EICMA – The new Honda NC700X arrives

La NC700X, launched by the Ala manufacturer at Eicma 2011 as one of the three new models in the "New Concept" range, achieved great sales success, soon becoming one of the best-selling motorcycles in Europe. Thanks to its exceptional, highly efficient parallel twin-cylinder engine and ingenious features such as the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) front helmet compartment.

Its adventure look, extended travel suspension, is loved by the enthusiast public for its qualities as a superb all-rounder.

Faithful to the Fun Crossover concept of being a concentration of new technologies and innovations, for everyday use but which can excite on long adventurous routes or on weekend trips.

For 2014, Honda updates one of its most successful motorcycles and launches the new NC750X: more power, more torque, practicality, but with an upgrade in technology and driving pleasure that makes it, once again, the best mid-range crossover market displacement.

Model overview
The 745cc engine of the new NC750X offers more torque and more power across the entire rev range, offering not only superb riding pleasure, but also the pride of owning a true "750", with maxi performance and looks, but price and ease of driving for medium displacement.

The new engine offers better acceleration, pick-up and top speed, also thanks to a longer gear ratio, while the addition of the second balancing countershaft dampens vibrations at high revs even better, for even more comfortable transfers but without sacrificing to the characteristic 'limping' sound guaranteed by the 270° timing of the crankshaft. Sound that comes from a renewed exhaust system, still civil and pleasant, but now even more personal.

And that's not all. The development of this model also involved the on-board electronics, with updated instrumentation equipped with trip computer and gear counter, the controls, with the adjustable front brake lever, the braking system, with a new two-channel ABS and the finishes, with a saddle covered in a new, more refined material.

Built as always in the Kumamoto factory in Japan, the NC750X is obviously also available in the version with DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) whose management software has in turn received some updates to make it even more intelligent, effective and fun. and intuitive.

Therefore, if in the last two years the NC700X has proven to be a best-seller in its category, with growing sales numbers and universal appreciation from the public, the new NC750X is ready to amaze by offering even something more.

Motor
The new 745cc displacement of the parallel twin-cylinder engine with 8-valve single-cam distribution and liquid cooling was obtained by increasing the bore by 4mm, keeping the stroke unchanged (from 73x80mm to 77x80mm).

The compression ratio is also unchanged, equal to 10,7:1. This increases the maximum power, which goes from 35 kW (48 HP) to 40,3 kW (55 HP), again at 6.250 rpm. The maximum torque value also benefits, which goes from 60 Nm to 68 Nm, expressed as previously at 4.750 rpm. But beyond the higher peak values, what represents the greatest benefit is that the increase in power and torque spans the entire power range, with a tangible positive effect on driving dynamics.

The concept behind the engine of the new NC750X therefore remains the full-bodied delivery at low and medium speeds, those most exploited in normal road driving, where acceleration and recovery are more effective if the engine is able to express a vigorous thrust already from low rpm, thus avoiding frequent use of the gearbox.

In addition to the increase in displacement, among the 2014 innovations for this exceptional engine is the addition of a second balancing countershaft, a choice aimed at keeping the vibration rate offered by the characteristic crankshaft mechanism pleasant even at high rpm with 270° firing order.

The exhaust system is also new, in particular the silencer, which thanks to redesigned internal passages to regulate the back pressure due to the increase in displacement, offers a darker and more full-bodied sound, giving an even more spirited and satisfying driving experience.

With more power and torque across the entire power range, Honda engineers have chosen to adopt a 6% longer gear ratio, giving the NC750X a higher top speed (+12 km/h) and a higher rpm. relaxed in transfers at cruising speed. In relation to this modification, the intervention speed of the limiter has also been raised to 6.400 rpm.

The ratios of the version with DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) have also been lengthened, by 6% in gears from 1st to 5th and by 3% in 6th gear. The advantages of the innovative engine mounted on the new NC750X do not end there. Extremely practical and compact, thanks to the cylinder bank inclined forward by 62°, it made it possible to create a layout of the motorbike capable of obtaining a spacious front storage compartment for a full-face helmet.

