Pls halp Honda NC750X vs Vstrom 650 vs other

[Phence]

Sup!

The time has arrived where I want to buy a bike. I have a car. I would also want to get wet riding gear if it rains cause of kak traffic.

Budget: R100-150 k
Commute: 15KM via 60-120Km/h zones.
Me: 90Kg and 1.9m
Previous bikes: Honda CRF230F, Kawasaki 400cc cruiser thing was an import, scooters.
Style: Riding ergonomics is important so I guess dual purpose something upright?

I did drive the Honda NC750X and it is amazing. The only drawback is it is slightly underpowered in the top gears. I did 160Km/h on it but it redlines at 7000RPM so there is a lot of changing required. New it is R91k.

There is an automatic DCT version which sounds great but I am not sure what other bikes I should look at.

1. Is KTM overpriced?

2. Is Aprilia or Ducati overpriced? They seem to be rare is there a reason? How do they compare?

3. BMW seems expensive compared to the NC750X.

I am a but confused now I suppose I should test drive everything. :| I would like to but time is also an issue.

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[maxxis]

Aprillia and Ducati are awesome bikes but will eat you on services.

KTM offers brutal performance and good features at a good price. Not the cheapest but good.

What will be the primary use? Commuting and occasional weekend fun?



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[Phence]

Yes pretty much commuting and weekend fun. I hope to find something that is fun to drive so while the Honda is the safe, cheap and responsible option, I was wondering if anything offers the same but with more character. The Honda does 3.2L/100Km as it is half a Jazz engine and tuned for economy.

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[Superflan]

Honda nc750x is a scooter disguised as a motorbike. For 100k get a k9 gsxr 1000

 

[Phence]

Honda nc750x is a scooter disguised as a motorbike. For 100k get a k9 gsxr 1000

There is a DCT and manual version of the bike. I signed for a white manual with 0.0Km on the clock today.

The Yamaha Tenere 660XT thing was discontinued locally. The KTM Enduro 690 is too off road focused and the SMC (motard) version has been discontinued locally.

The Suzuki Vstrom 650 is R28k more than the NC750X at R119 000 and it isn't really worth it for that price. I paid R91 400 on the road for my NC750X.

The Ducati and BMW options were just in a different price league so I guess so I took the sensible and economic option of the NC750X manual. Pity they did t have the DCT in stock any more as supposedly it is amazing. Honda are clearing stock for the 2018 stock. The DCT is even offered on the Africa Twin as an option so that tells you how good it is. The DCTs sold out before the manuals and they are 10k more.

The reason I don't want a K9 is the mileage and age. Also the riding position and a few other things. The more practical choice would be a naked bike but I don't like how they look...

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[George S]

If you have 150k to spend on a bike look at the BMW R1200R or BMW R1200RS. The Shaft and cruise control will be awesome for you and you will thank me for it.

Fantasic commuter bikes and service intervals are 10000 km's apart.

The R1200's that are not GS's are very underrated and sell for a lot less than an equally specs GS, you can get a R1200R with 9000km on it for R140k.
You also have an option of a BMW S1000R. 2016 model with 15000km's

Truimph Speed tripples are also a good option and i have heard that there will be a new importer announced soon and you might pick up a steal on one.
Fire it up has one for R120k 2017 model with 3000km on it.

I have had KTM, Yamaha and BMW bikes and the services cost about the same. It is Only when you require Valve clearance checks, or in Ducati's case cam belts that the services costs become expensive.

The days of the Jap bikes being cheaper is long gone. and the fact that Japs bike have to be serviced every 7000km's accourding to the manufacurars vs, 10000km BMW or Truimph and 15000km KTM and Ducati, suddenly doesn't seem that bad even if they are a bit more expensive.

 

[Phence]

Thanks George for your input, unfortunately I already signed the OTP for the Honda. Service intervals are 12 000kms. I got it for an excellent price so went new as well.

 

[D3TTOL]

There is a DCT and manual version of the bike. I signed for a white manual with 0.0Km on the clock today.

The Yamaha Tenere 660XT thing was discontinued locally. The KTM Enduro 690 is too off road focused and the SMC (motard) version has been discontinued locally.

The Suzuki Vstrom 650 is R28k more than the NC750X at R119 000 and it isn't really worth it for that price. I paid R91 400 on the road for my NC750X.

