Just bought a 2018 NC750X - Have Questions!

[WingMan71]

Well, I did it! I just picked up a really nice 2018 NC750X with just 7,500 miles on it.

Here's a picture of it safely parked in its spot in my shop.



So, I have lots of questions. Just a few for starters:

1. Only has one key! (No owner's manual with a key number written down in it.) How do I find the key number? How do I get a spare key? Honda dealer only?

2. I'm gonna need a taller windshield. Looking at National Cycle VStream, Puig, and Madstad. Saw a note on the Puig site that their windshield for my bike "cannot be used with Honda OEM handguards". Does that same restriction apply to VSteam and Madstad too? Are the handguards going to hit them at full turn?

3. Need a USB power source for my GPS/Phone. I see two Honda accessories: One is a "12V Accessory Socket" $20.95, that I guess mounts in the frunk? The other is a "USB Charger Kit" $35.66, but there is no picture of it or info on where it connects/mounts. Any advice on which to choose would be appreciated.

4. Definitely gonna need some saddlebags as well. I need some big enough to hold an XL size Arai full-face helmet. I know the Honda bags won't hold that. Looks like Givi or Shad will. Those with Givi or Shad saddlebags please let me know if your full-face helmets fit and in which size bags. Thanks!

5. I need some bar risers to move the bars mostly BACK toward me. I need more BACK than up. What are the best risers to do that?

That's it for now. More questions later, I'm sure.

Gonna be a few days before I get to the DMV and get plates. Can't wait!

 

[670cc]

Be aware that when Honda offers an electrical accessory, there may be 1 or 2 more accessories you have to buy from them to make the first one work. Also, most Honda accessory 12 volt outlets are limited to 1 amp, and in my opinion and for my usage, pretty worthless.

It never ceases to amaze me how previous owners lose a key or don’t bother to dig it up at the time of sale.

If you install handlebar risers that move the bars rearward, it will change the likelihood of handguard interference with windscreens. On a manual bike like this, you can easily do 1.2 inch rise without cable length problems. At 2 inch rise, you start to run into problems but it can be made to work depending how happy you are with the results. I’m at 3.2 inches of rise, which required extensive work to all cables: mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical.

The bike looks great. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[dduelin]

Congratulations!

I use a pair of Rox risers that allow generous pull back then I rotated the bars forward in the Rox risers to straighten wrist angle.

 

[potter0o]

I took my key to the local locksmith. I would start there.

 

[mzflorida]

Well, I did it! I just picked up a really nice 2018 NC750X with just 7,500 miles on it.

Here's a picture of it safely parked in its spot in my shop.

View attachment 54050

So, I have lots of questions. Just a few for starters:

1. Only has one key! (No owner's manual with a key number written down in it.) How do I find the key number? How do I get a spare key? Honda dealer only?

2. I'm gonna need a taller windshield. Looking at National Cycle VStream, Puig, and Madstad. Saw a note on the Puig site that their windshield for my bike "cannot be used with Honda OEM handguards". Does that same restriction apply to VSteam and Madstad too? Are the handguards going to hit them at full turn?

3. Need a USB power source for my GPS/Phone. I see two Honda accessories: One is a "12V Accessory Socket" $20.95, that I guess mounts in the frunk? The other is a "USB Charger Kit" $35.66, but there is no picture of it or info on where it connects/mounts. Any advice on which to choose would be appreciated.

4. Definitely gonna need some saddlebags as well. I need some big enough to hold an XL size Arai full-face helmet. I know the Honda bags won't hold that. Looks like Givi or Shad will. Those with Givi or Shad saddlebags please let me know if your full-face helmets fit and in which size bags. Thanks!

5. I need some bar risers to move the bars mostly BACK toward me. I need more BACK than up. What are the best risers to do that?

That's it for now. More questions later, I'm sure.

Gonna be a few days before I get to the DMV and get plates. Can't wait!

