New Honda NC750X

The design of the NC750X’s liquid-cooled, SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder 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. Its forward-leaning position brings the centre of gravity down for optimum stability. Peak power is 40.3kW @ 6,250rpm with maximum torque of 68Nm @ 4,750rpm. For 2018, the rpm limit has been raised to 7,500rpm to allow natural use of the engine performance into a higher rpm range.

For A2 licence holders a 35kW version is now available, which can be easily converted to the full power version by a Honda dealer at the appropriate time. Equally, it will be possible to restrict the full power version to 35kW by a Honda dealer replacing the standard throttle body and remapping the ECU. In most riding situations the restriction of peak power is not noticeable and the 0-100m acceleration time is identical to the full power version.

Another addition to the NC750X for 2018 (both manual and DCT option) is Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). It features 2 levels; Level 1 allows some rear wheel spin – on gravel or dirt for instance – while Level 2 provides confidence-inspiring traction on slippery roads. Level 2 is the default from ‘ignition on’, and a push of the button on the left 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. Bore and stroke is set at 80 x 77mm. By keeping the number of parts to a minimum, the engine is kept light, efficient and reliable 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.

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 catalyser has a two-layer structure for cleaner emissions.

Honda’s DCT technology is now in its eighth year of production and gaining popularity year on year on all of the machines that feature it as an option. DCT 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.

The DCT system features two automatic plus the MT mode for manual gear changes. The standard automatic D mode is for general or highway riding and maximum fuel economy. S mode – which shifts up and down at higher rpm than D mode for a sportier ride – gives three levels of sports performance.

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

The DCT used by the NC750X features “Adaptive Clutch Capability Control” that manages the amount of clutch torque transmitted. This adds a natural ‘feathered’ clutch feel when opening or shutting off the throttle for a smoother ride. Further refinements include fast operation of the N-D switch on turning on the ignition and a control system in AT mode for gauging the angle of ascent or descent and adapting shift pattern accordingly.

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 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.

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.

The NC750X’s 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 1,535mm and front/rear weight distribution of 48/52. Kerb weight is 220kg (230kg DCT). Seat height is 830mm. The riding position is upright and neutral, with a higher viewpoint for enhanced hazard perception. Another advantage of this adventure-style riding position is great low-speed control – combined with the low centre of gravity and generous steering lock, the result is exceptional low-speed handling and balance.

41mm telescopic forks feature 153.5mm travel and use Showa Dual Bending Valves, with ratios optimised for both compression and rebound damping. This allows the generation of damping force in precise proportion to piston speed – from 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. Grey Alumite caps add a finishing touch.

The rear monoshock features a spring preload adjuster system and has 150mm travel. It operates through Pro-Link that offers an optimised balance of a soft initial stroke, for dealing with low-speed bumps, together with excellent control.

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

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. Forged aluminium L-shaped rim valves make checking and adjusting air pressure easier.