is honda nc750x any good for adventure?
 

Hi Guys,
Just struggling with decision which bike to chose since I don't want to spend a fortune but still would be nice to have reliable machine. I cut the list to nc750x,
xt660x tenere and bmw g650GS. The last one probably is gone from the list since I just learnt on this forum the engine for this bmw is made in China and build quality is poor. Problem I have now because I read bad things about xt660 tenere as well regarding build quality, even on the xt660 very forum. So what do you think, am I stick with nc750x? good price on it, but can it make it? not really adventure bike is it?

The Honda has a 17" front wheel. Unless you plan to stay on bitumen, the Tenere might be a better option.

Other than that, Honda would always be a good choice

I guess it depends on how you define 'adventure' riding. If you mean prominently maintained roads and gravel track, it should be superb. Or are you talking off-road?

I guess would be 50/50 - planning to do Morocco trip this year as well...

Tenere xt660z is very tempting but being single cylinder scares me off a little bit for longer trips, or maybe I shouldn't worry about vibration and loudness in this bike?

thanks

My '86 Tenere did >100kkm with no issues. The new ones are probably even more reliable. If you can live with the 'low' power and soft suspension, the Tenere's are quite good.

If you want a 2-cylinder: there are other options. V-strom etc.

I managed a test ride on the Honda (strictly on pavement) and was surprised that the motor had a somewhat industrial feel to it despite being a twin. Ultimately, I bought a 650 V-Strom with which I am pleased.


As far as 17 inch wheels are concerned, the Honda may be different, but I've travelled a good many gravel and dirt road kilometres on a Kawasaki ZR7-S (which is a standard-ish UJM design on 17 inchers) and found it abysmally unsuited to those types of roads. I'm sold on the notion that narrower, larger diameter tires do better on unstable surfaces.

What do you mean by industrial feel?

Sort of a low frequency thumpiness (just made that word up). Some might find it pleasing I suppose.

Single cylinder
 

Don't let a single cylinder bike scare you off. Vibration is minimal if you get the right bike. Weight is your enemy. You don't need a big "ADV" bike. In most cases, you don't want it.

I have 110,000 km on my KTM 690. I've been to 40 countries with it now and she is still going.

The 50% offroad will be very very enjoyable if you have a light bike with a 21 inch front tire. I try to run a knobby like a TKC 80 in the front and a travel tire like a K60 scout in the rear. Its a great balance of traction and longevity.

info required
 

"is honda nc750x any good for adventure?"

Define "Adventure"

I have read an article in the German "Motorrad" Magazine, they fitted TKC80 an a NC750X and had a funny time offroad.
They find it interesting, what can be done with this bike offroad, but there was no recommendation to use the Honda as Adventure-Bike:nono:

you know, type of Indiana Jones Crusade etc :D

That's very good point and actually I convinced myself today on practice plaza with big suzuki 650 which weighted around 200kg that I don't want so heavy bike. Especially top heavy like this suzuki. On offroad situation probably the less weight the better. I don't want to be squeezed by the machine.

I wonder what range you're getting out off this ktm? looks like nice bike BTW,
but is it really ok for very long trips, eventually Morocco etc?

I have 500 km range on 27 liters of fuel. I have 65 hp. I have amazing suspension. My bike and gear weighs 210 kilo. I can pick it up myself when it tips over. The bike now has 110,000 km and still the original piston. I change the oil every 7,500 km. She pulls hard. and she is very very fun. :funmeteryes:

I would disagree about the BMW motor. I'd bet the Loncin, China motor is more reliable than previous Berlin one. BMW have had years building them in Loncin now, very few problems with these new motors.

The problem with the G650 and the Sertao are COST and Weight ... not the quality of the motor. I'm really not sure if the rest of the bike is tough enough, but I'd bet it's OK ... not perfect .. but good. But then, you've got to deal with BMW dealers! Got your Gold Card handy? doh

I'm sure guys on Tenere' forums nit pick on the Tenere' forever, but there are many ride reports featuring the Tenere'. I'd say it's a very solid bike ... but I don't own one. :Beach:

KEEP IN MIND ... any travel bike you get will need certain modifications to be a good travel bike. None are ready off the showroom floor ... and speaking of Showroom floor ... DON'T BUY NEW ... buy a nice used bike.

