Honda introduces NC700X to U.S. market

American Honda decided to choose the New York motorcycle show to unveil the 2012 NC700X to the U.S. market, a semi-adventure-tour-styled machine powered by the same 670cc parallel twin used in its Integra maxi-scooter introduced in Europe. The long-stroke (73mm x 80mm bore/stroke) engine has its cylinders canted forward at a 62-degree angle and is tuned for a flat torque curve and fuel economy, with a single 36mm throttle body feeding both cylinders. Available with either a six-speed manual or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the NC700X is claimed to have “nearly 240 miles” of cruising range from its 3.7-gallon fuel tank, which is located underneath the seat instead of its usual spot for better mass centralization. A large 21-liter lockable storage area (spacious enough to hold a helmet) lies in the area where a fuel tank would normally reside.

Suspension is fairly long-travel, with the 41mm fork up front providing 6.0 inches of travel, and the rear 5.9 inches. A single 320mm disc with two-piston slide caliper handles braking duties up front, and a single 240mm disc/single-piston slide caliper is out back. Seat height is listed as 32.7 inches, with the standard six-speed model’s fully tanked-up curb weight listed as 472 pounds, while the DCT version tips the scales fully fueled at 505 pounds. The DCT version also comes with Honda’s Combined ABS. A full range of accessories are also available for the NC700X, including a 45-liter capacity rear trunk, 29-liter capacity hardbags, high windscreen, LED fog light kit, heated grips, and more.

The MSRP for the standard six-speed NC700X is listed as $6999. The DCT version goes for $8999 according to Honda's website.