The Motorcycle That Thrives In The Real World
The motorcycle often advertises extremes. You have the sport bikes that boast the highest performance, the adventure bikes that seek unknown roads, the cruisers that celebrate freedom, but a lot of times, the everyday bike goes unheard of. Now, usually that is what most riders seek: a bike that is capable of delivering efficient performance in any kind of situation. A motorcycle that does well in any kind of situation you put it in.
Now, you have the usual everyday motorcycle, like a commuter that will take you to work and back. But if you need something more, something that thrives in the real world where you commute and the freedom to explore other terrains, you need something that balances these aspects.
Real-World Riding Demands A Different Kind Of Motorcycle
For many riders, the morning commute represents far more riding time than weekend canyon carving or cross-country adventures. A motorcycle designed for real-world use needs to be approachable every day, regardless of crawling city traffic or open highways. It needs smooth low-speed manners, predictable throttle response, and comfortable ergonomics, all put together in a manner that makes owning a motorcycle seem worth it.
For these same riders, however, the motorcycle is not just meant for the commute. It is the one vehicle they use for everything else, too: city escapes, weekend road trips, and adventures on nearby trails. This balancing act is not necessarily tedious. The same set of factors that make a morning office commute easy, like long travel suspension, upright ergonomics, and effective wind protection, also make weekend escapades enjoyable. But somehow, a lot of motorcycles fail in this regard.
Plenty Of ADV-Type Tourers Aim For Versatility
Don’t get us wrong, there is plenty of competition out there. Manufacturers have been churning out all-rounders for people like us for a while. Models like the Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki Versys, and more recently, even KTM’s smaller adventure lineup are all good contenders. There is impressive versatility in each of these motorcycles, albeit in their own unique ways. But the one motorcycle we find to be extremely balanced in a way that it thrives in the real-world is one from Honda. It lies in the middle-weight category and sits in Honda’s adventure category. But it doesn’t do just one thing right. It does a lot of things beautifully.
The Motorcycle That Feels Built For Real Life
Big adventure bikes are cool, but this approachable Honda adventure-tourer proves simpler, lighter motorcycles make more sense for real life.
The Honda NC750X Understands Everyday Riding Better Than Most
Honda spent decades building motorcycles around engineering logic. Their bikes range from the fire-breathing Fireblade and Hornet, the adventurous Africa Twin, to the entry-level CB300 and the tiny Grom. Of all these, the NC750X, perhaps, dominates the real-world bike discussion. With its adventure-inspired design and ergonomics to commuter-friendly practicality, the NC is ready for whatever you wish to throw at it.
You want to go to work? Easy! Sit, start, and ride. Weekend tour? Get the optional saddlebags and top box. Grocery runs? You have a compartment where the fuel tank should go. Stuff your stuff there. It’s not just practicality. The bike’s engineering is what complements it, complete with a reliable and efficient powerplant, electronics, and technology that help in both an urban environment and on the interstate.
The Engine Is Built Around Usable Torque
Powering the NC750X is a 745 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. Producing 57.8 horsepower, it may seem modest, but in an everyday situation, this is more than enough. Honda intentionally tuned the engine to prioritize low and mid-range torque, producing 50.8 pound-feet at just 4,750 rpm. Slow-moving traffic and overtakes are not a problem because there is enough grunt to push forward without having to wring the twisty bit at your right hand.
Then you have the dual clutch transmission that comes standard with this bike. Gearshifts are a thing of the past, and you’ll be thankful for this in traffic. It even does a brilliant job of deciding which gear you should be in depending on how you’re riding. Gentle on the throttle and the computer shifts early, keeping you in the right band for fuel efficiency. Act a bit aggressively, and the computer catches on, shifting gears higher in the rev band. Makes sense when you think about city traffic and open highways.
You Get A Stable Chassis And Practical Touring Capability
The bike is long with a wheelbase of 60.3 inches. This, of course, means great stability in a straight line. The frame, too, is a steel diamond one, and rather than emphasizing razor-sharp responses, it makes handling more predictable. A twitch here or there isn’t going to throw you off, but it will lean into a turn and hold the line well enough. Suspension comes from a 41 mm telescopic front fork with 4.7 inches of travel and a preload-adjustable Pro-link monoshock with the same travel.
The chassis is also designed to give you an upright riding position. On a commuting day, this won’t matter much, but on a touring weekend, it means your back doesn’t bend for long. Sitting upright and at a steady highway pace is a lot more relaxing on a 7–8-hour ride than being tucked in and constantly focusing on the upcoming corner.
Why The Honda NX500 Is Perfect For Daily Rides And Dirt Roads
The simple, practical bike that can go down any road
Practicality Comes Standard With The NC750X
As far as design is concerned, you have adventure styling. So, this may make it seem like a big bike, but a 31.6-inch seat height gives you enough room to plant your feet down. Shorter riders may find this a little daunting, but it is something almost anyone can get used to. Perhaps the most ingenious feature of this bike is a massive 23-liter storage compartment right where the fuel tank should be. This is large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, so storing your small grocery bag or your office backpack is a no-brainer. Because of this “frunk,” fuel is stored under the seat, which again helps with mass centralization, offering you better overall handling characteristics.
Technology Is Just A Little More Than Simple
Now, no brochure can be complete without technology. A full-color TFT dash displays all your essential readouts. ABS and traction control come standard, along with selectable riding modes and USB-charging capability. It even gets Honda’s Smartphone Voice Control system, allowing you to pair your smartphone and basically command functions like navigation, calls, and music through a headset. It’s just a little bit of creature comfort added to your motorcycle.
The Honda That Performs Like A Sports Bike But Rides Like A Tourer
This tall, standing, and comfortable, mile-munching Honda is powered by a Fireblade-derived four-cylinder sports bike engine.
The NC Ownership Is About More Than Specifications
Price: $9,499
Beyond the bike’s spec sheet and features list, there are also things that you won’t hear from the factory. Honda has built an amazing reputation for durability and reliability. Their bikes are fairly affordable compared to bigger European brands, they start every day, and they are fairly easy to maintain. You still have to go to a mechanic because of the advances in the motorcycle industry now, but they are fairly affordable. Spares, too, are easily available and, thanks to that, affordable. Even in terms of fuel efficiency, the NC750X delivers about 67 mpg according to the company, so you’re not burning a hole in your pocket every time.
Source: Honda Powersports
Related posts
Latest Post
No Comments