Ridden: Honda NC750XD

Honda NC750XDHonda is one of the few automotive manufacturers that started making motorcycles before it did cars. Surprising then that it takes such a car-like approach to the motorcycle game, by which I mean Honda has platforms on which many bikes are based; engines are shared across models in differing states of tune; and there’s the option for a proper automatic gearbox.

“Proper automatic,” you say?

Yip, that’s right. Not a scooter-style twist-and-go CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), but a proper automatic. The new Honda NC750XD adventure bike has a dual clutch transmission, that can be left to its own devices or controlled by paddle-style shifters on the left bar. And it’s darn brilliant!

A purist wouldn’t like such a thing…

True, and were this a car review I’d be ranting on about how much more engaging a proper manual gearbox was. But this is a bike review. And on two wheels I can see plenty merit in focussing on more important tasks than changing gear.

Honda’s DCT (dual clutch transmission) features six gears and two clutches. One clutch is responsible for odd gears, the other even. As one disengages first, the other instantaneously engages second, and so on. Gear shifts are exceptionally smooth and acceleration seems relentlessly linear. It’s much more constant than its traditional counterpart, punctuated by buttery smooth shifts.

Good stuff. But what else does the bike offer?

Honda NC750XDWell to start, it’s great to ride. The bike is well balanced and surprisingly easy to manoeuvre considering its height – that’s down to clever engineering, keeping the centre of gravity low thanks to the position of the engine and fuel tank. It’s a package that works very well, making for a confidence-inspiring, un-aggressive ride.

The motor – apparently based on that from a Honda Jazz – is in the form of a parallel twin. There’s 745cc to play with, producing 45kW and a decent number of torques. Make no mistakes, the NC750 isn’t built for speed, a fact emphasized by the lowly 6500rpm rev limit, but it makes up for that in low down torque.

The brakes are surprisingly good considering there’s a single disc up front. It’s not so powerful that the nose dives as soon as you touch the lever, but you won’t have any trouble stopping. ABS comes standard.

So what’s your verdict?

The NC750X is a practical, economical and enjoyable ride for anyone looking for a pleasant tour, or simply in need of an economical way of getting into work. The easy-going handling and faultless automatic gearbox make it an ideal bike for enjoying the scenery, no matter the function.

Price: R92,990
Engine: 745cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve, SOHC parallel 2-cylinder
Power (kW): 40.3
Torque (Nm): 68

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