The Ducati and BMW options were just in a different price league so I guess so I took the sensible and economic option of the NC750X manual. Pity they did t have the DCT in stock any more as supposedly it is amazing. Honda are clearing stock for the 2018 stock. The DCT is even offered on the Africa Twin as an option so that tells you how good it is. The DCTs sold out before the manuals and they are 10k more.

The reason I don't want a K9 is the mileage and age. Also the riding position and a few other things. The more practical choice would be a naked bike but I don't like how they look...

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I'm not a fan of the Honda NC bikes, They are great bikes for economy and all that and the blue colour they have looks amazing.
If I were to buy anything I would have gotten a 650 Ninja, Makes a bit more power and is a reasonable all round bike with fairing etc etc.

I know you have picked your bike already and you should save all the petrols on it
We all have different tastes in bikes. Some like Superbikes, Others like their slow dual adventure bikes etc etc.

You also seem to buying with your head like a clever person. I'm one of those dumbos that buy the bikes that make them feel like children.

 

[Phence]

I'm not a fan of the Honda NC bikes, They are great bikes for economy and all that and the blue colour they have looks amazing.
If I were to buy anything I would have gotten a 650 Ninja, Makes a bit more power and is a reasonable all round bike with fairing etc etc.

I know you have picked your bike already and you should save all the petrols on it
We all have different tastes in bikes. Some like Superbikes, Others like their slow dual adventure bikes etc etc.

You also seem to buying with your head like a clever person. I'm one of those dumbos that buy the bikes that make them feel like children.

I agree with you, the NC isn't the most exotic but it is responsible and cheap (about R20k cheaper than that Ninja due to the clearance). I must say though that Ninja is a very compelling option. The only thing is that it is more expensive and might not cater well for a top box if I want to add one. All these options and decisions, first world problems you know?

 

[Phence]

Ok so I like the NC but I want a bigger bike that is easier to ride long distances. I commute on the bike but don't care if I use an adventure bike to commute aswell besides the odd adventure. I would like to stick to under R200k.

Problems:

1. The seat isn't amazing. I want something comfy.

2. The wind is a problem. Handguards and good wind protection are a must.

3. Long range fuel tank would be nice.

4. New is important or at most one year old.

5. I only like Honda and BMW as I don't like a brand that only has one dealership in the whole Cape - or is my reasoning wrong?

Bikes:

1. Africa Twin DCT New

2. BMW R1200GS - I know much more expensive.

3. BMW F850GS

4. KTM Adventure 1090

5. Any suggestions?



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[Phence]

ok so I went and traded my 2.5 week old NC750X for an African Twin DCT.

 

[Superflan]

ok so I went and traded my 2.5 week old NC750X for an African Twin DCT.

Mooi. Nou kom jy reg. [MENTION=508]SilvRav[/MENTION]

 

[D3TTOL]

NVM!

I had already given my opinion.
I thought it was a new thread xD

 

[D3TTOL]

ok so I went and traded my 2.5 week old NC750X for an African Twin DCT.

I am now disappointed

The NC was slow but it was extremely good on fuel.... and now you gone ahead and just got a slow bike.

 

[Phence]

I am now disappointed

The NC was slow but it was extremely good on fuel.... and now you gone ahead and just got a slow bike.

I test drove a 2018 GS1200 Rallye and a 2016 F800 (not adventure but was all black). The 1200 was too big and powerful with a lazy motor (did rev easily). Also the boxer engine makes it weird unergonomical due to the size of the engine by your feet and the heat it produces. Who wants warm legs on a hot day?

The F800 was better as the engine was more compact and the bike was lighter and more manageble. However it felt dated, and it doesn't rev naturally. It feels like you have to kill the bike to make it redline. This isn't how I normally drive, but the Honda NC750X and Africa Twin rev much more easily and almost feel more refined. Another factor which supports this lack of refinement theiry is no auto option for the 1200GS or F800. The NC750 and Africa Twin both are available in DCT which is a dual clutch auto.

The Rallye was supposed to have Gearshift on it (quickshifter up and down) but it didn't seem to work when I rode the bike. Anyway, it isn't the same as auto as the guy said you have to rev match and do something with the throttle - auto just works. It is supposed to make your life simpler, not mean more things to worry about.

Also the service intervals on BMW are 10 000KM with Honda being 12 000KM. Knowing BM they will kill you for the service cause zey are German. While I do love German cars, I don't like the 1200GS or F800 as a complete package. Perhaps the F850GS that will come out later this year will be more to my liking, but then again it will be closer or over to R200 000, which is much more than I am getting a 0km 2018 Africa Twin DCT for.

