speedfox_2002
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Hi
This post is just some of my thoughts and praise after owning my 2012 NC700X Generation 1 (NON ABS) Manual, for some time now.
It turned over 70000km this morning and I thought it would be a good time to write a bit about its long term life.
let see, aside from service items....in its lifetime I've had to replace or fix.......nothing.
I think there are very few other bikes out there you can say that hit 70000km and are still as almost good as new.
I'm a big guy, 130kg 6 foot 7 inches tall and I live in Johannesburg South africa which is 5500 feet above sea level. So not only are we down 17% on power compared to coastal riders but I effectively ride 2 up all the time due to my weight.
But "Sheila" or the "old girl" as I affectionately term her. just takes it all in her stride. day in day out, rain, winter, blazing African heat no problems.
I do 112km a Day every week day and sometimes more on weekends. mostly highways at around 110km/h and it delivers 28km/l millage. Not bad at all! that's better than some 250cc bikes.
Sure its a bit slow and the brakes aren't the best but I can honestly compare it to a VW bettle or Morris Mini or VW Rabbit/Golf, they just keep going and going. I don't want to jinx it but I've never seen or had another bike as reliable.
Its forks and seals are fine, uses no oil, seat is fine no tears, tyres (Bridgestone BT023) last 30000km, X ring chains and sprockets last 25000km+, I use chain wax only. not lube. Brake pads last 50000+
I've put a K&N filter in it. The only reason for this is cost. I don't ever have to replace the filter. I just clean it, oil it and pop it back in. it makes NO difference to performance if anyone is interested.
It runs iridium plugs as standard so the only thing i have to do in a service is change the oil and filter.
I use Castrol Actevo 10w-40 Mineral oil and the best filter I can get locally. currently HiFlo filters. The oil is around $5 a litre and the filter is around $13.50 at my local bike shop (cheaper if you buy it online)
So every time i service it, it costs....less than $30 and that's every 12000km, valves/tappets have never been an issue.
I've looked around at possibly replacing it with another slightly more powerful machine and there is just nothing to match it for daily commuting use.
I run the standard 16/43t combo sprocket but being high up and heavy I want to get a bit more torque and go for a 44t or 45t. what do you guys think? I've used a 44t before. but never a 45t at the rear(too much? or will it be fine?)
so to sum it up. the nc700 will go down in history as a never say die machine. Honestly love mine to bits. I have a CB1000R and I choose Sheila over the CB1000R any day.
an added bonus is that it handles so nicely. I've almost no chicken strip left on the tyre(i've never been on a track) its rock solid through corners and has no tendency to under or over steer
If i was the designer I would have changed the brakes to be a little more powerful(as per the ABS version and NC750). That's about it.
I have not ridden a nc750 or the ABS version so I cant comment on those, but i would buy another 700 in a heartbeat. and they hold their value VERY well. even with 70000km on mine i will not lose much money if i sell it. which I have no intention of doing.
I've added a few mods.
I'd like to add a set of spot lights as the light is not brilliant. And we have wild animals running over the highways fairly often etc.
I'd like to upgrade the brake caliper to the 3 pot ABS system, but its a tad pricey so will leave it for now.
Braided hoses for the front? Maybe a colour matching one oneday. I doubt there will be much braking effect
and a nice gel seat for those long trips.
She's got SBS Sintered brake pads in at the moment. Better than the Galfer I had before. But I think ill try EBC Sintered HH next time.
Below a pic of the Sheila and a close up of the fender extender.
This post is just some of my thoughts and praise after owning my 2012 NC700X Generation 1 (NON ABS) Manual, for some time now.
It turned over 70000km this morning and I thought it would be a good time to write a bit about its long term life.
let see, aside from service items....in its lifetime I've had to replace or fix.......nothing.
I think there are very few other bikes out there you can say that hit 70000km and are still as almost good as new.
I'm a big guy, 130kg 6 foot 7 inches tall and I live in Johannesburg South africa which is 5500 feet above sea level. So not only are we down 17% on power compared to coastal riders but I effectively ride 2 up all the time due to my weight.
But "Sheila" or the "old girl" as I affectionately term her. just takes it all in her stride. day in day out, rain, winter, blazing African heat no problems.
I do 112km a Day every week day and sometimes more on weekends. mostly highways at around 110km/h and it delivers 28km/l millage. Not bad at all! that's better than some 250cc bikes.
Sure its a bit slow and the brakes aren't the best but I can honestly compare it to a VW bettle or Morris Mini or VW Rabbit/Golf, they just keep going and going. I don't want to jinx it but I've never seen or had another bike as reliable.
Its forks and seals are fine, uses no oil, seat is fine no tears, tyres (Bridgestone BT023) last 30000km, X ring chains and sprockets last 25000km+, I use chain wax only. not lube. Brake pads last 50000+
I've put a K&N filter in it. The only reason for this is cost. I don't ever have to replace the filter. I just clean it, oil it and pop it back in. it makes NO difference to performance if anyone is interested.
It runs iridium plugs as standard so the only thing i have to do in a service is change the oil and filter.
I use Castrol Actevo 10w-40 Mineral oil and the best filter I can get locally. currently HiFlo filters. The oil is around $5 a litre and the filter is around $13.50 at my local bike shop (cheaper if you buy it online)
So every time i service it, it costs....less than $30 and that's every 12000km, valves/tappets have never been an issue.
I've looked around at possibly replacing it with another slightly more powerful machine and there is just nothing to match it for daily commuting use.
I run the standard 16/43t combo sprocket but being high up and heavy I want to get a bit more torque and go for a 44t or 45t. what do you guys think? I've used a 44t before. but never a 45t at the rear(too much? or will it be fine?)
so to sum it up. the nc700 will go down in history as a never say die machine. Honestly love mine to bits. I have a CB1000R and I choose Sheila over the CB1000R any day.
an added bonus is that it handles so nicely. I've almost no chicken strip left on the tyre(i've never been on a track) its rock solid through corners and has no tendency to under or over steer
If i was the designer I would have changed the brakes to be a little more powerful(as per the ABS version and NC750). That's about it.
I have not ridden a nc750 or the ABS version so I cant comment on those, but i would buy another 700 in a heartbeat. and they hold their value VERY well. even with 70000km on mine i will not lose much money if i sell it. which I have no intention of doing.
I've added a few mods.
- Heated Oxford Touring Grips
- Fender extender to reduce water splashup from the front wheel (It's not that effective unfortunately)
- Hand protectors on the bar ends
- Removed the screen. With my height its just creates annoying buffeting.
- HID Headlight
- Givi Top Box with brake light and extra red LED brake strips on the number plate.
- Adjustable levers, nice for reach and a bit of bling bling haha
- 12v Charging socket in the load bin, always useful to have
- CTek connectivity and charging capability
I'd like to add a set of spot lights as the light is not brilliant. And we have wild animals running over the highways fairly often etc.
I'd like to upgrade the brake caliper to the 3 pot ABS system, but its a tad pricey so will leave it for now.
Braided hoses for the front? Maybe a colour matching one oneday. I doubt there will be much braking effect
and a nice gel seat for those long trips.
She's got SBS Sintered brake pads in at the moment. Better than the Galfer I had before. But I think ill try EBC Sintered HH next time.
Below a pic of the Sheila and a close up of the fender extender.
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