That NC Honda would be the LAST bike I'd pick of your choices. Very heavy,
and a 17" front tire is NOT your friend on any sort of dirt, mud, gravel. Major PITA ... unless you have lots of experience and good off road riding skills. It's also unproven as a long term travel bike. Do have the pioneering spirit?
Beta Tester? :rofl:

Which Suzuki 650 did you ride? Vstrom 650, I'm guessing? Among twin travel bikes, it's quite good ... I think you need to give it some time, learn to ride it. It's one of THE MOST highly regarded travel bikes on the planet. It's also quite a bit LIGHTER weight than the NC Honda. If you're doing more ROAD than dirt, it's an excellent choice once properly fettled.

If you want a light, reliable and inexpensive single dual sport bike ... you don't have many choices in the UK. The Tenere' (too heavy), KTM 690 ($$$$) DRZ400S, XT600E, perhaps a few others to choose.

In the US we don't have XT's or Tenere' but DO have the KLR and DR650. Both reasonable and cheap to buy and maintain.

The KTM 690 would be a great choice if you have the budget, fabrication and mechanical skills ... as a standard bike it's not really travel ready. But the "bones" are good if you keep up with maintenance and really need an
off-road biased dual sport bike.

I'd suggest the XT600E. Cheap, reliable, tough. Lots of knowledge around and plenty of used examples out there. :D:D:D:D

bier

Thanks for tips Mollydog,
the reason I want rather new bike because I don't have any mechanical skills :(
so I need to minimize the chances of something goes wrong.
Anyway I think you're right, I need bigger, spoked wheels and wet weight under 200kg. XT tenere and sertao are not that heavy as I recall...

It´s very rare to actually NEED bigger (wanting bigger is another thing).. but lighter can often be on the wish list for a good reason, depends on a lot of things. Spoked wheels also depends.

BTW, what are you planning to do with the bike, that you are now searching for? ´Adventure´ could mean so many things...

I always liked riding my bicycle on trails in woods, gravel roads, skidding rear wheel etc. I want the same with my bike plus some longer trips like across the States, Africa and Europe.


BTW I just seen yamaha XT660R - what do you think about it? much lighter then tenere.

Don't EVER by a KLR. Seriously. I know there are a lot of die-hard KLR fans out there. They say its a "cheap reliable bike". Maybe this was true when the KLR came out 21 years ago. But the new ones are an outdated boat anchor. They have shit suspension, shit brakes, they are heavy, very little power, and the new ones are a lot less reliable then my "high strung KTM"

So many good used bikes to be found if you just look. I sold my 05 640 ADV for $4000. It only had 10,000 miles on it. My friend in CA just bought a very well sorted Husky TE610 with a large tank, racks, luggage and many other things for $4500, It was owned by an old guy who kept very good care of it. So when people say "I bought a KLR because they are cheep and reliable". Well, you could of actually bought a used bike that actually is reliable and you can actually have fun on.

Maybe I'm wrong though. I ride like a hooligan and I love traveling on enduro bikes off road. In a few weeks a friend and I will be doing an unassisted Simpson desert crossing. I will need to carry 25 liters of fuel extra to the 26 liters I already have. Would I ever try to do this trip on a KLR? No. hell no. But my 690 will take me through with its efficient, reliable powerful, engine and its great suspension. Then i'll put a bigger front sprocket and burn highway around oz. The bike really does it all.

So... if you want a bike to limit you, get a heavy bike with shit suspension. If you want a bike that will be able to go way past your riding ability.. (yes, you need some self control).. then get a light enduro. DRZ, DR, XT, 640 Adv, 690, husky 610 or 630, or honda Xr 400 or 650.

