Honda Integra and NC750X MY 2016 [TEST VIDEO]

We told you about it in the complete article on the presentation which was held a few days ago in Malaga, now we will also tell you about it with the images of the video. These are two models on which Honda is focusing a lot, which last year were sold in approximately 2.200 - 2.300 units each and which are now being updated with important innovations, after which in 2014 they had already seen an evolutionary step which had seen the cylinder capacity rise of the long-stroke twin-cylinder from 700 to 750. The engine is not touched this time and remains the heart of the NC project. Its fundamental characteristics are very low consumption and usable performance, guaranteed by full output in the lows and mids, exactly where it is needed in daily use. The other key element, the DCT dual clutch transmission (optional on NC750X, standard on Integra 750), it is instead improved with refined electronic management and enriched with 2 additional sport modes.

The NC750Xjust last year, it was the best-selling Honda motorcycle in Europe and has always been among the top 10 in the rankings. Reason why the 2016 updates were the subject of huge investments by the Japanese company. Starting from what is visible, they have been updated its shapes, thanks to the Italian designer Valerio Aiello. No upheavals, but the transition to technology LEDs for the light clusters it was used to improve the look of the NC750X, especially at the rear, with a slimmer and more elegant tail. The compartment was also retouched which finds a place where we would classically find the tank. It goes from 21 to 22 liters and is equipped with guides externally, useful for securing a possible bag. The other big news is lo exhaust 7 centimeters shorter and half a kilo lighter, in addition to a more pleasant appearance, improves the sound and is essential for the transition to euro 4.

For Integra, a model whose greatest success came precisely in Italy, where last year it practically equaled the result of its sister NC750X, the aesthetic changes were aimed at increasing perceived quality, small refinements as well as, also in this case, an improved look around the smaller LED taillight. Beautiful ones metal inserts on the footrests, new colors then debut. For both models the key becomes more compact. The valves on the wheels are L-shaped for convenience and the instrumentation is totally new, with negative backlighting, with 4 modes and more colours and with the tachometer that changes tone depending on the rpm, gearbox mode and other parameters. The windshield fairing grows by 7 centimetres, both for the Integra and for the NC750X, with greater attention to aerodynamic protection, which has clearly improved, even if it remains partial.

The news doesn't stop at aesthetics, because they are also the ones who have been updated chassis and the DCT gearbox software. The latter is not the only possibility for the NC750X, because it is a paid option compared to the manual gearbox available as standard. However, the penetration index of the double clutch has risen above 50% and it was therefore important to improve it and make it increasingly convincing. In addition to refinements that lead to smoother operation during reacceleration, we have intervened both on the intelligence of the control unit, which also reads, for example, whether you are traveling uphill or downhill, acting on the gear changes accordingly, but above all, changes have been introduced 3 Sport maps, instead of the previous one. The S2 corresponds to the old one, the other two are one quieter, the other more aggressive and with shifting speeds moved upwards. Now in addition to the D and the manual use of the gearbox with the buttons on the left electric block, you can travel, as on the tortuous route of our test, with the S1, without having too high an engine speed and with consumption close to the 28,6 km/l of the data they declare, but at the same time maintaining the right shot to best tackle the curves. Or you can take advantage of all the power available with the S3. The great thing is that now there is even less need for manual gear shifting, as the electronics are able to optimally support driving.

The innovations regarding gear management perhaps have an even greater impact on the new Integra 750. Both because in this case the DCT is the only option available, but above all because the maxi scooter with a motorcycle frame and engine benefits greatly from the improved smoothness of gear changes made at low speed, being more suited to city driving. This closes a large part of the gap on the comfort front compared to scooters with the traditional variator, while the three sport maps improve its driveability when used on extra-urban roads. As in the case of the NC750X, the Integra is now equipped with a Showa fork with more supported hydraulics, which does not distort its character, but which is effective better support and stability when cornering. In both cases the rear mono register is also new, simpler and more practical to use. Both improved and more enjoyable therefore the two most popular variations of the successful NC platform, with the 750X excellent both as a first motorbike and as a practical and versatile solution for anyone, while in our opinion the Integra is in many ways the best maxiscooter on the market, moreover with the only flaw of a compartment under the saddle that is not too large, even if Honda Italy resolves the issue including a matching 45 liter top case in the price.

Prices are 9.390 euros for the Integra 2016, starting from 7.390 for the NC750X, which become 8.390 in the DCT version.

Test clothing:
Jacket: Alpinestars Motion Waterproof Jacket
Trousers: Alpinestars Denim Pants – Raw Indigo
Shoe: Alpinestars Vulk Shoes
Gloves: Alpinestars Polar Gore-Tex Gloves
All these garments are part of the Alpinestars 2016 collection which you can find described in this article.

Helmet: Kabuto Ibuki