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Anyone ridden an nc700x?

Started by Vsekvsek, September 18, 2013, 08:27:37 PM

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Vsekvsek

I am wanting an "adventure" bike next year. Friend of mine told me not to waste time. That they are as heavy as fj and feel like a glorified scooter. I am afraid he may be right. I think the fj's power might have permenantly spoiled me. I sure like the looks of them and that70 mpg with low price tag though.

What says you? Any other fj people ridden one?
89 fj
09 wr300 husqvarna

Bminder

Billy Minder
92 FJ1200 ABS

Capn Ron

Just read a lengthy review and mulled over the specs/features.  I'm definitely a Honda fan, so take that into consideration.  I think it's a great looking bike, it weighs ~130 lbs less than the FJ (but only has about half the HP), has a 6-speed gearbox, gets 70MPG if you ride it like a Harley, and I have to be honest...I LOVE that you can store your helmet in the built-in storage.  I had two helmets stolen off my first bike in college...and this is a great solution.  To me, this seems like a perfect starter bike!

Having ridden a 1982 Seca 550 as my first bike (almost the same weight and HP as this nc700x) for more than 50,000 miles I can see where this Honda will have its place.  Having ridden the mighty FJ1200 for 50,000 miles, I can't say as I could ever go back!

Cap'n Ron. . .
Cap'n Ron. . .


There are two types of people in the world...Those who put people into categories...and those who don't.

Flynt

Quote from: Vsekvsek on September 18, 2013, 08:27:37 PM
I think the fj's power might have permenantly spoiled me.

try a Ducati Hypermotard...  1100cc model throughout production are essentially the same, although the suspension did get better.

You can find low miles '08s for less than $6K and you get one of the most fun toys ever created for the human.

Frank
There's plenty of time for sleep in the grave...

FJDuffer

Quote from: Flynt on September 18, 2013, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: Vsekvsek on September 18, 2013, 08:27:37 PM
I think the fj's power might have permenantly spoiled me.

try a Ducati Hypermotard...  1100cc model throughout production are essentially the same, although the suspension did get better.

You can find low miles '08s for less than $6K and you get one of the most fun toys ever created for the human.

Frank

I had a chance to ride a 2013 Hypermotard this summer. Essentially a road-going dirt bike on steroids! It was a hoot. :good2:

Todd

Pat Conlon

And when you do....
....and when the dry clutch plates on the Duc starts squealing...talk to Frank and he will share a secret with you.

And when you fix that....you will then plant a big wet sloppy kiss on the tank of your FJ after you see what is involved in the adjustments of the Ducati's Desmo valve gear (@ every 6k miles)

Give me a hot Rotax twin any day...
1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3

ribbert

Quote from: Vsekvsek on September 18, 2013, 08:27:37 PM
I am wanting an "adventure" bike next year. Friend of mine told me not to waste time. That they are as heavy as fj and feel like a glorified scooter. I am afraid he may be right. I think the fj's power might have permenantly spoiled me. I sure like the looks of them and that70 mpg with low price tag though.

What says you? Any other fj people ridden one?

Depends what sort of "adventuring" you want to do and how often you plan on doing it.

I ride a GS1200 regularly and it's a great bike. But they are really just a different style of road bike cashing in on the dreams of Charlie and Ewan wannabes. (which, if not for BMW's sponsorship, was a ridiculous choice of bike for that trip)

The "Adventure" tag is more a product of 'Marketing' than 'Engineering'

The 1000cc + examples certainly don't lack grunt. They nearly all use their road bike engines, usually geared down a bit, so there is plenty of power.

If you are buying a mid size one, they offer the worst of both worlds. Neither a good road OR off road bike.

I do like the riding position but if I wanted to really go adventuring I would buy a more purpose built bike.

Who takes a bike off road so heavy you can't even lift it up!. To me, their limits are handling bad roads, corrugations, bush tracks, pot holes all of which you do on a road bike, just not as comfortably.   It is unlikely you would even take one into terrain where the extra ground clearance is an advantage.

The GS with it's long travel telelever electronically controlled suspension is like riding on a cloud, even over the shittiest roads at speed. But it's yet to go anywhere the FJ hasn't followed.

But, just how much of your year is spent "Adventuring"? and do you need a specific bike just for a couple of weeks a year?

Ducati? That would be like bush bashing in a Ferrari.

Just owning a Ducati is an adventure, it will take your bank balance to places like no other bike can.

Noel
"Tell a wise man something he doesn't know and he'll thank you, tell a fool something he doesn't know and he'll abuse you"

Flynt

Quote from: Pat Conlon on September 18, 2013, 11:08:46 PM
after you see what is involved in the adjustments of the Ducati's Desmo valve gear (@ every 6k miles)

...  that's every 7.5K miles FYI (and the Testrettas are 15K).  The clutch "secret" is a funny one for sure, but doesn't cost anything really assuming you have lithium grease on hand.

If anyone's ridden a 2013, you should ride an earlier 1100.  Totally different beast with simpler engine/fueling and TORQUE that makes my FJ feel wimpy.

Frank
There's plenty of time for sleep in the grave...

