AAAAAARRRRGGGHHHH that phrase again, 'good first bike'. Why shouldn't any of these bikes be a keeper? So much of motorcycling now is geared towards the expectation that everyone wants a litre bike and anyone who doesn't is tagged as a learner or a wuss.
Isn't this the oldest myth in motorcycling. Bigger is better, or everything under 8-900cc is for beginners. My mates and I all ride 500-750's and have been riding for 7years (25 now started at 18). None of use feel the need for a bigger bike, except for looks or boasting. We all started on mopeds, 125cc or small bikes and have come to an equilibrium between power and practicality. Don't let these fools get in your head. Riding a litre bike only makes sense if you need 100+ bhp. Most of the cars you see riding around are little litre cars up to 1.6. Then you have BMW, Merc and so. And only a small percent drive supercars. Compare small cars to bikes up to 500cc's BMW/Merc to 500-750cc's and everything up Tuned-/super-/hyper cars to 800+. Sorry for the long, boring answer. Greets
F Vl Exactly, who needs a 1000cc bike when you're probably only going to utilize 30-40% of its potential 80% of the time. Its like us Americans and our stupid big car/truck engines and obsession with "bigger = better".. Honestly its kinda dumb and just plain inefficient. But that's just my opinion on it. Maybe I'll feel the need for the excessive someday too. lol
Agree! I had bikes starting with a 500cc and the biggest was a 1600cc. I've been riding for more than 30 years and I've had alot of bikes. I now have an MT07 and I love it! :-)
seriously ? when I got my SV, said "it has more power than any 600cc superbike below 8000rpm" now I got a CBR 600, but I keep the SV, because it's still true, a MT07 destroys it in the mountain roads
been riding for 30 years , as for the versys i am on my third from that range which is the 650 GT 2016 model ....first bike my arse ....transalp 700,bandit 1250, deauville 700 etc etc etc...having toured all over europe and the UK fully loaded with camping gear i have come to realize that a 70bhp bike is all i need to fulfill my needs when it comes to touring......in my humble opinion you can keep your overpriced heavyweights with all the silly electronics which complicates repairs and ramps up the insurance ....the versys 650 GT is Eco friendly . super comfy, will cruise nicely with a full load of camping gear on the motorway at 80 mph all day long and some :)
I drive a 990 ktm superduke for 5 years now but like i drive all year around i would love to change to 1 of theze. Are you realy sure i would not be let down a bit greets
I tried some adventure and tourers, it’s just my opinion but you really need those 100+ hp from a bike!!! That moment when you’re on Autobahn approaching Aachen to Belgium keeping to Calais and you have that 1000-1200-1300cc and 120-160hp keeping 140km/h and all that comes with a good wind protection, my god you wouldn’t want to be on a 650-700cc bike!!!! 😂😂😂 sorry for my English
I have kawasaky versys 650 2017,my friend jamaha traser 700,another friend Nc750x,etc...we have good time with our bikes,I like mine,he like his etc..all of them good bikes,You ride what you like and for what you need your bike
It probably just a marketing thing. In the real world, 50 to 100 HP is actually pretty high and fast. Will go faster than 99% of roads will let you all day ery day.
For real. The only bike that one could argue is a good "first bike" here would be the nc750x. And I'd only say that for a rider that's relatively tall and/or heavy. Like if a 21 year old that was 6'+ and 200+ lbs that wanted a first bike that could pull him along the freeway, I'd try to talk him into something in the 400cc class, but if they insisted on a bigger bike, I'd say a royal enfield 650 or maybe the nc750x. Any of these other bikes are simply too much for someone that doesn't have at least a basic grasp on the principles of motorcycling.
@@sparkythewildcat97 I’m a new rider, doing the direct access, I’m considering a bike in this class, like the Versys 650, or I’m thinking of a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Any thoughts?
Three of them chose the Versys, it is because it is the best balanced, it is sporty enough, it is agile, it has the best suspensions, some of the best brakes, aesthetically one of the most beautiful, good price, that is, put all that in the balance, the Versys is the best.
Get the impression the guy on the far right of the camera wants BMW S1000R suspension, at least 150 bhp, premium features and electronics at a price slotting in with the Yamaha. Otherwise most everything is crap according to him.
I've owned bikes my entire life. Every kind of bike. I left my cruiser phase behind years ago. At 58yrs old, I was looking for my LAST bike. The Versys 650 was the perfect choice for me. Perfect for some twisty fun on the back roads with the occaisional Hwy trip. Wife enjoys the back seat with the back-rest on the luggage box for the 2-3 times a year I can get her to take a weekend trip to a B&B with me. Perfect all-around bike for my style of riding.
Pretty much every jurno hates the NC750X and I'm guessing Honda foist the DCT on them because they'd hate short shifting the manual all the time even more. It's never going to win the hearts of people who like to race around, it IS winning the hearts of those that use them to commute every day - which is what it's for.
The 500X and the NC750X are totally different, the rev range and how you use it give a completely different ride. NC tops out at 6.5k rpm the 500x is just over 8.5k. Sure they can both do the same job but the NC is a relaxed commuter, it's an acquired taste. The 500x is just like every other bike (power aside), you can't ride the NC like that and if you try you'll fail, if that's what you* want from the NC you* bought the wrong bike. * I use you as a general term, not you specifically Peter :) Ok, I'm probably biased, I have a 700X which suits my commute perfectly - I don't need to be faster than other bikes, just the other traffic :) - I get accused of being used to the 'slow' the 'boring' but I don't think that's the case. I took out the new Africa Twin for a couple of hours yesterday and other than the lovely suspension was completely underwhelmed by it. I'm currently looking for either a 2nd bike for fun or an upgrade to the NC to do both, I hoped the AT would be the solution. It's not. I digress.
