Switched from Versys to NC750X today...

[DMK34]

Hi all!

I took the plunge and traded in my Kawasaki Versys for a brand new NC750X, which I just drove out of the dealership a few hours ago...have only done 30km (about 19 UK miles) so far, basically riding her back home.

I did extensive research before deciding to go ahead because the Versys only had just over 4,000 km on it and it made little to no sense to trade a new bike so fast, but I could not bring myself to adapt to it, let alone enjoy it.

I read almost every thread on this forum in the process of deciding the NC was the bike that suited me (within my budget, obviously!), so a big thanks to everyone here for helping out.

On the way home I kept thinking that although they are so similarly styled bikes, they feel completely different, no doubt the engine being the biggest difference.

I was prepared for most of the other traits (eg. horn/indicators position) thanks to you guys, although I have to say the fact there is no engine break came as a complete surprise, as I thought this only happens with the DCT version.

I will take it easy during the run-in period but hopefully pretty soon I should be able to share some thoughts with others in a similar situation, thinking to change from the versys to the nc - I've seen quite a few here inquiring about it or actually having gone through with the switch..

Once again, many thanks to everyone on this forum for all the info!

Take care

 

[L.B.S.]

Hi all!

I took the plunge and traded in my Kawasaki Versys for a brand new NC750X, which I just drove out of the dealership a few hours ago...have only done 30km (about 19 UK miles) so far, basically riding her back home.

I did extensive research before deciding to go ahead because the Versys only had just over 4,000 km on it and it made little to no sense to trade a new bike so fast, but I could not bring myself to adapt to it, let alone enjoy it.

I read almost every thread on this forum in the process of deciding the NC was the bike that suited me (within my budget, obviously!), so a big thanks to everyone here for helping out.

On the way home I kept thinking that although they are so similarly styled bikes, they feel completely different, no doubt the engine being the biggest difference.

I was prepared for most of the other traits (eg. horn/indicators position) thanks to you guys, although I have to say the fact there is no engine break came as a complete surprise, as I thought this only happens with the DCT version.

I will take it easy during the run-in period but hopefully pretty soon I should be able to share some thoughts with others in a similar situation, thinking to change from the versys to the nc - I've seen quite a few here inquiring about it or actually having gone through with the switch..

Once again, many thanks to everyone on this forum for all the info!

Take care

A hearty welcome!

You mean you thought there would be more engine braking than there is?

Probably due to the rather low compression ratio engine- it definitely does seem to be pretty gentle in that regard, alright.

 

[dduelin]

As far as engine braking goes it helps to downshift under deceleration so as to keep engine revs up. When revs are low there isn't much engine braking.

I hope you enjoy your new Honda!

 

[wozza]

Hello, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new bike. You must post some pictures of your new bike within 2 days or you'll be kicked off the forum...lol (only joking)

Out of interest, why didn't you get on with the versys?

 

[Big Thump]

Welcome! I really enjoy the Honda, but I miss my Versys too. As you said, similar but very different. Now I am thinking the Honda needs a new stable mate with the new Suzuki Strom 1000. I just need to get rid of a couple of cruisers taking up space.

 

[DMK34]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Yes, I did expect there would be more engine breaking but going forward I will just try downshifting as dduelin suggests rather than simply closing the throttle like I used to do (rather lazy...), it should just be a question of picking up the habit really.

I also have to get used to the smaller mirrors, although it's nice to not see reflections of trembling vehicles in the mirrors anymore!

On the evidence of these first 30km, it seems like the NC is going to deliver in all the areas I was hoping it to, when compared to the versys (disclaimer: I am no speed demon so low-revving engine not an issue for me!)

-Longer wheelbase, stability: check
-Smoothness: check
-Effortless in slow-speed manouvres: check
-Clutch without slippage: check
-(Dramatically reduced) vibrations: check
-Practicality (frunk etc): check

Obviously the general impression of build quality is better on the NC (you would probably guess it was a Honda even if the logo was not there) and, surprisingly, the suspension FEELS better, probably because the machine as a whole is so well planted on the road. I was a bit apprehensive on that as all magazine tests were classifying the suspension as budget, when the versys has an upside fork etc... the frame also FEELS more sturdy, although neither is steel, of course...

Again, these are the very first impressions and could alter dramatically after a few kilometres... although I sure hope not!!

 

[DMK34]

Wozza, don't know about the photos, but I can tell you it's the grey one

My main issue with the Versys really was the short wheelbase, I need to go out on the motorway and it can get quite windy where I live, the sidewinds were killing me (almost literally on a couple of occasions...). I am 1.88m (6'2'') and 88 kilos and I was literally drifting from side to side within my lane...

It was also my only vehicle (don't own a car - don't even know how to drive one!) so the practical facet of the NC was tempting...

Otherwise the Versys is really a great bike, I can see why so many others love it

 

[dduelin]

I remember the strange feeling the first time I bumped the rev limiter on closed throttle. In the mountains riding a very spirited pace with some of my ST1300 friends in some of the downhill corners trying to keep the revs between 4000 and 6000 for the engine braking sometimes gravity got me going a little faster and bumpity bump.

 

[Whiteknuckle]

I too got a new Versys in Nov 2013 and traded in for the NC750S on March 15. I liked the ergo of the Versys but did not like the tallness and top heavy feel of it.
Probably be ok on the open road but in traffic it was just too much work. Just did not get comfy with it. I also did not like the hot foot on a relatively cool day.
My right foot was baking from the engine and over all the bike just felt it gave off more heat. Would hate to see what it was like on a warm day.

