2012 Honda NC700X – First Look
Photo Credit: Courtesy American Honda
Greg Drevenstedt
January 20, 2012
Filed under Dual-Sport + Adventure Motorcycle Reviews, Honda Motorcycle Reviews, Latest News, Top Stories
At the New York stop on the International Motorcycle Shows tour, American Honda is unveiling an all-new model, the 2012 Honda NC700X. First seen at the EICMA show in Italy last October, the NC700X features adventure-bike styling, a new engine, and nimble handling. In addition, the NC700X offers the option of a six-speed manual transmission or Honda’s second-generation automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Combined ABS.
Whereas the NT700V, dropped from Honda’s lineup for 2012, was powered by a 680cc 52-degree V-twin, the NC700X gets a liquid-cooled, eight-valve 670cc parallel twin tuned for low-end and midrange torque. An undersquare 73mm x 80mm bore/stroke and a high-inertia crankshaft are designed to provide smooth, tractable power. Canting the cylinders forward 62 degrees allows the single 36mm throttle body to be positioned vertically for ideal intake port position and shape, while the combustion chambers are designed for clean burning and optimal power production. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors numerous variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for riding and atmospheric conditions. An engine balancer shaft reduces vibration for smooth, comfortable operation.
The base-model NC700X features a manual six-speed transmission; the NC700X DCT/ABS features Honda’s second-generation automatic six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission that uses two hydraulically controlled clutches to deliver quick and smooth gear changes in three modes: Manual (MT), which allows the rider to shift gears using buttons, and two automatic (AT) modes—S for sport riding and D for everyday use. The DCT model also features Honda’s Combined ABS, linking the front and rear calipers and providing safe antilock functionality.
A modern, adventure-styled touring bike.
A rigid, compact diamond-shape steel frame, low center of gravity and long-travel suspension are said to provide responsive and agile handling. A 41mm fork provides 6.0 inches of travel and the Pro-Link rear shock offers 5.9 inches of travel. Adventure-bike styling, a protective windscreen and bodywork, and roomy ergonomics provide comfort and versatility for any type of riding, from the city to the badlands.
The NC700X’s 3.7-gallon fuel tank is located under the seat, centralizing mass and lowering the center of gravity. Similar to the Aprilia Mana, in the traditional fuel tank location is a 21-liter, lockable storage area that’s large enough to hold a helmet or other gear.
Available accessories include a 45-liter rear trunk, 29-liter saddlebags, saddlebag liners and panels, touring windscreen, luggage rack, cowls and deflectors, LED fog lights, heated grips, 12V socket and centerstand.
The 2012 Honda NC700X will be available this summer in Silver Metallic with an MSRP starting at $6,999.
The parallel twin allows the bike to be very narrow.
2012 Honda NC700X / NC700X DCT/ABS Specs
Engine Type: 670cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Bore and Stroke: 73mm x 80mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: SOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with 36mm throttle body
Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed / Automatic six-speed with two modes and a manual mode
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 60.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 27 degrees/4.3 in.
Seat Height: 32.7 in.
Available with a 6-speed manual transmission or automatic Dual Clutch Transmission with Combined ABS.
Suspension, Front: 41mm stanchions w/ 6.0-in. travel
Rear: Pro-Link single shock, adj. for spring preload w/ 5.9-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Single 320mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper / Single 320mm disc w/ 3-piston caliper & Combined ABS
Rear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper / Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper & Combined ABS
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 160/60-ZR17
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gals.
Claimed Wet Weight: 472 lbs. / 505 lbs.
 All-new liquid-cooled, eight-valve 680cc parallel twin. |
 Access to the 3.7-gallon fuel tank is under the passenger seat. |
 In the traditional fuel tank location is a 21-liter lockable storage compartment. |
 Tucked behind the small windscreen is a fully digital instrument display. |
Are there any plans for luggage for this new and interesting bike.
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John Geiler Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Re-read the article. It says that there is optional saddlebags and trunk with removable liners. Very cool and reasonably priced in my view. I don’t know how it would look with the optional touring windshield though. Might take away from the aesthetics. Definitely would look good in the garage but I have to sell a couple to make room.
