Honda NV700v

[Mcgyver74]

Stopped by my local stealer yesterday who does both Honda and Yamma and got to sit on a NV700V, I keep hearing how this is supposed to be a more sporty alternative then the St1300.

My first impressions...

1) This is one butt ugly bike, The hardbags are molded into the bike and just look wrong...

2) The riding position is pretty comfortable but a tad too far forward for my taste, however I'm sure this is fixable with risers however.

3) It's a heavy beast for what it is, It's about 550lbs which while lighter then the ST1300 is still pretty heavy.

Overall it seems like a decent bike, however it reminds me more of the old Pacific Coast 800 then a new lean Sport tourer,,,,,the old PC800 was a strange bike, butt ugly but VERY comfortable to ride and I'm getting the impression that this is along those lines...

 

[Checkswrecks]

It's kinda like the KLR in that both have been around in some form since the 1980s and neither really kept up with changes in technology. In my sig line below is my ride report from renting one in Italy a few months ago. There're folks who will be able to spend as much as Honda wants and love these as commuters, but if you have/like the FJR, the Dullville won't cut it.

 

[Fred W]

Stopped by my local stealer yesterday who does both Honda and Yamma and got to sit on a NV700V, I keep hearing how this is supposed to be a more sporty alternative then the St1300.

I've never heard that before.

What I had heard was it was a smaller, less powerful, even more boring version of the ST1300.

That seems to be a fair assessment...

 

[MotorToad]

More sporty? I don't think even the most fork-tongued Honda marketer would say that.

I think there's a lot of room for a basic sport-tourer/commuter with bags, but $10,000? Really? When a DL-650 (a bike actually capable of holding your attention for minutes at a time) is less than $8,000? That's just nuts.

 

[marcusorelius]

If someone would come out with a 800cc or so sport-tourer with shaft-drive and weighted about 475 pds & was about $8500 they wouild sell like hot cakes!

 

[LancasterFJR]

If someone would come out with a 800cc or so sport-tourer with shaft-drive and weighted about 475 pds & was about $8500 they wouild sell like hot cakes!

Honda VFR800, except for the shaft drive. Low miles used ones are available for really good prices. Sam

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

If someone would come out with a 800cc or so sport-tourer with shaft-drive and weighted about 475 pds & was about $8500 they wouild sell like hot cakes!

Honda VFR800, except for the shaft drive. Low miles used ones are available for really good prices. Sam

Even a fully-enclosed chain drive would be a plus.

I've seen fabricated chain drive enclosures on Honda single-sided swingarm systems (Hawk GT/VFR) and they're very clean set-ups. The single-sided design (at least Honda's) is very good for chain life (correct adjustment...) and low adjustment requirements -- even while open to the elements.

For some reason...? -- the market (in the U.S.) doesn't like/doesn't buy full drive chain enclosures if/when fitted to new bikes. Historically, they get removed soon after purchase...

 

[Aasland]

Had a VFR800, and have an SV650. I don't see what the big deal is with chains and touring. Takes less than a minute to spray it, cans are tiny, and chains last about as long valve adjustment periods (15-20k).

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

If someone would come out with a 800cc or so sport-tourer with shaft-drive and weighted about 475 pds & was about $8500 they wouild sell like hot cakes!

BMW F 800 ST

Belt drive, a bit more than $8500, but it looks like fun!

 

[LancasterFJR]

The GF and I looked at the NT700. For the life me I don't understand the price. Simple dated technology with little power shouldn't cost that much. Not a prticularly nice looking bikeeither. Historically this kind of motorcycle never sold well in the US and this one won't either. I bet you'll find deeply dicounted ones in a few months. Honda needs to wake up and smell the roses. Sam

 

[Fred W]

Had a VFR800, and have an SV650. I don't see what the big deal is with chains and touring. Takes less than a minute to spray it, cans are tiny, and chains last about as long valve adjustment periods (15-20k).

+1 - Same here with both VFR800 and Triumph Trophy 900. Since the advent of o-ring drive chains, the lubricated part of the chain is actually sealed by the rings anyway. When on tour, a simple spritz at the start (or end) of each day with a dry lube like Dupont MP Teflon spray keeps the sprocket wear to a minimum. The chain wear is mitigated by the lube sealed between the o-rings. Certainly no need anymore for the mess associated with a scott-oiler or other automated wet lube systems, which then slings goo all over over the back of your bike and saddle bags.

I do like having a shaft drive, but a chain is not a deal breaker IMO.

 

[cota95]

A friend of mine just bought the red one (non-abs). It does look a lot like a cross between a Pacific Coast and an St1300. Roads are still crummy around here so I haven't tried it but he says it rides lighter than it is. Another few weeks and I'll be able to give you a better report.

 

[Harvey]

Please keep us posted. Thanks.