Ok bring on the hate from the KLR lovers out there. :innocent:

I doubt that.
You seem to know a lot about the KLR. Have you ever owned/traveled on one? How far back does your experience go? I was riding a KLR in 1986 and owned another in '98. I didn't like either one ... but since then I've ridden ones that have been nicely modded and are much better.

Yes, they need UP GRADES to be any good at all ... and NO ... they won't beat you in your race around the world on your KTM, but they usually make it through albeit at a slower pace. :wheelchair:

Proven by the THOUSANDS who've done RTW or cross continent rides on KLR's. Yes, surly old school and outdated but still get the job done for many who aren't having any fun! :rofl:

The 610 is a very fun bike to ride ... but in fact at 10K miles is right were the top ends go out ... almost like clock work ... Just ask co-owner Matt Prentiss of Munroe Mtrs. in San Francisco ... top Husky dealer in USA until the KTM takeover, and true Husky Guru.

Matt's a HUGE Husky fan (owns a 510) ... but does not live with his head in the sand regards weaknesses and common failures of the Huskies. I have first hand, eye witness Husky stories from our rides together.

So, NO, I would not recommend the 610 or 630 (even Worse!) as a travel bike. Both are a HOOT to ride or race ... but require careful maintenance, good mechanic/owners ... and luck.

Regards prices of used Euro bikes compared to a used KLR, DR, XR-L, XT, DRZ, XR400, et al. Sometimes you can find deals,
like on older 640 KTM's, Huskies. But a KTM 690 in good nick is a different world away price wise.

Here is one posted here : http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...dventure-76984
2011 KTM 690 - Around £9,000 if you add in all offered accessories. That's $13,500 USD.

yea, I guess there's just no way a KLR guy could ever have fun! :nono: and some KLR's are good deals, some not. How about this one:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...rth-look-76869

Well young guys have lots of testosterone to burn off ... so go for it! Have fun...the 690 is perfect for you.

I hope you have good evac insurance! But not everyone "Rides like a Hooligan" on a fully loaded travel bike when 10,000 miles from home with no quick Medical help close at hand. When you've seen a few "hooligan" heros die right in front of you ... you may revaluate riding style.

Really good advice for someone going racing. Not so much for travel. I've already been racing, 8 years AMA Enduro, "B" rider. How about you?

But I'm done racing, sold my WR250F a few months back. I totally get having a capable off road bike ... but most novice riders/travelers (like the OP) don't have racing backgrounds so could give a Rat's Ass about going fast. Really talking about two different worlds. :mchappy:

This statement just proves your ignorance regards the character and values of most of the KLR guys. They're really not a hateful bunch in my experience ... and most don't have that feverish devotion we see from some brand loyalists. Statements like the above simply antagonize and inflame the conversation. No place for "hate" here ... hey, it's just motorcycle riding after all!
bier

I rode the new Ténéré last Friday. It is a fun bike. Easy to control and even though it is a single, I didn't really find it vibrating much. I would think it would make a nice RTW bike and there are some that use it for that. Attachment 13175

I think it's rather other way around - new bikes are less reliable...

is that bullet proof xt660z???

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7sgeyv00.jpg

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=19882&page=2

I bought honda nc750x after all and so far I'm happy with he bike.
Thanks to low center of gravity it handles extremely well at low speed
regardless it wet weight is 219kg so a little bit more they I have planned.

If anybody is interested here is the info how to disable temporarily ABS on NC7500X and have fun off-road:

- start the engine and ride a few yards/meters for ABS self check test passed and the ABS light goes off.
- stop, put on neutral but don't turn the engine off
- put the bike on central stand as your rear wheel is off the ground a bit
- put second gear on
- rev the engine to around 20 miles/h or 35 km/h so the ABS light comes on blinking (will stay like that while abs is disabled)
- don't stop the engine, get bike off the stand and ride on and have fun - ABS is off :)
- to turn ABS on again simply turn the engine off and on

It's been tested and it works. (same on CB500X)

Just out of interest what bike did the OP buy in the end?

