Honda takes a direct shot at the Versys

[Sprocket]

Just found the Honda NC700XA on Honda's web site. Also see review. It looks like a direct competitor to the Versys with the same size and type of motor, similar ergos, same size tires, etc.. It even has a cool gas tank used for lockable storage. Actual gas fill hole is is under seat.


Engine Type Liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Displacement 670 cc
Bore & Stroke 73 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 O-ring sealed chain
Front Suspension 41mm telescopic fork; 153.5 mm (6 in.) travel
Rear Suspension Single shock, Pro-Link swingarm; 150 mm (5.9 in.) travel
Tires 120/70ZR - 17 radial front; 160/60ZR - 17 radial rear
Brakes Front 320 mm wave disc with triple-piston caliper; rear 240 mm wave disc with single-piston caliper. Combined Braking System with ABS
Ground Clearance n/a
Seat Height 830 mm (32.7 in.)
Wheelbase 1,540 mm (60.6 in.)
Curb Weight 218 kg (480 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas - ready to ride
Fuel Capacity 14.1 litres

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[acinonyx]

Interesting. As usual, doesn't seem to be available in the US.

I like Honda cars (I own one), but have never been moved to buy any of their motorcycles. This is, so far, the most interested I've been in a Honda motorcycle.

[MTS]

WOW! That is amazing! Really does look like the V. What is the price of this new bike? Any idea?

[bicyclist]

I'm not hugely impressed. It's overweight and produces only about 50 hp.

The engine is a new approach for Honda. Most of the design was taken from one of their small car engines (I forget the name) and is intended to return excellent fuel mileage. It's a low-revving, torque motor. However, the BMW F800 motor returns the same fuel mileage, but produces 85 HP.

The engine and chassis of this bike will be shared by three new Hondas, one of which is a scooter.

[duibhcek]

it is a promising bike indeed. I am hoping I'll be able to take a better look at the Brussels motor show.

the concept is very similar to the V. The price looks like to be even a bit cheaper for the Honda.

On the other hand the Honda has a much better economy (Honda claims between 3-4l/100km) and has the convenient storage in the fake tank cover. It comes with optional DCT as well if I'm not mistaken.

If you want a cheap and economical commuter the NC-X can be a great alternative for the V. If you use your bike mostly to tear up and down twisty B-roads the V probably still has the advantage.

[80-watt Hamster]

Originally Posted by bicyclist

I'm not hugely impressed. It's overweight and produces only about 50 hp.

The engine is a new approach for Honda. Most of the design was taken from one of their small car engines (I forget the name) and is intended to return excellent fuel mileage. It's a low-revving, torque motor. However, the BMW F800 motor returns the same fuel mileage, but produces 85 HP.

The engine and chassis of this bike will be shared by three new Hondas, one of which is a scooter.

Engine basis is from the 1.3 in the Jazz (a.k.a. Fit in the US, but we get it with a bigger motor). I, too, am a bit disappointed with the weight, but it's probably not a deal-breaker for their target market. Won't fly stateside, not without a huge shift in perception and expectations of two-wheel transport.

[banditmaniak600]

In France, the price will be 6,490€ (the Versys ABS 650 price is 8,199€).

Recently, it has been compared to the V-Strom. For those who are not afraid with French, take a look at this link : http://www.moto-station.com/article1...our-le-x-.html

[Markk9]

Only a 4 gallon tank...........................

[El Tig]

Originally Posted by Markk9

Only a 4 gallon tank...........................

and less horsepower...no thanks Honda!

[twowheels]

It looks like it was built to cost more so than the Versys. Single disk rotor up front, non adjustable suspension, conventional forks, box steel swing arm, and single throttle body for a twin cyl. engine.

[After]

Τhis bike looks for other category of drivers, nothing to do with versys

[Motopsycho]

I wish more motorcycles had lower gas storage, like BMW or Honda. All that gas down under the seat makes the bike easier to handle. When I finally get the funds to build a track day bike, I want to try to make the gas storage under seat.

[Element]

Versys lite. No thanks, but the ABS is nice to have.

[zedseven50]

I think it looks good and mpg will be great - will sell for around UK£5600 which is flippin' cheap. However, it's gonna be a bit on the slow side I reckon. Will probably take one out for a demo ride, just out of curiosity... In the meantime, the V remains the preferred mode of two-wheeled transport .

[Fastoman]

Honda has been cutting cost and that mean cutting on Hp and quality. The V is much better the the Honda-IMHO

Nice to have but not impressed.

[chrisd]

I'm not sure it's a direct shot at the Versys. More of an urban moto or commuter. This month's "Bike" magazine has a good write-up and talks about it being a potential bike of the year. The big deal is 75 mpg with dramatically-reduced friction in the motor. The article also says the Honda can't pull wheelies like a Versys, though!

[2daMax]

I think the Euro and Aussie version of the V has the ability to de-tuned to 32hp for compliance with their law for (age ?). A de-tuned bike would get you great MPG but at the cost of fun. I know that the GTR1400 can de-tuned using one of their programs on the fly and gives great gas savings. The V 1000 also has such feature at 75% performance.

The 4 Gal tank is a negative, IMO. Had a long trip recently to Thailand, and we crossed the border back to Malaysia around 11pm, and were looking for petrol kiosk. The first 3 from the border were already closed. Guys with the V were ok but guys with smaller tanks, they were getting really worried. One of our Marshals ran out of gas on his CBR1000, and had to be 'pushed' by another Marshal on his GTR1400. I still had 4 bars on the fuel gauge. Big tank is a plus for long trips.

[Element]

From what I heard today at Suzuki/Kaw dealer, the new Wee Strom is the one to watch for over your shoulder. Not just cosmetic changes, more power, taller, etc. And it looks mighty good too.

[zedseven50]

Funnily enough, yesterday I received an invitation from my local Honda dealer to test ride the NC700X......... maybe, if I've nothing better to do.

[invader]

Watch out for its 6500 rpm rev-limiter at redline.

"It’s odd, and a typical motorcyclist — which was me for the first 15 minutes aboard the X — will be banging hard against that rather abrupt rev limiter."

http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/12...honda-nc700-x/