What bike - like an NC750, but not
Discussion
After 25 years of cars I'm now a 4 year biker. Not really bothered by cars any more...
I've had a few sub-50 hp bikes - enough to learn and develop without fear.
I'm ready for the next and recently rented an NC750. I really like this. It suits a tall rider, pillion, and to me it had great performance. I read that the NC is supposedly a dull performer but that's the beauty of coming from cars - a supposedly dull bike seems almost ludicrously spritely.
But, still, I know I'll tire of it quickly as it's just 10hp and no torque over my current bike (Kawasaki W800).
So I'm trying to see what else to try. I'm almost settled on a Tracer 7/700 - but the smaller frame is a worry, it's a good chunk shorter and more cramped than the NC, which won't be a suitable to a pillion.
The Tracer 900 is I'm sure better for size but ... I want a mid-power bike where I can use it all. The 900 doesn't worry me I'm just looking to learn, progress, and get a feel for rear end traction.
So what else am I missing? I accept that BMW 1200 is some inevitable endpoint with the low C of G etc ... but I'd rather wait for that. Also I'm unsure about all the 4 cylinders after recently trying a Z900 (mental, but too smooth and only felt right ridden insanely.)
Roomy, good in town, not overweight, too .......
Appreciate input.
I've had a few sub-50 hp bikes - enough to learn and develop without fear.
I'm ready for the next and recently rented an NC750. I really like this. It suits a tall rider, pillion, and to me it had great performance. I read that the NC is supposedly a dull performer but that's the beauty of coming from cars - a supposedly dull bike seems almost ludicrously spritely.
But, still, I know I'll tire of it quickly as it's just 10hp and no torque over my current bike (Kawasaki W800).
So I'm trying to see what else to try. I'm almost settled on a Tracer 7/700 - but the smaller frame is a worry, it's a good chunk shorter and more cramped than the NC, which won't be a suitable to a pillion.
The Tracer 900 is I'm sure better for size but ... I want a mid-power bike where I can use it all. The 900 doesn't worry me I'm just looking to learn, progress, and get a feel for rear end traction.
So what else am I missing? I accept that BMW 1200 is some inevitable endpoint with the low C of G etc ... but I'd rather wait for that. Also I'm unsure about all the 4 cylinders after recently trying a Z900 (mental, but too smooth and only felt right ridden insanely.)
Roomy, good in town, not overweight, too .......
Appreciate input.
I also had a Tracer 900. It's a very good bike and seems like a good fit to your question. Dependant on budget and age the recent ones have lots of goodies.
If it's an older one like mine was the rear shock was not up to a pillion.
It was fine one up . It could have been a weak shock or you may have to budget for a replacement.
I would have the bike again. I personally would upgrade the rear shock .
If it's an older one like mine was the rear shock was not up to a pillion.
It was fine one up . It could have been a weak shock or you may have to budget for a replacement.
I would have the bike again. I personally would upgrade the rear shock .
Monospace said:
I'm ready for the next and recently rented an NC750. I really like this. It suits a tall rider, pillion, and to me it had great performance.
So I'm trying to see what else to try. I'm almost settled on a Tracer 7/700 - but the smaller frame is a worry, it's a good chunk shorter and more cramped than the NC, which won't be a suitable to a pillion.
Really? I'd have thought they were practically the same bike, ergonomically speaking. So I'm trying to see what else to try. I'm almost settled on a Tracer 7/700 - but the smaller frame is a worry, it's a good chunk shorter and more cramped than the NC, which won't be a suitable to a pillion.
Do not be put off by larger bhp numbers. More powerful bikes tend to be easier to ride as they generally also come with more and lower down torque, better brakes, better suspension and so on. It's pretty easy to keep up with traffic on the road with about 50bhp so, when riding normally, whether you are not using 20bhp of a 70bhp bike or not using 150bhp of a 200bhp bike is pretty irrelevant. The times when you can (and will) use more than 50bhp are for you to decide and you to control thus you can also decide and control how much more than 50bhp you'll use. The fact you have a concern about the use of that extra bhp shows you are ready for it.
Tiger 800 (XR / XRX / XRT) or Tiger 900 GT Pro.
I've got a first gen 800 and it's a fantastic bike. They can be had for £3k-£4k, whilst the second and third gen got electonics upgrades and range up to around £9k for the 2020 models.
I've not ridden a 900, but they are meant to be very good. The earliest (2020) models are reaching the £8k mark. The GT Pro spec has all of the decent options as standard.
