Honda NC750 buying advice
Discussion
Hello, looking for some advice from the PH collective please.
Recently passed my DAS and have been considering upgrading my bike from my current CB125F. Atm I have an easy 8 mile commute at a pretty steady speed (down A40) although next month I am moving to South London and commute will increase to around 14 miles but all stop start, traffic lights, junctions, roundabouts etc. I've done a few test journeys and have found the 125 a real pain as there's no power to keep up with accelerating traffic constantly. Add in the short (2500 mile) service intervals on the CB125F, crappy tyres and no ABS and I thought it would be worth an upgrade. I like changing gears manually so that's not the issue, just getting fed up of absolutely ragging the bike just to keep up with a gently accelerating van.
I don't have a lot to spend due to the house move so was ideally looking second hand. I have finance outstanding on my current bike of around £1800 against a PX value of around £1500. At present I'm paying around £80pcm on a 1.9% finance deal. This works well as I use my bike for work so get an allowance every month so my two options are to either sell/PX the bike and pay off the finance and start again with a new bike or my preferred option of sell/PX bike and add in some cash to buy a new (to me) bike keeping my existing finance agreement in place (it's not linked to the bike, but is through Honda finance).
I am very interested in the Honda NC750 and wanted to hear if anyone had any advice on them. I know it's not the most interesting/fast bike but for a year round commute it seems a nice option with good reliability, ABS, comfortable, fuel economy and the handy 'frunk' for storage. This in itself is a big draw to keep a disc lock, snacks etc. I have a top box but since it was broken into last year (crowbar) I have tried not to use it much. Any thoughts on whether the NC is a theft target? My assumption was that it wouldn't be the most sought after bike to steal due to the unusual engine?
Also any advice on the S/XA? Or is any particular year that is better? What is the max mileage you would consider purchasing? (I'm a bit clueless when it comes to bike mileage and perhaps even more confusing as the NC uses half a car engine) I've seen some with 30k + and one with 63k miles on the clock. I'm anticipating doing about 9-10k pa mileage. For reference I'm 6'2 and weigh around 90kg. Any other bikes worth considering taking into consideration fuel economy, reliability, price and not being too much of a theft target?
I really enjoy being on the bike but it will be used for commuting 99% of the time. My wife does not like bikes and won't go on it and I'm unlikely to take it on a fun weekend ride very often. It is handy if it can cover larger distances occasionally as we're going from a two car household to a one car household as we never really use both cars at the same time.
Thanks for any advice and suggestions and apologies for the long post!
Recently passed my DAS and have been considering upgrading my bike from my current CB125F. Atm I have an easy 8 mile commute at a pretty steady speed (down A40) although next month I am moving to South London and commute will increase to around 14 miles but all stop start, traffic lights, junctions, roundabouts etc. I've done a few test journeys and have found the 125 a real pain as there's no power to keep up with accelerating traffic constantly. Add in the short (2500 mile) service intervals on the CB125F, crappy tyres and no ABS and I thought it would be worth an upgrade. I like changing gears manually so that's not the issue, just getting fed up of absolutely ragging the bike just to keep up with a gently accelerating van.
I don't have a lot to spend due to the house move so was ideally looking second hand. I have finance outstanding on my current bike of around £1800 against a PX value of around £1500. At present I'm paying around £80pcm on a 1.9% finance deal. This works well as I use my bike for work so get an allowance every month so my two options are to either sell/PX the bike and pay off the finance and start again with a new bike or my preferred option of sell/PX bike and add in some cash to buy a new (to me) bike keeping my existing finance agreement in place (it's not linked to the bike, but is through Honda finance).
I am very interested in the Honda NC750 and wanted to hear if anyone had any advice on them. I know it's not the most interesting/fast bike but for a year round commute it seems a nice option with good reliability, ABS, comfortable, fuel economy and the handy 'frunk' for storage. This in itself is a big draw to keep a disc lock, snacks etc. I have a top box but since it was broken into last year (crowbar) I have tried not to use it much. Any thoughts on whether the NC is a theft target? My assumption was that it wouldn't be the most sought after bike to steal due to the unusual engine?
