And it's no dual sport really Very evident when you see real bike Just street bike. How much Yamaha Tenere 2008 costs in Finland now? Out of curiosity?
But all 7 people who want a practical, mind-numbingly boring, 500lbs motorcycle already have PC800s and those things never wear out. I predict absolutely dismal sales. As an aside, is there any standardization to moto fuel economy numbers or do mfgs just make up whatever they like? I know Buell's claims are insanely optimistic. (my buell is rated at 51/65 cty/hwy, actually gets 38/49).
In the US. Caracus where they pay 1.5cents a litre yes, but as a commuter in a country with 2.60 a litre fuel, not so bad. In a country that pays $1.60 a litre and the nearest toilet is usually 500km away, maybe. It's not a crotch rocket so you may actually be able to use the range without getting off, you don't have to buy a trailer and haul it, and since 90% of DL650 owners never take the bike anywhere near rough stuff, what is the problem. It may only sell 90% of the volume of the Suzuki? (Have to see what the price is like first though) It's not an adventure bike, and the only reason it's on this forum seems to be to poke fun at. In India it will be the next must have "aspirational purchase" after the 125. The 100 million middle class having a look. Americans have Harley's. That's all you need. You make 'em. It's all your fault. Stop complaining
I actually like it. I keep a bike in Florida (Honda Magna) that mainly gets used commuting around the Fort Myers beach area. I love the idea of the auto-tran and the storage in the faux-gas tank area. I think I'll wait until they discount it by about 50% due to dismal sales (ala-DN01) and buy one. Anyone in Southern Florida wanna buy my '99 Magna?
The Magna is an excellent bike with an awesome engine. I've had it for 12 years and am just considering trading to have something new and different. I'm also not too crazy about the seating position on cruisers and prefer a more standard (dirt-bike-like) seating position. Take a look at the list of bike's I own and you'll see why the Magna doesn't quite fit in with the rest. If I do get rid of the Magna, I'll really really miss the engine. If you've ever ridden one, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
Honda NC700X 2012 It looks to be a reworked NT700 which is a reworked Deauville (Dulls ville). If only practicality mattered in motorcycling, then everyone should have one..... not for me though! The PC800 was an extremely practical bike, and it did not sell.
There is a pic of the bike on the net sans the plastics. Notice how ridiculously low the CG seems to be. The weight will disappear on the road even if it will still exist under acceleration. I like the looks and I think it will be a winner.
It's 1/3 of a GT1600 by the look of it. Low fuel, low motor, slanted right forward, which is why it's probably a bit long. Where I live you can get a lot of dead straight roads that go for 100's if not 1000's of Km with the occasional patrol car and speed camera thrown into the mix. So something that has enough HP, can do the speed limit without feeling strained and can get good range is what is useful away from the coast. I would like to take it out for a spin. I probably won't come back all excited but for some things in life, you need something that just gets out of the way and makes things a bit easier for you. Depends why you ride I suppose. It also looks like it will take the weekly commute, the shopping trip, the trip to visit friends out in the country all reasonably well.
i think the older crowd (who can't shift bikes anymore) will really like these plus the crowd (any age) who only ride scooters (for the auto) who want a real looking motorcycle type of scooter. i think honda could offer w/ a 6sp and they'd do well too. http://www.motorradonline.de/de/motorrad-neuheiten-2012/foto-show-honda-nc-700-s/394466#1-394317
I saw it yesterday, really disappointing. Looked very plasticky and the X has a tank/body shape that looks like a dolphin-shaped sex toy.
I like the idea of the bike, but the dummy tank is elongated and just looks wrong. It looks very cheap, up close, IMHO. For the money and spec I think the G650GS is a better option, or the Sertao if you're tall.
What money? What's the price? Why do people think this is the in the same category as the GS anythings, Isn't it just a basic practical economical commuter / all rounder.
Don't know pricing, but in the UK the G650GS is about as cheap as it gets for a 650cc bike. I think only the SV650 is cheaper, new. Practical commuter is what I was referring to, similar MPG and running costs I would think. The BMW Sertao was also nicer than expected.
Without ABS and DCT: 6500 Euros in France for NC700S according to information available for now. NOT NC700X! Only I do not know if it includes VAT or not. Not a bargain for what it is. Plenty to choose from at this price range and specs. GrahamD, Nobody expect it to be GS contender etc. It is question of how needed that bike was. Answer to question, that no one asked. If you look at this segment in Europe you will be needing more than 2 hands to count on fingers good offers in this category of bikes.