I've got a first gen 800 and it's a fantastic bike. They can be had for £3k-£4k, whilst the second and third gen got electonics upgrades and range up to around £9k for the 2020 models.
I've not ridden a 900, but they are meant to be very good. The earliest (2020) models are reaching the £8k mark. The GT Pro spec has all of the decent options as standard.
Right thank you for those comments that was useful.
Booked current bike in for MOT at Yamaha and booked a test ride (online) too. They seemed to have no record of it though. Heavily pushed a tracer 9 because they don't have any 7s yet - apparently there's a new one coming. Lovely but I found fuel tank hit my knees. And just seemed way bigger than what I fancy. Does anyone else just want the casual ease of bent knees, flat feet and no tiptoeing??
Went off to an local independent and had 10x better experience. They put me on a vstrom 650 & 800 back to back.
Both in theory suit, but I found both too tall when manoeuvring. 650 ... I did not get on with at all. Really not one bit. The 800 though I liked. Shockingly different bike from 650. A bit of an unpleasant vibration still - enough that I don't think I'd buy one. Wrong as it sounds I prefer the vibration of the 360° twin in my W800. Even though it vibrates insanely with two big cylinders going up and down at the same time, it's a less wearing, thumpy, very low frequency vibration. I thought it unsophisticated - until I tried the 650!
Does anyone else find that all tall screens do is push the air into your helmet? And make it even louder than with no screen?
So after this I'm a bit unsure and remain tempted to just go NC750 and be done with it. Especially as the independent have one coming in shortly. At least they're cheap and will be easily changed if I want to soon.
Triumph - I'm not brave enough to leave one outside all year round!
Versys 650 - I like these but that 650, in the Z650 school bike, made my body go numb. Could not handle it.
Bigger power bikes - I'm not put off, but they do seem to come with higher weight. And I kind of want to get confident without relying on electronics. Although even on the vstrom 650 I missed the torque I'm used to so, perhaps I do need a torquey accessible 1000.
Booked current bike in for MOT at Yamaha and booked a test ride (online) too. They seemed to have no record of it though. Heavily pushed a tracer 9 because they don't have any 7s yet - apparently there's a new one coming. Lovely but I found fuel tank hit my knees. And just seemed way bigger than what I fancy. Does anyone else just want the casual ease of bent knees, flat feet and no tiptoeing??
Went off to an local independent and had 10x better experience. They put me on a vstrom 650 & 800 back to back.
Both in theory suit, but I found both too tall when manoeuvring. 650 ... I did not get on with at all. Really not one bit. The 800 though I liked. Shockingly different bike from 650. A bit of an unpleasant vibration still - enough that I don't think I'd buy one. Wrong as it sounds I prefer the vibration of the 360° twin in my W800. Even though it vibrates insanely with two big cylinders going up and down at the same time, it's a less wearing, thumpy, very low frequency vibration. I thought it unsophisticated - until I tried the 650!
Does anyone else find that all tall screens do is push the air into your helmet? And make it even louder than with no screen?
So after this I'm a bit unsure and remain tempted to just go NC750 and be done with it. Especially as the independent have one coming in shortly. At least they're cheap and will be easily changed if I want to soon.
Triumph - I'm not brave enough to leave one outside all year round!
Versys 650 - I like these but that 650, in the Z650 school bike, made my body go numb. Could not handle it.
Bigger power bikes - I'm not put off, but they do seem to come with higher weight. And I kind of want to get confident without relying on electronics. Although even on the vstrom 650 I missed the torque I'm used to so, perhaps I do need a torquey accessible 1000.
Edited by Monospace on Friday 6th June 21:25
Regarding screens, I've only found the odd sports bike screen that works
Otherwise I cut them all down an inch at a time until my helmet is in clean air, otherwise I find the noise and buffeting hideous
Whilst it's true, different helmets can help. I've got several now including a shoei and the same is true with all of them
I'm also susceptible to vibrations and found a V-Twin or a triple is the perfect answer for me
Otherwise I cut them all down an inch at a time until my helmet is in clean air, otherwise I find the noise and buffeting hideous
Whilst it's true, different helmets can help. I've got several now including a shoei and the same is true with all of them
I'm also susceptible to vibrations and found a V-Twin or a triple is the perfect answer for me
KTMsm said:
Regarding screens, I've only found the odd sports bike screen that works
Otherwise I cut them all down an inch at a time until my helmet is in clean air, otherwise I find the noise and buffeting hideous
Whilst it's true, different helmets can help. I've got several now including a shoei and the same is true with all of them
I'm also susceptible to vibrations and found a V-Twin or a triple is the perfect answer for me
My FireBlade has a double bubble screen. I have a HJC C70 which isn't the quietest but with https://www.plugfones.com/product/basic-pro-blueto... I can hear audio at 100mph clearly (tested recently on the German Autobahn if Police Scotland are reading). Otherwise I cut them all down an inch at a time until my helmet is in clean air, otherwise I find the noise and buffeting hideous
Whilst it's true, different helmets can help. I've got several now including a shoei and the same is true with all of them
I'm also susceptible to vibrations and found a V-Twin or a triple is the perfect answer for me
Helmet shape makes so much difference - the peak Adventure-type ones seem to be worse. A poorly designed screen is much worse than none at all. There really doesn't seem to be the same consideration given to rider comfort and aerodynamics you'd get in the car world.