The genius of the project also lies in the reduction of the engine components to a minimum, which remains so light (62,4 kg in the version with manual gearbox, 69,2 kg in the version with DCT dual clutch gearbox), as well as super efficient and reliable .

Equipped with a single 36mm throttle body, and ducts machined directly into the cylinder head, it is made so that where possible the components perform more than one function, so the camshaft also drives the water pump while the balancing countershaft primary also drives the oil pump.

To further reduce fuel consumption, the engine development followed the principles of stoichiometric analysis. It was thus possible to ensure the right air/fuel ratio necessary for complete and clean combustion at all engine speeds. Thanks to these technological developments it was possible to achieve
the important objective of 28,9 km/l in the average WMTC cycle (even better than the previous 700cc engine) and drastically reduce polluting emissions. This is why with the 14,1 liter fuel tank, located under the saddle, with careful driving you can count on a range of over 400 km. The PGM-FI electronic injection fuel system makes an important contribution in this sense, which supplies exactly the optimal quantity of fuel thanks to the lambda sensor in the exhaust.

Finally, the high-efficiency catalyst has been located very close to the engine, so that it reaches operating temperature more quickly after cold starts, thus reducing harmful emissions from the first meters of transfer. The combination of these technologies guarantees full compliance with Euro3 parameters.

Dual clutch transmission (DCT)
The DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) was introduced by Honda for the first time on a motorcycle in 2010 on the VFR1200F, a very high performance "road sport" with a 4 HP V173 engine. Subsequently, with the arrival of the NC700 series (in the Honda Crosstourer crossover. The European public's appreciation for this sensational technology, previously the prerogative only of the automotive world with the very expensive premium supercars, was such that over 1200% of the Honda motorcycles offered in this variant were purchased with a DCT gearbox.

The Honda DCT dual clutch sequential gearbox enhances driving pleasure because it offers both the driving sensations typical of a manual gearbox and two totally automatic modes that allow you to drive thinking only of managing the
gas knob. The system uses two coaxial clutches: one for starts and therefore for the 1st, 3rd and 5th gear, the other for the 2nd, 4th and 6th gear. By pre-selecting the next gear via the clutch not in use, the system is able to engage the gears electronically and instantly, ensuring a gear change that is always quick, fluid and without interruption in power delivery. These qualities make driving very pleasant in every situation, and particularly comfortable when traveling with a passenger.

The three modes of the Dual Clutch Transmission offer all the flexibility necessary to accommodate different driving styles and to deal with every situation. Manual mode (MT) allows you to change gear by acting on the appropriate paddles on the handlebars, leaving the rider to choose the most appropriate moment to change gear, just as would happen on a motorbike with a traditional manual gearbox. Automatic mode (AT) is available in two features. Drive (D) is ideal for touring, city driving or motorway travel, and also emphasizes fuel efficiency. In Sport (S) mode the engine revs up more before shifting, thus ensuring searing acceleration, and when slowing down it downshifts earlier for a sportier feeling with greater engine braking.

Finally, in both D and S mode, immediate manual intervention is always possible if deemed necessary by the rider: simply act on the handlebar paddles in MT mode. In this case, the return to automatic mode occurs at the appropriate time, to leave the driver the freedom to tackle a particular driving situation, such as overtaking or a hairpin bend, in the gear he prefers, while at the same time offering him the convenience of automatically restoring the mode D or S with which he was proceeding.

Furthermore, in "D" mode, the DCT system detects the driver's driving style and, in particular conditions, such as a sudden request for greater reactivity (such as for overtaking or simply for a sporting "itch"), automatically installs a mapping intermediate with the brightest response, to automatically deactivate it as soon as driving behavior normalizes again.

The advantages of the Honda DCT gearbox are countless and undeniable. The electronic management prevents any errors in the management of gear changes, optimizes the rpm and therefore maximizes fuel efficiency, and also increases the life and reliability of the engine, as the two clutches work alternately, effectively halving their deterioration over time. This is why the public immediately appreciated it, determining the commercial success of the models equipped with it.