First, congratulations on the new bike! It looks really well cared for. I'm 602, 34" inseam, used to wear an Arai full face and now a Schuberth C5. For me the Puig touring screen, with lip, did not perform very well in most measures. I installed a Madstad and it is honestly amazing. If you want to try a Puig let me know. Mine is sitting in the garage and you can have it cheap.

 

[hickelbrent]

Well, I did it! I just picked up a really nice 2018 NC750X with just 7,500 miles on it.

Here's a picture of it safely parked in its spot in my shop.

View attachment 54050

So, I have lots of questions. Just a few for starters:

1. Only has one key! (No owner's manual with a key number written down in it.) How do I find the key number? How do I get a spare key? Honda dealer only?

2. I'm gonna need a taller windshield. Looking at National Cycle VStream, Puig, and Madstad. Saw a note on the Puig site that their windshield for my bike "cannot be used with Honda OEM handguards". Does that same restriction apply to VSteam and Madstad too? Are the handguards going to hit them at full turn?

3. Need a USB power source for my GPS/Phone. I see two Honda accessories: One is a "12V Accessory Socket" $20.95, that I guess mounts in the frunk? The other is a "USB Charger Kit" $35.66, but there is no picture of it or info on where it connects/mounts. Any advice on which to choose would be appreciated.

4. Definitely gonna need some saddlebags as well. I need some big enough to hold an XL size Arai full-face helmet. I know the Honda bags won't hold that. Looks like Givi or Shad will. Those with Givi or Shad saddlebags please let me know if your full-face helmets fit and in which size bags. Thanks!

5. I need some bar risers to move the bars mostly BACK toward me. I need more BACK than up. What are the best risers to do that?

That's it for now. More questions later, I'm sure.

Gonna be a few days before I get to the DMV and get plates. Can't wait!

I bought an extractme usb charger on Amazon. $15. Works great. I have a Givi top case from Revzilla. Holds my scorpion full face helmet and coat. Called them to get the right adapter. My helmet will fit in the frunk, barely. Picked up a Givi windscreen at revzilla. Better than stock though wind hits my visor.

 

[SoopaBee]

Nice looking machine! Very clean! Mine is a 2014 so not sure how applicable these comments are for the 2018 model. But for what it's worth:

1. I agree with potter0o above. I took my key to a professional locksmith to get a spare key made. I found that most of the in-store key kiosks/key duplicators won't do motorcycle keys.
2. I use the stock mini screen so no comment.
3. I have the Honda OEM 12V Accessory Socket on my bike and yes, it is installed in the frunk. I wanted make sure it was done correctly so I had my local Honda dealer/mechanic to install it for me. I use a dual USB adapter that I got off of Amazon to give me two USB ports. I've used the socket for phone charging and charging my Sena communicator/camera. It works great.
4. I use soft bags on my bike. I have the Givi GRT720 Canyon saddle bags and they are awesome. I can fit a full-face helmet in them with room to spare.
5. I don't need/use bar risers so no comment.

Lastly, I saw the extra large footprint on your side stand. Hope it works for you! I used to have a very similar one on my mine. It worked fine, but honestly, for me, it didn't work out. When I would park and use the side stand, it made the bike stand too upright, thus risking tipping over. This was especially noticeable if I parked on a slight hill. I opted for one of those side stand pucks that you can slip under the stand whenever I needed it (mostly for dirt) and just keep it in a bag or the frunk.

Hope you enjoy the bike. Ride safe!

 

[WingMan71]

Thanks much for all that feedback!

The sidestand foot is a Givi product. Very clever design that adds barely 1/8" to the thickness. Still plenty of lean angle with it holding the bike up.

 

[yojimg]

Well, I did it! I just picked up a really nice 2018 NC750X with just 7,500 miles on it.

Nice bike! I have the exact same model. I also bought mine used with around 7k miles.

1. Only has one key! (No owner's manual with a key number written down in it.) How do I find the key number? How do I get a spare key? Honda dealer only?

