Honda NT700 - Anyone ever ridden one?

[Zeheeba]

Good Morning Everyone!

Most of my road time recently has been two up, and I'm thinking about picking up a stablemate for my 1991 750 beauty.  The 2010 Honda NT700 is a serious contender.  Has anyone every ridden these?  It has some great features and is talked up to be a great sport touring focused on comfort.  Any information would be great.  Thanks all, have a great 4th!

Regards,
Daniel

[Baileyman]

I haven't ridden one, but I'm quite interested in it too.  My local dealer has had a hard time getting them because of the Earthquake in Japan, and the couple they had sold right away.  Maybe they've got more now, I dunno, I haven't been in in awhile, not my favorite dealer, but I like looking.

[LOKi]

I have heard mixed reviews on the bike. Some love it. In Europe they are very popular. But here they don't do that well. In your case wanting to ride two up I think your going to find it a little under powered. Might do okay on the flats but once you start climbing any hills you are going to want more bike. Also if you find yourself out in the Utah desert where cursing speeds can exceed 120mph without even noticing it.

Then there is the storage. The bags are not removable and are not really that big.

For two up touring I would consider some of the liter + bikes. For me I'm thinking FJR, but there is the ST1300 or the older 1100's and of course the Concours 14. All the newer ones have ABS as an option too. You can save a lot by buying them used. These bikes are designed for distance so a bike with 50,000 miles on it is still pretty much new as long as it was cared for.

[Zeheeba]

Thanks for the info!  Funny you should mention the NT700's big brother.  I just found this as well...

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/2470436166.html

Looks like a pretty decent deal.

[LOKi]

Yea. You won't be disappointed with the 1300. I would go have a look. See if he will let you ride it. They will feel heavy at slow speeds but once moving the weight isn't so noticeable. Only thing I would add is a Corbin seat and a big top box and your set for two up to the lake or to the four corners of the country.

[Zeheeba]

Wow, the Pan-Weave portion of this is pretty scary.  Not that I would plan on going 110mph... 
As to the NT700, wouldn't it have very similar HP to my NH 750?  I'm checking out the 700 today, I'll let you know how it looks.

[LOKi]

I'll let you know how it looks.

Like a scooter. 

[Zeheeba]

HA!  Kinda!  Oh, here is the link to the Pan-Weave....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_ST1300

[Burgi]

I think Fishball has ridden one....

[fishball]

Yep, I have.  It was only a demo ride.  I really liked it, it isn't fast but it is quick enough.  It has a torquey motor with a little snarl to it when you roll on the throttle.  What I really liked about it is that it felt immediately comfortable in both handling and ergos.  I like the built in narrower luggage.  I personally can't stand hard bags that extend too far width wise.  I believe they have optional covers that are deeper to give you more storage, may not be available in US.

What I liked -
Manually adjustable windscreen
Shaft drive
Great MPG
Very comfortable

What I disliked -
Don't care for the looks
Only a five speed

For two up it would work okay but it won't be a powerhouse.  Real nice bike, I wouldn't mine owning one.

[Zeheeba]

I checked out this bike, and its pretty sweet.  The price on it is awesome as well, however its still too far out of my range at the moment.  And I would have to sell my hawk.  So for now I'll slap the sissy bar back on, attach the new center stand and keep my eyes open for a Corbin.  Someday though...

[k45]

I had a 10 mile test drive on an NT700V the other day.   Nice bike.  Comfortable.   Great adjustable windshield, it's a heck of a lot better (adjustable) than a Goldwing windshield!

Seemed a bit underpowered to me but then I'm not one used to revving up an engine and most of the NT folks say you need to keep it up at the 4K range.   It's the only V-twin I've ever ridden and I was totally underwhelmed by it when I started out in the dealer's lot.   But when I got on the highway, it quickly climbed up to speed.

It seemed to be very comfortable and the folks on the NT forum love them and say they have plenty of power even for 2up riding.   

Dealers are lowering the prices on the 2010 non abs models but I think I really want the ABS option.   

I am strongly debating either an NT700V, FJR1300 or ST1300.   Another dealer is having a Yamaha test ride day this weekend and I'll get a chance to try and FJR and maybe an ST1300.

[Baileyman]

Where do you live that they have dealer test ride days?  I have a hell of a time finding them in the SF Bay Area...

[k45]

Where do you live that they have dealer test ride days?  I have a hell of a time finding them in the SF Bay Area...

SW Ohio.   Yamaha has occasional test days at some dealers and I have a good enough relationship with the Honda dealer that he will let me test ride stuff.

Ken