I don't know which NC you had, the brakes on mine are perfectly fine, they cope very well indeed and I've *never* *ever* had an issue with them even with spirited riding and can certainly bring the bike from 70 to a stop with little effort on my part. That might be due in part to my 100kg mass, but that mass also removes the seat as uncomfortable too - so it has pluses ;) The original 700 has C-ABS which was removed on the 750s to cut costs - I know some don't like them, I'm fine with C-ABS. I presume your bike was DCT which would account for the lack of engine braking, it's essentially an automatic, so that's what you get. Manual has more than enough engine braking. Perhaps DCT and the lack of engine braking was part of your brakes issue? I never liked DCT myself. I had a loan bike out while mine was being serviced and it changed gear as I was leaning going round a roundabout. Back end kicked out and scared the bejebus out of me. Screen is an issue for me, I have the touring screen fitted, depending on the wind direction it can be noisy but it's primarily for protection when winter riding.
you actually make me worry. NC was one of my favourite bike for upgrading in the future and now i change my decision. it is good the read people reviews. Cheers
Amin matin If you allow me to add my opinion.... I do ride the NC700S, manual version, since 2013 and in my opinion it's one of the most versatile and user friendly bikes ever built by Honda ! I am now heading towards 60000 km and have had zero problems with the bike ! Of course it's not a racer but in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency and with that storage compartment it's my everyday companion that I don't want to miss anymore. Maintenance is also super easy and can be handled by anyone who had some motorcycle experience before. To comment on the lack of power, well my 'dream bike' would be a NC1000S, same size bike with the motor of the new Africa Twin ..... Just saying..... Safe rides !!!
Hi Andree, many thanks for sharing your opinion. I love to ask people question. I do agree with you on reliability of Honda compare to all other brans. I am getting into a situation where I have to choose sell car or motorbike?
I looked seriously at all these choices, besides the BMW. Rode the CB500x and the NC700x same day, and being that the dealer had a 1-mile 2015 700x manual in the showroom for $4999, that got my money and I absolutely love it.
True, not only adventuring, but daily commute. As someone who drives a Silverado with 18 MPG. MPG on a motorcycle is my most important priority. My SV650 gets 51 MPG.
Stepping down to smaller bikes is the choice of the rider anybody can go fast on a liter bike but it is more fun and shows you are a better rider if you can be smoother and maintain your speed on a 600. It also shows more skill and common sense
Yea...and 'new rider' too - why wouldn't an older rider own a 650? How is the tracer a first bike? Such bollox - my first bike has stabilisers on it! MCN reviews are always dumb
I have to give it to Honda, first of all for the DCT, without which i cannot do anymore. Than there's the storage compartment, nice suspension, economical and smooth engine, general feel of quality, and above all these, RELIABILITY. There's a guy on YT with a NC DCT that toured all the Asia in difficult road conditions and made 230.000km with only a water pump failure. And the engile still doesn't burn or leak any oil and bike runs like a dream. That has to mean something for anyone with a decent sense of reality .
If you've never had a gear indicator, you don't realize what a great feature it is. I ride a V-Strom 650, great bike, and the gear indicator is something that I use all the time.
45 years riding with over 300k lifetime miles mostly on 1000cc+ bikes. Riding a Versys 650 today. I've done 350 mile days of twisty smokey mountain roads, close to 1000 mile touring days at 85+ mph, and daily commuting. This is the best bike I've ever owned for what I want from a motorcycle which is everything except technical off roading. Drag hard parts aggressively and confidently in twists, 2nd gear wheelies. Other than 2up touring, the need for more bike seems to be more about ego and having something to prove. While im on a rant, why do you need a gear indicator? A tachometer is all you need to manage gear selection. Sorry, guess im a little cranky this morning.
Overall a good bunch of motorcycles.!. Only one thing that is hardly ever talked about in reviews / road tests like these, and that would be the night riding capabilities they offer. I think this aspect of buying a bike is just as necessary, or maybe more so for all would be riders.
I've owned the NC, rode the Versys, and currently have the Tracer. As far as I'm concerned, the Tracer beats all of them to the weeds, fun wise. I miss the practical aspect of the NC, and couldn't connect to the Versys. All of them are great bikes, frugal in consumption and excellent for commuting, touring or weekend riding. It all comes down to personal preference and needs.
Let's get a bunch of guys that like to go fast in the twisties together to rate a bunch of bikes that weren't intended to do that. This isn't a sportbike comparison, so stop treating them that way. And why on earth do people insist on reviewing the DCT version of the Honda EVERY TIME? DCT takes some time to get used to, and you want to use manual mode for more spirited riding. These guys sound like they don't even know there is a manual mode. Review the manual version or put on the foot shift lever kit so you don't have to figure out how to button shift. Well, if Honda still makes that kit anyway.
Yeah not much mention of freeway manners. Don't mind hearing about handling (we will be doing that too) but what about the place these bikes are built to live, the open road? Also, aren't these hinting at being able to survive an unpaved road at least? No, not jumping around and popping over logs like a dirt-bike, but how are they on gravel eh? This would be nice to know. This bothers me too. If one were to want, say, a review on the standard honda 750x; Too bad, it's almost impossible to find a decent one. Seems 'most every review features a DCT equipped bike and the journos spend 70%+ of the time on the transmission.
@@robertwilson325 Fair point. There is little doubt of that. But if the only thing we ever learn about the 750x is how DCT works; the marketers are screwing up IMHO. They should be giving out the standard bike at least 25% of the time, so those of us with no interest in DCT can see an occasional review.
I enjoyed what one reviewer said about the Honda... 'It's a bit too bland'. And it is. I took one for a demo ride, left the parking lot and I was ready to turn around and get off it. It's horribly boring. And the engine sounds like a sewing machine. All that's missing on the Honda is the training wheels.
The reviewers’ comments about the Honda were only about the DCT. It’s available with manual transmission if you prefer. What about everything else the bike offers? The Honda NC750X is the most popular in the UK and throughout Europe. It’s a great value and super convenient. I’m disappointed in the comments. But Honda is laughing to the bank if they heard you guys.
Been riding for 38yrs done the r1 zx10 faze in my 30s an 40s you get in 50s an realise you can't use that kind of power on the road anymore got myself a tracer 74bhp means you can rag it everywhere if u want in comfort and still get 55mpg makes sense imo .
