We Ride Honda's New NT700V

Last month, Honda announced it would be offering a new model for 2010, the NT700V, a sporty, light-duty touring/heavy-duty commuting streetbike. This week, Honda gave us a chance to ride the bike on the back roads of southern California.

The original variant of the NT700V was designed for the tighter and more curvy roads of Europe and with touring in mind, but has never seen the light of day here in the United States - until now. Touring in America, however, generally favors the higher-capacity machines, such as Honda's 1800cc Gold Wings and 1300cc ST's, but considering today's economic climate, Honda thought the timing might be just right to introduce the NT700V to the United States, for those perhaps looking for a comfortable and economical weekday commuter that doubles as a fun and sporty weekend touring bike.

I'll let Honda describe the NT700V to you:

With the introduction of the 2010 NT700V, Honda shuffles the deck in the world of touring motorcycles. Here is a machine that handles with delightful nimbleness around town or on twisty roads, yet stands fully prepared to take you across two or three state lines with ease. Whether the day calls for the usual commute to work, a morning spent running errands, a spirited day ride or the onset of a two-week-long motorcycling adventure, the NT700V can do it all.

 In the USA, most riding enthusiasts think that motorcycles should serve for recreational purposes during leisure times rather than transportation on an ongoing basis. However, around the world, that balance tips decidedly in favor of day-in, day-out transportation in order to capitalize on the utility, economy and efficiency inherent in two-wheel travel. In Europe especially, the NT700V and its precursors have gained great favor-and for good reason.

 The mid-sized NT700V comes ready to roll with an effective fairing with a five-position quick-adjustable windscreen plus two storage pockets, and spacious saddlebags-amenities that equip this machine equally well for a broad range of tasks. Also, the saddlebags feature a unique pass-through port that spans from one bag to the other to add additional stowage capacity or accommodate longer items-a very handy innovation.

 Yet at the same time this machine weighs only 562 pounds, rolls on a wheelbase that spans a moderate 58.1 inches and has middle-ground steering geometry measurements of 28 degrees of rake and 115mm (4.5 inches) of trail. Practiced eyes will recognize that these specs indicate a machine with true middleweight characteristics, and because it's powered by a narrow V-twin engine displacing 680cc, the NT700V feels delightfully slim between the legs and also decidedly nimble for a touring bike. Indeed, the NT700V delivers excellent  handling that makes it fun and easy to ride, which makes it a travel-worthy roadbike that does it all with less bulk and weight.

 At the heart of the NT700V lies a compact liquid-cooled SOHC 52-degree V-twin with four valves per cylinder. The modern bore and stroke dimensions of 81mm by 66mm result in a decidedly oversquare engine that displaces an actual 680cc. The single overhead cams are chain-driven, and each head employs a pair of forked rockers that actuate the intake and the exhaust valves; valve lash is adjusted via screw-type adjusters.

 Fuel metering chores are ably handled by Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system with twin 40mm throttle bodies and high-performance 12-hole injectors. This system provides automatic adjustment for cold starts, excellent throttle response, compensation for changes in elevation and other environmental factors, and superior fuel efficiency while contributing to low emissions. This powerplant pumps out substantial torque and power, especially in the midrange, which works out perfectly well for every application it will face. Whether the day calls for arcing down lonely backroads or piling up miles on the freeway, the liquid-cooled 680cc V-twin engine serves as a great riding companion. A delightfully broad torque spread makes for easy riding regardless of what the road offers up, with the option of employing the strong roll-on pull or running up the revs to let those four-valve heads really breathe. In addition, the NT700V's wide-ratio five-speed gearbox complements the bike's powerband in a natural marriage, and shaft final drive makes for virtually maintenance-free convenience. Heading down the road, the NT700V rolls along with that V-twin cadence that adds character to the ride. 

 The NT700V cradles the Vee engine in a light yet strong twin-spar steel frame. Suspension chores are handled up front by a 41mm fork and in back there's a single heavy-duty rear shock. Together, they strike a fine balance between all-day comfort and sporty performance. As a bonus, the rear suspension features a remote shock spring preload adjuster that offers 40 click steps of adjustment and proves to be very convenient and effective for making changes in settings. Adding a passenger or lots of cargo? No problem; just dial up the preload. Seeking softer settings for freeway comfort? Just dial it back down-easily, quickly, no fuss. In addition, indicator lines facilitate back-and-forth adjustments in shock preload for those who change riding conditions often, as with a primary operator who rides solo during the work week and then rides two-up come the weekend.

 In the braking department, the NT700V employs Honda's Combined Braking System (CBS) in a triple-disc setup plus the option of an Antilock Braking System (ABS) for confident braking in varying conditions. The CBS setup features two lightweight 296mm front rotors gripped by three-piston calipers and a single 276mm rear rotor with a dual-piston brake caliper. When the front brake is applied, all three pistons in the right-front caliper are actuated along with two of the three pistons in the front-left caliper. The rear brake, when actuated, engages a combination of the rear brake caliper plus one piston of the front-left brake caliper, thereby helping to maintain balanced, strong braking action. As would be expected, the addition of the ABS option to the NT700V adds even greater confidence-inspiring stopping control when called upon.

 The NT700V is an extremely well-executed concept, a machine that will fill many roles, all with remarkable efficiency. This is one do-it-all mount that serves equally well whether you call on it for around-town errands, daily commutes or cross-country adventures. With the Honda NT700V, making do with less does indeed prove to gain far more than might be expected.