Screens seem to be a very personal thing. I also mostly don t get on with them!
My Triumph Explorer has had 4 screens in the 10 years I ve had it. My favorite is about half the size of the standard one so it s mostly like riding a naked bike. The only downside is getting soaked in the rain.
I ve tried another screen recently, it s a two part givi thing so you can adjust how much screen is there but I m still getting annoying buffeting.
Regarding relying on electronics.
My Triumph has ABS and traction control. In 10 years I ve only triggered the ABS while trying it out and I ve very rarely triggered the traction control. But when (like Saturday) it s raining biblically, roads are flooding and I ve still got over 100 miles to get home they re a nice safety net.
My Triumph Explorer has had 4 screens in the 10 years I ve had it. My favorite is about half the size of the standard one so it s mostly like riding a naked bike. The only downside is getting soaked in the rain.
I ve tried another screen recently, it s a two part givi thing so you can adjust how much screen is there but I m still getting annoying buffeting.
Regarding relying on electronics.
My Triumph has ABS and traction control. In 10 years I ve only triggered the ABS while trying it out and I ve very rarely triggered the traction control. But when (like Saturday) it s raining biblically, roads are flooding and I ve still got over 100 miles to get home they re a nice safety net.
Just to add to the screens/helmets pile...
On my Africa Twin, I found a shorter screen and fork tunnel deflector really helped with my Schuberth C3, as standard I had a very bad buffeting right by the chin vent, it made it really loud. I like the shorter screen as it provides clean airflow.
With my Airoh Commander, I find the shorter screen is quite loud, so if I'm touring I have a bigger screen (bigger than standard) which allows me to ride with the visor open at pretty much any speed, with minimal buffeting.
All in all, and considering this approach works for other aspects of the bike, I have enough gear that I could open up a second-hand parts store if I wanted...
On my Africa Twin, I found a shorter screen and fork tunnel deflector really helped with my Schuberth C3, as standard I had a very bad buffeting right by the chin vent, it made it really loud. I like the shorter screen as it provides clean airflow.
With my Airoh Commander, I find the shorter screen is quite loud, so if I'm touring I have a bigger screen (bigger than standard) which allows me to ride with the visor open at pretty much any speed, with minimal buffeting.
All in all, and considering this approach works for other aspects of the bike, I have enough gear that I could open up a second-hand parts store if I wanted...
Alex@POD said:
Just to add to the screens/helmets pile...
On my Africa Twin, I found a shorter screen and fork tunnel deflector really helped with my Schuberth C3, as standard I had a very bad buffeting right by the chin vent, it made it really loud. I like the shorter screen as it provides clean airflow.
With my Airoh Commander, I find the shorter screen is quite loud, so if I'm touring I have a bigger screen (bigger than standard) which allows me to ride with the visor open at pretty much any speed, with minimal buffeting.
All in all, and considering this approach works for other aspects of the bike, I have enough gear that I could open up a second-hand parts store if I wanted...
I had a test ride on an Africa twin and couldn t believe they d signed off the standard screen. But plenty of people don t seem to have problems with it. On my Africa Twin, I found a shorter screen and fork tunnel deflector really helped with my Schuberth C3, as standard I had a very bad buffeting right by the chin vent, it made it really loud. I like the shorter screen as it provides clean airflow.
With my Airoh Commander, I find the shorter screen is quite loud, so if I'm touring I have a bigger screen (bigger than standard) which allows me to ride with the visor open at pretty much any speed, with minimal buffeting.
All in all, and considering this approach works for other aspects of the bike, I have enough gear that I could open up a second-hand parts store if I wanted...
