Honda NC700SA Review

Welcome to the all new Honda NC700SA review, it was another quiet 2012 model release for Honda into Australia, although available back in 2011 else where in the world. The NC700S can be described as the ultimate commuter motorcycle. The NC700SA is universally described as easy to ride, low fuel consumption, cheap and reliable but unlike all the other motorcycles this one sees the return of the integrated hat box or helmet box. The high rise version of the 700S, the NC700X is not available in Australia.

Not since the Suzuki Across was released 20 years ago has any other manufacturer released a motorcycle with a convenient integrated ‘pannier’ big enough for a helmet without resorting to big side or rear panniers. I think this a great feature and will probably be the selling point when would be purchasers start comparing bikes in this style and price range.

I think the 600-700cc motorcycles are a great balance of usable power and riding enjoyment regardless of  what type of rider you are. You can enjoy a great road ride and power, in particular the ability to twist the throttle to the stop and time to ease off before breaking the speed limit.

After reviewing the specifications and with Honda focusing their PR on selling the NC700S series on the hi-tech materials and design used in the construction of the engine and motorcycle. I chose to ignore it and summarise it for the masses: the engine is an inline 2 cylinder not a V-twin as used in the DN-01 and Deauville  and mounted at quite an angle and low in frame, to accommodate the helmet storage box. The large fuel tank is under the seat. The engine has been developed for torque with an amazing torque for a 2 cylinder engine clearly for use with Honda’s push toward offering automatic transmissions. The engine is shared with the Integra scooter after all! The NC700SA also comes with C-ABS brakes which can be useful in an emergency.

Overall in terms of physical appearance, specification and pricing the NC700SA is difficult to fault (it’s amazing value for money actually) but I still don’t think it will be a huge seller in Australia for what I think is the target market. For inner city couriers, would love the connivence but too expensive. Commuters would love the high torque at lower revs and fuel consumption but most only have one motorcycle and the NC700 series is not emotive enough in looks and power to be a convincing purchase in the sports motorcycle bias Australian market. That said there are very few competitors (eg. Gladius) at this price and you MUST check this one out if you’re not after a sports looking motorcycle! Unfortunately the NC700SA is not LAMS or learner compliant. If it was it would be very highly recommended!