New 2012 Honda NC700X 700cc Parallel Twin! - Page 238

Mike Cash · 11-20-2012, 03:12 AM

Start with an empty tank. Measure out some fuel. Put it in the tank. Ride. Drain the tank. Measure the fuel that remains. Do the math. Get it within 2/3 oz and you have two decimal place accuracy. Nothing hard about it.

You guys remind me of a guy I once trained while driving trucks in the U.S.

We went to the truck stop to weigh the truck and he couldn't believe the scale read out only to the nearest hundred pounds, thinking that was lousy accuracy. I pointed out that on an 80,000 pound vehicle that was one-eighth of one percent. And since it was rounding up or down no more than about fifty pounds we were actually talking one-sixteenth of one oercent....0.000625. It could measure to the nearest EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS and still be getting two decimal place accuracy. Even on a truck half that big, four hundred pounds is two decimal place accuracy.

If the testers were able to measure the fuel, by volume or weight, to within a fraction of an ounce....something easily done with no high-tech equipment....then getting two decimal accuracy is as easy as rolling off a log.

Fuzzy74 · 11-20-2012, 03:27 AM

Would like to know which bike setup got which mpg? Transmission and baggage are huge impacts. What mode was DCT in?

dduelin · 11-20-2012, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tripletreat

FYI, the December issue of Motorcycle Consumer News tests the NC700X. I think the editor exhausted his list of superlatives on this one. The testers love the bike!
I've read other tests that also are very complementary, but MCN has greater credibility in my view, as it does not accept advertising.

To pick nits, that article is a "first ride" not one of MCN's rigorous reviews. Look at the test of the KTM 990 in the same issue for the differences between a review and a first ride. I am sure MCN will do a rigorous review in the near future and it will probably do well. Rider and Cycle World both did in-depth comparison reviews in current issues and spent more time on the reviews than first impressions.

Edit for correction: I am sorry I was looking at the first impression review in the MCN Oct. issue. I'll look forward to seeing this full test in the Dec. issue.

dduelin · 11-20-2012, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

Start with an empty tank. Measure out some fuel. Put it in the tank. Ride. Drain the tank. Measure the fuel that remains. Do the math. Get it within 2/3 oz and you have two decimal place accuracy. Nothing hard about it.

You guys remind me of a guy I once trained while driving trucks in the U.S.

We went to the truck stop to weigh the truck and he couldn't believe the scale read out only to the nearest hundred pounds, thinking that was lousy accuracy. I pointed out that on an 80,000 pound vehicle that was one-eighth of one percent. And since it was rounding up or down no more than about fifty pounds we were actually talking one-sixteenth of one oercent....0.000625. It could measure to the nearest EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS and still be getting two decimal place accuracy. Even on a truck half that big, four hundred pounds is two decimal place accuracy.

If the testers were able to measure the fuel, by volume or weight, to within a fraction of an ounce....something easily done with no high-tech equipment....then getting two decimal accuracy is as easy as rolling off a log.

Don't waste your time with the doubters. There is lots of fuel mileage information coming out in various places documenting the NC700X's mileage returns under a variety of riders and conditions. Any one of them taken in isolation could be challenged by a doubting Thomas but in total it is clear the NC700X easily gives high 60's low 70's ridden in a normal sporting manner. Mind the rpms and keep a steady hand to the speed limit and it can easily approach 80 mpg.

Mobiker · 11-20-2012, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dduelin

To pick nits, that article is a "first ride" not one of MCN's rigorous reviews. Look at the test of the KTM 990 in the same issue for the differences between a review and a first ride. I am sure MCN will do a rigorous review in the near future and it will probably do well. Rider and Cycle World both did in-depth comparison reviews in current issues and spent more time on the reviews than first impressions.

The December 2012 issue has a complete test. They still like it and averaged 60.4 mpg. Only 1 decimal place

jcbrandon · 11-20-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzy74

Would like to know which bike setup got which mpg? Transmission and baggage are huge impacts. What mode was DCT in?

Pat Flynn got 83.95 mpg on the fully-optioned NC700X with standard transmission
I got 79.11 mpg on a basic NC700X with standard transmission
James Pratt got 75.83 mpg on a basic NC700X with the DCT option
John Lewis got 74.68 mpg on a basic NC700X with standard transmission

Pat's bike had every factory option. The hard side cases and top box were removed for the mileage challenge.

I believe the major factors in Pat's win were the taller windscreen, his attention to staying tucked behind it, and that he is the lightest rider in the group.

John and I were on identically equipped bikes yet I beat him by almost five miles to the gallon. I also weigh more than he does. James beat John while riding a DCT bike and being the biggest guy in the group. I don't know how he used the DCT transmission. I suspect he just left it in D mode.

soderholmd · 11-20-2012, 12:09 PM

So cool to have the comments from an actual participant! What are your impressions of the bike thus far?

jcbrandon · 11-20-2012, 12:47 PM

If I were looking for a new bike and wanted to spend about $7,000 I would buy one. If I had $9,000, I would buy the DCT version.

rowdymoose · 11-20-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcbrandon

If I were looking for a new bike and wanted to spend about $7,000 I would buy one. If I had $9,000, I would buy the DCT version.

Same thoughts I had about 3 months ago...loving my bike so far! Do kinda wish I had done the DCT option due to the stop and go nature of my commuting sometimes. But on an aggressive plan to get out of debt, so couldn't justify the add'l $2k. Still no major complaints.