My other post attests to my joy with the NC. I snuck out early from work the last 2 days to get in a few hours of riding. Looks like the only 2 sunny and warmish (12c)
days around here for a while (stupid Pacific Northwest) Long range weather looks like rain for the month of April. But hoping there are a few days of sun in there somewhere.

 

[nelmo]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Yes, I did expect there would be more engine breaking but going forward I will just try downshifting as dduelin suggests rather than simply closing the throttle like I used to do (rather lazy...), it should just be a question of picking up the habit really.

I also have to get used to the smaller mirrors, although it's nice to not see reflections of trembling vehicles in the mirrors anymore!

On the evidence of these first 30km, it seems like the NC is going to deliver in all the areas I was hoping it to, when compared to the versys (disclaimer: I am no speed demon so low-revving engine not an issue for me!)

-Longer wheelbase, stability: check
-Smoothness: check
-Effortless in slow-speed manouvres: check
-Clutch without slippage: check
-(Dramatically reduced) vibrations: check
-Practicality (frunk etc): check

Obviously the general impression of build quality is better on the NC (you would probably guess it was a Honda even if the logo was not there) and, surprisingly, the suspension FEELS better, probably because the machine as a whole is so well planted on the road. I was a bit apprehensive on that as all magazine tests were classifying the suspension as budget, when the versys has an upside fork etc... the frame also FEELS more sturdy, although neither is steel, of course...

Again, these are the very first impressions and could alter dramatically after a few kilometres... although I sure hope not!!

Those are exactly the same problems I had with my Versys - vibes bad, mirrors useless, gearchange clunky.

I actually find the NC slightly more wobbly at speed (> 80mph) but nothing serious...great bike - enjoy.

 

[happy]

Some random thoughts (I also looked at Versys before I saw my NC700X):

1. Versys is kind of "old school" dual purpose bike. And yes she has an oldschool burn *** exhaust too...your girlfriend will scream.

2. Versys is a regular motorcycle engine. It revs high. Torque and power comes much later, compared to low-revving and low-end torque NCX.

3. NCS is way cheaper compared to Versys (at least here it is cheaper by at least 10% all things equal)

4. NCX has a Frunk. Beat that, any other bike.

5. Fuel consumption. Do I even need to say anything?

 

[Big Thump]

Some random thoughts (I also looked at Versys before I saw my NC700X):

1. Versys is kind of "old school" dual purpose bike. And yes she has an oldschool burn *** exhaust too...your girlfriend will scream.

2. Versys is a regular motorcycle engine. It revs high. Torque and power comes much later, compared to low-revving and low-end torque NCX.

3. NCS is way cheaper compared to Versys (at least here it is cheaper by at least 10% all things equal)

4. NCX has a Frunk. Beat that, any other bike.

5. Fuel consumption. Do I even need to say anything?

Well, the Aprilla Mana 850 has a Frunk but not as deep as the NCX. http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/aprilia-mana/aprilia-mana-850.htm

 

[Brillot2000]

Looks like the only 2 sunny and warmish (12c) days around here for a while (stupid Pacific Northwest) Long range weather looks like rain for the month of April. But hoping there are a few days of sun in there somewhere.

Come on down south to SoCal. We have plenty of "Warmth and Sunny Days" to go around for everyone to enjoy.

 

[mike5100]

I too swapped from a Versys to the NC 700 (now NC750X), and I agree with the original poster's comments. Despite being budget suspension the NC's is much more useable and compliant than the Versys. Vibration of just about everything on the V was an issue. But in its favour it has neck snapping acceleration considering it's only 10 bhp more than the NC and fuel consumption at 57mpg was exceptional until the NC came along.
I hated the engine braking on the Versys which was the most sudden, lurching, tiring deceleration that I have experienced on any bike
Mike

 

[L.B.S.]

Some random thoughts (I also looked at Versys before I saw my NC700X):

1. Versys is kind of "old school" dual purpose bike. And yes she has an oldschool burn *** exhaust too...your girlfriend will scream.

?



Maybe you are mixing in the VStrom 650 with the high exhaust? But even then, I can't say I've ever heard of anyone complaining about the heat from that being an issue.

 

[happy]

?

View attachment 15412

Maybe you are mixing in the VStrom 650 with the high exhaust? But even then, I can't say I've ever heard of anyone complaining about the heat from that being an issue.

Yes. You are right.
What a dud I was. Sorry.


Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

[StratTuner]

I hope you have a better experience with the NC! Welcome!

 

[pismocycleguy]

I too swapped from a Versys to the NC 700 (now NC750X), and I agree with the original poster's comments.
I hated the engine braking on the Versys which was the most sudden, lurching, tiring deceleration that I have experienced on any bike
Mike

I solved the abrupt lurching during deceleration by installing a smaller tooth count rear sprocket on my Versys. It also fixed the problem of needing to shift before your crossed the intersection when starting off from a dead stop.

 

[Del Mar]

The Versys is an OK bike

Enjoyed mine, but not to everyone's taste in the looks department.

This was my 2011 Mk2.....

But - my new X is by far the better looker

 

[ST/SV]

Count me in as an ex Versys owner. I did the smaller rear sprocket also and a lowering kit. Never could get use to the vibes at highway speeds either. DMK34 I know what you mean about engine braking on the Versys, even after regearing mine when letting off the gas it seemed to do a nose dive, more than any other bike I've owned.