HONDA NC750X

Photos: Honda

The NC750X, one of the most popular all-round bikes in Europe, shines with ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes and safety-enhancing traction control. For attractive adventure styling, a super practical storage compartment in the tank area is offered. An LCD display provides information in the cockpit and the lighting system is equipped with LED technology all around. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission is available as an option

The 2023 model year is available in three new colour variants – Mat Jeans Blue Metallic, Pearl Deep Mud Gray and Candy Chromosphere Red.

1. Introduction
Since its launch in 2012 (initially as the NC700X), the NC750X has enjoyed great popularity throughout Europe. Reasons for success are: A groundbreaking high-torque and economical two-cylinder engine, a relaxed and comfortable seating position with wide handlebars and comfortable seat, a stable chassis and the unmistakable adventure styling. The NC750X, whose patented multi-functionality exceeds all expectations, offers reliable driving pleasure wherever the journey takes its owners.

Other advantages of the NC750X are the enormously practical storage space under a flap in the tank area (the actual fuel tank is located under the seat in the frame triangle), which offers space for a full-face helmet; as well as the optional DCT dual-clutch transmission, which more than half of European buyers have already opted for in 2021.

All in all, the qualities of the NC750X combine to form an all-round mid-range machine that works excellently and is equipped for any use – in rush hour traffic, on journeys and during relaxed joyrides.

Honda has always attached great importance to perfecting the advantages of the NC750X over the years. In 2014, the displacement grew by 75 cm 3 to 745 cm³. In 2016, a refreshed adventure styling followed, new instruments, a DCT upgrade and the LED lighting system were donated. In 2018, the Honda went on sale with two-stage HSTC traction control as well as a 48 hp/35 kW variant.

In 2021, the developers focused on improving the strengths of the NC750X, namely practicality, all-round capability and handling. For this purpose, engine power and torque delivery were sharpened. Since then, the red zone has started later and gives the machine an extra portion of agility in the upper speed range. The addition of three electronic driving modes plus other features gave the overall package the finishing touch.

2. Model Overview
   The parallel two-cylinder engine combines powerful performance with pulsating running smoothness and outstanding fuel efficiency, especially at low to medium engine speeds. The peak output is 58.6 hp (43.1 kW) at a moderate 6,750 rpm, the impressive torque 69 Nm at 4,750 rpm. With the 14.1-liter tank, a radius of action of almost 400 km is achievable.

The Throttle by Wire throttle allows engine characteristics to be tuned across three driving modes: Rain, Standard and Sport. In addition, a user mode can be configured as desired. The intervention of the safety-enhancing HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control) can be adjusted in three stages. In the variant of the NC750X with DCT dual-clutch transmission, the shifting behavior is adapted to the selected driving mode. The DCT also has a user mode, with which the possible settings and functions can be set preferentially if necessary.

The tubular steel chassis is completed by a 41 mm telescopic fork and the rear swingarm with Pro-Link linkage and mono strut. The cladding combines strikingly modern design with practical wind and weather protection. The cockpit is equipped with an LCD display. Headlights, taillights and turn signals shine with LED lighting technology. The seat height is 800 mm and the storage space (under the fuel hood) holds 23 liters.

The 2023 NC750X is available in four colors:

- Mat Jeans Blue Metallic **NEW**
- Pearl Deep Mud Gray **NEW**
- Candy Chromosphere Red **NEW**
- Mat Ballistic Black Metallic

3. Features

3.1 Engine
- power 58.6 hp (43.1 kW), maximum torque 69 Nm
- Euro 5 compliant, economical consumption of 3.5 l/100 km (WMTC mode)
- Anti-hopping clutch for smooth downshifts
- 48 hp (35 kW) version available for holders of the A2 driving licence category

The design of the NC750X's liquid-cooled SOHC 8-valve parallel twin provides amazing power in the low to medium speed range. The design with long stroke and specially shaped combustion chambers in conjunction with plenty of crankshaft flywheel mass ensures a lot of power and high torque. The pre-inclined installation position of the cylinder block shifts the centre of gravity downwards for optimum driving stability.

The peak output is 58.6 hp (43.1 kW) at 6,750 rpm, the maximum torque 69 Nm at 4,750 rpm. When pulling through from 30 km/h, the NC750X needs only 1.7 seconds for 20 meters and only 3.2 seconds over a 50 meter distance. At a speed of 60 km, the crankshaft of the high-torque twin rotates at only 2,500 revolutions per minute, which supports the relaxed driving feeling.