I might also start selling bits of bikes that I’ve tried and not liked…
Oooh I feel oddly qualified to respond to this thread.
I had a Versys 650 GT after passing my test on a z650. 69hp. Very simple bike but big enough to tour on, decent spec etc. it's top heavy and quite thirsty but I kept it for 3 years/23k miles and didn't have a reason to change other than I had a go on a H2 and thought I needed more power.
It was chopped in for a KTM Super Adventure. 160hp and massive amounts of fun. All the power you'll ever need on the road. Amazing to tour on, eats up motorway miles but bloody good on the twisty stuff. Excellent pillion carrier too. You need a fair bit of restraint and it hides it's speed very well.
I got fed up riding the KTM on the central London commute. It's heavy and hot in the summer. It also doesn't like 20mph speed limits so... I picked up an NC750S to commute on.
I'm currently sat contemplating life in a pub garden in Wales before heading home on it after a 1800 mile long weekend. I took the NC to Scotland because I'd never gone mega miles on it. It's only got 54hp but it's been bloody good fun. I totally get the 'it's fun to ride a slow bike fast, rather than a fast bike slow'.. Plus, I've taken loads more pics than usual as I kept my camera in the frunk wrapped in a towel for easy access.
The NC doesn't munch up the motorway miles quite as well as the KTM or Versys but it did it fine. Get some good earplugs! I'll need to work out the mpg properly but I'm expecting 85 by the time I get home. I did the valve service recently myself and it's very easy to work on so yeah it's not as sexy as other bikes but it's still a very capable machine.
I'll upgrade to the X version at some point but not after running the one I have into the ground.
I had a Versys 650 GT after passing my test on a z650. 69hp. Very simple bike but big enough to tour on, decent spec etc. it's top heavy and quite thirsty but I kept it for 3 years/23k miles and didn't have a reason to change other than I had a go on a H2 and thought I needed more power.
It was chopped in for a KTM Super Adventure. 160hp and massive amounts of fun. All the power you'll ever need on the road. Amazing to tour on, eats up motorway miles but bloody good on the twisty stuff. Excellent pillion carrier too. You need a fair bit of restraint and it hides it's speed very well.
I got fed up riding the KTM on the central London commute. It's heavy and hot in the summer. It also doesn't like 20mph speed limits so... I picked up an NC750S to commute on.
I'm currently sat contemplating life in a pub garden in Wales before heading home on it after a 1800 mile long weekend. I took the NC to Scotland because I'd never gone mega miles on it. It's only got 54hp but it's been bloody good fun. I totally get the 'it's fun to ride a slow bike fast, rather than a fast bike slow'.. Plus, I've taken loads more pics than usual as I kept my camera in the frunk wrapped in a towel for easy access.
The NC doesn't munch up the motorway miles quite as well as the KTM or Versys but it did it fine. Get some good earplugs! I'll need to work out the mpg properly but I'm expecting 85 by the time I get home. I did the valve service recently myself and it's very easy to work on so yeah it's not as sexy as other bikes but it's still a very capable machine.
I'll upgrade to the X version at some point but not after running the one I have into the ground.
HairyMaclary said:
Oooh I feel oddly qualified to respond to this thread.
I had a Versys 650 GT after passing my test on a z650. 69hp. Very simple bike but big enough to tour on, decent spec etc. it's top heavy and quite thirsty but I kept it for 3 years/23k miles and didn't have a reason to change other than I had a go on a H2 and thought I needed more power.
It was chopped in for a KTM Super Adventure. 160hp and massive amounts of fun. All the power you'll ever need on the road. Amazing to tour on, eats up motorway miles but bloody good on the twisty stuff. Excellent pillion carrier too. You need a fair bit of restraint and it hides it's speed very well.
I got fed up riding the KTM on the central London commute. It's heavy and hot in the summer. It also doesn't like 20mph speed limits so... I picked up an NC750S to commute on.
I'm currently sat contemplating life in a pub garden in Wales before heading home on it after a 1800 mile long weekend. I took the NC to Scotland because I'd never gone mega miles on it. It's only got 54hp but it's been bloody good fun. I totally get the 'it's fun to ride a slow bike fast, rather than a fast bike slow'.. Plus, I've taken loads more pics than usual as I kept my camera in the frunk wrapped in a towel for easy access.
The NC doesn't munch up the motorway miles quite as well as the KTM or Versys but it did it fine. Get some good earplugs! I'll need to work out the mpg properly but I'm expecting 85 by the time I get home. I did the valve service recently myself and it's very easy to work on so yeah it's not as sexy as other bikes but it's still a very capable machine.