There are several forum threads on spare keys - I recommend starting there:

https://nc700-forum.com/threads/spare-key.19299/
https://nc700-forum.com/threads/spare-key.15289/
https://nc700-forum.com/threads/affordable-spare-key.13382/
https://nc700-forum.com/threads/spare-key-blanks.7678/

The 2018 US model requires what's known as a "sidewinder" key blank -- Partzilla (among others) have them available:
https://www.partzilla.com/product/h...r5FktGHYtto7QW7gajfKU0a7jg7PJL2oaAgWOEALw_wcB

My bike only came with one key as well and no code. I followed this Youtube video to reverse-engineer the key code:

2. I'm gonna need a taller windshield. Looking at National Cycle VStream, Puig, and Madstad. Saw a note on the Puig site that their windshield for my bike "cannot be used with Honda OEM handguards". Does that same restriction apply to VSteam and Madstad too? Are the handguards going to hit them at full turn?

I have a Givi on mine, and I also have handlebar risers. My Barkbusters clear with no problem due to the risers.

5. I need some bar risers to move the bars mostly BACK toward me. I need more BACK than up. What are the best risers to do that?

You can buy the clutch cable from a CTX700 for about $25 which is ~4 inches longer than stock. That, along with some loosening/rerouting of the other stock cables & brake lines on my bike, works great with the bar risers. https://partzilla.com/product/honda/22870-MJF-A30


-Jim G

 

[yojimg]

Also, there are a bunch of excellent DIY maintenance videos on the NC750X at https://www.youtube.com/@AfricaTwin-Stuff/ (he changed the channel name recently because he "upgraded" to an Africa Twin).

-Jim G

 

[WingMan71]

Nice bike! I have the exact same model. I also bought mine used with around 7k miles.



There are several forum threads on spare keys - I recommend starting there:

https://nc700-forum.com/threads/spare-key.19299/
https://nc700-forum.com/threads/spare-key.15289/
https://nc700-forum.com/threads/affordable-spare-key.13382/
https://nc700-forum.com/threads/spare-key-blanks.7678/

The 2018 US model requires what's known as a "sidewinder" key blank -- Partzilla (among others) have them available:
https://www.partzilla.com/product/h...r5FktGHYtto7QW7gajfKU0a7jg7PJL2oaAgWOEALw_wcB

My bike only came with one key as well and no code. I followed this Youtube video to reverse-engineer the key code:

I have a Givi on mine, and I also have handlebar risers. My Barkbusters clear with no problem due to the risers.




You can buy the clutch cable from a CTX700 for about $25 which is ~4 inches longer than stock. That, along with some loosening/rerouting of the other stock cables & brake lines on my bike, works great with the bar risers. https://partzilla.com/product/honda/22870-MJF-A30


-Jim G

Thank you very much for all that info. That really helps.

 

[SoopaBee]

Thanks much for all that feedback!

The sidestand foot is a Givi product. Very clever design that adds barely 1/8" to the thickness. Still plenty of lean angle with it holding the bike up.

Nice! I probably should look into the Givi version myself!

 

[Rabbit]

Nice! I probably should look into the Givi version myself!

T-Rex racing also has one a little cheaper I believe. I have the Givi. Works well

 

[DCM]

Congratulations!

I use a pair of Rox risers that allow generous pull back then I rotated the bars forward in the Rox risers to straighten wrist angle.

Works great for me!

NEW ROX SPEED FX ANTI-VIBRATION ELITE 2" HANDLEBAR RISER 7/8" or 1 1/8" 1R-AV2SE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW ROX SPEED FX ANTI-VIBRATION ELITE 2" HANDLEBAR RISER 7/8" or 1 1/8" 1R-AV2SE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[FIRE UP]

Well, I did it! I just picked up a really nice 2018 NC750X with just 7,500 miles on it.

Here's a picture of it safely parked in its spot in my shop.

View attachment 54050

So, I have lots of questions. Just a few for starters:

1. Only has one key! (No owner's manual with a key number written down in it.) How do I find the key number? How do I get a spare key? Honda dealer only?

