear rack
•Hand guards to add integrated function and tough adventure style
•35 liter and 45 liter top boxes
•29 liter panniers
•Inner bags
•Center stand
•Fog lights
•Fairing bars
•5 stage heated grips
•U-lock
•12V accessory socket

2018 Honda NC750X – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD

2018 Honda NC750X – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

2018 Honda NC750X – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).