Model overview
The NC700S is the product of a simple requirement: to deliver a motorcycle that is fun to ride and user-friendly at a reasonable price. The NC700S offers the practicality of a commuter together with the thrilling handling and distinctive style of a naked.

The development theme for the NC700S was 'New Concept Fun Naked'. Right from the beginning the NC700S had to be fun to ride. Handling is key to this, and the NC700S offers a direct, intuitive, confidence-inspiring ride for all levels of experience. The low seat position adds to the accessibility of the machine, and the engine appeals to all kinds of rider, with its smooth, responsive power and a strong feeling of low-rpm torque. The result is a machine that takes no time at all to get used to with a direct and uncomplicated responses bringing joy to anyone who rides it.

As well as fun, the machine had to be easy to use and versatile. The riding position gives a high degree of control and freedom; there is also a secure internal storage space large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, an unusually practical feature on a naked motorcycle. The motorcycle is available with both Honda's antilock Combined Braking System (C-ABS) and the option of the second generation of Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission, which offers fingertip manual operation or the ease of completely automatic functionality.

At the heart of the machine is an all-new purpose-built engine. The liquid-cooled, in-line 2-cylinder 670 cm3 engine is a lightweight and compact unit with a low centre of gravity. It offers a very usable power delivery with excellent torque at low to medium engine rpm, combined with low exhaust gas emissions and a truly outstanding level of fuel efficiency.

The NC700S fuses striking, futuristic design with a joyous and reasonable-cost riding experience, complemented by the versatility and ease of use that matter when a vehicle is to be used daily. It is a machine for getting back to the fundamentals of motorcycling: fun and mobility.

2. Key features

2.1 Innovative two-cylinder engine
Developed to provide responsive power and strong torque in a compact package, the new 670cm3 inline two-cylinder engine also meets the demands of today's environmental concerns by being highly fuel-efficient (27km/litre) for a tank range of nearly 400km.

2.2 Versatility and practicality

With its internal storage compartment, flexible riding position and punchy, highly efficient engine, the NC700S is ready for anything, whether city or long distance riding.

2.3 Joyous and intuitive handling
Light in weight, pure and swift in its handling responses, the NC700S is fun and easy to handle thanks to the combination of the steel diamond frame, cast aluminium 17" wheels, and geometry setup.

2.4 Naked styling
In keeping with a true naked look, the NC700S has minimal styling to emphasise its urban usability.

2.5 Optional Dual Clutch Transmission
The NC700S is available with either a conventional manual 6-speed transmission or the second generation of Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission. The system uses two electronically controlled clutches to deliver swift and very smooth gear changes in a choice of three modes. Manual (MT) allows the rider to shift gears using a handlebar-mounted lever, while automatic mode (AT) offers two settings: S for sporty riding and D for everyday use.

2.6 Secure C-ABS braking
A Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is offered as an option on the NC700S.

3. Model details

3.1 Engine
All-new twin-cylinder engine
The liquid-cooled SOHC 670 cm3 twin-cylinder engine has been designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is smooth, clean, fuel efficient and compact, but it is also fun to use, with a strong low-rpm power delivery thanks to its relatively long-stroke SOHC architecture and specially shaped combustion chambers. Further enhancing this satisfying feeling of effortless torque is the crankshaft, which has been designed with high levels of inertial mass. The engine produces a peak power output of 35.0 kW at 6,250rpm but more important is the available torque throughout the rev range peaking at 60.0 Nm at 4,750rpm. What's more, so linear and smooth is the power delivery that even riders new to mid-capacity engines can fully enjoy the strong level of performance.

Practical, efficient and reliable
The in-line two-cylinder configuration is both practical and efficient in terms of space layout, freeing up space within the body of the motorcycle. By reducing the number of parts to a minimum the engine is lighter, more efficient and more reliable. For example there is just one throttle body and one exhaust, despite the two cylinders. Where possible, components are made to do more than one job too. The camshaft also drives the water pump for the cooling system, while the balancer shaft, which ensures smooth, comfortable running, also drives the oil pump.

To further reduce fuel consumption, the engine was developed using stoichiometric analysis. By analysing combustion in this way, the engine has been developed to deliver exactly the fuel/air ratio required for a complete, clean burn at all engine rpm and in all running conditions. An efficiency target of 27.9km per litre (Dual Clutch Transmission type) was accomplished thanks to these technology developments.