A 35 kW version is available for A2 licence holders, which can be retrofitted to full capacity at the Honda dealer in due course if necessary. The anti-hopping clutch reduces the lever force during actuation by 20% and ensures that the rear wheel does not unintentionally lock briefly during fast downshifts in the conventional foot-shifted six-speed gearbox.

Two balance shafts counteract unwanted vibrations. Thanks to the crankshaft cranked by 270° and the characteristic ignition interval, the engine shines with a pleasant, gently pulsating running smoothness. Bore and stroke are 77 x 80 mm. Individual components are designed to perform several tasks simultaneously. The camshaft also drives the water pump, while one of the balance shafts drives the oil pump. The design minimization of moving engine parts makes the modern twin engine lightweight, efficient and reliable.

The lightweight and stylish rear muffler has two chambers that are connected to each other. In combination with another resonance chamber, a deep, unmistakable sound is created. The integrated double catalytic converter keeps emissions low.

The NC750X meets the Euro 5 standard and consumes only 3.5 litres of fuel per 100 km (in WMTC measurement mode). With the 14.1 litre tank, this results in a range of almost 400 km.

3.2 Engine electronics
- Throttle by Wire management with 3 standard driving modes and user mode
- Three-stage adjustable, sensitively responsive HSTC traction control

Thanks to Throttle by Wire throttle technology, the driver can choose between three different driving modes to adapt the engine characteristics to the respective driving conditions. The selection is made via the left switch fitting on the handlebars and displayed accordingly on the cockpit display.

SPORT means power delivery that is as dynamic as possible and full engine braking with little intervention by HSTC traction control and DCT mode 4.

RAIN ensures the smoothest possible power delivery and less pronounced engine braking while at the same time earlier intervention of the HSTC traction control. In the DCT dual-clutch transmission, the shift pattern corresponds to level 1.

STANDARD provides a balanced average of power output, engine braking and HSTC intervention as well as DCT mode 2.

USER allows an individual setup. Power delivery and engine braking can be adjusted from low to medium to high, as can HSTC traction control. There are 4 different switching patterns to choose from for the DCT.

HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control) is included in the NC750X with manual transmission as well as in the DCT version. Thanks to throttle-by-wire management, the practical fine tuning controls the rear torque in three stages:

Level 1 allows the least possible intervention of the system for a deliberate spin of the rear wheel, for example on loose ground.

Level 2 is the default setting and provides safe traction for almost all driving conditions on normal grip asphalt surface.

Level 3 offers maximum control on slippery asphalt, such as in the rain.

The HSTC traction control can also be turned off.

3.3 DCT dual clutch transmission
- Different shift patterns depending on the selected driving mode
- User mode with 4 basic settings to choose from
- Natural driving experience thanks to Adaptive Clutch Capability Control

Honda's unique DCT technology, launched in 2010 with the VFR1200F, is already in its thirteenth year of production. Since its launch, over 200,000 DCT-equipped motorcycles have been sold in Europe. In 2021, 59% of NC750X buyers opted for the optional variant with DCT.

The dual-clutch transmission makes motorcycling easier by automatically changing gears. The electronic-hydraulic control of the system also takes over the metered actuation of the clutch for starting. For this reason, machines with DCT do not have a clutch lever. Simply turning the throttle after a driving mode is activated is enough to drive off. The ingeniously simple operation quickly becomes a pleasant matter of course for drivers, which many are reluctant to do without.

Technically, the DCT system uses two clutches: one for starting and for gears one, three and five; the other for second, fourth and sixth gear. Both couplings are controlled electronically and hydraulically. During automated shifting, the system selects the next gear using the clutch that is currently open. While it closes electronically, the other one opens at the same time – so that the newly selected gear can intervene without interrupting traction.

The result is smooth, fast and seamless gear changes. The dual clutch transmits minimal drive interruptions to the rear wheel. In this way, shock and pitching movements of the machine are minimized, gear changes are direct and even. Additional benefits include: Stress-free driving in the city prevents diminishing attention and it is easier to concentrate on driving and other traffic. Thanks to DCT, not only accidental stalling when starting off is excluded, but also shifting when changing gears, which as an additional bonus excludes possible damage to the transmission gears.

The DCT system offers two operating modes. On the one hand, the automatic setting (AT) with pre-programmed shift patterns, which constantly monitors the speed, the selected gear and the engine speed in order to automatically control the optimal shifting process. On the other hand, the manual operating mode (MT) for targeted gear changes via the shift paddles on the left of the handlebar armature.