On the new 750cc engine, the DCT gearbox management software has also been updated, to make driving even more intuitive if possible. Now in both D and S modes the downshifts are anticipated, therefore taking place at a higher rpm to offer greater engine braking and superior corner entry fluidity. And thanks to the remapping of the PGM-FI injection system, even the response to sudden full throttle openings (WOT, wide open throttle) occurs with even more fluid downshifts.

Chassis
The robust diamond frame made of steel tubes is characterized by agile and snappy handling. This type of structure is ideal for a crossover like the NC750X where the use of on-board space was of strategic importance in the design phase. A compact chassis, which at the same time offers superb driving dynamics.

The inclination of the steering head is 27°, with a trail of 110 mm which determines a wheelbase of 1.540 mm. The front/rear weight distribution is balanced at 48/52%. The curb weight with a full tank of petrol is 219,3 kg for the version with manual gearbox and 229 kg for the version with DCT gearbox.

The saddle is placed 830 mm from the ground and is now covered with a new material which improves the level of finish. The comfortable riding position, with the handlebars high and the torso upright, offers an excellent view of the road, improving driving safety. Maneuverability is exceptional, thanks to the low center of gravity and the excellent steering angle (35°), while the geometric measurements of the chassis create a perfect balance between agility on winding routes and stability at high speeds.

Among the updates introduced with the birth of the NC750X there is also a front brake lever adjustable to 6 positions, to allow any rider to find the most correct lever distance for their hand.

In perfect crossover style, the fairing and fairing of the NC750X guarantee an 'adventure bike' look and excellent wind protection, which can be further improved by installing the optional raised windscreen and aerodynamic appendages for the sides of the fairing. Comfortable and fast, generous and tireless, fuel efficient and reliable, it is the ideal motorbike for daily use and travelling, even when fully loaded and with a passenger.

The suspension department includes a telescopic fork with 41 mm stanchions and 153,5 mm travel, while the monoshock, adjustable in spring preload, works by interposing progressive linkages according to the Pro-Link scheme, and offers 150 mm travel. The set-up is set for soft damping in the first phase of excursion and sustained control in the most accentuated compressions, to offer comfort and at the same time rigor at any inclination angle.

The flagship of the NC750X is the braking system with two-channel ABS as standard. Both discs have a 'wave' profile, the front with a diameter of 320 mm and a two-piston caliper, the rear with a diameter of 240 mm and a single-piston caliper.

Powerful and modular, the system offers a superior level of active safety, thanks to the anti-blocking which prevents loss of control even on slippery or irregular surfaces.

The beautiful 17 x 3,50 inch and 17 x 4,50 inch aluminum wheels are fitted with tires with an on/off road tread design in sizes 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 160/60 ZR17 at the rear.

The completely digital instrumentation maintains the well-known layout and position, easily readable and raised to be easily consulted by the pilot. It features a digital speedometer, bar-type tachometer, clock, fuel level indicator and two trip meters. The additional indications of the gear counter make their debut on the NC750X (now also on the model with manual gearbox) and the trip computer, which offers precise information on average and instantaneous consumption and on the remaining range.

The efficient HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) anti-theft system is installed as standard on the NC750X. If the identification chip incorporated in the motorcycle key and the identification of the ECU (Engine Control Unit) do not match, the engine will not start.

The NC750X, both with manual gearbox and in version with DCT gearbox, is available in the following color combinations:
– Sword Silver Metallic
– Graphite Black
– Matte Pearl Cool White
– Candy Arcadian Red

Accessories
To improve the equipment of the NC750X, a series of original Honda accessories are available, designed and tested to combine perfectly with the model for which they are intended.

The list includes:
– 35 liter glove box
– 45 liter on/off storage box
– 29 liter side bags kit
– Decorative panel for side bags kit
– Internal bag for the 35 liter glove box
– Internal bag for the 45 liter glove box
– Inner bag set for side bags
– High windshield
– Dome side panels
– Aerodynamic deflector kit for the legs
– Aerodynamic foot deflector kit
-LED fog light kit
– Tubular protection kit
– Heated grip kit
– 12 V power socket
- Central stand
- Anti-theft alarm
– U-shaped lock