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Tom Keenan Reply:
January 29th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
This bike has been shown by Honda with both saddlebags and top trunk. If and when those are available from Honda is hard to say but they are planned options.
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Bruce Dimon Reply:
February 1st, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Honda will offer 29 liter saddlebags and a 45 liter trunk. With the 2 liter “tank” storage, that totals 124 liters of storage. That’s close to Gold Wing totals!
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I like SX version better….can I have one? how about a cb1100 or the inline four sold in Canada or the cb 1300 from Europe? when is honda going to let the U.S have these bikes WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HONDA USA?
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This is a very cool bike, I love the storage idea now how about a choice of colors
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where/when can one test ride this bike in NJ?
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This bike looks perfect for my requirements but I insist on ABS. In order to get that, I have to take the automatic transmission too. I doubt if I want to give up the fine control of the friction zone especially on wet or dirt roads. I’ll see how I feel about it after a test ride.
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This bike in a GT form is exactly what many folks have been waiting for. Most of those “many” don’t even know it. A practical bike that’s good on gas, auto transmission, ABS, with onboard storage on a decent looking frame is the answer to commuting and short trip riders who have been relegated to maxi-scooters (I love ‘em) or, perhaps, the Aprilia Mana. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to the success of the 700X in this country is the American bike industry itself. While there are those who will never think anything less than a liter and a half of displacement and a price tag twice as much is child’s play, it’s too bad that so many in the industry have poo-poo’d the bike even before they seen it.
A whole league of potential riders are looking for a gateway into the world of motorcycling and the 700X may be it. These folks don’t need the gallop of huge V-twins, the noise, the limited storage, the horrid gas mileage, and, mainly, the lifestyle and commitment that some bikes and their attendant cultures demand. Frankly, they don’t need fake helmet or the goatee nor do they need the $1100 racing leather and puck. What they want is something to beat the rising cost of gas, the rising cost of running a car, the traffic backup, and they want to do it with bike that’s easy and safe to ride and, yeah, with a modicum of style.
Yet the industry will test the bike, feel “unsure” about how it powers through corners but mostly indicate “how it rides like a real motorcycle” as if it’s something other than a motorcycle. I would hope that “RIDER” gives the bike a fair shot – even let someone new to the sport review it. I hope Honda has the marketing savvy to realize the usual channels aren’t where their focus needs to be.
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I was interested in this bike and got very excited when I read that it would start at $7K. However, my enthusiasm waned when I read that you can only get ABS bundled with the Dual Clutch (automatic) Transmission. I don’t want to give up the control of the Friction Zone on wet or dirt roads. Only a test ride could convince me to get this bike. I’ll try to keep an open mind when I get the chance.
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Maybe many are not so concerned about fuel costs as they are on a bike costing over $10,000, Its the payments cost. Then to have a wimpy engine that requires Wrist twitching over moderate hills just to keep the bike in a decent speed zone,To be able to use a throttle lock for a while on a triip to a destination over 600 miles or more is a dream. Plus maybe some gravel roads, kinda muddy graded roads and a 12000ft pass with pine trees. Yeh, not trying for pro Journalist tour guide. I got other things to be done And, sure dont want to power lift 550 pounds that dropped on me. And lastly buffiting for 5 hours in the saddle 32.5″ off the ground @ just under 5000RPM.
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I’d love to test ride this bike and see how it compares to my 650 Kawasaki Versys and Yamaha FZ6. Unfortunately having the gas tank filler cap under the pillion seat is a real turn off. I do a lot of touring and having to unstrap my caping gear and then remove the soft side bags two or three times a day to gas up just won’t work for me no matter how great the bike might be in every other respect.
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Why would you put a fuel fill under the rear seat? If I have a bag strapped to the seat,I have to remove the bag to gas up??? With a 3.7 gal. tank, you will be humpin a ton of luggage. WTF!
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I was ready to trade in my ’07 WeeStrom for the new 2012 version, and then I saw the new NC700X. Now I’ve got to wait to hear what Rider says when they test it.
So, come on Rider. Give us a head to head test on the DL-650 and the NC700X asap!