Ride a Versys. The suspension is just too good and you can adjust it to your liking. I rode both back to back on mountain roads and while I indeed prefer the engine of the Tracer the suspension of the Versys was so much better it won my personal comparison by a lot.
Kawasaki for me. Cheaper than the V Strom and these guys forgot to mention the Strom's larger front wheel. Kawy has to be better handling. Plus Kawasaki is just cooler than Suzuki.
I couldn't believe the guy 2nd from right: Too fast, too mumbly, and sinking to a whisper at the end of sentences. Does he not WANT anyone to understand what he's saying??? The guy on the far right isn't much better, with his fast, mumbly speech. I'm Scottish, but have been watching English TV programmes all my life, so find English accents easy to understand, but these two guys: For crying out loud get them some elocution lessons!
I'm English and live in York and that's my back yard they're riding in. I think they showed the NY Moors as well as they spoke. Then again, I have DL650 with 35k on the clock and don't want any of the others featured. Its reliable, economical, torque when you need it, super simple to ride if you're over 5'10" and does everything. My other bikes a CBR954RR and they are totally different.
Great video, nice job. I was an owner of a Triumph Tiger 1050 but it's time for changes.. I am between of Tracer and Versys.. I think that Kawasaki will be my next bike..
Good and informative review..... An under-rated sector of the bike market.....for sensible folks who want an economical , comfortable and enjoyable bike for all round use. The Honda is a great bike and comes in manual trans option too The Yamaha is excellent VFM and looks good No mention of the 270deg firing order which is a subtle extra reason to enjoy a modern parallel twin..... Good to see a broad view of what is available at various price points.....
Difficult to make (for long established riders) these mid range bikes exciting. However the photography & the formation riding kept me watching till the end.
Back then that was the Vstrom of the time. I agree that the new one looks so much better (that's my only downside to the Suzuki and the generation they tested was by far the ugliest looking one, even the 2005 gen one is much better looking than that!)
Mid-weight Sports Tourers ... ok but everything apart Tracer has other pros like: - for city traffic: NC750, - for 2-Up: V-Strom, - for gravel roads: only Tracer sucks, the best would be GS and V-Strom XT. The table should contain travel suspension. Majority of those bikes should be tested in category of universality. Sports touring is a domain of more expensive bikes. Besides,
thinking on versys vs tracer, and prefering better suspensions, luggage integration, and better size for > 5.11.. would make sense to wait for 2017 new engine/model with euro 4?
I have ridden a FZ/MT07, and the engine is sweet. Great rumble after new exhaust, enough torque to throw you off, just a great engine. Plus with the money saved, $600 or so can be put into improving the suspension. Mush easier to upgrade the suspension than the engine. Again, i fell in love with that engine, liked it better than my 600Fazer.
Really nice selection. I'm interested in all of these. Good run down. But did you help me decide? :) You just left me thinking I have to have all of them! :) Thanks anyway.
Obviously these lads are bike snobs and would laugh at your nerve if you parked one of these bikes beside their steel horse outside their local after a hard day on the twisties . Seems to me they call bikes from 6/8k budget when in reality thats what most bikes should cost if you compare the cost to cars. i can guarantee some of these lads are the type that ride various brands of sports bikes and look like transformers when they are in their leather race suits that are at least 3 sizes too small for them. Laughable.
If you could only have one bike and are married with a family on a budget perspective::: Great vid tough class to judge for sure. These bikes are ones that grow on you and become personal friends the more you ride. The NC750x is just a problem free, economical, get it done bike... great for riders who want to do it all but don't care about doing it easily. It grows on you. I have the cb500x and live in NYC and it just gets better everyday and is perfect city bike all the way... the vstrom is best choice by far well. It's a do it all machine and do it with comfort and excellence, great machine super reliable and is loaded up.. the do it all bike. All in all if I were to choose today what I would trade my cb500x inn for it would have to be the vstrom 650 xt. Now if the vstrom could make their fuel tank storage like the nc then even better...
"I want to know what gear I'm in" What a stupid comment from someone who rides bikes for a living. Better think about another career. If you NEED a gear indicator you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle.
I completely agree with you, but you have to ask yourself why Kawasaki decided not to give you a gear indicator. I mean, it costs them zero money, you may not need it 99% of the time but once or twice you might like to have it and above all, it doesn't hurt anybody to have it. Having a gear indicator is just a plus, it has no side effects, so why not?
For a variety of reasons, I neither want or need a liter bike. My Honda VFR was more than capable as a sports tourer and my BMW F800st, which has every bell and whistle option is even better as a tourer. Not as fast? Who really cares. Where are you going to legally do more than 125 mph in any event? As for touring, it's great having a bike that will actually get as much as 65 mpg, if you ride it at legal speeds and manage your right wrist appropriately. Would I have liked another gallon of fuel? Of course, but unless I'm riding way off the beaten path, (which I won't be on a belt driven touring bike), I see little advantage. I just have to stop more often and stretch my legs, while getting fuel. Simple.
Nc750x dct, which has been an absurd and unrealistic test and interpretation, is a superior motorcycle with the most functional and least fuel consumption, running at the lowest speed and having the longest engine life without any problems.
Good Lord I kept hearing faint sound of children yelling I kept taking off my headphones and checking on my kids in bed, finally realized it's coming from this video LMAO. listeners beware, now back to the reviews :P
First bike? I owned about 10 different bikes including a few liter bikes but now thinking about my first Tracer 700... Here in Israel they don’t hold value quite as good as the others. Cheers 🍻 BB
All these bikes are nearly £1000 more expensive now (Oct 2017) I guess that the price of a low ££ exchange rate , wait till interest rates go up and the ££s worth more all these bikes will be cheaper (not)
Incredible level of patronising comments in this video. ‘Well we’re very serious riders and wouldn’t be seen dead on these bikes but if you’re new or a bit sad, I guess they’re alright. Anyway let’s discuss how unbelievably cool I look in my Oakleys!’ (when in reality I look like Plug out of the Beano) Wowser.
