Considering Buying - Questions

[Daboo]

Anyone who knows me from BurgmanUSA will know that I love my Burgman 400. But the Honda NC700X intrigues me. It seems that Honda has done something definitely right here, and it may be enough to get me to switch.

Some questions though that I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. How well does the suspension handle things like pot holes? The Burgman is fine on smoother roads, but pot holes, freeway expansion joints, etc. can be jarring.
2. I know the bike can be lowered. How feasible is this and does it affect #1 above?
3. If you've lowered the bike, what is your inseam? Mine is 28 or 29 in. Would I still be too short?
4. With a short inseam like I have, how feasible would it be to carry a passenger? Once moving, it is no big deal, but those stops and starts could be an issue with a passenger. If I was 6'6", I wouldn't bother asking. But I'm not.
5. How much of a pain is the clutch and shifting in slow rush hour stop-n-go traffic?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[OriginalRocket]

I can answer #4.

I have the DCT version.

I routinely carry a passenger, or pillion as some people call it, on all kinds of distance rides. I'm 30" inseam. If I put both feet down, I'm on my toes, balancing the bike, the other passenger helps bring the bike down a few millimeters. I normally, when riding solo shift to the left and flat foot it, and hold the rear brake with my right. Comfy and in control.

I am currently researching lowering kits, I need it to drop about 2 inches to be flat foot on both feet, not sure this is possible, but any lowering would help me out greatly.

 

[670cc]

Anyone who knows me from BurgmanUSA will know that I love my Burgman 400. But the Honda NC700X intrigues me. It seems that Honda has done something definitely right here, and it may be enough to get me to switch.

Some questions though that I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. How well does the suspension handle things like pot holes? The Burgman is fine on smoother roads, but pot holes, freeway expansion joints, etc. can be jarring.
2. I know the bike can be lowered. How feasible is this and does it affect #1 above?
3. If you've lowered the bike, what is your inseam? Mine is 28 or 29 in. Would I still be too short?
4. With a short inseam like I have, how feasible would it be to carry a passenger? Once moving, it is no big deal, but those stops and starts could be an issue with a passenger. If I was 6'6", I wouldn't bother asking. But I'm not.
5. How much of a pain is the clutch and shifting in slow rush hour stop-n-go traffic?

Thanks,
Chris

1. I don't know about the Burgman, but we do have a Reflex 250 scooter. The NC does better on expansion joints than the scooter due to larger wheels, and more available suspension travel. It is still a little harsh on expansion joints, but you can install aftermarket fork parts (Gold Valve Emulators) and improve it.

2. 3. My inseam is 32 and the NC700 fits fine, so can't answer.

4. I personally will never carry a passenger on the NC700X. I would not subject anyone to the little pillion seat that is has. It in no way compares to a maxi scooter or touring bike passenger seat. To me the NC700X is a solo bike only.

5. Having ridden manual transmission bikes for almost 40 years, to me the clutch and gear shifting require no brain power at all. It's as natural as breathing. But if you are concerned, you're a candidate for the automatic DCT version of the NC700X, having no clutch or shifter levers.

An additional note is that the NC700X has little wind protection compared to a fully faired scooter. You might want to try one to see if you like the windier ride. I ride my Goldwing and Reflex more in the cold months, and the NC700X in warmer weather.

Greg

 

[Daboo]

I commute all year long as long as white stuff isn't on the road, and occasionally I've been down to the teens because it was too cold with no moisture on the roads for ice or snow. So the full fairing of the Burgman is nice for rain and cold. I looked at the wind deflectors and I'm hoping those will provide enough protection to make up for the lack of a fairing.

Agreed on the shifting being as natural as breathing. It wouldn't be right now...I've been spoiled for the past few years with a CVT, but I'd be back to it easily. There are times though when the traffic is just crawling and you think about how you could walk faster than the traffic is moving. With the short rpm range, I was wondering if that would make it so you were constantly shifting on a commute.

BTW, I wish I had your 32 inch inseam; life would be much simpler. I've read that when we get to Heaven, we get perfect bodies. That's on my wish list! That and a full head of hair!

Chris

 

[Crilly]

5'3". Shorter than 28" inseam. 64 years old. Over 200lbs. 5300 miles on bike. So lite (feeling) I have no problem balancing the bike. I have no intention of altering the handling, witch is great.

