2012 Honda NC700X DCT Prices and Specs

2012 Honda NC700X DCTPrice: $8,999 (MSRP)

• Type: Standard
• Engine Configuration: Parallel-twin
• Available Colors: Light Silver Metallic

For the second year running, Honda has captured our Best Value award. Last year with the CBR250R, this year the NC700X. The oddly-styled NC shines because it doesn't try to fit within a pre-existing category, but more so because it blends them - all for $6999. With an eye toward practicality, affordability, versatility and fun, the NC styling hints at off-road worthiness but is really meant for a commanding presence on-road. Its 670cc parallel-Twin is a competent performer and gets excellent mileage (another plus in the value category), but more importantly, its forward-slanting cylinders allow the faux fuel tank area to be used as a 21-liter storage compartment, big enough for a full-face helmet. The NC is also a platform for Honda's optional second generation DCT, or Dual Clutch Technology, allowing both upshifts and downshifts at the push of a button.

We've picked everything from the Suzuki DR-Z400SM to the Triumph Tiger 1050 for this category in the last five years, so don't even try to talk us down from this year's winner, Honda's new-world NC700X. Even if our highly experienced Eurospondent, Bruno dePrato, hadn't given the NC a rave review, this interesting, original, approachable and affordable machine takes us back to a time when those qualities helped Honda take the world by storm. What's not to like about scooter-style storage and great gas mileage in an adventurous-looking package that goes and handles, if not like a sportbike, at least like a sporty bike? For a starting price of $6999 or $8999 with auto-shift DCT and ABS? Maybe austerity won't be so bad.

The NC700X isn’t the fastest motorcycle on the market. It’s not the sexiest either. Or even the cheapest or the most broadly-capable. Instead, it’s simply capable of going anywhere any other motorcycle can, at an affordable price, using very little fuel and excelling in practicality. All-day comfort combines with outstanding control (thanks to that low center of gravity), low running costs and the ability to carry stuff with you to create a motorcycle that simply doesn’t need to be anything more than it already is. The perfect do-it-all bike for commuting, camping, hauling, trips, just having fun or even epic desert adventures. Or, all the above, in one affordable motorcycle. The Dual-Clutch transmission works well, but is utterly unnecessary given how easy this thing is to ride. A shame, then, that it asks you to pay a significant premium over the standard model for the worthwhile upgrade to Anti-Lock Brakes.

NC700X DCT Specs

ENGINE SPECS

Engine Configuration	Parallel-twin Compare Parallel-twin Motorcycles
Combustion Cycle	4-stroke
Cooling System	Liquid-cooled
Valvetrain	SOHC
Bore x Stroke	73 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio	10.7:1
Power	51 HP @ 6,250 rpm
Torque	44.3 ft. lbs. @ 4750
Ignition	Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Fuel System	EFI
Emissions	Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Overall Fuel Mileage	64 mpg

DRIVETRAIN SPECS

Transmission	6 speed dual clutch automatic
Primary Drive	chain
Final Drive	chain

CHASSIS SPECS

Frame	Tubular-steel diamond w/ engine as stressed member, box-section steel swingarm
Front Suspension	41mm fork, 6.0 inches travel
Rear Suspension	Pro-Link® single shock with spring-preload adjustability; 5.9 inches travel
Front Suspension Travel Rear Suspension Travel 6 INCHES 5.9 INCHES
Front Brake	disc
Rear Brake	disc
Front Tire Size	120/70ZR17 radial
Rear Tire Size	160/60ZR17 radial
Front Wheel Type	cast
Rear Wheel Type	cast