Thanks a million for this great review. Would you kindly point which one radiated the least amount of heat and which left the rider cooked too well? Looking forward to your kind reply, keep up the good work ;-)
I"ve owned a Versys and currently own a V-Strom. Neither of those bikes get hot for the rider. Love my Strom. Had a CB500X, too. Good little bike, but the Strom feels like a Cadillac compared to that CB500X.
Hey, I guess there is no difference between adventur touring and sports touring for reviewers anymore. And please, dont always review DCT versions of the Honda bikes - thank yooouuu! :)
Exactly this. the tracer is the only bike that's not specifically marketed as having off road capabilities AFAIK. Why would they not talk about dirt prowess and how is this not an adventure bike roundup? None of this makes any sense.
Whaaaaaat.... these are SPORTS TOURERS? I remember when that term used to describe proper bikes with 100 horses, fantastic wind protection and good pillion accommodation that sounded great and could slice and dice in the twisties. These were your ZZRs, RFs, Thundercats, VFRs etc. Now it's used to describe budget bikes with wheezy half engines (2-pot inline).
On what freaking planet is the Honda NC700X a 'sports' tourer? Even considering the tame and sensible level of some of these bikes, Honda doesn't have one for this category.
Negative comments about DCT I have one among 3 bikes I own. Yes the DCT can be annoying in certain circumstances but you have manual mode and sports mode and I tend to use manual in stop start stuff or village traffic bc I can predict when not to change up. I can not get ove the dumb comment from this tester who utterly failed to grasp this. Manual mode is a bomb. I have a 2018 BMW R1200 Rt and it is a great machine but I often (50%) take the DCT Honda out because it is so nice to ride. "its for someone who wants a scooter" says the presenter. Man you are not very smart at all ae you? I would ride a lawn mower if someone took two wheels off it. I ride my wifes scooter as well bc its bloody fun. I have ridden MotoX and owned over 20 machines and the DCT is great. It allows you to chose slack auto, sports auto and clutchless manual according to how you feel and where you are riding. It is definitely a big plus not a negative. Maybe some people are too manly for it? Sucks to be that insecure .
AAAAAARRRRGGGHHHH that phrase again, 'good first bike'. Why shouldn't any of these bikes be a keeper? So much of motorcycling now is geared towards the expectation that everyone wants a litre bike and anyone who doesn't is tagged as a learner or a wuss.
Totally agree. I'm looking at the new Honda CR650F and for me it'll be a keeper. More than enough horse power and overall a pretty good bike.
Isn't this the oldest myth in motorcycling. Bigger is better, or everything under 8-900cc is for beginners.
My mates and I all ride 500-750's and have been riding for 7years (25 now started at 18). None of use feel the need for a bigger bike, except for looks or boasting.
We all started on mopeds, 125cc or small bikes and have come to an equilibrium between power and practicality.
Don't let these fools get in your head. Riding a litre bike only makes sense if you need 100+ bhp. Most of the cars you see riding around are little litre cars up to 1.6. Then you have BMW, Merc and so. And only a small percent drive supercars.
Compare small cars to bikes up to 500cc's BMW/Merc to 500-750cc's and everything up Tuned-/super-/hyper cars to 800+.
Sorry for the long, boring answer. Greets
F Vl Exactly, who needs a 1000cc bike when you're probably only going to utilize 30-40% of its potential 80% of the time. Its like us Americans and our stupid big car/truck engines and obsession with "bigger = better".. Honestly its kinda dumb and just plain inefficient. But that's just my opinion on it. Maybe I'll feel the need for the excessive someday too. lol
Agree! I had bikes starting with a 500cc and the biggest was a 1600cc. I've been riding for more than 30 years and I've had alot of bikes. I now have an MT07 and I love it! :-)
seriously ?
when I got my SV, said "it has more power than any 600cc superbike below 8000rpm"
now I got a CBR 600, but I keep the SV, because it's still true, a MT07 destroys it in the mountain roads
been riding for 30 years , as for the versys i am on my third from that range which is the 650 GT 2016 model ....first bike my arse ....transalp 700,bandit 1250, deauville 700 etc etc etc...having toured all over europe and the UK fully loaded with camping gear i have come to realize that a 70bhp bike is all i need to fulfill my needs when it comes to touring......in my humble opinion you can keep your overpriced heavyweights with all the silly electronics which complicates repairs and ramps up the insurance ....the versys 650 GT is Eco friendly . super comfy, will cruise nicely with a full load of camping gear on the motorway at 80 mph all day long and some :)
Total agree.
I drive a 990 ktm superduke for 5 years now but like i drive all year around i would love to change to 1 of theze. Are you realy sure i would not be let down a bit greets
I tried some adventure and tourers, it’s just my opinion but you really need those 100+ hp from a bike!!! That moment when you’re on Autobahn approaching Aachen to Belgium keeping to Calais and you have that 1000-1200-1300cc and 120-160hp keeping 140km/h and all that comes with a good wind protection, my god you wouldn’t want to be on a 650-700cc bike!!!! 😂😂😂 sorry for my English
@@nickvdk1666 KTM is poor quality.
i would say honda cbr, cbx 500 would be enough.
I have kawasaky versys 650 2017,my friend jamaha traser 700,another friend Nc750x,etc...we have good time with our bikes,I like mine,he like his etc..all of them good bikes,You ride what you like and for what you need your bike
Tracer 700 is not a first bike. Stop with that "first bike" thing for all the bikes under 100HP.
My first bike is a Honda NTV 650 and I'm switching now to the Tracer 700 but keeping the NTV. Reliable old work horse.
It probably just a marketing thing. In the real world, 50 to 100 HP is actually pretty high and fast. Will go faster than 99% of roads will let you all day ery day.
For real. The only bike that one could argue is a good "first bike" here would be the nc750x. And I'd only say that for a rider that's relatively tall and/or heavy. Like if a 21 year old that was 6'+ and 200+ lbs that wanted a first bike that could pull him along the freeway, I'd try to talk him into something in the 400cc class, but if they insisted on a bigger bike, I'd say a royal enfield 650 or maybe the nc750x.
