NC700S Features and Specifications.

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NC700S

New Concept Fun Naked

The NC700S is the product of a simple requirement: to deliver a motorcycle that is fun to ride and user-friendly at a reasonable price. The NC700S offers the practicality of a commuter together with the thrilling handling and distinctive style of a naked.

The development theme for the NC700S was ‘New Concept Fun Naked’. Right from the beginning the NC700S had to be fun to ride. Handling is key to this, and the NC700S offers a direct, intuitive, confidence-inspiring ride for all levels of experience. The low seat position adds to the accessibility of the machine, and the engine appeals to all kinds of rider, with its smooth, responsive power and a strong feeling of low-rpm torque. The result is a machine that takes no time at all to get used to with a direct and uncomplicated responses bringing joy to anyone who rides it.

As well as fun, the machine had to be easy to use and versatile. The riding position gives a high degree of control and freedom; there is also a secure internal storage space large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, an unusually practical feature on a naked motorcycle. The motorcycle is available with both Honda’s antilock Combined Braking System (C-ABS) and the option of the second generation of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission, which offers fingertip manual operation or the ease of completely automatic functionality.

At the heart of the machine is an all-new purpose-built engine. The liquid-cooled, in-line 2-cylinder 670 cm3 engine is a lightweight and compact unit with a low centre of gravity. It offers a very usable power delivery with excellent torque at low to medium engine rpm, combined with low exhaust gas emissions and a truly outstanding level of fuel efficiency.

The NC700S fuses striking, futuristic design with a joyous and reasonable-cost riding experience, complemented by the versatility and ease of use that matter when a vehicle is to be used daily. It is a machine for getting back to the fundamentals of motorcycling: fun and mobility.

Key features

Innovative two-cylinder engine

Developed to provide responsive power and strong torque in a compact package, the new 670cm3 inline two-cylinder engine also meets the demands of today’s environmental concerns by being highly fuel-efficient (27km/litre) for a tank range of nearly 400km.

Versatility and practicality

With its internal storage compartment, flexible riding position and punchy, highly efficient engine, the NC700S is ready for anything, whether city or long distance riding.

Joyous and intuitive handling

Light in weight, pure and swift in its handling responses, the NC700S is fun and easy to handle thanks to the combination of the steel diamond frame, cast aluminium 17" wheels, and geometry setup.

Naked styling

In keeping with a true naked look, the NC700S has minimal styling to emphasise its urban usability.

Dual Clutch Transmission

The NC700S is available with either a conventional manual 6-speed transmission or the second generation of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission. The system uses two electronically controlled clutches to deliver swift and very smooth gear changes in a choice of three modes. Manual (MT) allows the rider to shift gears using a handlebar-mounted lever, while automatic mode (AT) offers two settings: S for sporty riding and D for everyday use.

Secure C-ABS braking

A Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is offered on the NC700S.

Model details

Engine

All-new twin-cylinder engine

The liquid-cooled SOHC 670 cm3 twin-cylinder engine has been designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is smooth, clean, fuel efficient and compact, but it is also fun to use, with a strong low-rpm power delivery thanks to its relatively long-stroke SOHC architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers. Further enhancing this satisfying feeling of effortless torque is the crankshaft, which has been designed with high levels of inertial mass. The engine produces a peak power output of 35.0 kW at 6,250rpm but more important is the available torque throughout the rev range peaking at 60.0 Nm at 4,750rpm. What’s more, so linear and smooth is the power delivery that even riders new to mid-capacity engines can fully enjoy the strong level of performance.

Practical, efficient and reliable

The in-line two-cylinder configuration is both practical and efficient in terms of space layout, freeing up space within the body of the motorcycle. By reducing the number of parts to a minimum the engine is lighter, more efficient and more reliable. For example there is just one throttle body and one exhaust, despite the two cylinders. Where possible, components are made to do more than one job too. The camshaft also drives the water pump for the cooling system, while the balancer shaft, which ensures smooth, comfortable running, also drives the oil pump.

To further reduce fuel consumption, the engine was developed using stoichiometric analysis. By analysing combustion in this way, the engine has been developed to deliver exactly the fuel/air ratio required for a complete, clean burn at all engine rpm and in all running conditions. An efficiency target of 27.9km per litre (Dual Clutch Transmission type) was accomplished thanks to these technology developments.