I find that power isn't everything, I would rather have a larger lower tuned engine for reliability (which Honda is known for) like the Africa Twin, than a engine with too much power that you can't use (1200GS). If you watch the reviews on Youtube, the Africa Twin competes with both the F800 and 1200GS. Sure there will be BMW guys who cry fowl and say that I am a bike noob, bla bla bla. The point is, the Honda (DCT) at the price I am getting it at is a real steal (R159 000 instead of R208 000). The only competitor price wise was a brand new F800GS Trophy for R145 000 (R20k off on retail), which I didn't like due to being manual and a few other points like the instrument cluster being dated etc.

So come at me BMW haters!

 

[JollyJamma]

ok so I went and traded my 2.5 week old NC750X for an African Twin DCT.

You certainly live up to your handle, Phence.
I am also looking at a bike but as a first time buy. I've ridden bikes and I'm OK on them, I just know that with more than 300cc, I will kill myself doing 200Km/h.

 

[SauRoN]

BMW will give you the best service experience around, but don't really offer much in that bracket so is very expensive.

An alternative look could be the Triumph range maybe.

But nothing wrong with a Honda NC750 and the frunk makes it very practical. You won't believe this but the Honda will be more expensive to maintain than a 1200GS.

Also the engine is actually a good thing as it protects your legs and doesn't get noticeably hot in summer and is lovely in winter for some weather protection.

I wouldn't buy a GS though...

You say the 1200 has too much power yet call it lazy? It's actually the perfect amount of all round power I reckon and much less than the crazy bikes.

But if it's DCT you want then BMW doesn't give you any of those options and I often question why they are behind in that game.

I say again though, the Honda will cost you more to maintain....much more.

****

Ag fok replying to an old thread I see you got the Africa Twin. I'm test riding one mid April.

 

[Phence]

So I bought a Versys 650 and am selling it, decided to stick with the DCT Africa Twin. It's really a great bike.

Here is the link:

2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 ! Value for money! | Milnerton | Gumtree Classifieds South Africa | 328507555

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[D3TTOL]

So I bought a Versys 650 and am selling it, decided to stick with the DCT Africa Twin. It's really a great bike.

Here is the link:

2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 ! Value for money! | Milnerton | Gumtree Classifieds South Africa | 328507555

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I suppose the power difference made you stick with the Africa Twin?

 

[Quintrix1]

I paid R91 400 on the road for my NC750X.

ok so I went and traded my 2.5 week old NC750X for an African Twin DCT.

So I bought a Versys 650 and am selling it, decided to stick with the DCT Africa Twin. It's really a great bike.

Here is the link:

2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 ! Value for money! | Milnerton | Gumtree Classifieds South Africa | 328507555

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So you bought a NC > sold > bought a AT > kept > bought a Versys as well > selling. All in 6months. You need therapy. Take to the road - the N7 and stop in Windhoek and turn left.

 

[Eon]

Just get a Norton V4 SS. Perfect go-to bike.

 

[D3TTOL]

Just get a Norton V4 SS. Perfect go-to bike.

200 units/ All sold. xD

 

[Phence]

I suppose the power difference made you stick with the Africa Twin?

Yes I'm 1.9m and the AT is just such a better bike, obviously it is a different price range/market, but I really enjoy riding it. I have a car but only use it on the weekends now, even if it rains during the week.

The wind protection is obviously much better on the AT compared to the NC, although the NC is a very nice bike. I might've kept the NC if it was the DCT. The AT still has a stock exhaust, I'm happy with it.

So you bought a NC > sold > bought a AT > kept > bought a Versys as well > selling. All in 6months. You need therapy. Take to the road - the N7 and stop in Windhoek and turn left.

Indeed, I've sold the Versys now around Oct 2018 and traded the NC in for the AT DCT was it in March 2018? Luckily I can now say that I'm happy with the AT DCT. It's a great bike in my eyes, and probably the only bike I want to keep due to the DCT. I'd highly recommend test riding one even if you aren't interested in buying such a bike, just because it's such a great experience if you are into bikes. Who knows it might make you want to get one!

It's basically a 1000cc scooter that you can shift with flappy paddles, and for someone lazy like me in traffic this makes it a real joy. I can say that I think I'll keep the AT, there isn't really anything I could ask for.