Joining your ranks, appreciate your input…

[Fronnzy]

Hi there, new member from Vancouver.

Its probably not great form to start with an ask, but I would greatly appreciate any opinions. I am buying an NC750x in the next 24 hours. It will be manual, and either a used 2019 or new 2022. (Not quite mentally ready for an automatic motorcycle.Lol) Im a little torn on which is best for me. I’m hoping someone with similar experience might chime in.

i took an hour long test ride on the 2019 today. It handled very well, its not fast, but fast enough. Very comfortable. Easy to ride. I’ve read and watched pretty much every review on the internet. The NC is for me, but is the extra power worth it, and will the shorter suspension limit me.

The Bikes:

2019 Red, manual, 19000kms/11000 miles, good condition with a chip out of fender and little bits of surface rust on forks (easy fix with wd40 and steel wool), comes with givi tall windshield, 53 litre givi top box and plates/arms, battery tender and 100% service history and manuals. it was well cared for. $9800 out to door. Pretty sure I can negotiate some heated grips into the deal. (The previous owner could very well have been a member here, from Vancouver Island - he can choose to chime if he is.)

2022 Red, brand new, zero miles, 100% stock, $12,500 out the door. The price is the price. (Bike prices are still crazy.)


Why I’m buying an NC is that I want a simple bike to do many things. It will be regularly commuting me to work 60km/37miles, 2-3 days a week. I will weekend blast back roads, run errands, ride two up with my wife to cafes, picnic etc. It will also do 2-3 proper inter-provincial trips a year and an occasional weekend away.

My last bike was a Triumph T100, before that GS800, DR650, plated CRF450, CB919 and a couple of older bikes along the way. I’m over speed and risk. I’m 45. I used to do long dual-sport and proper dirt bike trips and would like a little bit of dual sport ability, but don’t have any illusions that the NC is an off road machine.

My dilemma is that as much as I’ve said that I don’t care to ride a speed demon, the choice to have more is enticing. The new model is an upgrade for sure. Better electronics, better gearing for acceleration, ride by wire with more choices. Increased HP and TQ. It comes with warranty. It’s brand new and looks a little better, in my opinion. I can afford both with cash. My only other bought new bike was the GS. It feels good to have new. It also feels bad to scratch or otherwise damage new. Used not so much.

the loss in travel is a bit an issue for me. The new bikes seem much more road oriented. I will do gravel and fire road, not much, but some. That said, I was pretty aggressive even with my bonneville. I’m experienced off-road, and with good tires, I’m pretty sure it would be fine. The older model may just be that little bit better.

then there is the question of value. I’ll want to add a box, heated grips and windshield to the new one, thats another $1500 for sure. So with expected upgrades, is ~40% more worth it? On top of the fact that new depreciation sucks. (Although that could happen with any bike at these crazy prices over the next couple of years.)

For you owners, is the new bike worth the upgrade for a mildly dual-sport leaning commuter to you?

I appreciate your thoughts, and fully recognize that it’s up to me in the end. I look forward to introducing one or the other in the next few days.

currently leaning 2019, but would love to hear from those that upgrade to 2021 or newer.


Thank you kindly.

Fronnzy

 

[melensdad]

We have a 2016 (bought lightly used) and a 2018 (bought new), my wife and I both ride. Similar to you I looked the HP/engine size difference between the 16 and the 18 and while riding them there is essentially nothing different about them. Granted, save for the larger engine on my 2018, our two bikes have 98% interchangeable parts.

That is not true between the '19 and the 22.

The 22 has some new plastics, a slightly lighter frame, different suspension, but the engine is really just a twice re-tweaked version of the same engine that has been on these bikes since 2012. The 19 you are looking at would essentially be identical to the 18, I don't think they actually changed anything between the 2 model years.

The NC750x is a dual sport/ADV touring LOOKING bike but it is really a road bike. Same was true in all the earlier models and same is true now. Gravel is not an issue, I ride gravel pretty regularly, although less so since I put Michelin Road 5 tires on the bikes because those don't really like loose gravel very much. I certainly can't speak to the suspension comparison between the 19 and the 22. The suspensions on the 2012 through 2020 models are pretty budget basic and can be a big harsh; 21 and newer have less travel but I don't know if they are quite as harsh when things get rougher.