2. I'm gonna need a taller windshield. Looking at National Cycle VStream, Puig, and Madstad. Saw a note on the Puig site that their windshield for my bike "cannot be used with Honda OEM handguards". Does that same restriction apply to VSteam and Madstad too? Are the handguards going to hit them at full turn?

3. Need a USB power source for my GPS/Phone. I see two Honda accessories: One is a "12V Accessory Socket" $20.95, that I guess mounts in the frunk? The other is a "USB Charger Kit" $35.66, but there is no picture of it or info on where it connects/mounts. Any advice on which to choose would be appreciated.

4. Definitely gonna need some saddlebags as well. I need some big enough to hold an XL size Arai full-face helmet. I know the Honda bags won't hold that. Looks like Givi or Shad will. Those with Givi or Shad saddlebags please let me know if your full-face helmets fit and in which size bags. Thanks!

5. I need some bar risers to move the bars mostly BACK toward me. I need more BACK than up. What are the best risers to do that?

That's it for now. More questions later, I'm sure.

Gonna be a few days before I get to the DMV and get plates. Can't wait!

Well Wingman71,
That's an outstanding looking NC! I do love that color combo. There was a gent in Temecula CA that had one exactly like that for sale for well over 8 months, WITH ONLY 550 MILES ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'd pull the ad from CL then, he'd put it back in, a couple weeks later. Then do it again and again. I was new to the NC world and dang near bought it from him. I would have if I was in the market for a manual version. But, I wanted the DCT version so, searched elsewhere. Anyway, these NC's are just a ton of fun to ride. Yeah, they're no competition for a HYABUSA but, without a doubt, they're plenty fast enough for any and all traffic conditions, freeway onramps and any other situation where some form of a speedy acceleration is needed.

I did the install of the USB/Power port thing and it was a piece of cake using the Honda OEM supplied small harness's. I also did a handlebar riser with setback on them and that did make a decent ergonomic riding posture improvement. I'm 6' 2 1/2" and have about a 31" inseam. That makes for a bit taller upper body so, to raise those bars and bring them back at least as much as possible WITHOUT messing too much with the cables was a definite need.

Now, one other thing I did that stems from a few zillion miles on Honda Goldwing travels all over the U.S. And while some on here would balk at the idea, I needed them badly. I purchased some *freeway or, cruising* pegs to add to the NC. They are Chrome and while I did change my bike color from that gaudy black to a Hydro Blue Pearlcoat (Jeep factory color), I would have preferred some black freeway pegs to blend in with the frame. But, due to the downtube size, the Chrome ones (which I purchased from a member on here) were the only ones that would fit those down tubes.

After I'd installed them, I learned there was other approaches to this situation that would have made life a bit easier than messing with those large down tubes. But, it is what it is so, it's done and, I can tell you without a doubt, using them really does help with the riding ergonomics. It puts your butt and tail bone in a totally different perspective. We who have the earlier NC's, as in '20's and below, know darn well that the seat design for the rider is not the best. It causes you to scooch forward and the "boys" don't care for that very much. But the freeway pegs really help with that situation.

I also added the more expensive throttle lock to aid as a cheap form of cruise control. Yeah, it was expensive but, I do like its operation and its looks. I think It's called the Atlas. There are much cheaper forms of throttle locks out there and one simply picks what would work for them. As many of the NC's come, mine came with 90/10 tires. I knew I'd be dabbling in at least some form of off roading so, even though those tires only had a mere 2,100 miles on them when I bought the bike, I wanted a more aggressive looking and operating tire. So, I changed them to 50/50 Shinko 705 series tires that are absolutely working flawlessly and wearing outstanding. Oh, and I have used the NC off road in various terrains and so far, it's done just fine. Now, we're not talking full-on moto-cross here. Just some mild forest service roads and mountain passes.

