Honda NC700X first ride

Honda’s all-new NC700X is currently being put through its paces by MCN Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin in Portugal. Here are his impressions so far:

“Honda is promoting its new bike as a step up from a 125 for people to get their first taste of an adventure bike that is confidence-inspiring because of its stability, comfort and agility.

“But the main thing that’ll grab the eye is its economy. Honda are claiming between 78 and 80mpg.

“In truth, the NC700X is all of the above – but is it exciting? The bikes I’ve tested are the conventional manual versions as the DCT version isn’t going to be available until later. And yes, the engine produces decent torque between 1000 and 4000rpm. But it revs out at 6500rpm so just when you think it’s going to get going there’s nothing.

“Yes, it’s tractable and very agile and it will suit learners or those looking for a decent commuter, but anyone with more experience should be looking to BMW’s F800GS or Triumph’s Tiger instead.”

“That said, an important factor in favour of the new Honda is its price – which is an impressively low £5850. We’ve no indication of the price of the DCT version yet but on previous experience expect it to be around £700 more.”

Read Trevor’s full report in next week’s Motorcycle News, out Wednesday 30th.