As the owner of an 18 there is nothing compelling in function or features that would get me to "upgrade" to a 22 model year. Yes, I think the 22 looks a little better. I actually like the older style dash over the new dash. If there is no real compelling reason the buy the 22 over the 19 then ultimately is the look of the new plastic worth 40% more to you?

 

[bigbird]

Welcome from Winnipeg.
Does the $9800 price for the ‘19 include your taxes?
If bought from a dealer your selling price would have been $8750, a decent price IMHO.
$9800 + tax, I would negotiate more.
From the description of your needs, I would say get the ‘19.
However I would try to persuade you to spend an hour on a DCT before making your final decision.
I was dead set against a DCT until I tried one. Never go back LOL
What did you think of the seat slope?
That’s an issue for most owners.
I love my ‘20 DCT.
And it’s white!
Enjoy whichever you end up buying.

 

[dduelin]

Welcome. I am sure you will like which ever bike you pick.

 

[TNHoosier]

Welcome!

If you plan to ride 2-up, the extra power of the '22 might be appreciated. If you would add all of the accessories that are on the '19 anyway, it may be a better deal.

In the end, only you can decide what is best for you.

 

[GregC]

mines a 2015 so I'm not an expert in the NC750's, but that $2,700 difference would pay for a lot of farkling to make the 2019 fit you. I can't believe the power difference (58 vs 54 hp, I believe) between 2019 and 2022 is that noticeable in most situations.

 

[Rabbit]

If you’re going to add all those accessories then I’d go with the ‘19. If not go new and enjoy the new feel. I have an 18. I’m 178 cm tall and I would appreciate the lower suspension of the new. If you’re over 185 cm I think you’re more at home on the taller bike.

 

[Bskicrash1]

Welcome! I have a 2019 manual. I am happy with the handling on fire roads and graded roads. I occasionally will ride jeep trails with the NC in dry conditions and I haven’t ever encountered anything that would cause me to take another route except for thick soupy mud. That was mainly due to street biased tires. I understand the low clearance is a limitation when I’m on terrain and I adjust my line choice and speed due to this. I’ve dropped the nc due to stalling while in some Rocky terrain. For the weight of the bike, it was deceivingly easy to lift.

I wouldn’t hesitate to ride a newer model with one inch less clearance on Jeep trails. For what you describe your riding habits to be, I wouldn’t rule out the newer model.

My only regret with the NC was not testing a dct before purchase. As others have stated, I believe I would have loved the dct.

 

[Fronnzy]

Wow! What an amazing forum! I went for coffee and got 7 responses. Thank you all. I’ll reply where appropriate.

 

[Fronnzy]

If there is no real compelling reason the buy the 22 over the 19 then ultimately is the look of the new plastic worth 40% more to you?

The last point sure summed up it up, didn’t it. That’s the gist of it. The usable power/gearing difference probably won’t mean much in every day life, so it’s aesthetics for a lot more dollars.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

 

[Fronnzy]

Welcome from Winnipeg.
Does the $9800 price for the ‘19 include your taxes?
If bought from a dealer your selling price would have been $8750, a decent price IMHO.
$9800 + tax, I would negotiate more.
From the description of your needs, I would say get the ‘19.
However I would try to persuade you to spend an hour on a DCT before making your final decision.
I was dead set against a DCT until I tried one. Never go back LOL
What did you think of the seat slope?
That’s an issue for most owners.
I love my ‘20 DCT.
And it’s white!
Enjoy whichever you end up buying.

Hello. Yes, it does include tax. That’s the all in. Sticker is $8499.

I hear you on trying it. They don’t have any in stock anywhere nearby. There is one on the island but that’s a day trip.

I appreciate your comments about the ‘19. That seems the right choice.

 

[Fronnzy]

Welcome!

If you plan to ride 2-up, the extra power of the '22 might be appreciated. If you would add all of the accessories that are on the '19 anyway, it may be a better deal.

In the end, only you can decide what is best for you.

Thank you. That’s the only reason I’m waffling on the power issue specifically. Thinking loaded with 2 people would be better in the ‘22. But I’ve also read on this forum and others, that two up with gear is workable on the pre ‘21 models. Just have to be more choosy passing at highway speeds.

I appreciate the response.

 

[Fronnzy]

If you’re going to add all those accessories then I’d go with the ‘19. If not go new and enjoy the new feel. I have an 18. I’m 178 cm tall and I would appreciate the lower suspension of the new. If you’re over 185 cm I think you’re more at home on the taller bike.

