Honda’s NC700SA “new concept” commuter has grown some highway legs, as well as more manners and grunt. It’s now the NC750SA and costs $8799 (plus on-road costs) which is just $309 more than the previous model. For that you get an extra 75cc of engine capacity with more power and torque.
But the NC750SA is not just a brawnier bike. It’s also got more highway manners with a second balancer shaft to make the parallel twin even smoother, plus taller gearing to make touring more enjoyable. Honda claims it not only accelerates faster, but also has a better spread of power and torque throughout the rev range and a higher top speed. Funny how a 670cc bike was called a 700 and now that it’s a 745cc it’s a 750. Numbers aside, the maths adds up to a more flexible bike that can be used not just on the commute, but also for a weekend away.
Other upgrades include a new muffler, more comprehensive instrumentation and an adjustable front-brake lever. It still has ABS, Honda’s immobiliser, and the fuel tank under the seat which makes it more stable because off the lower centre of gravity and allows the “fuel tank” to be used as a cargo area big enough to store a full-size helmet. The Honda NC750SA arrives in Australia in February in Graphite Black or Matt Pearl Glare White.