Afan
Elite Member
Last weekend I had an opportunity to ride off-road with some dual sport/adventure bikers. All day long, gravel, sand and B roads. To be exact, I rode only Saturday, Sunday was my "day off" in the campground. But more about that later...
So, it was 12 of us, if I remember well, 1 Tiger 800, 1 KLR, 1 KTM, my Honda and the rest were BMWs, all sizes and shapes but mostly GSs.
The ride started with the sand section. Actually, more powder than sand. Anyway... I was dancing left and right, unprepared (they were talking about gravel roads and some not-so-bad B roads), scared as hell, I almost crapped myself. A minute or two (it was an eternity for me though) I got behind one experienced guy - my idea was to follow him because he knows the best line, right? WRONG! He was looking for a bit tougher line to play and test himself. When I realized that, I tried to change my "lane" but hit hard some hard of the sand, and went down. My camera flew off, my handlebar broke... And my pride too. No bones broken though. I continued and made it somehow to the end of the sand section. And also made the decision to tuck my tail between my legs and take the first paved section back to the campsite.
But, the guy who organized all this, a smart and experienced guy, told me if I want to learn - this is the way, not watching YouTube. So I continued - and didn't regret it. We continued on the B roads, gravel (not sand anymore, phew), I was right behind the guy, following his tracks. We both had Senas so he was navigating me the whole time. That made my ride sooooo easy. And the ride was beautiful. There were a couple "saves" I can't believe I did, nor people behind me. Partially thanks to the DCT for not stalling the bike. And not thinking too much about the gears. I was in D the whole time. DCT was smarter than I. Several hours later, at the lunch break, I decided to go back to the campground. I forgot the plastic inserts for my street boots - my feet were killing me. I used my knees like never before, standing on the pegs for a long time and jumping around - they were killing me too. I found I got tired and lost my concentration... I think it was a good decision to stop before I did something stupid.
By the way, I dropped the bike 4 times. Twice while parking. First time, with full gear, when looking for a place for my tent, and the second time when trying to find the best place (it was very sloppy) to park in front of the bath house. Third time I described above. Fourth time when I was on the above-mentioned slope road to the bath house, I hit 1st, then 2nd, then 3rd rut on the road, and finally went down.
So, back to the topic title...
Is the NC700X dual sport bike?
Yes, it is. Because if I, an inexperienced off-road rider, did it, and fell only once, then it should not be any problem for any experienced rider. It's doable. Especially with a few modifications. And of course, the right tires (I have a Shinko 705).
No, it is not. Because it has 17" front tire and the smallest rut was a challenge. Because it has a bit low ground clearance (I hit the bottom a couple times). And it's much harder, tiresome, more muscle pain... than "real" Dual sport bikes. The joy could easily change into pain.
Conclusion.
I know, when on a trip, if there is some scenic view, scenic gravel road, or a shortcut... I'll do it, I know my NC can do it without any problems. But purposely using this bike for B-road trips - I don't think so.
Also, in my inexperienced opinion, the DCT was a big help when on the gravel roads. D will maintain in 90% correct gear, and if in the wrong gear - it's sooo easy to change it. And such a smaller chance to lose the momentum compared to throttle-clutch-gear shifter-clutch-throttle action. D is the least jerky of D, S, M options.
Opinion?
So, it was 12 of us, if I remember well, 1 Tiger 800, 1 KLR, 1 KTM, my Honda and the rest were BMWs, all sizes and shapes but mostly GSs.
The ride started with the sand section. Actually, more powder than sand. Anyway... I was dancing left and right, unprepared (they were talking about gravel roads and some not-so-bad B roads), scared as hell, I almost crapped myself. A minute or two (it was an eternity for me though) I got behind one experienced guy - my idea was to follow him because he knows the best line, right? WRONG! He was looking for a bit tougher line to play and test himself. When I realized that, I tried to change my "lane" but hit hard some hard of the sand, and went down. My camera flew off, my handlebar broke... And my pride too. No bones broken though. I continued and made it somehow to the end of the sand section. And also made the decision to tuck my tail between my legs and take the first paved section back to the campsite.
But, the guy who organized all this, a smart and experienced guy, told me if I want to learn - this is the way, not watching YouTube. So I continued - and didn't regret it. We continued on the B roads, gravel (not sand anymore, phew), I was right behind the guy, following his tracks. We both had Senas so he was navigating me the whole time. That made my ride sooooo easy. And the ride was beautiful. There were a couple "saves" I can't believe I did, nor people behind me. Partially thanks to the DCT for not stalling the bike. And not thinking too much about the gears. I was in D the whole time. DCT was smarter than I. Several hours later, at the lunch break, I decided to go back to the campground. I forgot the plastic inserts for my street boots - my feet were killing me. I used my knees like never before, standing on the pegs for a long time and jumping around - they were killing me too. I found I got tired and lost my concentration... I think it was a good decision to stop before I did something stupid.
By the way, I dropped the bike 4 times. Twice while parking. First time, with full gear, when looking for a place for my tent, and the second time when trying to find the best place (it was very sloppy) to park in front of the bath house. Third time I described above. Fourth time when I was on the above-mentioned slope road to the bath house, I hit 1st, then 2nd, then 3rd rut on the road, and finally went down.
So, back to the topic title...
Is the NC700X dual sport bike?
Yes, it is. Because if I, an inexperienced off-road rider, did it, and fell only once, then it should not be any problem for any experienced rider. It's doable. Especially with a few modifications. And of course, the right tires (I have a Shinko 705).
No, it is not. Because it has 17" front tire and the smallest rut was a challenge. Because it has a bit low ground clearance (I hit the bottom a couple times). And it's much harder, tiresome, more muscle pain... than "real" Dual sport bikes. The joy could easily change into pain.
Conclusion.
I know, when on a trip, if there is some scenic view, scenic gravel road, or a shortcut... I'll do it, I know my NC can do it without any problems. But purposely using this bike for B-road trips - I don't think so.
Also, in my inexperienced opinion, the DCT was a big help when on the gravel roads. D will maintain in 90% correct gear, and if in the wrong gear - it's sooo easy to change it. And such a smaller chance to lose the momentum compared to throttle-clutch-gear shifter-clutch-throttle action. D is the least jerky of D, S, M options.
Opinion?
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