HONDA NM4 VULTUS (2014 - on) Review

NC750 Integra scooter-based limited edition concept machine attempts to be half-scoot/half motorbike to tempt newcomers to two wheels and thanks to capable, DCT-equipped (Honda’s clevcer semi auto gearbox) NC750 platform and decent dynamics it largely works. So forget those DN01 jokes. ‘Alien-meets-stealth’ styling aside the Vultus is credible and commendable. Motorcycle instead of scooter roots give an alternative future for the commuter two-wheeler, one that’s just as idiot-proof and practical, but has biking fun and cool, too.

An 18/17in wheel combo and fat 200-section rear tyre means this is certainly no wobbly scoot (interestingly Honda classify it as a ‘custom’ on its website). Instead it’s rock stable, nimble enough to wiggle through traffic (well, as much as its wide mirrors allow) and yet also a joy to carve and slice until the ground clearance runs out through the twisties. Yes, it’s ‘only’ an NC750, but it gave me the biggest hoot I’ve had on any of them yet.

The supremely refined second generation DCT system, though daunting initially, is instantly mastered. Just turn on, prod the starter, thumb into D for drive, open the throttle and go. And go, decently well, the Vultus does too. In ‘D’ mode it’s brisk and easy, it’s a 750, 50bhp twin after all. Prod the selector into ‘S’ (for Sport) and it revs a little higher and is livelier still. Want a little more motorcycle-style fun and you can use the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ switches on the left bar to go up and down the gears. It’s easy bloody peasy.

Although new we’ve no reason to doubt either, after all: a) it’s a Honda and b) it’s based on the proven NC750 Integra platform

Could be better. Its two grand more than the base Integra over which it offers nothing except a great big wodge of added style. That said, they’re all sold out, so it’s hardly an issue. Residuals might be interesting though…

The screen does little and is unadjustable (a larger, electrical one, surely?); the front storage compartments are gimmicky and too small, as is the tank, and the mirrors are slightly too wide for comfortable traffic splitting.