Honda NC 750S

The NC750S is an exceptionally user-friendly motorcycle: easy to ride and easy on the pocket in terms of both initial purchase and running costs. It attracts riders of all ages including both experienced riders looking for a capable and economic motorcycle to tackle the city traffic, as well as new, younger riders stepping up from smaller machines looking equally for performance, economy, practicality and pleasure from their first ‘big’ motorcycle.

And that’s exactly what they get from the NC750S. Its parallel twin-cylinder engine packs the low-to-midrange with effortless torque; capacious storage space where the fuel tank normally sits and the option of Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission set it apart from the crowd of mid-sized naked machines.

When combined with a compact form, low seat height, confidence-inspiring chassis and exceptional fuel economy, the result is a uniquely accessible and practical motorcycle.

Like the NC750X and Integra, the NC750S is built around a 745cc twin cylinder engine which puts out strong low-to-mid range torque, delivering strong acceleration from very low rpm and returns 28.6km/l (WMTC mode). The engine’s forward-leaning position both lowers the centre of gravity for stable handling, and creates space for a storage compartment where the fuel tank is normally positioned. The 790mm seat height and compact chassis create confidence-inspiring ground reach.

The NC750S’s DCT features a natural ‘feathered’ clutch feel around an on/off throttle. In addition to the most fuel efficient automatic D Mode, for sportier riding there are 3 levels of S mode.  

Also available for 2018 is a 35kW version allowing A2 licence holders to enjoy the NC750S. This new version can easily be converted to a full power version at the appropriate time at a Honda dealer.

Engine

• 40.3kW peak power/68Nm torque

• 35kW A2 licence version available

• 400km range possible from the 14.1L fuel tank

• Rpm cut raised by 900rpm to 7,500rpm

• 6-speed manual gearbox operates with light clutch feel

The design of the NC750S’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. For 2018, the rpm limit has been raised to 7,500rpm to allow natural use of the engine performance into a higher rpm range.

For A2 licence holders a 35kW version is now available, which can be easily converted to the full power version by a Honda dealer at the appropriate time. Equally, it will be possible to restrict the full power version to 35kW by a Honda dealer replacing the standard throttle body and remapping the ECU. In most riding situations the restriction of peak power is not noticeable and the 0-100m acceleration time is identical to the full power version.

Twin balancers counteract vibration from higher rpm inertia, refining the engine yet still allowing the distinct ‘throb’ delivered by its 270° firing order. Bore and stroke is set at 80 x 77mm. By keeping the number of parts to a minimum, the engine is kept light, efficient and reliable and where possible components are made to do more than one job; the camshaft drives the water pump, while one of the balancer shafts drives the oil pump.

A lightweight pentagon-shaped muffler uses two chambers joined by a hole-punched link pipe, which works with a final resonator chamber to create a deeply distinctive sound and exhaust pulse. The built-in catalyser has a two-layer structure for cleaner emissions.

The NC750S engine is EURO4 compliant with CO₂ emissions of 81g/km and fuel consumption of 28.6km/l (WMTC mode) providing a 400km plus range from the 14.1-litre underseat fuel tank.

Dual Clutch Transmission

• Adaptive Clutch Capability Control gives natural feel

• 3 levels of sporty S mode

Honda’s DCT technology is now in its eighth year of production and gaining popularity year on year on all of the machines that feature it as an option. DCT uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th gears: the other for 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th, with the mainshaft for each clutch located inside the other for compact packaging. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit.

The DCT system features two automatic plus the MT mode for manual gear changes. The standard automatic D mode is for general or highway riding and maximum fuel economy. S mode – which shifts up and down at higher rpm than D mode for a sportier ride – gives three levels of sports performance.

Some riders prefer to ride higher gears, some lower and the three modes make it possible to tailor gearbox response to riding style. The selected level is stored, and acts as the default S Mode for subsequent rides. It is also displayed on the dash.

The DCT used by the NC750S features “Adaptive Clutch Capability Control” that manages the amount of clutch torque transmitted. This adds a natural ‘feathered’ clutch feel when opening or shutting off the throttle for a smoother ride. Further refinements include fast operation of the N-D switch on turning on the ignition and a control system in AT mode for gauging the angle of ascent or descent and adapting shift pattern accordingly.

Chassis

• Rugged steel diamond frame

• Low centre of gravity and 35° steering lock

• 41mm front fork and Pro-Link rear suspension

• 320mm front disc and two-piston caliper/240mm single-piston rear

The rugged steel diamond frame delivers the high levels of rigidity required for agile, responsive handling in a variety of conditions. It’s also ideal where space is at a premium, since it takes up very little volume but offers superb riding dynamics. Rake is set at 27° with trail of 110mm, wheelbase of 1,525mm and front/rear weight distribution of 48/52. Kerb weight is 217kg (227kg with DCT).

Seat height is 790mm and the ergonomics put the rider firmly in control, with handlebars just a relaxed reach away. The width of the handlebars offers excellent leverage at all speeds and with 35° of steering lock – plus low centre of gravity – the NC750S is perfect for cutting through the busiest city streets. Passenger comfort is ensured by twin grab handles.

41mm telescopic forks feature 120mm stroke. The rear monoshock also has 120mm travel and operates through Pro-Link, which offers the balance of a soft initial stroke for dealing with low-speed bumps and excellent overall control.

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

Forged aluminium L-shaped rim valves make checking and adjusting air pressure easier; cast aluminium front and rear wheels – sizes 17 x 3.50-inch and 17 x 4.50-inch – wear 120/70 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 tyres.

 Matte Pearl Glare White and Candy Arcadian Red. No MSRP is listed for either model.