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 a 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.

Chassis

• Chassis

  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.

Versatilty

• 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.

Brakes

• 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.

Clutch

• Optional second generation Dual Clutch Transmission

  Honda's Dual Clutch transmission takes ease of use to new heights in the NC700S, offering either manual shifts at the push of a button or fully automatic functionality - just twist and go. As the name implies, the system uses two clutches: one for start-up and 1st, 3rd and 5th gears; and another for 2nd, 4th and 6th. By pre-selecting the next gear using the clutch not currently in use, the system can electronically switch clutches when required to deliver swift, smooth and seamless gearshifts. This smoothness is particularly beneficial when carrying a passenger.
  
  Three modes of operation are available for outstanding flexibility. MT mode gives full manual control, allowing the rider to shift gears with the handlebar controls. Two fully automatic shift modes are also available. D mode is ideal for city and highway riding. In sporty S mode the transmission lets the engine rev a little higher before shifting up, giving greater performance, and also shifts down sooner when decelerating, offering useful additional engine braking.
  
  In either D or S mode the Dual Clutch Transmission also offers immediate manual intervention if required. The rider simply selects the required gear using the MT mode shift buttons, after which the system will continue to act as an automatic transmission. This is particularly useful when preparing to overtake or when approaching a tight corner on a twisty hill road, for example. To ensure the optimum shifting schedule in D and S modes, extensive testing was conducted on all kinds of European roads.

• Hassle-free maintenance

  Designed to offer convenience and low running costs, the engine and transmission require the bare minimum of maintenance. The optional Dual Clutch Transmission uses heavy duty large-diameter clutches to comfortably deal with the rigours of daily use in stop/start city traffic. After purchase, a first service to check valve clearances is commonplace on commuter motorcycles but the engine requires no such attention. Service intervals are every 8,000 miles, and the engine's highly efficient iridium sparkplugs only require replacement at 32,000 miles. The result is convenient and efficient personal transport with no hassle and low running costs.

Colours

The 2012 NC700S will be launched in three colours.

• Seal Silver Metallic
• Pearl Sunbeam White
• Graphite Black
  

Options

The versatility of the NC700S can be further enhanced with a range of genuine Honda accessories.

• 35L top box
  
• 29L pannier kit
  
• Top box inner bag
  
• Pannier inner bag set
  
• Windscreen
  
• Leg deflector kit
  
• Foot deflector kit
  
• Grip heater kit
  
• 12V DC socket kit
  
• Main stand
  
• Alarm
  
• U-lock