Also any advice on the S/XA? Or is any particular year that is better? What is the max mileage you would consider purchasing? (I'm a bit clueless when it comes to bike mileage and perhaps even more confusing as the NC uses half a car engine) I've seen some with 30k + and one with 63k miles on the clock. I'm anticipating doing about 9-10k pa mileage. For reference I'm 6'2 and weigh around 90kg. Any other bikes worth considering taking into consideration fuel economy, reliability, price and not being too much of a theft target?
I really enjoy being on the bike but it will be used for commuting 99% of the time. My wife does not like bikes and won't go on it and I'm unlikely to take it on a fun weekend ride very often. It is handy if it can cover larger distances occasionally as we're going from a two car household to a one car household as we never really use both cars at the same time.
Thanks for any advice and suggestions and apologies for the long post!
I got an ex-demo with 1k on the clock, Jan 2016. Been used for commuting 40 miles each way into London- now got 49k on it. No reliability issues at all, only thing that's gone is a headlight bulb (plus an ABS ring, where I rode off with disc lock on... can't blame honda there). I've serviced it myself since 16k (once out of warranty) and I'm a ham-fisted spanner monkey, so it must be easy. Some things need doing - suspension needs an upgrade (though the model year after mine has better suspension from new), I changed the seat for an aftermarket one, plus heated grips - but engine has been perfect. Gearbox isn't the smoothest and seems very sensitive to chain adjustment - if it's even slightly out then it can be fiddly to find neutral.
If you want a commuter only, it's perfect. For me its a choice between bike and train, and I choose the bike every time. It's not particularly desirable for thieves, fairly comfy, v good on fuel and consumables (after you change the rubbish OEM tyres). Very happy sitting at 75-80. Ok with a pillion but not wonderful. But to be honest if you're after a do it all (commuting and weekend fun) then I'd say there's others that are more fun.
If you want a commuter only, it's perfect. For me its a choice between bike and train, and I choose the bike every time. It's not particularly desirable for thieves, fairly comfy, v good on fuel and consumables (after you change the rubbish OEM tyres). Very happy sitting at 75-80. Ok with a pillion but not wonderful. But to be honest if you're after a do it all (commuting and weekend fun) then I'd say there's others that are more fun.
Thanks Bowie, that sounds very promising. If I got a pre 2016 I'd probably fit some LED bulbs which should hopefully last and I'd also service it myself as soon as warranty period is expired. Honda servicing is expensive and I've not had the best experience with main dealer servicing.
I was lent one when I took my Fireblade in for service. I found it dull and gutless. But as a commuter I reckon it would be perfect. The fuelling was faultless in heavy traffic and the riding position excellent. However if you're used to a normal bike's ability to rev, then the low rev ceiling will take some getting used to.
Hi, I’m on my 2nd 750s now. As a commuter bike it’s perfect., around 75mpg,ABS, LED Light,comfortable and storage too. It’s not going to get you into much trouble speed wise, but fine off the line and keeping up with traffic and overtaking (up to a point).
Reliable and fairly easy to maintain.
Honda often do 0% interest free deals too.
I’ve another bike for fun ride outs btw.
When time comes I’ll get another for sure.
Reliable and fairly easy to maintain.
Honda often do 0% interest free deals too.
I’ve another bike for fun ride outs btw.
When time comes I’ll get another for sure.
I've test ridden both the original NC700 and the later NC750, both X models.
I'm the same height and weight as the OP (6'2” / 90kg) and they both fit me just fine and I love the frunk.
The 750 engine is smoother than the 700 (which I found surprisingly vibratory for a modern engine) and personally I think that DCT makes the most sense on this bike.
Performance was OK. I believe they can do 0-60 in about 5 seconds (and it's dead easy to do on the DCT version) and the ones I rode romped up to 90mph and easily kept pace with motorway traffic.
If my commute was a bit longer, there'd be one in my garage right now. They really are all that a sensible person would need.
Problem is, I'm not a sensible person and I find them just a bit dull. Yeah, yeah, I agree with Honda: It does do what 90% of people do 90% of the time. But it's that other 10% that's lacking.
