New Honda NC750S

The design of the NC750S’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. 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.

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.

The NC750S engine is EURO4 compliant with CO2 emissions of 81g/km and fuel consumption of 80.8 mpg (WMTC mode) providing a 249 mile range from the 14.1-litre underseat fuel tank.

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 NC750S 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.

Leading the NC750S design philosophy is the phrase ‘Sensual Performance’ and the riding experience is enhanced visually and aurally. The small headlight and clear-smoke lens taillight inject a distinct presence. A unique selling point of the NC750S remains hidden in plain sight – the 21L storage compartment (where the fuel tank would normally be found) that easily holds a full-face helmet.

The instruments use a negative LCD display; information includes odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel efficiency and consumption gauges and optional heated grip temperature. A ‘wave’ style key gives a further premium feel. The colour of the rev-counter bar display can 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.

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 1,525mm and front/rear weight distribution of 48/52. Kerb weight is 217kg (227kg with DCT).

Seat height is 790mm and the ergonomics put the rider firmly in control, with handlebars just a relaxed reach away. The width of the handlebars offers excellent leverage at all speeds and with 35° of steering lock – plus low centre of gravity – the NC750S is perfect for cutting through the busiest city streets. Passenger comfort is ensured by twin grab handles.

41mm telescopic forks feature 120mm stroke. The rear monoshock also has 120mm travel and operates through Pro-Link, which offers the balance of a soft initial stroke for dealing with low-speed bumps and excellent overall control.

Up 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 provides powerful and confident braking even on slippery or wet road surfaces.

Forged aluminium L-shaped rim valves make checking and adjusting air pressure easier; 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 range of genuine Honda Accessories include a specifically-designed new rear rack, a 35L top box, 29L panniers, inner bags, centre stand, 5-stage heated grips, U-lock and AC charging socket.