Honda‘s work developing its second-generation dual clutch transmission appears to be paying off, at least in Europe. According to Honda, customers have purchased more than 12,500 units with DCT since the technology was first made available on a production motorcycle with the VFR1200F in 2010.

The Japanese manufacturer now offers four models in Europe with optional DCT: the VFR1200F, the NC700X, the NC700S, and the Crosstourer. Honda also produces the Integra scooter (which shares the same platform as the NC models) but it is only available with DCT as standard. But for the models where Honda offers a choice, more and more consumers are choosing to go with the DCT system. Continue Reading »

The big news from Honda last week was the introduction of the new CTX700 and CTX700N cruisers. Flying a little under the radar however was a change to American Honda‘s pricing structure for the 2013 NC700X which sees a price increase for the base model but a price cut for combined anti-lock brakes and a dual clutch transmission

Honda introduced the NC700X last year at an impressively low price of $6999 for the base model and $8999 with ABS and DCT. The low price point was one key advantage we awarded the 2012 NC700X over the $7899 Kawasaki Versys in our recent Middleweight Multi-Tool Shootout.

For 2013 however, American Honda is increasing the NC700X’s price to $7499. That’s still less expensive than the 2013 Versys which also saw a price increase to $7999, but the difference is now $500 rather than the $900 gap last year. The NC700X is unchanged from last year, and Honda did not explain the reason for the price increase. One reason might be the addition of the CB500X to the lineup; American Honda has yet to announce a price for the CB500X, but some of the NC700X’s price increase may be to create a bigger price difference between Honda’s two adventure-style models. Continue Reading »

Honda pulled the covers off a new streetbike series aimed at younger, shorter riders. The Honda CTX700 represents the first in a new series from Honda combining the three tenets of Comfort, Technology and Experience. It’s a platform “specifically engineered to make motorcycling more approachable, affordable and fun than ever before.”

Our own Troy Siahaan is at the CTX700 models’ launch in Chicago and will have a full first-hand report next week, but for now here’s a quick look at Honda’s new streetbikes.

The Honda CTX700 and CTX700N are powered by the 670cc parallel-Twin engine introduced in the NC series and are available with Honda’s second-generation dual-clutch transmission (DCT) technology. DCT is standard on the 700N and optional on the NC700. Both will be available with ABS on the DCT versions, but not on the standard transmission models. Vertically challenged riders will appreciate the CTX’s low seat of just 28.3 inches.

The CTX700N (pictured above) is the naked version, sharing a similar front end as the NC700S. The CTX700 adds a fairing and windscreen to make it better equipped for longer trips. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the ill-fated DN-01 but looks, thankfully, more subdued.

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Alongside the Honda NC700S at EICMA comes the NC700X, a “crossover” model with better off-road capability.

Like the NC700S, the 2012 Honda NC700X is powered by Honda’s new 670cc parallel Twin engine. Honda designed the engine to be highly efficient, with optimal performance at speeds up to 87 mph and the engine revving up to 6000 rpm, a range Honda’s research found accounts for 90% of an average commuter’s uses. The NC700X’s engine has been tuned to offer more power and torque than the NC700S, with Honda claiming 51 hp at 6250 rpm 45.7 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm (compared to the NC700S’ 46.9 hp at 6250 rpm and 44.3 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm figures. Like the NC700S, Honda claims the NC700X gets 63.5 mpg, enough for a range of 235 miles.

Like the NC700S, the Honda NC700X will be available with or without a dual clutch transmission system and combined ABS.

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Honda unveiled a new mid-sized naked standard using the 670cc parallel Twin engine and second-generation dual-clutch transmission.

The new Honda NC700S is powered by the same 670cc Twin engine as the Integra motorcycle/scooter crossover and the NC700X. Designed to be lightweight and fuel-efficient, Honda claims an output of 46.9 hp at 6250 rpm and 44.3 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm, while getting 63.5 mpg. With a 3.7 gallon tank, the NC700S should get a range of about 235 miles on a full tank of gas.

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Honda has released specifications and new photographs of its new 670cc Integra motorcycle/scooter crossover which will make its public debut at the 2011 EICMA show in Milan. While the hybrid model may not be for everyone, the engine details are important as Honda has announced it will also debut two additional models at EICMA using the same power plant.

The 2012 Honda Integra, named according to Honda for integrating “the ease of use of a scooter with the dynamic performance of a motorcycle”, uses an all new 670cc parallel Twin engine with a second generation version of Honda’s dual clutch transmission.

Honda claims an output of 51.1 hp at 6250 rpm and 45.7 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm from the new engine. Honda also claims a fuel efficiency of 65.7 mpg thanks to a reduction in friction and a small number of moving parts. The cylinders, for example, are offset to reduce the friction of the piston against the cylinder wall. The balance shaft does double duty, also driving the oil pump while the camshaft also drives the water pump. Combined with the 3.7 gallon fuel tank, Honda claims a range of 250 miles between fill-ups.

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