That said, I'm coming at this from faster, funner machines. If I was stepping up from a 125 then I dare say that the NC700 / 750 would feel like the proverbial rocketship.
I'm the same height and weight as the OP (6'2” / 90kg) and they both fit me just fine and I love the frunk.
The 750 engine is smoother than the 700 (which I found surprisingly vibratory for a modern engine) and personally I think that DCT makes the most sense on this bike.
Performance was OK. I believe they can do 0-60 in about 5 seconds (and it's dead easy to do on the DCT version) and the ones I rode romped up to 90mph and easily kept pace with motorway traffic.
If my commute was a bit longer, there'd be one in my garage right now. They really are all that a sensible person would need.
Problem is, I'm not a sensible person and I find them just a bit dull. Yeah, yeah, I agree with Honda: It does do what 90% of people do 90% of the time. But it's that other 10% that's lacking.
That said, I'm coming at this from faster, funner machines. If I was stepping up from a 125 then I dare say that the NC700 / 750 would feel like the proverbial rocketship.
Thanks everyone for the advice. It still sounds like a good choice so is reaffirming why I am considering it so strongly.
I am going to have to get a manual though... a bit of a long story. My wife is really against bikes so it was a real struggle to even get a 125, knowing I'd be stuck with it for a long time I wanted a motorbike instead of a scooter and I knew practice on a manual would help me pass my DAS if I was allowed to do it (which I was, and it did help massively). She said why don't I get a scooter, so I replied that scooters are a huge theft target in London (which they are) and cited the reason as being that they are auto and therefore easy for the thieving scrotes to ride. Fast forward to now and I have sold the idea of a new bike to my wife on the premise of better tyres and ABS so it's safer. But she still remembers what I said a year ago about scooters being stolen because they’re auto so I've been told if I upgrade I must get a manual bike or it will be stolen. So basically I was either lying at the time then, I’m lying now or I just keep things simple, stick with the original story and get a manual bike again
I am going to have to get a manual though... a bit of a long story. My wife is really against bikes so it was a real struggle to even get a 125, knowing I'd be stuck with it for a long time I wanted a motorbike instead of a scooter and I knew practice on a manual would help me pass my DAS if I was allowed to do it (which I was, and it did help massively). She said why don't I get a scooter, so I replied that scooters are a huge theft target in London (which they are) and cited the reason as being that they are auto and therefore easy for the thieving scrotes to ride. Fast forward to now and I have sold the idea of a new bike to my wife on the premise of better tyres and ABS so it's safer. But she still remembers what I said a year ago about scooters being stolen because they’re auto so I've been told if I upgrade I must get a manual bike or it will be stolen. So basically I was either lying at the time then, I’m lying now or I just keep things simple, stick with the original story and get a manual bike again
Bumblebee7 said:
Thanks everyone for the advice. It still sounds like a good choice so is reaffirming why I am considering it so strongly.
I am going to have to get a manual though... a bit of a long story. My wife is really against bikes so it was a real struggle to even get a 125, knowing I'd be stuck with it for a long time I wanted a motorbike instead of a scooter and I knew practice on a manual would help me pass my DAS if I was allowed to do it (which I was, and it did help massively). She said why don't I get a scooter, so I replied that scooters are a huge theft target in London (which they are) and cited the reason as being that they are auto and therefore easy for the thieving scrotes to ride. Fast forward to now and I have sold the idea of a new bike to my wife on the premise of better tyres and ABS so it's safer. But she still remembers what I said a year ago about scooters being stolen because they’re auto so I've been told if I upgrade I must get a manual bike or it will be stolen. So basically I was either lying at the time then, I’m lying now or I just keep things simple, stick with the original story and get a manual bike again
If you're commuting, try and find a loophole in your previous logic to get, or at least try the DCT. There's some kind of sorcery in that gearbox, it's uncanny. As long as you don't use standard D mode. That'll have changed up to 6th by the time you hit 40, and it's constantly trying to keep you in the highest gear it can. But the sport modes are spot on at having you in the gear you would have chosen to be in anyway. And the manual mode is pretty respectful of your gear choice - the only reason it'll jump in is if the engine is about to stall.I am going to have to get a manual though... a bit of a long story. My wife is really against bikes so it was a real struggle to even get a 125, knowing I'd be stuck with it for a long time I wanted a motorbike instead of a scooter and I knew practice on a manual would help me pass my DAS if I was allowed to do it (which I was, and it did help massively). She said why don't I get a scooter, so I replied that scooters are a huge theft target in London (which they are) and cited the reason as being that they are auto and therefore easy for the thieving scrotes to ride. Fast forward to now and I have sold the idea of a new bike to my wife on the premise of better tyres and ABS so it's safer. But she still remembers what I said a year ago about scooters being stolen because they’re auto so I've been told if I upgrade I must get a manual bike or it will be stolen. So basically I was either lying at the time then, I’m lying now or I just keep things simple, stick with the original story and get a manual bike again
I was dubious about the concept before I rode the dealer demo. I now own one. Around London (Other large congested cities are available) it's perfect.
