Honda Canada reveals new NC750 models for 2014

Launched two years ago as two brand new models – aimed to provide user-friendly motorcycles that were both affordable to buy and run while proving an attractive, enjoyable proposition for a wide variety of riders. For 2014, an extra 75cc capacity was added to the liquid-cooled, SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine thanks to a bore increased 4mm to 77mm. Stroke remains at 80mm, as does compression ratio of 10.7:1. Both power and torque curves are considerably stronger throughout the entire rev-range.

The larger 745cc engine capacities give the NCs more power and more torque throughout the entire rev-range, whilst delivering the pride in ownership of a full 750cc motorcycle.

The gearing is taller but acceleration and top speed are both improved, while the addition of twin-balancer shafts and new exhaust muffler ensure a smooth yet characterful engine feel.

The design of the engine ensures punchy performance in the low-to-mid range. Its relatively long-stroke architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers combine with the high-inertial mass crankshaft to produce large amounts of effortless torque from very low rpm.

In addition Honda’s engineers have added an extra balancer shaft to inject the engine with just the right amount of ‘good’ vibration. The effect of the twin balancers is to counteract vibration from higher rpm inertia and the engine feels more refined, yet still with the distinct "throb" delivered by its 270° firing order.
A new muffler design with heavily revised internals to regulate backpressure due to the capacity increase further adds to the riding experience, with an improved beat and exhaust note.

The overall gearing is now 6% taller, giving an increased top speed and more relaxed highway cruising; another effect of the taller gearing is to broaden the usable rpm range relative to road speed.

There are other benefits to the NC’s engine configuration. It is both practical and efficient in terms of layout, freeing up space within the body of the motorcycle – thus making room for the large storage compartment, capable of taking a full-face helmet.

By keeping the number of parts to a minimum, the engine is kept light (62.4kg), efficient and reliable. There is just one 36mm throttle body and where possible components are made to do more than one job; the camshaft drives the water pump, while one of the balancer shafts drives the oil pump.

Thanks to extensive stoichiometric analysis during development the engine is always fed the exact fuel/air ratio required for a complete and clean burn at all rpm in any riding situation. Fuel consumption is particularly impressive and goes a long way toward making the NCs inexpensive to run day to day. You will see approximately a 400km plus range from the 14+ litre underseat fuel tank.

The clean combustion also minimizes harmful exhaust gas emissions; PGM-FI fuel injection system supplies the optimum amount of fuel/air mixture thanks to an 02 sensor in the exhaust. A revised high-absorption catalyser is located close to the engine – as a result the catalyst reaches operating temperature quickly after a cold start, further reducing emissions.

The NC’s rugged steel diamond frame delivers the high levels of rigidity required for agile, responsive handling in a variety of conditions. It’s also ideal where space is at a premium, since it takes up very little volume but offers superb riding dynamics.

The front 320mm wavy disc and two-piston brake caliper offer plenty of easy to modulate stopping power, complemented by the rear 240mm wavy disc and single-piston caliper. Lightweight two-channel ABS – fitted as standard equipment – greatly reduces the chance of wheel lock-ups on slippery or wet road surfaces. The addition of a 6-position span-adjustable brake lever for 2014 adds adaptability.

Cast aluminium front and rear wheels – sizes 17 x 3.50-inch and 17 x 4.50-inch – wear sporty 120/70 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 tyres.

The clear and easy-to-read instrument display features a digital speedometer, digital bar-type tachometer, clock, bar-type fuel meter and two trip meters. Additional instrumentation, plus a pan-adjustable brake lever and 2-channel ABS round out the updates.

NC750S
The naked NC700S – Its concept was New Concept – Fun Naked and the combination of
innovative, torquey parallel twin-cylinder engine, low centre of gravity and nimble, confidence
inspiring chassis – plus exceptional fuel economy – has made popular with both genders.

With a rake is set at 27° with trail of 110mm, wheelbase of 1,525mm and front/rear weight
distribution of 48/52. Seat height is 790mm and the ergonomics put the rider firmly in control,
with handlebars just a relaxed reach away. The width of the handlebars offers excellent
leverage at all speeds and with 35° of steering lock – plus low centre of gravity – the NC750S
is perfect for cutting through the busiest city streets. Passengers are made comfortable with
twin grab handles.

The 41mm telescopic forks feature 120mm stroke. The rear monoshock also has 120mm travel and operates through Pro-Link which offers an optimized balance of a soft initial stroke, for dealing with low-speed bumps, together with excellent control.

Colour: Mat Black; Candy Arcadian Red
Price: TBD

NC750X
The NC700X – is a popular bike in the Canadian market place but it has become one of the
best selling motorcycles in Europe. Its combination of torque-laden parallel twin-cylinder
engine, frugal fuel economy and tough adventure-style chassis, riding position and looks has
won it recognition from thousands of European customers as a superb, stylish do-it-all tool.

Launched as a Fun Crossover Commuter concept from Honda, loaded with a great deal of
fresh thinking and new technologies, its sheer all-round competence – with convenient details
like helmet storage space where the fuel tank would normally be – made it a truly useful
motorcycle.

The rake is set at 27° with trail of 110mm, wheelbase of 1,540mm and front/rear weight
distribution of 48/52. Seat height is 830mm and the seat itself features a new cover for
improved grip. The riding position is upright and neutral, with a high viewpoint for enhanced
hazard perception.

Another advantage of this adventure-style riding position is great low-speed control –
combined with the low centre of gravity and 35 degree steering lock, the result is exceptional
low-speed handling and balance. And thanks to a carefully shaped fairing the NC750X is
equally comfortable when cruising at speed; the windscreen and bodywork divert wind around the rider, minimising fatigue.

The 41mm telescopic forks feature 153.5mm stroke. The rear monoshock has 150mm travel and operates through Pro-Link which offers an optimized balance of a soft initial stroke, for dealing with low-speed bumps, together with excellent control.

Cast aluminium front and rear wheels – sizes 17 x 3.50-inch and 17 x 4.50-inch – wear 120/70 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 tires.

Colour: Sword Silver Metallic
Price: TBD

— From Honda Canada

{fcomment}

Discussion about this post