I haven't really had the real need for any bags YET! That doesn't mean I won't develop a need. I've had bags on my Africa Twin and they came in pretty handy. I could care less about locking a helmet in the frunk or in a bag. If I want to lock it up, there's a few zillion aftermarket mechanisms (some of which I already have) that can handle that job.

One thing I did that to me, was drastically needed was to add my Garmin Zumo XT to the NC. It's hot wired into the ignition so, it's only on when the bike is ON. I love that Garmin unit. Anyway, that's my story about mine and I do hope you get near as much fun from yours as I've had with mine for only a bit longer than a year or so. Good luck. By the way, here's a pic or two in the "BEFORE" and the AFTER.
Scott

 

[WingMan71]

Well Wingman71,
That's an outstanding looking NC! I do love that color combo. There was a gent in Temecula CA that had one exactly like that for sale for well over 8 months, WITH ONLY 550 MILES ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'd pull the ad from CL then, he'd put it back in, a couple weeks later. Then do it again and again. I was new to the NC world and dang near bought it from him. I would have if I was in the market for a manual version. But, I wanted the DCT version so, searched elsewhere. Anyway, these NC's are just a ton of fun to ride. Yeah, they're no competition for a HYABUSA but, without a doubt, they're plenty fast enough for any and all traffic conditions, freeway onramps and any other situation where some form of a speedy acceleration is needed.

I did the install of the USB/Power port thing and it was a piece of cake using the Honda OEM supplied small harness's. I also did a handlebar riser with setback on them and that did make a decent ergonomic riding posture improvement. I'm 6' 2 1/2" and have about a 31" inseam. That makes for a bit taller upper body so, to raise those bars and bring them back at least as much as possible WITHOUT messing too much with the cables was a definite need.

Now, one other thing I did that stems from a few zillion miles on Honda Goldwing travels all over the U.S. And while some on here would balk at the idea, I needed them badly. I purchased some *freeway or, cruising* pegs to add to the NC. They are Chrome and while I did change my bike color from that gaudy black to a Hydro Blue Pearlcoat (Jeep factory color), I would have preferred some black freeway pegs to blend in with the frame. But, due to the downtube size, the Chrome ones (which I purchased from a member on here) were the only ones that would fit those down tubes.

After I'd installed them, I learned there was other approaches to this situation that would have made life a bit easier than messing with those large down tubes. But, it is what it is so, it's done and, I can tell you without a doubt, using them really does help with the riding ergonomics. It puts your butt and tail bone in a totally different perspective. We who have the earlier NC's, as in '20's and below, know darn well that the seat design for the rider is not the best. It causes you to scooch forward and the "boys" don't care for that very much. But the freeway pegs really help with that situation.

I also added the more expensive throttle lock to aid as a cheap form of cruise control. Yeah, it was expensive but, I do like its operation and its looks. I think It's called the Atlas. There are much cheaper forms of throttle locks out there and one simply picks what would work for them. As many of the NC's come, mine came with 90/10 tires. I knew I'd be dabbling in at least some form of off roading so, even though those tires only had a mere 2,100 miles on them when I bought the bike, I wanted a more aggressive looking and operating tire. So, I changed them to 50/50 Shinko 705 series tires that are absolutely working flawlessly and wearing outstanding. Oh, and I have used the NC off road in various terrains and so far, it's done just fine. Now, we're not talking full-on moto-cross here. Just some mild forest service roads and mountain passes.

I haven't really had the real need for any bags YET! That doesn't mean I won't develop a need. I've had bags on my Africa Twin and they came in pretty handy. I could care less about locking a helmet in the frunk or in a bag. If I want to lock it up, there's a few zillion aftermarket mechanisms (some of which I already have) that can handle that job.

One thing I did that to me, was drastically needed was to add my Garmin Zumo XT to the NC. It's hot wired into the ignition so, it's only on when the bike is ON. I love that Garmin unit. Anyway, that's my story about mine and I do hope you get near as much fun from yours as I've had with mine for only a bit longer than a year or so. Good luck. By the way, here's a pic or two in the "BEFORE" and the AFTER.
Scott

Wow! Thanks for that thorough report!

