tweak89
New Member
Posted a couple of thoughts in the welcome forum, but thought I'd expand on those a little more since I was able to take the bike out for a little longer shakedown ride (my ride home from the dealer was in pouring rain 
).
I sole my 2009 FZ6 to pick up the NC700X (which joins my Victory CCT and SYM HD200 scooter). Seems like it's a pretty popular bike in the area (Greater Houston) as they seem to be going out the door as quickly as they cab be assembled. This means most dealers aren't willing to deal. Luckily, I have a longstanding relationship with one of the bigger dealer networks in Houston so that enabled me to get what I think is a decent enough deal (at least for my area) of $7600 OTD.
So, what do I think? I think I made a good move. Apart from a couple of visits to the Dragon and Three Sisters, my FZ6 just wasn't being put to good use for that style of bike. Bikes like the FZ6 are built for speed and twisties. Desiring to do a little more solo touring I started to look into making some changes to the FZ to make it more of a touring machine (adding bags, changing the bar). But, my last issue of Cycle World changed that by having a feature article on Honda's newest export.
Anyway, what an interesting ride. Smooth linear power that inspires confidence in even this long time rider. Clutch action is silky smooth (my VIC is notchy as heck by comparison). Riding position is perfect for me (5'7" and I can get the balls of both feet down) and that tiny screen that I though would be useless is anything but. I think the overall design of the plastics really helps with directing the major wind effects away from the rider. Seat comfort, for now, is good. There is a slight forward slope, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.
I love the storage "tank". Served me well on my way home from the dealer as it was POURING!! Kept all my papers, camera, phone and other misc. items perfectly dry. The bot, surprisingly, was not as dirty as I had anticipated it would be from riding 20+ miles in the rain.
I've read just about every pro review out there and am surprised that they all expressed some concern about highway speeds (like they expected it not to do well at 80+ mph). funny that you don't see that concern expressed with cruisers as they produce similar HP/Torque figures. Perhaps more is expected from a "sporty" bike. Needless to say, those concerns were always proved to be unfounded. I did a quick stretch at 85mph and the engine seemed quite happy to be doing so. I also must say that the speedo is shockingly close to accurate, which is not the norm for the majority of bikes. Speeds were always within +/- 1 mph throughout the range of speeds using my Garmin Etrex as the control. The mirrors also deserve special mention as they are actually useful. I don't understand why more manufacturers can't get this right. You should see what's behind you, not your shoulders or elbows!! Great job Honda!
That's about it for now. Tuesday I'll get an idea of how it handles in crazy rush hour traffic!!
And here it is:
I included this pic as I wondered how it would be propped open and had not really seen much on it:
).I sole my 2009 FZ6 to pick up the NC700X (which joins my Victory CCT and SYM HD200 scooter). Seems like it's a pretty popular bike in the area (Greater Houston) as they seem to be going out the door as quickly as they cab be assembled. This means most dealers aren't willing to deal. Luckily, I have a longstanding relationship with one of the bigger dealer networks in Houston so that enabled me to get what I think is a decent enough deal (at least for my area) of $7600 OTD.
So, what do I think? I think I made a good move. Apart from a couple of visits to the Dragon and Three Sisters, my FZ6 just wasn't being put to good use for that style of bike. Bikes like the FZ6 are built for speed and twisties. Desiring to do a little more solo touring I started to look into making some changes to the FZ to make it more of a touring machine (adding bags, changing the bar). But, my last issue of Cycle World changed that by having a feature article on Honda's newest export.
Anyway, what an interesting ride. Smooth linear power that inspires confidence in even this long time rider. Clutch action is silky smooth (my VIC is notchy as heck by comparison). Riding position is perfect for me (5'7" and I can get the balls of both feet down) and that tiny screen that I though would be useless is anything but. I think the overall design of the plastics really helps with directing the major wind effects away from the rider. Seat comfort, for now, is good. There is a slight forward slope, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.
I love the storage "tank". Served me well on my way home from the dealer as it was POURING!! Kept all my papers, camera, phone and other misc. items perfectly dry. The bot, surprisingly, was not as dirty as I had anticipated it would be from riding 20+ miles in the rain.
I've read just about every pro review out there and am surprised that they all expressed some concern about highway speeds (like they expected it not to do well at 80+ mph). funny that you don't see that concern expressed with cruisers as they produce similar HP/Torque figures. Perhaps more is expected from a "sporty" bike. Needless to say, those concerns were always proved to be unfounded. I did a quick stretch at 85mph and the engine seemed quite happy to be doing so. I also must say that the speedo is shockingly close to accurate, which is not the norm for the majority of bikes. Speeds were always within +/- 1 mph throughout the range of speeds using my Garmin Etrex as the control. The mirrors also deserve special mention as they are actually useful. I don't understand why more manufacturers can't get this right. You should see what's behind you, not your shoulders or elbows!! Great job Honda!
That's about it for now. Tuesday I'll get an idea of how it handles in crazy rush hour traffic!!
And here it is:
I included this pic as I wondered how it would be propped open and had not really seen much on it:
