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What's a paper review? Well I was planning on just putting a blurb about the NT700V and links to reviews on other sites, and I still will be posting the links. Turns out though, that I had some opinions about this bike based on specs, so this has turned into a "paper" review, get it? So on with the show...
First, Honda is calling this a lightweight bike, but at 562 lbs, "light" isn't what first comes to mind. Compared to a Goldwing or ST1300 perhaps, but considering the Triumph Sprint St weighs 30 lbs. less and the BMW R1200 RT weighs only a scant 9 lbs. more than the NT700V, I think we're not in lightweight territory any more Toto. Secondly, those other bikes I just mentioned are over1000cc machines with power that helps to offset their mass. The NT700V is rated at around 60-70 horsepower (the exact number is out there if you search for it) and between 45-55lb ft of max torque. I feel that the NT700V may be, I hate to use the word "underpowered", perhaps docile would be appropriate. As an example, my ride is a 2006 Suzuki SV650s which weighs close to 130 lbs. less that the NT700V and makes similar power from a similar displacement V-twin engine (about 30cc's difference). I feel that the SV650 is quite zippy though certainly not a rocket. Then let's say I add a hot girlfriend in her gear (if you don't have one of these I highly recommend one) and you're coming close to adding similar weight to the unlaiden NT700V.
I also want to say that at this point in time, I have not ridden an NT700V and that I get it if people tell me "well you have to ride it yourself to really feel how it works" and I agree that's true. My problem is that all the great "feeling" it may have will still have to overcome power to weight ratios. Allow me to put all this into perspective with some numbers:
To be fair, the Suzuki isn't exactly a touring bike but it's certainly capable and the cost is less . The Triumph costs $2,000 more, but is twice as powerful and still lighter in weight. The BMW F 800 ST is only $900 more and offers more power and much lighter weight (the lightest here). These are just the first bikes that came to mind so there are certainly other options. My thought is that with the VFR 800 being replaced with the new VFR 1200, Honda needed to fill the gap. The problem I see is that the VFR 800 was an amazingly capable sportbike that excelled equally as a sport touring bike. The NT700V comes to the party heavier and with less power. It also has stiff competition from BMW in the form of the lighter, more powerful F 800 ST.
The Honda Deauville ( NT700V ) Perhaps this is what's going on. Honda has had the NT700V available outside the US as the "Deauville" for years, first in 1998 with a 647cc engine, later with the current 680cc engine. Since they already had this bike in their stables, maybe they have called it into service in the US to fill that gap where the venerable VFR stood. Perhaps it will work and I hope for their sake it does. The NT700V seems to be an excellent bike for commuting more that sport touring. It gets good gas mileage, it has excellent storage space, and a torquey engine good for city driving. About that storage, the NT700V has an interesting feature. There is a "tunnel" several inches in diameter that runs between the two built-in saddlebags for extra storage. This means that, finally, when you're on that grocery run, you won't have to break your french bread loaf to carry it home. It can reside safely in the passage between the bags. Perhaps this is the innovation that will put the NT700V over the top?! Probably not, but it actually is a neat feature and it isn't limited ony to french bread. Well that's enough of my "yap". Below are links to some reviews of the NT700V and some have videos. Take a look and see what you think. Reviews: Ultimate Motorcycling Video Review
There you have it. You've read my opinion, give us yours. Use the comment link below to tell us what you think. -ed
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| Last Updated on Monday, 22 February 2010 16:51 |
So Honda has released a new touring bike here in the US and there is a lot of buzz on the 'net in the form of reviews. 
With the NT700V starting out with an extra 130lb (or so) before you add a passenger, then add a passenger , and then you start filling the built-in saddlebags with gear.. well you get the idea. This is where I'm confused as to the thinking behind this bike. By the way, I'm not trying to slam Honda here depsite how it may look. In fact, I have a Honda bike in my garage right now that I absolutley love. I also like V-twins for their excellent bottom end and excellent torque so I'm not on a crusade.
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