Any of these other bikes are simply too much for someone that doesn't have at least a basic grasp on the principles of motorcycling.
@@sparkythewildcat97 I’m a new rider, doing the direct access, I’m considering a bike in this class, like the Versys 650, or I’m thinking of a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Any thoughts?
Three of them chose the Versys, it is because it is the best balanced, it is sporty enough, it is agile, it has the best suspensions, some of the best brakes, aesthetically one of the most beautiful, good price, that is, put all that in the balance, the Versys is the best.
I agree!!! 👌👌
My versys has 2 brothers pipe, love
d it, pops farts, loud
I think BMW is more balanced
Get the impression the guy on the far right of the camera wants BMW S1000R suspension, at least 150 bhp, premium features and electronics at a price slotting in with the Yamaha. Otherwise most everything is crap according to him.
I've owned bikes my entire life. Every kind of bike. I left my cruiser phase behind years ago. At 58yrs old, I was looking for my LAST bike. The Versys 650 was the perfect choice for me. Perfect for some twisty fun on the back roads with the occaisional Hwy trip. Wife enjoys the back seat with the back-rest on the luggage box for the 2-3 times a year I can get her to take a weekend trip to a B&B with me. Perfect all-around bike for my style of riding.
Pretty much every jurno hates the NC750X and I'm guessing Honda foist the DCT on them because they'd hate short shifting the manual all the time even more. It's never going to win the hearts of people who like to race around, it IS winning the hearts of those that use them to commute every day - which is what it's for.
The 500X and the NC750X are totally different, the rev range and how you use it give a completely different ride. NC tops out at 6.5k rpm the 500x is just over 8.5k. Sure they can both do the same job but the NC is a relaxed commuter, it's an acquired taste.
The 500x is just like every other bike (power aside), you can't ride the NC like that and if you try you'll fail, if that's what you* want from the NC you* bought the wrong bike.
* I use you as a general term, not you specifically Peter :)
Ok, I'm probably biased, I have a 700X which suits my commute perfectly - I don't need to be faster than other bikes, just the other traffic :) - I get accused of being used to the 'slow' the 'boring' but I don't think that's the case. I took out the new Africa Twin for a couple of hours yesterday and other than the lovely suspension was completely underwhelmed by it. I'm currently looking for either a 2nd bike for fun or an upgrade to the NC to do both, I hoped the AT would be the solution. It's not. I digress.
I don't know which NC you had, the brakes on mine are perfectly fine, they cope very well indeed and I've *never* *ever* had an issue with them even with spirited riding and can certainly bring the bike from 70 to a stop with little effort on my part. That might be due in part to my 100kg mass, but that mass also removes the seat as uncomfortable too - so it has pluses ;)
The original 700 has C-ABS which was removed on the 750s to cut costs - I know some don't like them, I'm fine with C-ABS.
I presume your bike was DCT which would account for the lack of engine braking, it's essentially an automatic, so that's what you get. Manual has more than enough engine braking. Perhaps DCT and the lack of engine braking was part of your brakes issue? I never liked DCT myself. I had a loan bike out while mine was being serviced and it changed gear as I was leaning going round a roundabout. Back end kicked out and scared the bejebus out of me.
Screen is an issue for me, I have the touring screen fitted, depending on the wind direction it can be noisy but it's primarily for protection when winter riding.
you actually make me worry. NC was one of my favourite bike for upgrading in the future and now i change my decision. it is good the read people reviews.
Cheers
Amin matin
If you allow me to add my opinion....
I do ride the NC700S, manual version, since 2013 and in my opinion it's one of the most versatile and user friendly bikes ever built by Honda ! I am now heading towards 60000 km and have had zero problems with the bike ! Of course it's not a racer but in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency and with that storage compartment it's my everyday companion that I don't want to miss anymore. Maintenance is also super easy and can be handled by anyone who had some motorcycle experience before. To comment on the lack of power, well my 'dream bike' would be a NC1000S, same size bike with the motor of the new Africa Twin .....
Just saying.....
Safe rides !!!
Hi Andree,
many thanks for sharing your opinion. I love to ask people question. I do agree with you on reliability of Honda compare to all other brans. I am getting into a situation where I have to choose sell car or motorbike?
I looked seriously at all these choices, besides the BMW. Rode the CB500x and the NC700x same day, and being that the dealer had a 1-mile 2015 700x manual in the showroom for $4999, that got my money and I absolutely love it.
Not interested in mpg?! I can assure you the people looking at these small adventure bikes are interested in mpg. Otherwise great review
True, not only adventuring, but daily commute. As someone who drives a Silverado with 18 MPG.
MPG on a motorcycle is my most important priority.
My SV650 gets 51 MPG.
John Roe Them the Honda wins all the way. Reliable, quality, economic
These bikes all are considered commuter bikes... MPG is very important for commuters... it has to be cheaper than Public Transport.
Stepping down to smaller bikes is the choice of the rider anybody can go fast on a liter bike but it is more fun and shows you are a better rider if you can be smoother and maintain your speed on a 600. It also shows more skill and common sense
Yea...and 'new rider' too - why wouldn't an older rider own a 650? How is the tracer a first bike? Such bollox - my first bike has stabilisers on it! MCN reviews are always dumb
I have to give it to Honda, first of all for the DCT, without which i cannot do anymore. Than there's the storage compartment, nice suspension, economical and smooth engine, general feel of quality, and above all these, RELIABILITY. There's a guy on YT with a NC DCT that toured all the Asia in difficult road conditions and made 230.000km with only a water pump failure. And the engile still doesn't burn or leak any oil and bike runs like a dream. That has to mean something for anyone with a decent sense of reality .
If you've never had a gear indicator, you don't realize what a great feature it is. I ride a V-Strom 650, great bike, and the gear indicator is something that I use all the time.
