Canyon Carving With a Trunk

Honda makes adaptability a very sweet ride.
By Bill Heald

Motorcycles have been going through a crazy period in terms of nomenclature, for the simple categories (like sport bike, dirt bike, tour bike, etc.) are vanishing as the classes are expanding into more specialized subgenres, like touring cruiser, muscle bike, and the hugely popular adventure bike. And when Honda introduced the all-new adventure mount in New York City this winter, the company complicated the issue further by asking, “What do you see when you look at the 2012 Honda NC700X? An adventure-style bike? An urban-assault commuter? A country-road explorer? A two-up getaway machine? Or perhaps all of the above?”

What you may in fact see is a very slick, elegantly sculpted motorcycle that can be pretty much whatever you need it to be and look good in every role you assign to it. By starting with the light, flickable chassis of a dual-sport-style bike, Honda has taken its vast experience in building every kind of street machine imaginable and combined the best of many worlds. The compact, punchy, 670-cc parallel-twin that powers the NC is an all-new design, with the cylinders mounted at a 62-degree angle for a low center of gravity and a counter balancer for smooth operation. Things get really interesting on the transmission side, for you can go with a conventional six-speed gearbox or opt for a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) that is essentially an automatic with two performance modes and a manual setting. Combined ABS brakes are part of this package, so you have models available for both motorcycle purists and those seeking the latest advancements in technology.

That said, even the “standard” NC is loaded with clever features that help it do many things well. The seating position is upright enough for all-day comfort, even in congested traffic situations. The small windscreen keeps the wind-blast at bay for comfortable highway cruising as well. The long-travel suspension handles potholes and curbs with ease, and the fuel tank is located below the seat for mass centralization that translates to great low-speed maneuverability. But wait: What is that orb that looks like the fuel tank, then? It’s a cleverly hidden 21-liter trunk that can hold a full-face helmet. Need more storage? Custom-designed accessories include a 45-liter rear trunk, 29-liter saddlebags, and a rear carrier, as well as a boatload of additional goodies. But here’s where this Honda shines brightest: It’s an attractive canvas where you can create a bike that can be whatever you desire it to be, supported by Honda’s typical build quality and attention to detail. It’s the perfect scenario: She’s beautiful, and she can cook any kind of cuisine you fancy, too.