2018 Honda NC750X First Look
Rennie Scaysbrook | November 6, 2017
Honda’s ‘Ultimate Commuter’ Gets More Ponies for 2018
Would you? There’s plenty of riders out there who love the NC750X.
The Honda NC750X will get a 75cc capacity increase for the 2018 model year, with the new model going on stage at EICMA in Milan.
The will also get two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control to you and me), and improvements to the automatic Dual Clutch Transmission that will allow the user to shift higher in the rev range via the paddle shifter on the handlebar.
The NC has always been a bit of a loner in the looks department, part road/part dirt/part scooter, but it’s managed to sell well enough—particularly in Europe—for Honda to continue its development.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer the NC750X to our customers, especially with these new, performance-oriented updates,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Customers will continue to appreciate this model’s practical benefits, while a displacement increase, HSTC, and DCT improvements give it a more vibrant character as well.”
Honda NC750X Key Features (from American Honda)
- Bold, adventurous design identity based on the “Sensual Performance” concept, with an LED headlight, taillight, and running lights
- Liquid-cooled, 745cc, SOHC, 8-valve parallel-twin engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid rpm range, with large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm
- New for 2018, the NC750X gets two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Twin engine balancers counteract vibration at higher rpm inertia, refining the engine yet still allowing the distinct “throb” delivered by its 270º firing order
- By minimizing the number of parts, engine is kept light, efficient, and reliable, as components are made to do more than one job where possible
- Available Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) features two automatic modes—DRIVE and SPORT—plus the manual mode. Adaptive Clutch Capability Control manages the amount of clutch torque transmitted, adding a “feathered” clutch feel when opening or closing the throttle, for a smoother ride. For 2018, the DCT rev ceiling for upshifts has been raised to 7,500 rpm to make more use of the engine’s peak power
- Faux tank includes a 22-liter storage area (enough to hold a full-size helmet). Lid features tank-bag rails on the outside and strap hooks inside
- Upright, natural riding position, with a high viewpoint for enhanced hazard perception and great low-speed control
- Showa Dual Bending Valve fork and single rear shock with Pro-Link® configuration for smooth ride in a variety of road conditions
- Attractive instruments use a negative LCD display, with information including odometer, trip meter, gear position, fuel efficiency and consumption gauges, (optional) heated-grip temperature, and three-stage Sport mode for DCT model
- Color of rev-counter bar display can be changed by rider
- Tall windscreen guides airflow around rider’s body