FJ1100mjk

Don't forget about Triumph's Tiger 800 or Tiger 800XC. They're pretty nice too. But not a Ducati, where membership comes with privilege, status, AND costs.
Platinum Zircon-encrusted Gold Member

Iron Balls #00002175
www.ironballs.com


The General

Quote from: ribbert on September 19, 2013, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: Vsekvsek on September 18, 2013, 08:27:37 PM
I am wanting an "adventure" bike next year. Friend of mine told me not to waste time. That they are as heavy as fj and feel like a glorified scooter. I am afraid he may be right. I think the fj's power might have permenantly spoiled me. I sure like the looks of them and that70 mpg with low price tag though.

What says you? Any other fj people ridden one?

Depends what sort of "adventuring" you want to do and how often you plan on doing it. ...+1

I ride a GS1200 regularly and it's a great bike. But they are really just a different style of road bike cashing in on the dreams of Charlie and Ewan wannabes. (which, if not for BMW's sponsorship, was a ridiculous choice of bike for that trip) ...+1

The "Adventure" tag is more a product of 'Marketing' than 'Engineering' ...+1

The 1000cc + examples certainly don't lack grunt. They nearly all use their road bike engines, usually geared down a bit, so there is plenty of power. ...KTM 980 was an exception but generally I agree

If you are buying a mid size one, they offer the worst of both worlds. Neither a good road OR off road bike. ...I disagree- The BMW 800GS, KLR650 and my DR650 after I modded the suspension - leave the FJ for dead in the black twisties and certainly dirt

I do like the riding position but if I wanted to really go adventuring I would buy a more purpose built bike. ...+1

Who takes a bike off road so heavy you can't even lift it up!.  To me, their limits are handling bad roads, corrugations, bush tracks, pot holes all of which you do on a road bike, just not as comfortably.   It is unlikely you would even take one into terrain where the extra ground clearance is an advantage. ...Unless you were being Adventurous and usually with mates!

The GS with it's long travel telelever electronically controlled suspension is like riding on a cloud, even over the shittiest roads at speed. But it's yet to go anywhere the FJ hasn't followed. ...You are babying that GS Noel

But, just how much of your year is spent "Adventuring"? and do you need a specific bike just for a couple of weeks a year?

...The Crux of the matter imho
Noel
The nc700x is a girls bike. I have seen them use the words "Adventures" but I think they meant "Adventuress". Honda have spent a fair bit of money to imply it has balls. The bigger BMW and KTM 980 (I prefer the carburetted model...and yes I`ve seen them picked up by one person a number of times) use "adventure" in their model code (-It`s not even listed under "Duel Sport" in wikepedia) and I don`t see it on this Honda.  eg....

HONDA NC700X: The Power Of Dreams

The Honda NC700X is a "New Concept" bike designed for commuters or riders who are transitioning from scooter to motorcycle. The NC700X series is classed as a commuter model bike which has incorporated design and mechanical elements from various motorcycle types. The riding position is similar to naked bike styles. There is helmet-sized internal storage in place of the traditional fuel tank, which is instead located under the seat. © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Noel is spot on with the infinite question of what one calls adventure. However I truly believe the BMW 800GS is a beauty and the best all rounder encapsulating the best of both worlds. Runner up is the KLR 650.- But in both cases I would go to the wreckers and put pre damaged plastics on, as soon as it left the showroom. (Allows you the confidence to stretch your adventurous limits). Honda really are like sweet wine, esp their motors...But I luv me beer too!
...and I will always have an FJ1200.  :drinks:

`93 with downside up forks.
`78 XS11/1200 with a bit on the side.
Special edition Rocket Ship ZX14R Kwacka

Vsekvsek

Just as a back drop... I currentl have an 09 wr300 husqvarna 2 stroke with a plate and a duel sport kit. I do a bunch of singtrack riding too. Bunch of friends are slowly switch to duel sporting. I could always ride my trusty husky but fueling it will be a pain. I wanted a decent affordable in between bike because my fj is pure street.

Sounds like i will continue to save for that ktm 690 based on replies(confirmed my suspicions).
89 fj
09 wr300 husqvarna

Vsekvsek

Oh an rode friends 13 klr650. Things way to klunky feeling after being on my tight rocketship husky 300.
89 fj
09 wr300 husqvarna

ribbert

Quote from: The General on September 19, 2013, 12:52:55 PM

...You are babying that GS Noel


Maybe I'm just hard on the FJ!

Quote from: The General on September 19, 2013, 12:52:55 PM
If you are buying a mid size one, they offer the worst of both worlds. Neither a good road OR off road bike. ...I disagree- The BMW 800GS, KLR650 and my DR650 after I modded the suspension - leave the FJ for dead in the black twisties and certainly dirt


I may have been a bit hasty with that comment. I have had a GS800 for a day on two occasion. Akraprovic and sticky road tyres. It was THE best fun I had had for years. That Rotax motor is a ripper.
I classed it as a "Licence Shredder" more than an "Adventure bike" though.

It, and probably the others you mention will no doubt do everything you need it to do,  BUT, there is something about the lazy power delivery that only cubes can provide that I must have and that makes their big brothers lousy adventure bikes.

Noel
"Tell a wise man something he doesn't know and he'll thank you, tell a fool something he doesn't know and he'll abuse you"