I had an NC700X. I agree with what everyone else has said. Perfect commuter bike, the frunk is very useful, I also put a hard wired phone charger in there. Factory heated grips are very good (if confusing with their flashy disco at first) ridiculously economical. A little dull. But riding any bike can be fun.
I found it a smidge too tall at 5'4" with short inside leg so lowered it.
I had a leak around the water pump that may have been related to a drop earlier in the year. People say you have to drop the engine and replace the whole pump, but you can actually get the pump off in situ, the frame rail does make it an absolute b
d of a job, but it was just an o ring change.
I found it a smidge too tall at 5'4" with short inside leg so lowered it.
I had a leak around the water pump that may have been related to a drop earlier in the year. People say you have to drop the engine and replace the whole pump, but you can actually get the pump off in situ, the frame rail does make it an absolute b
d of a job, but it was just an o ring change.So (as of Saturday) I am the proud owner of an NC750X. I wasn't even proactively looking but saw one come up not too far from me at a reasonable price so thought it worth a look.
2014 with 19k on the clock, one owner with full documented Honda history. All stamps, but in total 15 documented visits over 4 years. Brakes and tyres only a few months old and mot up to July 19.
Took it out today for a bit and absolutely love it. A bit of a pain getting in and out of my garage/shed thing as it's less manoeuvrable and has wider bars but otherwise fantastic. Coming from a 125 it feels like a rocket ship. Although I know it's not a fast bike, it is plenty quick enough for the road. Certainly I won't be troubled at the traffic lights by eager van drivers anymore. Frunk is also great and I filled it up with shopping which was really useful.
I do wish it had LED lights so I'll swap the bulb and I'll fit a centre stand which will help with parking and routine maintenance.
Thanks again to everyone for the advice
ETA that it's a manual. I wasn't massively fussed either way and I can hold the gears much longer than before so isn't anywhere near as frantic as my 125.
2014 with 19k on the clock, one owner with full documented Honda history. All stamps, but in total 15 documented visits over 4 years. Brakes and tyres only a few months old and mot up to July 19.
Took it out today for a bit and absolutely love it. A bit of a pain getting in and out of my garage/shed thing as it's less manoeuvrable and has wider bars but otherwise fantastic. Coming from a 125 it feels like a rocket ship. Although I know it's not a fast bike, it is plenty quick enough for the road. Certainly I won't be troubled at the traffic lights by eager van drivers anymore. Frunk is also great and I filled it up with shopping which was really useful.
I do wish it had LED lights so I'll swap the bulb and I'll fit a centre stand which will help with parking and routine maintenance.
Thanks again to everyone for the advice
ETA that it's a manual. I wasn't massively fussed either way and I can hold the gears much longer than before so isn't anywhere near as frantic as my 125.
Edited by Bumblebee7 on Monday 26th November 22:13
crofty1984 said:
One feature mine had is that it made my pissed-off girlfriend appear with the spare key at Sainsbury's, having had me lock the original one in the frunk.
Where do you live? If it's far away, she's going to be REALLY pissed off when she gets there.
Where do you live? If it's far away, she's going to be REALLY pissed off when she gets there.
I bet you were popular for a while after that...Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff