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Honda NT700V – Lightweight Touring or Well Equipped Commuting – An Everyday Dual Purpose

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 9/5/2009

in Motorcycle Business

2010 Honda NT700V

2010 Honda NT700V

Honda has something nice for 2010, the NT700V, a 680cc, 52 degree, SOHC 4 valve per cylinder V-twin for everyday use, commute to work during the week and take off for distant locations on the weekends. The fairing with adjustable windscreen offers excellent protection from the weather. Shaft drive gives you ease of maintenance. A very nice set of integrated saddlebags look good and carry all of the essentials for work or baggage for a weekend of touring. I hesitate to use the word "sensible" because no real rider would ever want something sensible, biggest and fastest, sure, but sensible? Never. But, then again, ...

The engine is fuel injected and liquid cooled. Seat height is 31.7 inches, low enough for most riders. It carries 5.2 gallons of fuel which will keep you going non stop until you really need a break. Weight is 562 pounds with all standard equipment in place, all fluids and a full tank of gas. It's priced at $9,999 or $10,999 with ABS.

No one needs a Gold Wing every day and an ST1300 is a lot of bike for a daily commute, both very nice bikes, to be sure, but if you can't justify the heavy iron or you just want something a little smaller and more nimble, the NT700V could be an excellent choice.

Link: Honda

2010 Honda NT700V

2010 Honda NT700V

2010 Honda NT700V

2010 Honda NT700V

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{ 58 comments… add yours below ... }

Dan Martin 09.05.09 at 10:00 am

Finally, a new street bike from MuthaHonda that: (1) Is NOT a Cruizer, (2) Is NOT a bizarre alien artifact (e.g., DN-01), (3) Has Really Useful features, and (4) Really priced right. That almost certainly means it will not be available in the USA, just like the Deauville never made it stateside. Someone please tell me I am wrong.

kneeslider 09.05.09 at 10:22 am

OK, I’ll tell you, you’re wrong. It’s here in the U.S.

Simon 09.05.09 at 10:24 am

Dan, this IS the Deauville, so for 2010 it has made it stateside.

Walt 09.05.09 at 10:27 am

The Pacific Coast lives again! This one’s not quite as integrated, futuristic and scooterlike, but close enough. Not a performance match for my Sprint ST 955 (and heavier) but I like it. Is it the shaft drive that makes many touring bikes so heavy? The chain drive Sprint’s curb weight is listed as 527 lbs.

B.Case 09.05.09 at 11:11 am

This is encouraging that Honda’s bringing the Deauville to the US. They usually forecast market trends pretty well (Fury jury still out). They have such a vast selection of bikes in their global lineup (~15M last year) the fact that they chose this one to drop on the States tells me something…
In my opinion, the NT700 is like a “mini-ST1300″ with its non-removable hard bags. Not saying that’s bad, or that the definition of “sport-touring” is even well defined, but I would personally like to have the bags removable for spirited solo rides after the gear is stashed in the room.
-brian

Tinker 09.05.09 at 12:30 pm

Just lose about 100 pounds, and you’ll have it right.

At LAST!

Jon 09.05.09 at 12:34 pm

So…who thinks this might eventually be available as an automatic?

Am I right in thinking this is probably the same engine as the DN-01?

coho 09.05.09 at 12:37 pm

I like that a sensible, practical middleweight has joined the US Honda lineup.

I don’t like the non-removable bags. And I especially don’t like that this “light” tourer weighs more than my R1100R.

kim 09.05.09 at 12:44 pm

Tinker, that goes for most of us, and for our motorcycles too.

Thure 09.05.09 at 1:25 pm

Sidecover and exhaust routing looks exactly like on a NT 650 Hawk, and those have been around forever and was also the motor in the Pacific Coast. So is this a facelift on the PC???? I remember those as gutless with around 35 horses or so, don’t know if I would wanna tackle interstates on something this heavy with an itty bitty motor like this.

Schneegz 09.05.09 at 2:31 pm

I feel like a jerk saying this. I complain that manufacturers don’t bring enough of their European market bikes to the US, but I don’t like this one. It costs thousands more than a Versys or V-Strom 650, yet really doesn’t offer enough to justify the price difference.

I say bring back the Hawk, but I’ll pass on the Dullsville.

Thiago 09.05.09 at 4:15 pm

At first I thought “Hey, it´s an instant classic!”, but Schneegz pointed it out…get a V-Strom and you are set for much less.

HowFast 09.05.09 at 4:46 pm

This is a Hawk V twin, with commuter clothing. I spent a week on a Deauville NT650 (carberated) in Scotland in August, two up with full gear. I dont know what everyone whines about (Dullville???). This bike was a blast and VERY comfortable for all-day, day-after-day riding. Even with the older engine, there was plenty of power except for aggressive passing up hill, even with a full load. I have owned 3 BMW’s, a VFR, Guzzi, and many other bikes, and this one is the right package for daily riders. When I heard the injected NT700V was in the States (BTW, where is the news coverage on this in the bike rags???) I called my dealer to order one. Comfortable, ample storage, shaft drive, ABS, nimble, fun, torquey and economical. A+ Honda!

John 09.05.09 at 5:13 pm

This is an awesome “real world”, every day practical motorcycle. I own a 2004 V-Strom 650. This new Honda is the perfect everyday street bike. The shaft drive and V-Strom style make for the perfect practical bike. I have never ridden off-road, if this Honda had been available when I bought my V-Strom, I might be riding a different bike today. I hope it is a hit. We need more bikes like this.

PaulN 09.05.09 at 7:43 pm

I REALLY like this bike, but then I really liked the Pacific Coast as well. I think it’s brilliant, practical, affordable, good looking, etc.

Tim 09.05.09 at 10:41 pm

I was thinking the same thing – this is the new PC800.

I love the looks and the price. Do you hear that Honda? We want more of the bikes from the European and Asian markets!

Danny Hernandez 09.06.09 at 12:56 am

An R-1 street tracker /exotic nobody really needs (but sure is beautiful!) one day and a sensible motorcycle the next. Gotta love this site!

todd 09.06.09 at 3:19 am

There might be a hawk hiding under there. I’d like to get one of those and rip all the stuff off and see how simple I can make it. But first I’d like to tour around the US on it…

-todd

Lewellyn 09.06.09 at 8:02 am

The Deauville wasn´t available in the U.S.? Strange Thing…

I ride a BMW K75RT and I wonder why BMW since 1996 let Honda take all the Customers for a midweight, practical, comfortabel and agil Tourer?

Where ist the K1000RT with a triple and 90kw, based on the actual K1300 Engine?

Al 09.06.09 at 9:24 am

I’m guessing Honda covered most of the engine because few US buyers can wrap their head around a narrow-angle V-twin that isn’t a cruiser. Maybe if this bike is successful here we’ll see the return of the Hawk GT (a bike I wish I’d never sold, and a prime example of the “good enough bike” discussed in an earlier thread).

Jim 09.06.09 at 9:26 am

A few days ago, there was a post and lots of comments about ‘good enough.’ Well from my vantage point the NT700V (awful name) is a pretty close definition of a ‘good enough’ sport tourer. Probably 100# heavier than the BMW F800 ST, which is likely the closest competitor, but the Honda seems to have functional luggage, unlike the blisters the BMW offers.

Having put nearly 120,000 miles on a K75RT, I’d give this serious consideration if I were looking for a sport tourer.

Paulinator 09.06.09 at 10:15 am

I was always intrigued by the SilverWing with its little sideways v-twin. It worked for me then – this version works for me now.

Paul, you should do a shoot-out between the new CVT 600cc SilverWing “scooter on roids” and this bike. The two vehicles appear convergent in size and capability. I’m curious what the better layout is. Did the Mods know something that the Rockers missed?

mark 09.06.09 at 11:51 am
David 09.06.09 at 4:06 pm

I’m for any bike that is travel worthy, affordable and might be someone’s first taste of the open road the proper way, on two wheels.

Mason 09.06.09 at 6:19 pm

The new “UJM” ???

RD350 09.06.09 at 9:06 pm

I think the NT700V is fine for its intended purpose … light touring bike.

Its not trying to be a sportbike.

That said, why not use this 700cc 4 valve engine (in higher output spec of course) to update the Hawk GT?

Honda was too early to the game with the original sporty 650 twin. Americans didnt appreciate that type of bike in 1988.

Today’s buyers however, would welcome it, especially if it were a bit more serious than the SV and ER-6N.

Steve 09.06.09 at 9:54 pm

I don’t like plastic motorcycles but this is what is needed. Sure it could be a bit lighter but much will depend on how the weight is placed. Many people don’t need or want the bigger bikes and this is a nice appearing package that should have huge appeal. Way to go Honda!

RDTRON 09.06.09 at 10:16 pm

Until recently I rode a Silver W.wing scooter. I assume this is the same motor bored and/or stroked. Aside from the integrated bags, it is almost the exact spec for what I have been looking for: standard sized wheels (as opposed to the Silver Wing’s scooter shoes); pegs rather than floorboards; a promise of weather protection for commuting; upright, not cruiser seating; two-up accomodations; and under 600 lbs.

Yes, it would be great if it were lighter, but my Wing was 530 lbs. or so. If that motor is as smooth as the Wing’s I am going to have to have one.

matt lynch 09.07.09 at 1:40 am

i commute daily on a much loved sv, and scoff at the thought of riding a cruiser or oldwing, but this bike holds a lot of appeal to me. i dont get it! its not that sporty and its not racey looking, but i love it.

Marvin 09.07.09 at 10:59 am

I had an NTV650 for a while, it was a smashing mid weight bike and I can honestly say not a thing went wrong with it in the 20K or so miles I put on it. Mine was an early model so I could remove the luggage and at the time its big boxey frame made it quite distinctive. It was a nice bike able to commute and tour with and although it was a bit heavy it was certainly better handleing than a GT550/750 which I suppose was its main rival at this time I bought mine.

blackheart 09.07.09 at 12:17 pm

I wish Honda had brought in the CB1100R instead.

Tin Man 2 09.07.09 at 1:06 pm

Very nice sensible bike, Way to go Honda. I do not think many will pay 10K for this bike,but they should. I guess the days of low cost Asian bikes are over, You could put Bags and a Windscreen on a new 883 Sportster for less money.

mike hughes 09.07.09 at 5:51 pm

this is on the american honda site right now with pics and full specs…..no allocations yet so it may be a summer bike…

Motosaurus 09.07.09 at 7:38 pm

All very well and good Honda, but I just checked the specs: for a little more money I can get an F800 BMW with 100 lbs (!) less weight, and more motor, plus better accessories.
$10k is a lot for a pudgy do-everything bike. The SV and Kawa650 hit a much better price point. The not-so-much-loved VTR was much more interesting, plus of course the well-liked VFR.

Billy B. Tso 09.07.09 at 11:55 pm

i don’t know about this one….not for me….might have a practical use, but does nothing for me…

Erik 09.08.09 at 3:02 am

This is a much more refined version of the V-Strom for several thousand more. I’m not a big fan of the integrated saddlebags but can see how having them permanently attached can be nice. I had a Concours with removable bags and it was nice but also problematic.

I am a little concerned about a shaft drive on such a small motor and hope that Honda has addressed this in pushing more horses out to the rear wheel. But I really like the shaft on my Concours for its near bulletproof-ness.

In many ways, this Honda is a mashup of the Connie and my current V-Strom with some plastic surgery done after birth to make it look pretty. And it is a pretty nice looking bike. Maybe when I’m ready to trade in my Wee but, for now, I’ll keep spinnin’ and grinnin’ with what I’ve got.

Tom 09.08.09 at 7:55 am

Middle-weight motorcycle, built-in hard luggage, big, low & comfy saddle, touring fairing, multi-valve liquid cooled twin cylinder, ABS, no maintenance final drive.

For an extra $2000, Honda gives you what, exactly? Buy a Burgman 650.

Chris M. 09.08.09 at 10:53 am

When I first saw this bike I thought, Wow, that would be a great commuter bike. Then I saw the specs and then I was a bit discouraged. Then I saw the price and thought it was a little high. However, I do like the looks and the idea and hope it is successful.

Perhaps this is the replacement for the current version of the VFR. This is for the person that wants a middle weight, easy to ride tourer and not a 200 BHP (as reported) that the new VFR has.

joe bloe 09.08.09 at 11:05 am

A agree, a new version of the Pacific Coast.

Kevin 09.08.09 at 2:27 pm

I’m definitely interested in this bike. Any guess as to what kind of MPG this would average?

mxs 09.08.09 at 3:24 pm

Too heavy to be ever associated with a commuter, unless you mean hwy commuting 50 clicks one way. For most people you need this bike for touring and another one for city/short daily ride.

todd 09.08.09 at 3:53 pm

The extra weight just tells me it’s more up to the task of carrying a real load. If I wanted a touring bike this would be near the top of my list, perhaps above the F800. I would go for one of these long before I ever wanted a Gold Wing or big Interceptor. As MXS pointed out this is still bigger and heavier than I would need for my commute but I don’t have a problem owning more than a handful of motorcycles.

I’ve often played with the idea of owning a PC800 if I ever had the time to go anywhere. This looks 100x’s better but the way I am with what little money I have I would be more likely to just load up the bike I already have and go from there.

-todd

Nicolas 09.08.09 at 4:48 pm

yawn …

bblix 09.08.09 at 5:26 pm

I’ve been waiting for this bike for a long time…that was until someone mentioned the cost comparison between the V-Strom and the NT700V…even the BMW F650 or ST800…

I like the bike, it would be a strong contender if they could get a few thousand out of the price.

Kenny 09.08.09 at 8:04 pm

Another example of Honda giving us exactly what we say we want—but we won’t buy any because it’s dull and has the sex appeal of a stove. I give it two years on the American market before it sinks off the sales charts.

OMMAG 09.08.09 at 8:04 pm

I had to take a while to rethink this one.

My first impression was good styling and looks like solid engineering for the purpose of touring.
Still not sure about the power though. I notice that Honda does not provide power and torque specs.

This one needs a proper road test to evaluate.

OMMAG 09.08.09 at 8:19 pm

Hang on a sec … The Deauville which has been around for 8 years or so… 55hp

John Wilson 09.08.09 at 9:28 pm

As a current Pacific Coast owner I have been interested in this model coming to the States. I read a recent review by a fellow coaster on the IPCRC, International Pacific Coast Riders Club and was disappointed. The tester, Leland Sheppard, a Coaster for many years and over 300,000 PC miles rode one on a trip to the UK and said it was the worst Honda he had ever been on. No power, poor quality, bad egronomics , etc. What a shame to finally get it here and it would be a turd. I will try one for myself but the advice Leland has given over the years has been spot on so I don’t hold to much hope.

Azzy 09.09.09 at 10:44 am

Kamen Rider Decade rides one, so how can you not like it?

http://gigazine.jp/img/2009/03/27/super_tms2009/P1110264.JPG – second one in.

Kelly 09.09.09 at 2:53 pm

Finally! They’re bringing the TransAlp (highly-”Americanized”) back! Its about freakin’ time! This is perfect, and if I could afford it, I’d spring for one right now… :-) ‘course the Fury is highly tempting as well!