Clean exhaust emissions

Thanks to the same stoichiometric calculations that reduce fuel consumption and maximise torque, the engine also burns very cleanly, minimising the emission of harmful exhaust gases. The PGM-FI fuel injection system also contributes here, supplying the optimum amount of fuel thanks to an oxygen sensor in the exhaust. Finally the high-absorption catalyser has been located close to the engine. As a result the catalyser reaches operating temperature more quickly after a cold start, reducing harmful emissions over a typical journey. The result is full EURO-3 compliance.

Versatility and practicality

Internal storage; outstanding range

Unusually for a traditional motorcycle, the NC700S features an internal storage space large enough to hold a full-face helmet. The fuel tank holds 14.1 litres – enough for an impressive range of nearly 400km between fill-ups. Since this range is due to engine efficiency, not a large fuel tank, it comes without the penalty of additional weight or bulk, and also ensures very low running costs.

Comfort and accessibility

The NC700S uses a riding position similar to that of traditional naked motorcycles, which is ideal for almost every kind of environment. Key to the machine’s ease of use is its low seat position, which puts riders of any physical size at ease straight away since they can put a foot down whenever they need to. The riding position also puts the rider firmly in control, with the handlebars only a relaxed reach away. The width of the handlebars offers excellent control at low and high speed, and with 35° of steering lock and a low centre of gravity thanks to the compact engine, the NC700S is perfect for getting through even the tightest city streets. The result is a machine that feels balanced and manageable. Passengers too are made comfortable, with twin grab handles for comfort and security.

Advanced multi-function instrument display

The clear and easy-to-read instrument display features a digital speedometer, a digital bar-type tachometer, a clock, a bar-type fuel meter and two trip meters.

Joyous and intuitive handling

Chassis

Immediate, responsive handling

One of the main objectives of the development team was to create a motorcycle that handles intuitively, one that turns just as you want it to with only the lightest input. Only by making the riding experience as direct and engaging as possible could the NC700S hope to be both a commuter machine and one that owners will ride purely for pleasure.

Steel diamond frame

The frame is a rugged steel diamond frame with the high levels of rigidity required for agile, responsive handling. This type of frame is ideal where space within the machine is at a premium, since it takes up very little volume but offers superb riding dynamics. Front suspension is 41mm telescopic forks with hydraulic damping. With 120mm of smooth wheel travel, the forks can soak up the roughest roads while also offering superb control and feedback on smooth surfaces. The rear suspension system uses a monoshock and Honda’s proven Pro-Link configuration, which offers an optimised balance of soft initial stroke, for dealing with bumps, together with excellent control throughout the 120mm of wheel travel.

Optimised geometry

With 27° of caster angle and a 1525mm wheelbase, the chassis manages to deliver both reassuring straight-line stability and superb agility in the corners.

Cast aluminium wheels, powerful brakes

The NC700S uses lightweight 17" cast aluminium wheels and optimised tyre sizes. The tyres are a 120/70 at the front for quick and light steering with plenty of traction when cornering and braking, while the broad 160/60 rear tyre delivers confidence-inspiring grip. To ensure powerful braking performance, the NC700S uses hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The front brake uses a single large-diameter 320mm disc and the rear uses a 240mm diameter wave design for consistent all-weather performance.

Naked styling

The machine’s minimalistic naked styling gives it a rugged look - set to take on tough urban environments.

Dual Clutch Transmission

Second generation Dual Clutch Transmission

Honda’s Dual Clutch transmission takes ease of use to new heights in the NC700S, offering either manual shifts at the push of a button or fully automatic functionality – just twist and go. As the name implies, the system uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears; and another for 2nd, 4th and 6th. By pre-selecting the next gear using the clutch not currently in use, the system can electronically switch clutches when required to deliver swift, smooth and seamless gearshifts. This smoothness is particularly beneficial when carrying a passenger.

Three modes of operation are available for outstanding flexibility. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift gears with the handlebar controls. Two fully automatic shift modes are also available. D mode is ideal for city and highway riding. In sporty S mode the transmission lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, giving greater performance, and also shifts down sooner when decelerating, offering useful additional engine braking.

In either D or S mode the Dual Clutch Transmission also offers immediate manual intervention if required. The rider simply selects the required gear using the MT mode shift buttons, after which the system will continue to act as an automatic transmission. This is particularly useful when preparing to overtake or when approaching a tight corner on a twisty hill road, for example. To ensure the optimum shifting schedule in D and S modes, extensive testing was conducted on all kinds of European roads.

