New Honda 700 built for economy

[sendler]

I stumbled onto this showing cutaways of the new 670 and 125 engine which I assume is in the PCX scooter that people are breaking 100 mpg with around town.
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Honda announces next generation motorcycle engines with outstanding fuel economy and useability

[HHOTDI]

Originally Posted by sendler

Here's a new Honda 700 for those that feel the 23 hp CBR250R is not enough. The under square 73 bore x 80 stroke twin is tuned for efficiency and rated at 63 mpg which a good hypermiler should be able to beat. This bike should offer up a good challenge to the BMW singles which do so well on gas and they are priced right at around $7000. A trick, dual clutch automatic transmission is optional. Only the long travel dual sport is coming to the US. Other markets will also see a sport touring version with a more functional windscreen and a high performance step through since the fuel tank is actually under the seat.
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2012 Honda NC700X Preview - Motorcycle.com

YUP, that's the one! :{)

[Hal]

My VT750 is closing in on 80,000 miles so it will be time to replace it soon, probably next year (probably be closer to 100,000 by then). I was leaning toward the Shadow Phantom, but the NC700 mightbe my next bike.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by Hal

the NC700 mightbe my next bike.

It has a very fuel efficient engine based on the bore and stroke of the new Jazz/ Fit engine. I'm dissapointed that you must lift the passenger seat to fill up. That is a deal breaker for me. Maybe they will change the fill cap to stick out the side. I would probably have to hack a hole in the seat or something. I am also not a fan of the high suspension, adventure bike version that is the only one coming to the US. I don't plan on riding on South American dirt roads anytime soon. I would also much rather have the full body work version although that has a smaller front storage compartment.

[alvaro84]

What about the adventure version with lowered suspension?

The lack of an external fill cap is strange. Not a deal breaker for me, I guess, but definitely strange. Teresa has a filler cap at the right side of the passenger seat, and I suspected the NC700 should have something similar. Now I'll have to have a look at the bike when I see one.

[Ed-in-Maine]

Originally Posted by sendler

Similar to a BMW GS, Versys, V-Strom. You might want a KLR650 instead.

I'd vote for a KLR250, but then I think the GS is the only one with ABS and that's a BIG plus in my book.
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[alvaro84]

I don't know about the US, but in Europe you can definitely buy a V-Strom with ABS and I'm quite confident that Versys has the same option. Especially that ABS will be compulsory for any bike >125cc in a few years.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by alvaro84

I don't know about the US, but in Europe you can definitely buy a V-Strom with ABS and I'm quite confident that Versys has the same option. Especially that ABS will be compulsory for any bike >125cc in a few years.

The Honda 700s have ABS available also. But It sounds like it is packaged together with the automatic transmission for $1500. I like the body work on the Integra version but that will be the least common variant. I don't have much use for a naked bike now that I have ridden something with a nice fairing and wind screen.

[alvaro84]

Originally Posted by sendler

The Honda 700s have ABS available also. But It sounds like it is packaged together with the automatic transmission for $1500.

These are definitely two different items here. You can but it with ABS but w/o the automatic trans.

[sendler]

Originally Posted by alvaro84

These are definitely two different items here. You can but it with ABS but w/o the automatic trans.

Let us know if you actually see one a Honda 700 somewhere. I have a feeling it will be slow to arrive in the US like the CBR250R was. My local dealer didn't get any of the ones they ordered last March until September when their motorcycle selling season is more or less over.