 

[Spaceteach]

I can't answer all your questions, but I may be able to help with some.
1. The suspension is what I would call relatively plush, so it soaks up bumps quite well. I've never owned a Burgman, but I have ridden them and the NC700 smoothes out rough roads much better in my opinion.
2. I haven't lowered mine, so I will leave this question for someone who has.
3. I have a 31 inch inseam and I can flat foot the bike with stock suspension settings at a stop. The best way to get a feel for how much you would want to lower it would be to sit on a floor model at a dealer's showroom. This is just my opinion, but I would not really want to lower any bike more than a couple of inches due to the reduction in ground clearance.
4. I've always thought that coping with the weight of a passenger was more dependent on experience and coordination with your passenger than the height of the rider. I know some people who can safely balance a bike with passenger while on a bike they can only tiptoe with one foot, and others who have problems even when they can reach the ground with both feet flat. If you think you might be uncomfortable with the stretch to the ground, I woul suggest you take your back seater to a dealer and have them sit on the pillion with you on the rider seat balancing the bike (I'm sure any salesperson would be happy to assist you with this).
5. I've been riding for 50 years and with one exception every bike has been a manual transmission, so the traffic thing became pretty much a conditioned reflex a long long time ago. Relatively speaking, the NC has a light clutch pull and a smooth transmission. I've found it to be one of the easier clutch and tranny combinations of the bikes I've owned. Having said that, if you prefer the Burgman's cvt transmission, you may want to consider the DCT version of the NC700.

Hope this helps. I'm sure others who have lowered their bikes will be better able to answer your questions than I.
Bob

 

[Beemerphile]

...I looked at the wind deflectors and I'm hoping those will provide enough protection to make up for the lack of a fairing.

I don't think it will. I came to the NC from a Yamaha TMax, and I could ride it in the rain and never get wet except for my forearms. Not so on the NC. We have several discussions going on the effectiveness of the add-on deflectors. Most people who own them (I don't) say that they help, but there is no way in my opinion that they can compete with full coverage fairings like the Burg and the TMax have.

 

[RNBOB]

[Chris, I have lowered my NC700XD 1 3/8 inch with a Koubalink NC700-2 suspension link. Im 5'7" , 29 inch inseam. I'm much more comfortable backing the bike up, even just waiting at a light. But I have no experience with a passenger.
My trade for my NCXD was a 2009 Burgman 650 Executive. The Burg was jarring on rough roads but the suspension on the NCX soaks up the bumps well. Along with the suspension links I also raised the forks 3/4 inch. The bike handles great. I commute an hour each way and the dual clutch transmission makes stopandgo traffic a breeze.
I also have a Calsi medium wind shield which I recommend highly.
I hope this helps.
Bob
QUOTE=Daboo;7333]Anyone who knows me from BurgmanUSA will know that I love my Burgman 400. But the Honda NC700X intrigues me. It seems that Honda has done something definitely right here, and it may be enough to get me to switch.

Some questions though that I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. How well does the suspension handle things like pot holes? The Burgman is fine on smoother roads, but pot holes, freeway expansion joints, etc. can be jarring.
2. I know the bike can be lowered. How feasible is this and does it affect #1 above?
3. If you've lowered the bike, what is your inseam? Mine is 28 or 29 in. Would I still be too short?
4. With a short inseam like I have, how feasible would it be to carry a passenger? Once moving, it is no big deal, but those stops and starts could be an issue with a passenger. If I was 6'6", I wouldn't bother asking. But I'm not.
5. How much of a pain is the clutch and shifting in slow rush hour stop-n-go traffic?

Thanks,
Chris[/QUOTE]

 

[Daboo]

Thanks for your replies. I need to find time to go down to the dealership and perhaps get a test ride. The local dealership does offer them. It helps if you rode in as well so they take you seriously.

The suspension is what I would call relatively plush, so it soaks up bumps quite well. I've never owned a Burgman, but I have ridden them and the NC700 smoothes out rough roads much better in my opinion.

The suspension is the biggest reason I'd sell my Burgman 400. Seattle's roads aren't getting any better, and I doubt they'll have the money to fix them properly in the next few years. Just commuting to work, is getting closer to off road riding than you'd think.

My daughters are pretty good passengers. They love to ride, and it's a great bonding experience to share with them. Especially when we take the bike to a hiking trail head and combine two of our favorite pastimes. And yes, I'm happily married, but the most my wife has done is to sit on the bike in the garage with the engine off and while it is on the centerstand...once...so that will never be a consideration unless she dies which isn't in the plans for the near future. With my daughters taking off to other parts of the world to pursue their own lives, our time for riding is few and far between. But that is a consideration I don't want to close the door on. Still, the comment about being able to hold the bike up while being on tip-toes is doable.

My Burgman doesn't keep all the rain and cold off the body, but it does block a lot. I saw the thread on the wind deflectors. Some liked them, some didn't. It may be one of those things where I "pays my money and takes my chances". If going fast enough, much of the rain misses the body directly, but there's always the road spray that comes in everywhere. I just treat my gear for the rain and I stay dry. I suspect it'll work. If not, I'll find a way to still ride in the rain. In Seattle, if you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride.

Lowering the bike, seems like a possibility if needed. If the "D" and "S" are lower but on the same frame, that tells me the hard parts on the body won't touch any worse with a lowered "X" model, than with one of the other two versions that are already lower. (Maybe I'm totally off base on that though. You are the experts. I'm not...which is why I'm asking the questions.)

Till the NC700X came along, I never seriously considered replacing my Burgman 400. There wasn't a bike around that could fit my needs as well. The NC700X though, comes awfully close though and the big plus is the way I believe it will soak up the bumps in the road.