I'll upgrade to the X version at some point but not after running the one I have into the ground.
Thanks for the input, it's interesting. Indeed, at worst it doesn't seem like I will dislike or be bored with the NC. As I'm still learning and gaining confidence (apparently you can in fact lean on roundabouts ...).I had a Versys 650 GT after passing my test on a z650. 69hp. Very simple bike but big enough to tour on, decent spec etc. it's top heavy and quite thirsty but I kept it for 3 years/23k miles and didn't have a reason to change other than I had a go on a H2 and thought I needed more power.
It was chopped in for a KTM Super Adventure. 160hp and massive amounts of fun. All the power you'll ever need on the road. Amazing to tour on, eats up motorway miles but bloody good on the twisty stuff. Excellent pillion carrier too. You need a fair bit of restraint and it hides it's speed very well.
I got fed up riding the KTM on the central London commute. It's heavy and hot in the summer. It also doesn't like 20mph speed limits so... I picked up an NC750S to commute on.
I'm currently sat contemplating life in a pub garden in Wales before heading home on it after a 1800 mile long weekend. I took the NC to Scotland because I'd never gone mega miles on it. It's only got 54hp but it's been bloody good fun. I totally get the 'it's fun to ride a slow bike fast, rather than a fast bike slow'.. Plus, I've taken loads more pics than usual as I kept my camera in the frunk wrapped in a towel for easy access.
The NC doesn't munch up the motorway miles quite as well as the KTM or Versys but it did it fine. Get some good earplugs! I'll need to work out the mpg properly but I'm expecting 85 by the time I get home. I did the valve service recently myself and it's very easy to work on so yeah it's not as sexy as other bikes but it's still a very capable machine.
I'll upgrade to the X version at some point but not after running the one I have into the ground.
I learnt on a Z600 (or 650?) and, at least at the time, after a year on a 125, it seemed crazy grunty and fast. Really wanted a Versys 300 as first bike, looks great. But found the vibration a bit much so had a BMW G310 GS.
KTM sounds interesting. Didn't know such a big twin existed. Any bike which hides its speed is a worry to me! I want the opposite, really.
The fact the NC suited your 1800 mile weekend (!) should suit my intention to get into doing longer trips. I had no idea what people meant by 'pressure' at speed on a naked bike, until I got my W800. Pretty unpleasant.
It has been harder to replace the W800 than I thought, though. It's such a vintage style bike that I truly expected everything else to feel vastly superior. Thought it was a cynical styling exercise - But, I guess, typically Japanese, it's more sophisticated and better engineered than it looks. The vast torque makes town/pillion riding such a breeze. This appears to be reflected in the values as they are looking ... depreciation proof. Would recommend one for local type use.
Looking at a 2019 NC, 2000 miles, like new. Touch over £5000. Bit pricey maybe - I think I see ads for discounted brand new ones at £6300 on AT - but still might just do it as I like the dealer and they seem to hold value ok.
Well, at least for anyone still reading or reading in the future, I got the NC750.
I'm not sure I'll enjoy the higher seating position especially with pillion and am already thinking about other >800cc, low seating bikes I could progress too (Honda CB1100 looks interesting??). Once Harleys are ruled out it's not an big sector.
But I can't deny the bike works well on the motorway. Torque seems a bit down and I'm missing thumper style shove. Power up but I don't think top end is much interest to me.
Definitely smoother to me than both the v-Stroms. Yep. I'll use it a bit and get used to modern commuter type bike. Gain confidence. But, suspect maybe I'm more ready than I thought for a lazy 900-1000cc and 80-100hp. Maybe I'll just have to put up with more weight, but kept low down, and consider stuff like NT1100 or even Pan European (is that insane for town work??).
I'm not sure I'll enjoy the higher seating position especially with pillion and am already thinking about other >800cc, low seating bikes I could progress too (Honda CB1100 looks interesting??). Once Harleys are ruled out it's not an big sector.
But I can't deny the bike works well on the motorway. Torque seems a bit down and I'm missing thumper style shove. Power up but I don't think top end is much interest to me.
Definitely smoother to me than both the v-Stroms. Yep. I'll use it a bit and get used to modern commuter type bike. Gain confidence. But, suspect maybe I'm more ready than I thought for a lazy 900-1000cc and 80-100hp. Maybe I'll just have to put up with more weight, but kept low down, and consider stuff like NT1100 or even Pan European (is that insane for town work??).
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