The NC700/750X machines are proving to be a surprisingly good adventure bike.

One of the Advrider guys took one along with a few KTM's on an off road trip in Colorado. It appears it was the KTM's that needed the spanners out while the Honda coped very well http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=903353

If you are a fan of the BMW Airheads you'll love an NC. I'm running one alongside my airheads. Lighter weight, more power and great MPG. Virtually the same size as the airhead PD. The standard suspension is terrible and you'll need to budget for a decent shock, especially if you are two up.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...pshggaf328.jpg

Mines the DCT version which is great off road as you always have drive and cannot stall. The only downside as mentioned above is the wider front tyre lacks precision in mud and on gravel but it isn't that bad at all. Put a set of TKC's on and its fine. Riding on the pegs is very easy, the footpegs are low and the bars are in the right place to make it comfortable, a set of 1" risers would make it nigh on perfect. The low engine and centre of gravity means you can balance at standstill.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...psjse9hxef.jpg

The big plus with the NC --> take it easy and this is possible. I was worried about only having three gallons when I bought it but its yet to be an issue.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...psmvqpmixw.jpg

on the road 80-85 mph is effortless even with luggage on. Top end isn't brilliant but if your on this site then its pretty academic anyway.

Honda has made a real gem with these bikes. They've flicked the finger at the performance riders and made a bike that lopes along and eats the miles while using very little fuel. I'm really pleased with mine.

Here's my nc, packed for ride.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

Have you found any short cuts in refuelling though when all that kit is stacked up on top of the fuel filler access?

No short cuts unless you remove the rear seat and just push your gear back to access the gas cap. I take my time fueling using the time to decompress instead fueling fast and taking off. If you go to nc700x forum, there's hondabikepro who makes a rear rack that replaces the seat and has opening for the gas cap.

Thanks for the info.
It seems that these great products have to be imported from the States;
hondabikepro products

Oh my the way I'm heading to Grand Canyon and Four Corners area of southwest US in June. Look for pix.

Resurrecting an old thread as the NC is on my shopping list.

Anyone on here using one?

I'm 95% tarmac use and a short a***, so would probably go for the S model. Thinking all it would need for hotel touring would be a rack and full tank of fuel? When I write my ideal bike I almost want a big scooter with a manual gearbox. Am I looking in the right direction?

These journos like them

http://overlandmag.com/features/honda-nc700x/

Good bike or good buffet at the launch party?

Andy

I think you might want to rewrite that list. What you really need is a race spec 1200 single with a 500 mile service interval, 40" wheels running tractor rear tyre knobblies and two feet of suspension travel. Something with a 60" seat height (and a couple of built in steps as a short a*** concession to get you up there) and a coke tin exhaust (to help keep the weight down to 50kg max). To help with that a luggage system - based around something like the Tesco "bag for life", should be a factory fit option.

It should have a security system that'll only allow the engine to start if you're wearing the correct pattern special forces camouflage clothing and the onboard sat nav should only show dirt roads and deprived urban areas. The sat nav should also log where you've been on the bike and unlock extra power modes based on a combination of your choice of destination and how much beer you consume getting there. Finally, to reduce fatigue while on the bike, it should be fitted with an advanced noise cancellation system that automatically blocks comments like "w*nker", t*sser, etc from reaching the rider's ears.

Of course you "could" buy a super scoot but you'd always be looked down on. Anything that's not capable of flattening a small mountain or convincing border officials that you really don't need a visa is certainly going to be second best.

Sometimes it's hard to take advice but reflect on things for a while and you'll probably see the wisdom in my words. :smartass: :rofl:

:rofl:

I had a GS before. Fancy something different this time!

Andy

I've not ridden this bike but seems like good value and fun bike. Price is very good at round 5,850 UKP.

A bike I'm considering is the Yamaha Tracer (FJ-09 in USA). This 800cc Triple is a sublime ride. Great sport tourer, very sporty, a TON of power yet economical if you want it to be. Very easy to ride. Bit more money than the NC700 but so much lighter weight. 190 kgs. vs 218 kgs. (dry weights)

But the BEST thing about this bike for those of us getting a little older ... is how LIGHT WEIGHT it feels. From pushing it round the garage or petrol station to how light and easy it is out on the road. The Tracer is simply a joy. Fantastic brakes, great handling and balance and more power than you'll ever need.
Do test ride one if you can.

This Tracer (FJ-09) feels like a mini bike compared to my 1050 Tiger. As a short rider, I can get both feet down on the Tracer and never a chance of of tip over.
ME LIKE! I'm looking for a nice used one NOW.

But do some test rides ... see what you think! :scooter:

Try and source the Ride magazine owners review of them, think it was earlier this year. One guy despatches his, 82000 miles, he changes the plugs and air filter at 32000. Someone else had done 50000 plus touring it all over the place My friend commutes on the older 700 cc version, he gets over 80 mpg regularly.
When I get bored with my fjr, it is on my list, mind you the oe tyres are apparently frightening in the wet.
I also think they don't look too bad either doh

The XSR700 and MT certainly looks interesting (and seem confusingly called some other jumble of letters else in the US). This is my current "fall back" choice as it has the same 14 litre tank but trades conventional motorcycle reviness for 10+ mpg.

I've hopefully got a test ride on Friday so will be able to report back if getting half a Honda Spazz car engine low enough creates a hybrid scooter bike with luggage space and easy to handle weight or a rev limited lardy pig with an annoying fuel filler!

Anyone who knows any deity may wish to offer up a prayer for the salesman. Things like " how easy is it to pick up, let's lean it over... " and "let's try changing a fuse" that other potential customers may not wish to try out tends to rather stress the poor chaps. It's Yorkshire, so at least price negotiation won't be round the houses. Still, no prisoners....

Andy

I put my money where my mouth is, :mchappy: manned up and told the wife :helpsmilie: am also now buying shoes :eek3: and will be back to report in a week or two :mchappy:

I went for the 2016 S model. Not what you RTW types would pick, but fits my needs.

Had to buy one of those bog brushes and a can of chain squirty too.

Andy

I went back and read the full review in Overlander you linked to above.

I note the writer claimed 12K miles on original chain, not bad for the mid level O ring DID chain Honda supply. He then bought two more chains, one only lasting 5K miles. (probably a Chinese copy)

If the standard chain is a 520 size, I'd try to convert to a 525. (if you can find sprockets that fit) Much longer lived.

In either case, buy the best (read most expensive) DID X ring chain available. I'm betting it will go 20,000 miles if you swap out the front sprocket at 10K.
Never use thick, sticky, gooey lubes. Try Teflon based ones. No toilet brush required. A simple wipe down and quick re-lube once in a while.

The author also complained about the fuel access under the seat. A real PITA when loaded up traveling. But if two up, you won't be strapping anything there anyway, so no big deal. (maybe?)

I like the simple, old school elements on the bike. Should be a good one.
bier

The experient begins and I even got an easy to remember number plate

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F...2/P1020945.JPG

Andy

The dealer must have given you some discount to take the AZZ plate off their hands.
:innocent:

" If you can't be famous, infamous will do " - Oscar Wilde ( or possibly Bart Simpson )

:rofl:

Andy

Bike looks nice - hope you enjoy

MY
16
AZZ
then.

Right-ho, bit of a review since Ive got time and have clocked up the first 1500 miles;

The performance is spot on. Low C of G and torque from 500 rpm makes the traffic light GP fun. The 6500 rev limit is a non-event unless you are used to 12000 prm superbikes and can't change habits. It'll do 90 mph all day (subject to the required payments to the authorities etc.). Fuel range is in excess of 200 miles because although the tank is small its averaging 75 to the gallon and when ridden for economy can get another 10.

The luggage space in the middle (there is a hideous Americanism to describe this I am refusing to use just because I can) is brilliant. Its like having a scooter that turns into a bike when you ride it. There is more space under the seat. The LED headlight is something every bike should have.

The LCD speedo is a bit of a non event. Lots of features, some useful like colours representing fuel economy, some like a second trip meter less so. The number of features but only two buttons make using it a bit like a 1980's Casio watch. Reflections can be annoying.

Would you believe the mirrors are **** and the mudguards about as much use as soap in a teenagers bedroom.

The fuel tank is a tad small and its location under the seat does make strapping things on less simple. I have a top box on order (total U-turn on that subject I know :blushing: ) and I have made a strap set up that lets the load hinge with the seat. The mechanism is strong but you wouldn't strap your tent on this way.

Would I use the NC RTW? Probably not out of choice, but as a commuter and holidays bike I'm impressed and if given time and money and told to go I would just load and go.

Andy

It would be good to hear about your views on the suspension in due course.
In contrast to the Honda top-of-range sports bikes, they tend to fit cheap OEM suspension units to their cheaper products.

Suspension never troubles me. Everyone says the Bonneville was cheap and really nasty, I couldn't tell. I'm going to claim it's because I weigh 11 stone wet, but there is also an element of dishing out caviar in McDonalds, I rode MZ's for years so everything seems OK.

The NC seems fine to me :oops2::innocent:

Andy

I was thinking of after, say, 12K - 15K miles or just after the warranty expires; is it 3 years nowadays on new Hondas?

Does my AZZ look big in this
 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B...0/P1020987.JPG

Starting to get the luggage sorted

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5...o/s400/PT1.jpg

I'll be making a "Sari guard" for small throwovers.

Andy

MZ? hey I remember these bikes, good times :thumbup1:

http://kickstart.bikeexif.com/wp-con...motorcycle.jpg

The luggage is coming together

https://sites.google.com/site/poorat...750/nc-luggage

Fitting panniers with the pillion seat in place is possible, but I like my soft bags and having space for a roll sack is useful. The plate cost under ten quid to make.

Andy

Have a chat with Rally Raid next time you see them.
I know the NC750s are next on their list for a CB500X RR-like makeover.
They may have some ideas. Much nicer 270° motor than the 500.
A jacked-up DCT on my list too.

Bit of an update as I got to ride for a few days.


The underseat filler fix is a simple plate and a couple of captive fasteners:


http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9...0/P1030015.JPG


No real competition for Rally Raid here but more pictures https://sites.google.com/site/poorat...750/nc-luggage


You can load up like this (or more, just like a normal bike).






http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1i...0/P1030024.JPG


With the Burgervan 400 in company and no reason to rush the NC is turning in 85+ mpg. The tanks 14 litres seems entirely usable, so range is 250 miles. The instant display is believable and I've found that if I find a flat road and close the throttle in 6th it'll sit at 45 mph showing 100 mpg.


Andy

On my Short List
 

There are 2014 left over for under 5k in the local dealerships. Looking hard at one of these as a travel bike - waiting on Rally Raid to give some hints about there plans for NC series. Anyone in the UK hearing anything???

I mentioned it the other day but I feel RR are flat out making CB500X kits - so less likely than it was. Would be harder to pull off well than a 500X, too, as its lower and heavier.

Must say I'd go for the [2016] 750X myself - used if necessary.
Seems better than the [earlier] ones in small ways, though I forget exactly what.

And anyway, now we have to scooter version.
https://youtu.be/VzUyhkN7n6k

A 2014 750 has a slightly smaller luggage locker and fuel tank and conventional rather than LED headlights and tail lights you'd get on a 2016. A 700 has the same features as a 2014 but the smaller engine. Weirdly, the Americans still get a 700 new.

For a UK commuter /Europe tourer it makes a diffrence I do want my helmet locked up when I visit Sainsbury's and I do ride at night. For overland, it's probably worth saving on the bike and spending on a rear shock and some tyres.

Andy