I definately noticed the height advantage on the new one. I’m 178 as well, or 5/’10. I can almost heel down on the 19, but not quite. The ‘22 is feet flat. I will definitely add the extra gear, so point well made. Thank you.

 

[Fronnzy]

Welcome! I have a 2019 manual. I am happy with the handling on fire roads and graded roads. I occasionally will ride jeep trails with the NC in dry conditions and I haven’t ever encountered anything that would cause me to take another route except for thick soupy mud. That was mainly due to street biased tires. I understand the low clearance is a limitation when I’m on terrain and I adjust my line choice and speed due to this. I’ve dropped the nc due to stalling while in some Rocky terrain. For the weight of the bike, it was deceivingly easy to lift.

I wouldn’t hesitate to ride a newer model with one inch less clearance on Jeep trails. For what you describe your riding habits to be, I wouldn’t rule out the newer model.

My only regret with the NC was not testing a dct before purchase. As others have stated, I believe I would have loved the dct.

Thank you. That seems to be the consensus, both can do it. And as you say, tires are the biggest factor. Just watch old m/x and rally bikes from the 60’s and 70’s. What those guys did on bikes with a fraction of todays bike capabilities is amazing.

I hear you on the DCT. That might be a regret once I ever get to try one. Not a lot of stock around these parts. And I guess that’s another plus for the ’19. Should I decide to swap to DCT and/or newer model in the future, I’d have (hopefully) taken a smaller deprecetion hit on the older bike.

 

[Fronnzy]

Decision made. Calling now to negotiate the ‘19. Will report back with pics.

Thanks again everyone. Great forum!

 

[Fronnzy]

Welcome. I am sure you will like which ever bike you pick.

Sorry, missed you dduelin. I think you’re right!

 

[Fronnzy]

mines a 2015 so I'm not an expert in the NC750's, but that $2,700 difference would pay for a lot of farkling to make the 2019 fit you. I can't believe the power difference (58 vs 54 hp, I believe) between 2019 and 2022 is that noticeable in most situations.

Whoops, going too fast. Thanks, GregC. That’s another good point. While the ‘19 already has a few of the options I’d want, l‘d be kidding myself (and my wife) that this would be the end of it. USB charger, heated grips, cruise control, tires, exhaust, spring upgrades, seat choices, the list goes on…

And sorry, I missed the other point about the seat. I was only on it for an hour, but didn’t find the slide forward an issue. I might feel differently after a few hours, but so far so good. Back to Greg’s point - stuff to buy….

 

[Alias]

Welcome to the forum.. Good luck with your bike purchase.

 

[Deleted member 1183]

I'm probably too late. I have an elderley friend who had two of the earlier 750's. He's a big weekly mileage man. He started to find the last one too tall as the years progressed for him. He then bought a 500 but never gelled with it. Then he got a test ride on a 21/22 model NC. He deemed it a significant improvement over his previous models and bought a new one. The small improvements meant a lot to him and particularly the lowering of the later bike. He is now happy again.

 

[Fronnzy]

I'm probably too late. I have an elderley friend who had two of the earlier 750's. He's a big weekly mileage man. He started to find the last one too tall as the years progressed for him. He then bought a 500 but never gelled with it. Then he got a test ride on a 21/22 model NC. He deemed it a significant improvement over his previous models and bought a new one. The small improvements meant a lot to him and particularly the lowering of the later bike. He is now happy again.

Thanks, Griff. Urg. I forgot how hard it can actually be to make a bike buying decision.

During my commute in today, which was an hour, with half of that in traffic, I imagined myself switching gears and leaning back and forth in stop-and-go to change between 1st and neutral. There were a lot of those, in make believe land. The DCT and lower seat high sure would help in that scenario.

I’ll leave it up to the motorcycle gods. I’ve made an offer on the ‘19. If accepted as is, that’s the bike. If not, I will be a little more patient and find a 1-3 year old DCT, hopefully with some upgrades.

I do like switching gears, but based on some of your comments, and an appreciation for my indented use as a commuter, an auto makes sense. If I get the ‘19, I can always switch down the line if it’s an issue.

In 20 years, we’ll all probably be riding gear-less electric anyway.

Thanks for the comment.