And now, I'm going to get ready to ride up to Artist Point at Mt. Baker in the morning. Highway 542 - Mt. Baker Hwy

Here's part of the description of the ride...

Mt. Baker Highway is a "must-ride" for anyone who can find a way to get there. The road is in fantastic shape, the corners get tighter and more fun as make your way up. Throw in the stunning views of the North Cascades and you have a recipe for one of the best roads in the state.

Highway 542 begins in Bellingham but the part you are looking for starts at the East junction of 542 and hwy 9 near the Nooksack River Casino. Four or five miles of slowly winding road will bring you to a couple of 90 degree corners to get you warmed up for the ride. Veer right after the corners to stay on 542 and take it easy passing through Maple Falls. You'll hit a few fun and fast sweepers before coming up on the last two small towns Wamick and Glacier. Once passing Glacier and the nearby ranger station, it's time to have fun with nothing but an increasing twisty road to slow you down.

You'll pass several alpine lakes on your way to the top Past Glacier is about 20 miles of the some of the best stretch of twisties in the state. The first half is filled with fast smooth corners with signs recommending speeds between 25 and 45 mph. Law enforcement is generally not to prevalent out here but occasionally there are Border Patrol so keep an eye out. Most of the corners have good visibility with few surprises...

...But when the upper mountain begins to thaw (usually June), Artist Point opens up adding a few more miles and even tighter hairpins to the ride.

The alpine forests you pass through are beautiful The trip up Artist Point is well worth it. The views are incredible once you reach the top. Artist point demands caution, more then anywhere else on hwy 542. Many of the corners are even tighter then the 15mph hairpins down below and the road surface is more worn. The corners are also unmarked so it's easy to get suprised by a corner with a decreasing radius when you didn't expect it.

The corners are so tight, that even a 15 mph speed is going to scrape hard parts. Tomorrow should be fantastic. Good weather. Good roads. And Fall colors.


Chris

 

[phipun]

well, I can help
I am unsure about the suspension but coming from a klr650, I can say the suspension is stiffer, but still pretty plush if that makes sense.

I have 30 inch inseam and can really sorta flat foot both sides, just barely... but to push the bike backwards takes me up on tiptoes to push it backward while on the bike.

I have not carried a passenger in a long time, and do not think i would carry an adult ever, but can say as solo, I fit the bike well and am quite comfortable.

I have no clutch, I have the automatic one, and I will say, I have never had an auto on two wheels before, and I love it. I still catch myself reaching sometimes for the clutch or downshifting when i realize there is no gearshift. but I am adapting and like the fact that the bike does it for me, I am really starting to enjoy myself at a level I have never done before I had an automatic.

I plan to get bags, windshield etc, but I do like this bike. if given the choice of bikes, I would have had a yamaha super tenere at 16k... but at 9k this is so worth it.

phip

 

[happy]

NC700X is an easy going bike. You can take any bike offroad, but if you compare the traditional 700s or 750s, they are built more for offroad, with skidplates and so on.

I'd still say take it easy for the NC700X. Put on some knobbies does not mean it will perform offroad as well as a KLR or KLX or something similar.
It is certainly cheaper than the old school dualpurpose ones.
The torque mapping is just right for most road conditions.

Just buy it, if you don't like it, trade it away 6 months later.
You will not regret what you tried else you never know.
Only YOU can say if you like it.

As for many of us, we LOVE it.
Still do.

 

[L.B.S.]

NC700X is an easy going bike. You can take any bike offroad, but if you compare the traditional 700s or 750s, they are built more for offroad, with skidplates and so on.

I'd still say take it easy for the NC700X. Put on some knobbies does not mean it will perform offroad as well as a KLR or KLX or something similar.
It is certainly cheaper than the old school dualpurpose ones.
The torque mapping is just right for most road conditions.


Just buy it, if you don't like it, trade it away 6 months later.
You will not regret what you tried else you never know.
Only YOU can say if you like it.

As for many of us, we LOVE it.
Still do.

Well said, Happy, well said!

 

[gpd211]

Others won't ride the nc 2 up, but that is almost all my riding. My wife wasn't real comfortable on my vfr. So the nc is now our 2 up bike. The power is fine. I can pass at will from 60 up (without downshifting). And I don't have to look a mile down the road. I have 34" inseam so I can't comment on your height (or lack of) issue

 

[FlaNC700X]

Test drive? Well that might be a first!

 

[Blackrider]

Suspension seems fine to me but then I am coming off a 1980 Honda CM400E with no windshield or side fairings
and riding it daily at highway speeds.

I am 5'10" 195 lbs. and the seat height seems just right. Can't flat foot it the whole way though. Doesn't bother me.

Speed is quite good. Passing speed is good. I even had the front wheel off the ground from a first gear start.

Shifting is different but I got used to it real quick. It is perfect for slow or fast moving traffic. Very torquey.

Headlight beam is excellent in my opinion. Lights up the whole road.

 

[jakeisbill]

Still waiting for our dealership to get them in stock. They probably wont do test drives on them though.