45 years riding with over 300k lifetime miles mostly on 1000cc+ bikes. Riding a Versys 650 today. I've done 350 mile days of twisty smokey mountain roads, close to 1000 mile touring days at 85+ mph, and daily commuting. This is the best bike I've ever owned for what I want from a motorcycle which is everything except technical off roading. Drag hard parts aggressively and confidently in twists, 2nd gear wheelies. Other than 2up touring, the need for more bike seems to be more about ego and having something to prove. While im on a rant, why do you need a gear indicator? A tachometer is all you need to manage gear selection. Sorry, guess im a little cranky this morning.
well I've got a versys with gear indicator and hand guards,awesome bike and it's in orange happy days!
Love my Versys too!
Tracer 700 with optional Ohlins rear shock. Amazing value for money.
3 of the 5 reviewers went Kawasaki Versys.
they should've went SUZUKI VSTROM, WAYYYY better bike than either of these.
@@mrerm8315 Have to agree. The V-Strom's engine is flawless. The Versys has a paint mixer for an engine.
Versys BEST moto of All 5!!!
Suzuki and bmw sucks
Overall a good bunch of motorcycles.!. Only one thing that is hardly ever talked about in reviews / road tests like these, and that would be the night riding capabilities they offer. I think this aspect of buying a bike is just as necessary, or maybe more so for all would be riders.
fair point about night riding
I've owned the NC, rode the Versys, and currently have the Tracer. As far as I'm concerned, the Tracer beats all of them to the weeds, fun wise. I miss the practical aspect of the NC, and couldn't connect to the Versys. All of them are great bikes, frugal in consumption and excellent for commuting, touring or weekend riding. It all comes down to personal preference and needs.
Can you compare it with the nc750x dct,
Let's get a bunch of guys that like to go fast in the twisties together to rate a bunch of bikes that weren't intended to do that.
This isn't a sportbike comparison, so stop treating them that way.
And why on earth do people insist on reviewing the DCT version of the Honda EVERY TIME?
DCT takes some time to get used to, and you want to use manual mode for more spirited riding.
These guys sound like they don't even know there is a manual mode.
Review the manual version or put on the foot shift lever kit so you don't have to figure out how to button shift.
Well, if Honda still makes that kit anyway.
Yeah not much mention of freeway manners. Don't mind hearing about handling (we will be doing that too) but what about the place these bikes are built to live, the open road? Also, aren't these hinting at being able to survive an unpaved road at least? No, not jumping around and popping over logs like a dirt-bike, but how are they on gravel eh? This would be nice to know.
This bothers me too. If one were to want, say, a review on the standard honda 750x; Too bad, it's almost impossible to find a decent one. Seems 'most every review features a DCT equipped bike and the journos spend 70%+ of the time on the transmission.
I think Honda is pushing DCT and they want the reviewers to use that version...my 2 cents..
@@robertwilson325 Fair point. There is little doubt of that. But if the only thing we ever learn about the 750x is how DCT works; the marketers are screwing up IMHO. They should be giving out the standard bike at least 25% of the time, so those of us with no interest in DCT can see an occasional review.
I enjoyed what one reviewer said about the Honda... 'It's a bit too bland'. And it is. I took one for a demo ride, left the parking lot and I was ready to turn around and get off it. It's horribly boring. And the engine sounds like a sewing machine. All that's missing on the Honda is the training wheels.
These guys just need a track day XD. hehehhe. For us normal folk a 700 CC bike is not a beginner bike. And 7k is not a budget Bike. But whatevs.
please do it again for 2018-2019 models
The nc750x dct is an amazing motorcycle, more logical and long-lasting than the others, the most logical of them all
Suzuki Vstrom 650 - undisputed best in class.
Comfortable, well built and economical
BMW - is at other end of extreme pricing
That is definitely disputed..
The MPG in the test is suspicious (50, the lowest).
3 of the 5 reviewers in the vid would dispute your claim, Maruti.
I have the BMW f700gs and it is a wonderful ride! thanks from Montreal...
Entry level? Starter Bikes? For Newbies? Who in the heck needs a gear indicator? C'mon man, those are all excellent bikes for all skill levels.
The reviewers’ comments about the Honda were only about the DCT. It’s available with manual transmission if you prefer. What about everything else the bike offers? The Honda NC750X is the most popular in the UK and throughout Europe. It’s a great value and super convenient. I’m disappointed in the comments. But Honda is laughing to the bank if they heard you guys.
Thank you... I'm going to buy a Tracer ;)
Manual NC750X is my favorite
Versys 650 vs NC750X vs Yamaha Tracer 700 vs V-Storm 650 vs BMW F700GS Rallye vs CB500X
Love that Versys
Been riding for 38yrs done the r1 zx10 faze in my 30s an 40s you get in 50s an realise you can't use that kind of power on the road anymore got myself a tracer 74bhp means you can rag it everywhere if u want in comfort and still get 55mpg makes sense imo .
Hello, isn't it time to see the updated versions please?
trecer is the best looking and less expensive one.
I definitely go for it
Adrian Barnard ｎ
Ride a Versys. The suspension is just too good and you can adjust it to your liking. I rode both back to back on mountain roads and while I indeed prefer the engine of the Tracer the suspension of the Versys was so much better it won my personal comparison by a lot.
Cheaper to upgrade the suspension on a bike with a great engine, then to upgrade the engine on a bike with great suspension.
Kawasaki for me. Cheaper than the V Strom and these guys forgot to mention the Strom's larger front wheel. Kawy has to be better handling. Plus Kawasaki is just cooler than Suzuki.
Great video! Thanks! Only thing is sometimes it's hard to understand what the guys are saying because they tend to mumble at ends of sentences.
They tend to mumble all the time. Very hard to understand for non-native eng speaker
I couldn't believe the guy 2nd from right: Too fast, too mumbly, and sinking to a whisper at the end of sentences. Does he not WANT anyone to understand what he's saying???
The guy on the far right isn't much better, with his fast, mumbly speech.
I'm Scottish, but have been watching English TV programmes all my life, so find English accents easy to understand, but these two guys: For crying out loud get them some elocution lessons!