In reading the description of this new Honda, I too am disappointed that the 6-spd manual didn’t get ABS. The Strom one-upped them there. I also agree it would be a pain to have the fuel filler under the rear seat.
Until I read your comparo test, I’m thinking the Strom still gets my vote.
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I PICK MINE UP TOMORROW CANT WAIT
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Always have been a big fan of Honda bike. There bullet proof, but this bike just does not have the size engine and power that is needed for the average American Dual Sport Rider. I have a BMW 1978 R1000/7, BMW 2005R1200RT, 2008 BMW R1200GS and a 2003 Honda 919. That said I wish Honda would put something out that would be on the same level as the BMW GS, Adventure or the new 2012 Triumph Tiger 1200cc Shaft Drive. The more experienced dual sport rider in the US like larger motors for their Dual Sport Bikes. I for one would be very interested in a bike of these proportions if Honda could come up with something(I’m sure they could).
As one other Reader wrote…
RV on January 27th, 2012 8:17 pm
I like SX version better….can I have one? how about a cb1100 or the inline four sold in Canada or the cb 1300 from Europe? WHEN IS HONDA GOING TO LET THE U.S. HAVE THESE BIKES. What the hell is wrong with Honda U.S.A.
That’s one of the big problems, but I think it is more to do with..The U.S. will not let these bikes come into the U.S. market from Japan for reasons that probably have to do with Harley does not want more good Japanese bikes coming into the U.S. market to compete with….!!! ;-}
WHEN IS HONDA GOING TO LET THE U.S. HAVE THESE BIKES
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they have one based on the VFR1200 platform. that should give you the power you want.
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The BMW G 650 GS has the filler off to the side of the rear seat so you can strap down your gear and not interfere with tank fill-ups. It costs more and is dual sport. Fuel economy tested at 69 mpg on regular. No automatic option but has selectable ABS and heated grips.
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Perfect timing Honda.
I find myself commuting daily on one of my bikes now – usually my YZF 1000 Yam from 1996! This is and has been my best machine to date, but at age 61 the call is for a lighter ecconomical ride that has an easy roll on and good torque. Definately be considering the NC700X at this price.
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I have been waiting for honda to produce a bike like this and look forward to seeing and riding one. Thought I was going to have to buy a Suzuki VSTROM to get a bike like this. Only ride Honda’s so hopefully this will be another great product.
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I have bought a NC700x, it comes with ABS and does evrything Honda said it would. Do as I did ride it then buy it you will not be disappointed.
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I’m a rider of 40 years looking for a bike I could commute on and do the usual rec riding. At first glance this looks fantastic. I don’t need 130 mph or a faux Harley. But the gas tank — both size and placement — are darn near deal-killers. 3.7 gallons? With the filler under the seat? Seriously? No way. One, you’d obviously spend half your life at the gas pump and two, it’d be a major pain in the arse when you were there. C’mon, Honda! Dumb, dumb, dumb. I don’t care if it lowers the center of gravity by a few millimeters. That’s being too clever by half and not worth it. Finally: don’t be such dorks about the ABS (not that I’ve ever had it or missed it). Offer it with the 6-speed, which everyone who’s ridden more than a month wants anyway. Bottom line: Great idea, but it needs a couple of tweaks.
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Why is the horsepower not listed anywhere? You can count on the bags being $1000. Abs only with Auto? Not cool.
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I would like to know when Honda is going to bring back the VTX the best bike they ever made it had POWER and Confort
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I ordered the 230 Tour Master tires for my 2002 HD 1200 S Sportster. I didn’t like the Dunlop 591 tires so want to try some thing different. From the sounds of it I may have found the tire that I will be happy with. I just got them delivered the other day so have to get them installed on the bike and check them out. Will let you know more at a later time. Carl
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This Honda looks great and I like the gas filler under the passenger seat. The storage compartments are a real big thing to me, I have a PC 800 and like the storage on it a lot. I hope that it is available for a test ride at the Sturgis rallie in the Black Hills this fall.
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The fuel tank size and filler location immediately stood out to me as serious problems which keep me from even trying what seems to be an otherwise good and useful traits in a bike. Very disappointed. Very stupid. I won’t even consider it for these reasons.
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