Due to the connection to the electronically controlled Ride by Wire throttle, the automated DCT shift patterns are linked to the selected driving mode. In the NC750X's automatic mode, there are four different switching patterns with three default settings:

Level 1 is the most relaxed and is used in combination with Rain mode. Stages 2 and 4 only shift into next gear at higher revs and are linked to the Standard and Sport driving modes. Using the user mode, a fourth DCT circuit pattern can be selected. In terms of engine characteristics, this can be classified between the driving modes Standard and Sport.

Adaptive Clutch Capability Control is a feature of the DCT on the NC750X to control the transmitted clutch torque. This results in a natural response when opening or closing the throttle, which results in smoother driving.

3.4 Styling & equipment
- Dynamic-pleasing styling
- LED lighting technology all around and LCD display
- Cladding window for wind and weather protection
- 23 litre storage space offers enough space for a full-face helmet

The NC750X features a modernly tailored fairing, accentuated by the muscular fuel tank. LED headlights and the position lights form a striking signature in the front view. The windscreen is optimized for wind and weather protection. The side parts and covers as well as the slim rear also emphasise the dynamic, forward-facing design.

Unique to the NC750X is the storage compartment with a large flap in front of the driver (this is usually where the fuel tank is located). The storage volume is 23 litres and a USB-C socket is also integrated. The actual fuel tank finds its space in the frame triangle under the seat.

The selected driving mode is displayed in the LCD cockpit, whereby selection and control are made via the left switch unit on the handlebars. The equipment also includes the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). This safety-relevant function ensures that when braking suddenly at more than 53 km/h, the turn signals light up in hazard warning flashing style to warn other road users of emergency braking.

Another anti-theft feature is the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). If the ID chip in the key and the ID of the ECU engine control unit do not match, the engine will not start.

3.5 Chassis
- Lightweight tubular steel frame
- 800 mm seat height
- 41 mm Showa Dual Bending Valve fork and Pro-Link monoshock rear, spring preload adjustable

A modern tubular steel frame forms the backbone for the light and stable chassis of the NC750X. The driving position is upright and relaxed and offers a good overview of the traffic situation. The suspension geometry corresponds to that of an adventure bike. This allows the best control at any gear and, in combination with a low centre of gravity and ample steering angle, gives excellent handling.

The steering head angle is 27°, the caster 110 mm and the wheelbase 1,525 mm (DCT variant 1,535 mm). The weight distribution (front/rear) corresponds to a ratio of 48 to 52. The weight ready to drive is only 214 kg (224 kg with DCT). The seat height measures 800 millimetres.

Showa's 41 mm telescopic fork offers 120 mm travel and features advanced Double Bending Valve technology, which performs precisely in both compression and rebound damping. This results in damping at low speeds in exact proportion to the piston speed, which improves driving quality and comfort.

The rear monoshock damper is adjustable in spring preload. The shock is connected to the swingarm via a progressive Pro-Link lever system, also has 120 mm of travel and optimises both suspension comfort and control.

At the front wheel, the 320 mm Wave brake disc applied by a two-piston caliper allows perfectly controllable braking force. At the rear, a 240 mm Wave brake disc with single-piston caliper supports the deceleration work. The dual-channel ABS supports safe braking even on slippery or wet roads.

Cast aluminium rims in sizes 17 x 3.50 inches at the front and 17 x 4.50 inches at the rear are fitted with 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR17 rear tires. L-shaped valves make it easy to control and adjust air pressure.

4. 
   Accessories
   For the 2023 NC750X, Honda offers a comprehensive selection of original accessories, both individually and in accessory packages (with price advantage):

The Urban package is tailored to the needs of commuters and for short trips. It contains:

- 50 litre top box with one-key system
- Matching aluminium cladding
- Backrest for 50 litre topbox
-Luggage rack
- High wind disc
- Main stand

The travel package increases baggage capacity and long-haul suitability. Included are:

- Side case set with one-key system
- Matching aluminium fairings
- Carrier system for side case set
-Luggage rack
- High wind disc

The travel package with Topbox offers, in addition to the above accessories:

- 50-litre top box with one-key system
- Matching aluminium cladding
- Backrest for 50 litre top box

The Adventure package is tailored for adventurous NC750C riders and includes:

- Grip heating
- Front LED fog light set
- Front crash bar
- USB power connector
- Wind deflector set below (each suitable for NC750X with manual transmission or DCT dual-clutch transmission)

Also available accessories:

- Topbox backrest
- Topbox 38 litres / 50 litres
- Topbox locking mechanism
- Topbox inner pockets 38 litres / 50 litres
- U-Castle

5. 
   Specifications