Zoharargov I think it's a british thing. I notice it more with U.K. people.
I also had a really hard time understanding these guys. And Im a very good English speaker though Im portuguese!
I'm English and live in York and that's my back yard they're riding in. I think they showed the NY Moors as well as they spoke. Then again, I have DL650 with 35k on the clock and don't want any of the others featured. Its reliable, economical, torque when you need it, super simple to ride if you're over 5'10" and does everything. My other bikes a CBR954RR and they are totally different.
Great video, nice job.
I was an owner of a Triumph Tiger 1050 but it's time for changes..
I am between of Tracer and Versys..
I think that Kawasaki will be my next bike..
Good and informative review.....
An under-rated sector of the bike market.....for sensible folks who want an economical , comfortable and enjoyable bike for all round use.
The Honda is a great bike and comes in manual trans option too
The Yamaha is excellent VFM and looks good
No mention of the 270deg firing order which is a subtle extra reason to enjoy a modern parallel twin.....
Good to see a broad view of what is available at various price points.....
Well I am poor so I will get myself first big bike a Yamaha FZS600 FAZER. Coming from Kawasaki Er-5
Hondac 750 x Dct n 1° !
Difficult to make (for long established riders) these mid range bikes exciting. However the photography & the formation riding kept me watching till the end.
I love my 2018 Kawasaki Versys 650GT :) The gear indicator is a lot better in this model now!
Great review and format
It's a pity the 2017 DL650 wasn't in the test... could've pushed it back a bit
Back then that was the Vstrom of the time. I agree that the new one looks so much better (that's my only downside to the Suzuki and the generation they tested was by far the ugliest looking one, even the 2005 gen one is much better looking than that!)
This needs subtitles. Sorry, but I don't know what You guys mumbling about for half of a time...
Suzuki V strom 650 XT or Yamaha Tracer 700 GT? (the new ones) Sooo hard to decide....
V Twin. You know it makes sense. The new VStrom has gone a bit bonkers with the Woody Woodpecker look alikey front end but it's great value
Mid-weight Sports Tourers ... ok but everything apart Tracer has other pros like:
- for city traffic: NC750,
- for 2-Up: V-Strom,
- for gravel roads: only Tracer sucks, the best would be GS and V-Strom XT. The table should contain travel suspension.
Majority of those bikes should be tested in category of universality. Sports touring is a domain of more expensive bikes. Besides,
My main ride is a 300Kg Cruiser so if I also want a lighter/nimbler Tracer for quick trips in to town to the Liquor store it’s not a, “First Bike”.
awesome work guys.. loved the whole review.. keep it up :)
Yamaha could sell a bunch of Tracers in the US. Don't understand why they don't. The only lightweight sport touring bike we have is the Versys 650.
Could someone please translate this into English? Ha!
A decisively undecided review. The takeaway is that they are all great bikes.
I love my NC 750X
how many mpg do you get? i found a website that claims they get 80 mpg.
thinking on versys vs tracer, and prefering better suspensions, luggage integration, and better size for > 5.11.. would make sense to wait for 2017 new engine/model with euro 4?
If the Tracer is just half as fun to ride as the MT 07, then go for the Tracer. The engine is a peach. :-)
I have ridden a FZ/MT07, and the engine is sweet. Great rumble after new exhaust, enough torque to throw you off, just a great engine. Plus with the money saved, $600 or so can be put into improving the suspension. Mush easier to upgrade the suspension than the engine. Again, i fell in love with that engine, liked it better than my 600Fazer.
Hope you waited to test drive a 17' v-strom
Really nice selection. I'm interested in all of these. Good run down. But did you help me decide? :) You just left me thinking I have to have all of them! :) Thanks anyway.
Obviously these lads are bike snobs and would laugh at your nerve if you parked one of these bikes beside their steel horse outside their local after a hard day on the twisties . Seems to me they call bikes from 6/8k budget when in reality thats what most bikes should cost if you compare the cost to cars. i can guarantee some of these lads are the type that ride various brands of sports bikes and look like transformers when they are in their leather race suits that are at least 3 sizes too small for them. Laughable.
Exactly what I was thinking! Spot on.
Thanks for the video.
Looking for my first bike and these will fit what I’m looking for
perfectly. I have no desire to get a litre bike .
nc750x dct would be the best if it was done overall in this test at least it would be the 1st
Great video! And a well written review. I would be hard-pressed to choose between the Tracer and the Versys.
What did you decide on in the end?
@@Drakelett A 1290 Super Duke R 🤣😂
@@paulocarreiro5855 😂😂
If you could only have one bike and are married with a family on a budget perspective::: Great vid tough class to judge for sure. These bikes are ones that grow on you and become personal friends the more you ride. The NC750x is just a problem free, economical, get it done bike... great for riders who want to do it all but don't care about doing it easily. It grows on you. I have the cb500x and live in NYC and it just gets better everyday and is perfect city bike all the way... the vstrom is best choice by far well. It's a do it all machine and do it with comfort and excellence, great machine super reliable and is loaded up.. the do it all bike. All in all if I were to choose today what I would trade my cb500x inn for it would have to be the vstrom 650 xt. Now if the vstrom could make their fuel tank storage like the nc then even better...
Excellent review, well done
"I want to know what gear I'm in" What a stupid comment from someone who rides bikes for a living. Better think about another career. If you NEED a gear indicator you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle.
2017 Both Versys 650 and 1000 got gear indicators. I'm sure he's breathing easy now.
I completely agree with you, but you have to ask yourself why Kawasaki decided not to give you a gear indicator. I mean, it costs them zero money, you may not need it 99% of the time but once or twice you might like to have it and above all, it doesn't hurt anybody to have it. Having a gear indicator is just a plus, it has no side effects, so why not?
all that is needed is neutral indicator.
I shake my head every time some "expert" laments that a bike lacks a gear indicator.
CBR650F - Sport tourer a.k.a the best all rounder imho
I like the BMW and the Honda 750. Both are great bikes but very different of course. I own a Honda nc750x and its just so dang fun to ride!
thanks, all, nice reviews.