Thanks again J. for posting these comments...it's great to have insight from someone directly involved.

Mike Cash · 11-21-2012, 12:17 AM

Since we do have a participant present, perhaps he could give us the lowdown on how the fuel measurement task was handled.

jcbrandon · 11-21-2012, 08:11 AM

The bikes were filled at Honda headquarters in their garage. We rode from there and refilled at a public gas station. Cycle World staff refilled all the motorcycles from the same pump. To keep us competitive we were not allowed to watch the refueling and weren't told any mileage numbers until the end of the day.

Mike Cash · 11-21-2012, 10:02 AM

Thanks for clearing that up. Nice to know they managed it without dismantling the bikes.

100mpg · 11-21-2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcbrandon

Pat Flynn got 83.95 mpg on the fully-optioned NC700X with standard transmission
I got 79.11 mpg on a basic NC700X with standard transmission
James Pratt got 75.83 mpg on a basic NC700X with the DCT option
John Lewis got 74.68 mpg on a basic NC700X with standard transmission

I have a particular fondness for high mpg's...

I would like to see a several day test. Head out on the road and cover 2-500 miles each day. If you can't get that together lend me one (DCT please) and I will test it for you. Thanks in advance.

Fidl2n · 11-26-2012, 11:17 AM

I am a n00b on this forum and VERY interested in this bike, but have a nagging question: equipped with the top box, must it be removed to put gas in, as some have suggested? I'm hoping to get a test ride soon at the local moto show. Thanks!

Blah, blah, blah, Tapatalk.

rowdymoose · 11-26-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidl2n

I am a n00b on this forum and VERY interested in this bike, but have a nagging question: equipped with the top box, must it be removed to put gas in, as some have suggested? I'm hoping to get a test ride soon at the local moto show. Thanks!

Blah, blah, blah, Tapatalk.

I've got the 52L Givi Trekker, and have no problem putting gas into the bike. The lid opens fine to the point where the lever will hold it open while you fill'er up. This is probably one of the larger top cases out there, or at least what I've seen.

I think most of the concern comes from folks who don't have top cases/boxes, and like to strap gear on top of the passenger seat. If you did this, then yes, you would have to remove the gear to lift the rear seat to access the gas tank opening.

11-20-2012, 12:47 PM	#3563
jcbrandon Just a guy Joined: Jun 2010 Location: high desert, Northern Nevada Oddometer: 16	If I were looking for a new bike and wanted to spend about $7,000 I would buy one. If I had $9,000, I would buy the DCT version. __________________ -J. Brandon (yup, it's just J.) Treat others as you would like to be treated www.americansahara.com

11-21-2012, 08:11 AM	#3566
jcbrandon Just a guy Joined: Jun 2010 Location: high desert, Northern Nevada Oddometer: 16	The bikes were filled at Honda headquarters in their garage. We rode from there and refilled at a public gas station. Cycle World staff refilled all the motorcycles from the same pump. To keep us competitive we were not allowed to watch the refueling and weren't told any mileage numbers until the end of the day. __________________ -J. Brandon (yup, it's just J.) Treat others as you would like to be treated www.americansahara.com

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11-20-2012, 03:12 AM	#3556
Mike Cash Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Oddometer: 121	Start with an empty tank. Measure out some fuel. Put it in the tank. Ride. Drain the tank. Measure the fuel that remains. Do the math. Get it within 2/3 oz and you have two decimal place accuracy. Nothing hard about it. You guys remind me of a guy I once trained while driving trucks in the U.S. We went to the truck stop to weigh the truck and he couldn't believe the scale read out only to the nearest hundred pounds, thinking that was lousy accuracy. I pointed out that on an 80,000 pound vehicle that was one-eighth of one percent. And since it was rounding up or down no more than about fifty pounds we were actually talking one-sixteenth of one oercent....0.000625. It could measure to the nearest EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS* and still be getting two decimal place accuracy*. Even on a truck half that big, four hundred pounds is two decimal place accuracy. If the testers were able to measure the fuel, by volume or weight, to within a fraction of an ounce....something easily done with no high-tech equipment....then getting two decimal accuracy is as easy as rolling off a log.

11-20-2012, 03:27 AM	#3557
Fuzzy74 Adventurer Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Central Georgia Oddometer: 24	Would like to know which bike setup got which mpg? Transmission and baggage are huge impacts. What mode was DCT in?

11-20-2012, 12:09 PM	#3562
soderholmd Adventurer Joined: Sep 2007 Oddometer: 69	So cool to have the comments from an actual participant! What are your impressions of the bike thus far?

11-21-2012, 12:17 AM	#3565
Mike Cash Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Oddometer: 121	Since we do have a participant present, perhaps he could give us the lowdown on how the fuel measurement task was handled.

11-21-2012, 10:02 AM	#3567
Mike Cash Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Oddometer: 121	Thanks for clearing that up. Nice to know they managed it without dismantling the bikes.

11-26-2012, 11:17 AM	#3569
Fidl2n Adventurer Joined: Dec 2011 Oddometer: 29	I am a n00b on this forum and VERY interested in this bike, but have a nagging question: equipped with the top box, must it be removed to put gas in, as some have suggested? I'm hoping to get a test ride soon at the local moto show. Thanks! Blah, blah, blah, Tapatalk.