Hassle-free maintenance

Designed to offer convenience and low running costs, the engine and transmission require the bare minimum of maintenance. The optional Dual Clutch Transmission uses heavy duty large-diameter clutches to comfortably deal with the rigours of daily use in stop/start city traffic. After purchase, a first service to check valve clearances is commonplace on commuter motorcycles but the engine requires no such attention. Service intervals are every 12,000km, and the engine’s highly efficient iridium sparkplugs only require replacement at 48,000km. The result is convenient and efficient personal transport with no hassle and low running costs.

Secure C-ABS braking

Secure C-ABS braking

Honda is committed to improving motorcycle safety and is proud to offer a Combined ABS (C-ABS) version of the NC700S. The system dramatically improves braking performance in an emergency situation. The front and rear braking systems on two-wheeled vehicles are usually independent. C-ABS links the two systems and works to optimise the pressure acting on each brake. The result is strong and safe deceleration. Additionally, C-ABS has full antilock functionality. Should the system detect either wheel is about to lock up and skid, C-ABS momentarily reduces the hydraulic pressure being applied to the relevant brake, ensuring powerful and secure braking in all conditions.

Colours

The 2012 NC700S will be launched in three colours.

- Seal Silver Metallic

- Pearl Sunbeam White

- Graphite Black

Optional equipment

The versatility of the NC700S can be further enhanced with a range of genuine Honda accessories.

- 35L top box

- 29L pannier kit

- Top box inner bag

- Pannier inner bag set

- Windscreen

- Leg deflector kit

- Foot deflector kit

- Grip heater kit

- 12V DC socket kit

- Main stand

- Alarm

- U-lock

Specification ENGINE

Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve, SOHC parallel 2-cylinder

Displacement 670cc

Bore x Stroke 73 x 80mm

Compression Ratio 10.7 : 1

Max. Power Output 35 kW/6,250min-1 (95/1/EC)

Max. Torque 60Nm/4,750min-1 (95/1/EC)

FUEL SYSTEM

Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Throttle Bore 36 mm

Air-cleaner capacity 5.8 litres

Fuel Tank Capacity 14.1 litres

Fuel Consumption (WMTC mode of 35kW machine) MT 27.7 km/l (78.2mpg)

DCT 27.9 km/l (78.8mpg)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition System

Ignition Timing 12° BTDC (idle) ~ 53.9° BTDC (6,600min-1)

Sparkplug Type IFR6G-11K

Starter Electric

Battery Capacity 12V-11AH

Headlights 12V; 60W x 1 (High) / 55W x 1 (Low)

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch Wet, multiplate

* Wet multiplate, hydraulic 2-clutch

Clutch Operation * D mode/S mode/Manual mode

Transmission Type 6-speed

Primary Reduction 1.731 DCT 1.921

Gear Ratios 1 2.812 DCT 2.666

2 1.894 DCT 1.904

3 1.454 DCT 1.454

4 1.200 DCT 1.200

5 1.033 DCT 1.033

6 0.837 DCT 0.837

Final Reduction 2.687 DCT 2.437

Final Drive Chain

FRAME

Type Diamond; steel pipe

CHASSIS

Dimensions (LxWxH) 2195mm x 760mm x 1130mm

Wheelbase 1525mm

Caster Angle 27°

Trail 110mm

Turning Radius 3.0m

Seat Height 790mm

Ground Clearance 140mm

Kerb Weight 215kg (F: 103kg; R: 112kg)

*227(F: 108kg; R: 119kg)

Max Carrying Capacity 209kg

SUSPENSION

Type Front: 41mm telescopic fork, 120mm travel

Rear: Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 120mm travel

WHEELS

Type Front: cast aluminium

Rear: cast aluminium

Rim Size Front: 17M/C x MT3.50

Rear: 17M/C X MT 4.50

Tyre Size Front: 120/70-ZR17M/C(58W)

Rear: 160/60-ZR17M/C(69W)

Tyre Pressure Front: 250KPa (36 psi)

Rear: 290KPa (42 psi)

BRAKES

Type Front: 320mm single wavy hydraulic disc with 2-piston (* 3-piston) caliper and sintered metal pads

Rear: 240mm single wavy hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and sintered metal pads

*DCT version

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.