I've been a Gold Wing rider since 1984! Long story short, now that I'm 75 and no where near as strong as I used to be, my GL1800 now has a CSC trike kit on it. Keeps my wife and me riding in the SC, NC, and GA mountains where we like to ride.

The NC750X is in the garage so that I can still experience the fun of riding on two wheels.

So far I've added a Madstad windshield and bar risers to my bike. Big improvement. Also decided to get a small Givi 370 top case for two reasons. First, I need a place to lock up $700 worth of Arai helmet with Sena blue tooth communicator.

Second, I want way more lights on the back end of this bike so as to be better seen by distracted drivers. A company called Admore Lighting makes LED light kits that add brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals to where there are just reflectors on the stock top case. Makes a huge difference in rear end visibilty.

Parts are on the way for that project. When I get it installed, I'll post some pics.

 

[mzflorida]

Works great for me!

NEW ROX SPEED FX ANTI-VIBRATION ELITE 2" HANDLEBAR RISER 7/8" or 1 1/8" 1R-AV2SE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW ROX SPEED FX ANTI-VIBRATION ELITE 2" HANDLEBAR RISER 7/8" or 1 1/8" 1R-AV2SE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I agree. They do exactly what they say; they raise the height and dampen the vibrations. The vibration dampening was substantial in my application.

 

[FIRE UP]

Ya know,
Maybe I just got lucky and my '20 NC is simply smoother than maybe others of similar years. To me, about the only time I actually feel any type of vibration is when I'm basically lugging that engine which, is almost never. I'm very susceptible to vibration from many "one-lungers" (i.e. Honda XR650L) and a couple others. Believe me, I know what vibration feels like. And again to me, the engine in this '20 NC is actually pretty darn smooth for your basic 270 degree parallel twin. But, since I've not tried those vibration dampening risers, I don't really have an honest opinion. I should try them before making real assumptions.
Scott

 

[Rydinon]

I tried an f700GS (BMW factory lowered) a couple of weeks before buying my NC. I absolutely fell in love with the handling and power. I was not enamored with the expensive accessories the owner had added, but the real deal killer was the vibration at speed. A year or so previously, I'd tried a friends similar bike (not lowered) and had noted the vibes on the freeway. This was the deal killer for me.

I have not felt enough vibrations on my NC (had it up to about 85 on a freeway - traffic was that fast) to even give it a second thought.

 

[Piezak]

Well, I did it! I just picked up a really nice 2018 NC750X with just 7,500 miles on it.

Here's a picture of it safely parked in its spot in my shop.

View attachment 54050

So, I have lots of questions. Just a few for starters:

1. Only has one key! (No owner's manual with a key number written down in it.) How do I find the key number? How do I get a spare key? Honda dealer only?

2. I'm gonna need a taller windshield. Looking at National Cycle VStream, Puig, and Madstad. Saw a note on the Puig site that their windshield for my bike "cannot be used with Honda OEM handguards". Does that same restriction apply to VSteam and Madstad too? Are the handguards going to hit them at full turn?

3. Need a USB power source for my GPS/Phone. I see two Honda accessories: One is a "12V Accessory Socket" $20.95, that I guess mounts in the frunk? The other is a "USB Charger Kit" $35.66, but there is no picture of it or info on where it connects/mounts. Any advice on which to choose would be appreciated.

4. Definitely gonna need some saddlebags as well. I need some big enough to hold an XL size Arai full-face helmet. I know the Honda bags won't hold that. Looks like Givi or Shad will. Those with Givi or Shad saddlebags please let me know if your full-face helmets fit and in which size bags. Thanks!

5. I need some bar risers to move the bars mostly BACK toward me. I need more BACK than up. What are the best risers to do that?

That's it for now. More questions later, I'm sure.

Gonna be a few days before I get to the DMV and get plates. Can't wait!

Nice. Looks a lot like mine.