kevan 09.09.09 at 11:53 pm

This bike and engine have been around in various guises since the late eighties. In 1990 I was living in the UK and had the 600cc naked version, known as a “Revere” ( some one in Japan has a wicked sense of humour ). I thought it was an excellent all-rounder . I toured with it, commuted on it and blasted my way around the more exciting roads of N.Wales on it. It never let me down, was all day comfortable and rarely got less than 60 mpg (imperial= an extra pint). I had just had my CB1100RC stolen and thought I would miss the power when I bought this bike. I did initially but I adapted quickly and was sorry to let it go when I emigrated to the States. The engine was all but vibration free and had a pleasant exhaust note. I cannot make out if the engine of the NVT700 has the hydraulic tappets of the PC800 version but if it has that would mean extremely low maintenance costs. Re John Wilsons comments:- I owned a PC800 in 1996 and while I enjoyed it’s easy maintenance it was hardly a ball of fire. Memory can play tricks on us but I feel sure that my NTV600 (aka Revere) would have run rings around my PC800 and I much preferred the riding position of the Revere to the “sit up and beg” position of the PC800. Very much a personal preference. I cannot speak to the build quality of the NVT700 but my Revere was as you would expect a Honda to be ie superb. A great workhorse bike whose long production run speaks volumes about it.

Rich 09.10.09 at 12:14 am

@Kenny

Nailed it. It’s tricky to bring a European bike over that isn’t European (i.e. Ducati, BMW, Triumph, etc.) for the Americans and have a hit. Just look at the Italian styled/built 599 they had over here for all of 2 years (2003 and 2005)–A great bike but doesn’t make the statement Americans want. Anything less than 750cc that isn’t a race bike is a girl’s/newb’s bike and the image buyers won’t go for that, which I have to say is the majority of the motorcycle buying public. This bike will bomb. Oh well, at least there’’s a bright side–there’ll be exhaust options available for my 88 Hawk GT again!

Secaman 09.10.09 at 8:31 pm

great concept, poor visual execution

Poustman 09.20.09 at 10:07 pm

I want to like it, but I can’t imagine buying this instead of the F800ST.

fireninja 09.25.09 at 3:13 am

HowFast, and others,

As a former Hawk GT owner, I’d like to remind y’all that that while the engine was was a great little v-twin and was surprisingly powerful, (afterall, it was unburdened by modern emissions requirements), the really special thing was the dual spar aluminum frame and single sided swingarm (seemingly taken right from the RC30). That awesome frame and engine with a wet weight of 412 lbs made the Hawk agile and very sporty — still the best bike in the twisties that I have ever ridden.

The engine might be similar, but a 562 lb bike with bodywork is not the same animal at all.

Steve 09.30.09 at 11:45 pm

Miles per gallon is critical to me and will be to many when prices go up.
Ive had man Goldwings and never got over 40 Miles per gallon
My ST1100 gets 42 Miles per gallon every tank and yes I break the speed limit.

If the BMW F650GS gets 75 MPG’s and
The V-Strom 650 gets over 60 MPG’s
I sure hope this new mid size Honda Sport Tourer will get 60 MPG’s.

Tony Carter 11.07.09 at 6:21 pm

I think this is the bike I’ve been waiting for. I had a Kawasaki Concours and a Honda VT500 Ascot when I lived in L.A. I came to the conclusion that I only needed one bike. I kept the Ascot because it was MUCH more fun to ride, not nearly as heavy and cumbersome in traffic as the Kaw. I wished Honda would make an Ascot that was a little bit bigger, maybe with a fairing, and bags for the occasional trip. Enter the NT700V! I’m more concerned with real world riding than racing or pretending to be a racer or trying to reinforce my ego with the biggest, fastest, baddest…whatever. I just want to ride, and leave the posing and chest thumping to those who feel they have something to prove

Brad 11.12.09 at 11:30 am

I have a 82 GL 500 Interstate (Silverwing a.k.a ‘ little wing’, as it shared the same fairing and looks as the GL1100I Goldwing Interstate ) and was waiting for the NT700v to be released in the US, as it seemed like the ideal replacement, for what I consider a great high quality middleweight touring bike . Sad to say, I was taken back by the sticker price, (I can buy a used, full blown 2006 BMW tourer for that price!) so I bought a used 98 Honda Shadow Ace Tourer VT1100T (yea, a clunky water cooled shaft drive HD cruiser clone – the girls like it…and it does look good …but I am little scared when I put it into a corner) that fit my budget, for the interim… and will wait for a used NT700v (or deeply discounted ) before I will think about buying it. Unfortunately, I do not think the NT700v is going to survive in the US due to the price and the current economic conditions.

So, ... what do YOU think?

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