QUIKSPIN: Honda NC700SA - Bike about Town

 

Looking at the two bikes you’d swear they had nothing in common, but Honda’s new NC700SA naked commuter is based on the same platform as the recently released NC700 Integra (Vol 61 No 21).

 

The NC700SA is powered by the same 670cc parallel twin engine as the Integra, but in the case of the nakedbike it’s mated to a traditional six-speed sequential manual gearbox, unlike the Integra’s dual-clutch auto ’box.

 

The NC700’s engine is well suited to a commuting role, with plenty of grunt from low in the rev range and linear response all the way to the redline. There’s no exciting top-end rush, just a consistent urge through to the ignition cut-out at around 6500rpm, but you can be lazy with the gearbox around town and you won’t get caught out; there’s plenty of response from as low as 1500rpm.

 

Ride quality and handling are also well suited to riding around town. There’s enough suspension travel to soak up potholes and cracks in the road, yet it’s firm enough that it doesn’t wallow around too much.

 

Although aimed at commuters, the NC700SA is surprisingly able on the open road. Top gear sees the tacho resting on a lazy 3000rpm at 100km/h and although there’s only a single disc up front, the brakes offer more than enough stopping power for the performance on offer and the combined ABS works well in emergency stopping situations.

 

But this bike is not aimed at tourers, and one of the SA’s commuter trump cards is its big storage bin situated where the fuel tank would normally be. The bin is big enough to accept a full-size helmet, making it even more versatile than its Integra scooter sibling – the fuel tank is actually located under the seat and the filler is accessed under the pillion ’peg – and the pillion grab handles double as excellent luggage tie-down points.

 

Another thing that will make commuters happy is the NC700’s excellent fuel economy. On test it consumed just 3.3L/100km, which means you can expect to achieve more than 400km between refills from the 14.1L fuel tank.

 

There are a couple of omissions that have helped Honda Australia achieve an $8490 retail price on the NC700SA – neither the brake nor clutch levers are span adjustable and the suspension is basic, for example – but build quality is of a high standard with nice paint, quality materials and good fit and finish. The digital dash is basic but easy to read and has all of the important info you need like speedo, tacho, clock, trip meters and fuel gauge, and the mirrors offer a good, vibe-free view.

 

There’s nothing really exciting about the NC700SA, but for the rider after a basic, no-frills commuter with enough performance for the open road and the bonus of plenty of storage space, this could be the ideal bike. I reckon motorcycle couriers are going to love this thing.