Clean exhaust emissions
Thanks to the same stoichiometric calculations that reduce fuel consumption and maximise torque, the engine also burns very cleanly, minimising the emission of harmful exhaust gases. The PGM-FI fuel injection system also contributes here, supplying the optimum amount of fuel thanks to an oxygen sensor in the exhaust. Finally the high-absorption catalyser has been located close to the engine. As a result the catalyser reaches operating temperature more quickly after a cold start, reducing harmful emissions over a typical journey. The result is full EURO-3 compliance.

3.2 Versatility and practicality
Internal storage; outstanding range
Unusually for a traditional motorcycle, the NC700S features an internal storage space large enough to hold a full-face helmet. The fuel tank holds 14.1 litres - enough for an impressive range of nearly 400km between fill-ups. Since this range is due to engine efficiency, not a large fuel tank, it comes without the penalty of additional weight or bulk, and also ensures very low running costs.

Comfort and accessibility
The NC700S uses a riding position similar to that of traditional naked motorcycles, which is ideal for almost every kind of environment. Key to the machine's ease of use is its low seat position, which puts riders of any physical size at ease straight away since they can put a foot down whenever they need to. The riding position also puts the rider firmly in control, with the handlebars only a relaxed reach away. The width of the handlebars offers excellent control at low and high speed, and with 35° of steering lock and a low centre of gravity thanks to the compact engine, the NC700S is perfect for getting through even the tightest city streets. The result is a machine that feels balanced and manageable. Passengers too are made comfortable, with twin grab handles for comfort and security.

Advanced multi-function instrument display
The clear and easy-to-read instrument display features a digital speedometer, a digital bar-type tachometer, a clock, a bar-type fuel meter and two trip meters.

3.3 Joyous and intuitive handling

Chassis
Immediate, responsive handling
One of the main objectives of the development team was to create a motorcycle that handles intuitively, one that turns just as you want it to with only the lightest input. Only by making the riding experience as direct and engaging as possible could the NC700S hope to be both a commuter machine and one that owners will ride purely for pleasure.

Steel diamond frame
The frame is a rugged steel diamond frame with the high levels of rigidity required for agile, responsive handling. This type of frame is ideal where space within the machine is at a premium, since it takes up very little volume but offers superb riding dynamics. Front suspension is 41mm telescopic forks with hydraulic damping. With 120mm of smooth wheel travel, the forks can soak up the roughest roads while also offering superb control and feedback on smooth surfaces. The rear suspension system uses a monoshock and Honda's proven Pro-Link configuration, which offers an optimised balance of soft initial stroke, for dealing with bumps, together with excellent control throughout the 120mm of wheel travel.

Optimised geometry
With 27° of caster angle and a 1525mm wheelbase, the chassis manages to deliver both reassuring straight-line stability and superb agility in the corners.

Cast aluminium wheels, powerful brakes
The NC700S uses lightweight 17" cast aluminium wheels and optimised tyre sizes. The tyres are a 120/70 at the front for quick and light steering with plenty of traction when cornering and braking, while the broad 160/60 rear tyre delivers confidence-inspiring grip. To ensure powerful braking performance, the NC700S uses hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The front brake uses a single large-diameter 320mm disc and the rear uses a 240mm diameter wave design for consistent all-weather performance.

3.4 Naked styling
The machine's minimalistic naked styling gives it a rugged look - set to take on tough urban environments.

3.6 Secure C-ABS braking

Secure C-ABS braking
Honda is committed to improving motorcycle safety and is proud to offer a Combined ABS (C-ABS) version of the NC700S. The system dramatically improves braking performance in an emergency situation. The front and rear braking systems on two-wheeled vehicles are usually independent. C-ABS links the two systems and works to optimise the pressure acting on each brake. The result is strong and safe deceleration. Additionally, C-ABS has full antilock functionality. Should the system detect either wheel is about to lock up and skid, C-ABS momentarily reduces the hydraulic pressure being applied to the relevant brake, ensuring powerful and secure braking in all conditions.

Media Contact:

Emma Kershaw
Coordinator Public Relations
Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Telephone: (+613) 9270 1183
Facsimile: (+613) 9357 0826
Website: www.honda.com.au
Email: EKershaw@hondampe.com.au

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