Honda’s has showcased the 2016 version of its ultimate commuting motorcycle, the NC750X, at the EICMA 2015. It is now more ‘adventures’ and with a tough new look and LED lighting, revised front fork damping, expanded storage compartment plus LCD instruments with personalised colour options. The NC750X, a dual clutch transmission machine, also gets 3-level S mode, plus further software upgrades in both MT and AT riding modes.. The frugal 750cc parallel twin engine is now EURO4 compliant and gets a revised exhaust muffler and a deeper tone.

The NC750X was introduced in 2012 as NC700X and has since has enjoyed consistent popularity throughout Europe, finding a permanent fixture in Europe’s top ten best selling motorcycles thanks to its torque-laden twin-cylinder engine, the relaxed and roomy riding position, wide handlebars and comfortable seat and riding position, long-travel suspension and distinctive adventure styling.

The storage compartment of the NC750X (where the fuel tank would normally be) is capable of holding a full-face helmet. Honda’s unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) also sets the NC750X apart.

It is a complete package for all types of riding – commuting, touring and simply riding for pleasure. It is a motorcycle with an all-round appeal. For 2016, both form and function are enhanced still further.

The 2016 evolution of the NC750X updates the styling, giving the bike a more adventure-oriented edge while improving comfort for rider and pillion. A larger windscreen gives greater wind protection and there’s more room in the storage compartment, which now has a utility rail built onto its lid. it also gets LED headlight and taillight and new instruments – with variable colour display that can be personalised and present a premium image to the rider.

DCT gets software upgrades for a more natural ‘feathered’ clutch feel around an on/off throttle. For even sportier riding, there are now 3 levels of S mode for gear changes in AT mode, and raised rpm upper limit for downshifts in MT mode. Further software upgrades also improve DCT’s performance in a variety of situations.

A spring preload adjustment system is added to the rear shock absorber while new Showa Dual Bending Valves (SDBV) front forks are fitted up front. A new exhaust muffler saves weight and generates a pleasing exhaust ‘pulse’ and the manual six-speed gearbox option has a lighter clutch.

The windscreen is 70 mm taller, improving airflow around the rider’s upper body and a central duct equalises pressure. Slits on the upper left and right side reduce wind noise.

The side cowls have filled out and the side covers reduced in size, creating muscular lines. A svelte seat unit and clear-smoke LED taillight are underlined by the new exhaust muffler and create a minimal look, further emphasizing the mass-forward stance.

The storage area has increased in size by 1L to 22L and the lid exterior now features rugged external rails – useful for mounting a tank bag. The lid’s interior has four hooks to allow rubber straps to assist in organising luggage and make best use of all of the space.

Brand new instruments use a negative LCD display. Information includes odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel efficiency and consumption gauges, (optional) heated grip temperature plus 3-stage S mode for the DCT model.

The colour of the rev-counter bar display can also be changed by the rider; a total of 9 options are available. It is also possible to have colours change according to gear selected, rpm range or (for the DCT version) riding mode.

ECO and SHIFT mode are further options when riding with the display set to a single colour or (on the DCT machine) the mode-dependent setting. ECO mode turns the display to light blue if riding with good fuel efficiency, and green if riding even more economically. SHIFT mode sees the colour change to orange if engine rpm exceeds a level pre-set by the rider.

A new ‘wave’ key features the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). If the ID chip embedded in the key and the ID in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) do not match, the engine will not start.

The NC750X will be available in 5 colour options:

Matt Pearl Glare White

Candy Arcadian Red

Sword Silver Metallic

Matt Gunpowder Metallic

Glint Wave Blue Metallic

Rake is set at 27° with trail of 110mm, wheelbase of 1,535mm and front/rear weight distribution of 48/52. Kerb weight is 220kg (230kg DCT). Seat height is 830mm

The riding position is upright and neutral, with a higher viewpoint for enhanced hazard perception. Another advantage of this adventure-style riding position is great low-speed control – combined with the low centre of gravity and generous steering lock the result is exceptional low-speed handling and balance.

The 41mm telescopic forks feature 153.5 mm travel and for 2016 use Showa dual-bending valves, with ratios optimised for both compression and rebound damping. This allows the generation of damping force in precise proportion to piston speed – from the low speed range – improving ride quality and comfort. Increased compression damping provides more progressive firmer suspension response and helps reduce dive under heavy braking.

Up front the 320mm wavy disc and revised two-piston brake caliper deliver plenty of easy-to-modulate stopping power, complemented by the rear 240mm petal disc and single-piston caliper. Lightweight two-channel ABS provides powerful and confident braking even on slippery or wet road surfaces.

The design of the NC750X’s liquid-cooled, SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid range. Its relatively long-stroke architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers combine with the high-inertial mass crankshaft to produce large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm. Peak power is 40.3kW @ 6,250rpm with maximum torque of 68Nm @ 4,750rpm.

Technical Specifications

Engine Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve, SOHC parallel 2-cylinder. EURO4 compliant.
Displacement 745cc
Bore & Stroke  77mm x 80mm
Compression Ratio 10.7 : 1
Max. Power Output 40.3kW @ 6,250rpm (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque 68Nm @ 4,750rpm (95/1/EC)
Oil Capacity MT : 3.7L, DCT : 4.1L
Fuel Tank Capacity 14.1 litres
Transmission Type MT: 6-speed Manual Transmission,  DCT: 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission
Dimensions (L´W´H) 2230mm x 845mm x 1350mm
Wheelbase 1535mm
Seat Height 830mm
Ground Clearance 165 mm (minimum)
Kerb Weight MT: 220kg,  DCT: 230kg

Suspension
Front 41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm stroke
Rear Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travel

Rim Size Front 17M/C x MT3.50
Rim Size Rear 17M/C x MT4.50
Tyres Front 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyres Rear 160/60-ZR17M/C (69W)

Front Brake 320 mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 2-piston caliper and sintered metal pads
Rear Brake 240 mm single wavy hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and resin mold pads