V-Strom is good on the interstate, but Versys beats them ALL in the twisties.
For a variety of reasons, I neither want or need a liter bike. My Honda VFR was more than capable as a sports tourer and my BMW F800st, which has every bell and whistle option is even better as a tourer. Not as fast? Who really cares. Where are you going to legally do more than 125 mph in any event? As for touring, it's great having a bike that will actually get as much as 65 mpg, if you ride it at legal speeds and manage your right wrist appropriately. Would I have liked another gallon of fuel? Of course, but unless I'm riding way off the beaten path, (which I won't be on a belt driven touring bike), I see little advantage. I just have to stop more often and stretch my legs, while getting fuel. Simple.
What’s with all the children chattering in the background? Creepy
Nc750x dct, which has been an absurd and unrealistic test and interpretation, is a superior motorcycle with the most functional and least fuel consumption, running at the lowest speed and having the longest engine life without any problems.
VSTROM covers all bases.
Good Lord I kept hearing faint sound of children yelling I kept taking off my headphones and checking on my kids in bed, finally realized it's coming from this video LMAO. listeners beware, now back to the reviews :P
Excellent shootout. Not from the UK myself but I'm surprised the Triumph tiger is not here. It is probably better than all of these
First bike?
I owned about 10 different bikes including a few liter bikes but now thinking about my first Tracer 700...
Here in Israel they don’t hold value quite as good as the others.
Cheers 🍻
BB
Does anyone know many mpg the Honda NC750X gets?
It's meant to get over 80mpgs
All these bikes are nearly £1000 more expensive now (Oct 2017) I guess that the price of a low ££ exchange rate , wait till interest rates go up and the ££s worth more all these bikes will be cheaper (not)
just the bike review i was looking for. could'nt understand a word you guys were saying, might wanna try english.
tracer every time. Suzuki too old, Honda is a courier bike, Kawasaki is good all rounder, BMW service costs not mentioned, strange that....
Triumph tiger is better and cheaper than all these bikes, no idea why it wasn't in this list.
Nice Video 👍🏍
Incredible level of patronising comments in this video. ‘Well we’re very serious riders and wouldn’t be seen dead on these bikes but if you’re new or a bit sad, I guess they’re alright. Anyway let’s discuss how unbelievably cool I look in my Oakleys!’ (when in reality I look like Plug out of the Beano) Wowser.
I find a level of smugness associated with bennetts presentations.
@@seanadamson280 Agreed, not a great look. I may have a tiny channel compared to there's but if I ever act like this feel free to abuse me at length!
@@BikingChap👍subscribed.
@@seanadamson280 you're a star, thanks Sean. Keep me honest eh? ;)
Who needs a gear indicator?
It would have been a good lineup, but yall forgot the KTM 790.
Great shout but it wasn’t around when we recorded this video.
Thanks a million for this great review. Would you kindly point which one radiated the least amount of heat and which left the rider cooked too well?
Looking forward to your kind reply, keep up the good work ;-)
I"ve owned a Versys and currently own a V-Strom. Neither of those bikes get hot for the rider. Love my Strom. Had a CB500X, too. Good little bike, but the Strom feels like a Cadillac compared to that CB500X.
Learned absolutely nothing ..nadda zilch about any of these bikes ..what a waste of time.
Hey, I guess there is no difference between adventur touring and sports touring for reviewers anymore. And please, dont always review DCT versions of the Honda bikes - thank yooouuu! :)
Exactly this. the tracer is the only bike that's not specifically marketed as having off road capabilities AFAIK. Why would they not talk about dirt prowess and how is this not an adventure bike roundup? None of this makes any sense.
Great quality vid, have a subscribe gentlemen
Quality video is 44teeth. This is just noisy music, a few flybys, and mumbling men.
adventure tourer....not sports tourer.
Nope
I don't get why anyone needs their hands held by getting a gear indication. Can you not tell if you are in the right or wrong gear?
BMW: engine did everything it was supposed to do. I guess it broke down, as this is what BMWs do these days.
Whaaaaaat.... these are SPORTS TOURERS?
I remember when that term used to describe proper bikes with 100 horses, fantastic wind protection and good pillion accommodation that sounded great and could slice and dice in the twisties. These were your ZZRs, RFs, Thundercats, VFRs etc.
Now it's used to describe budget bikes with wheezy half engines (2-pot inline).
That is why they are called mid-weight Sports Tourers.
Excellent.
I wish that this was in English.
BMW is overpriced, and will break down soon.
A bit old ...5 years? I would kill for a five year old bike. Theses journos are so out of touch.
On what freaking planet is the Honda NC700X a 'sports' tourer? Even considering the tame and sensible level of some of these bikes, Honda doesn't have one for this category.
Negative comments about DCT I have one among 3 bikes I own. Yes the DCT can be annoying in certain circumstances but you have manual mode and sports mode and I tend to use manual in stop start stuff or village traffic bc I can predict when not to change up. I can not get ove the dumb comment from this tester who utterly failed to grasp this. Manual mode is a bomb. I have a 2018 BMW R1200 Rt and it is a great machine but I often (50%) take the DCT Honda out because it is so nice to ride. "its for someone who wants a scooter" says the presenter. Man you are not very smart at all ae you? I would ride a lawn mower if someone took two wheels off it. I ride my wifes scooter as well bc its bloody fun. I have ridden MotoX and owned over 20 machines and the DCT is great. It allows you to chose slack auto, sports auto and clutchless manual according to how you feel and where you are riding. It is definitely a big plus not a negative. Maybe some people are too manly for it? Sucks to be that insecure
.
poor audio
Whereabouts Robert?
on my mac powerbook @@bennettsbikesocial
bmwf800gt is better than all of those !
Those are some heavy bikes, 6000-7000 pounds +/-! ;) (yes, I'm kidding)
The bloke who is annoyed by everything is annoying.
The NC is only for city driving.
No problem Nc goes all the way