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Honda
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Honda NC700X
Using engine technology gleaned from the Fit hatchback, Honda has taken one of the most practical aspects of any motorcycle -- fuel economy -- to a whole new level. At 64 mpg, the NC700X ($7,000) is nearly as fuel-efficient as a 250, but considerably faster and much more capable of hauling a passenger and luggage. With design aping that of big adventure bikes, you'd be forgiven for assuming the NC is targeted at off-road use. But fitted with 17-inch wheels, fairly low suspension and road tires, it's actually much more of a street-oriented all-rounder. That ADV look brings some practical advantages: The upright riding position is all-day comfortable and affords great vision through traffic; the screen looks small, but does a great job of keeping wind and rain off your torso; the wide bars make steering fast and sharp and there's tons of room to carry luggage, a passenger or both. Slanting the cylinders forward at 62 degrees combines with the underseat fuel tank to make the center of gravity so low that you'll never guess the whole thing weighs 474 pounds (with a full tank) and that also makes room for a lockable, waterproof storage container between your legs that's big enough to fit a full-face helmet. Read More:
Buying Advice: Commuter MotorcyclesEveryone who rides an NC is taken by surprise at the low redline -- just 6,500 rpm -- but once you adapt to a power curve that's more diesel car than high-revving bike by short shifting and using the higher gears at low speed, the 46 pound-feet of torque is more than enough to achieve some serious hustle. Combined with the soft-but-capable suspension, it makes it possible to really wring some serious speed out of the bike on a canyon road.
The only fly in Honda's ointment is that ABS brakes are bundled into a $2,000 upgrade package that also adds a dual-clutch transmission. Motorcycle gearboxes, being sequential, are already extremely easy, intuitive and quick to use, so buyers are being forced to pay for an unnecessary transmission in order to add a safety features that's rapidly becoming standard equipment on other models.
Regardless, the NC700X is equally capable of tearing up a twisty road, cruising across the country two-up, hauling gear for a big adventure or just being a reliable, practical, frugal commuter every day in every weather. By itself, that makes it an extraordinarily capable motorcycle. That it does that for just $7,000 while returning outstanding fuel economy makes it a great one.
WIRED Underseat fuel tank and canted-forward cylinders = low center of gravity. Economy and performance -- I took it to nearly 120 MPH.
TIRED Antilock brakes only available as part of $2,000 options package.
Rating: 9 out of 10
