The annual motorcycle show is on at Milan and, as usual, there’s not much to talk about that hasn’t already been the subject of slow leaks from the various factories over the last few months. Of most interest is the brand new Honda NCS700, not because of its startling performance but because of its apparent return to the single-platform concept that was popular with Japanese manufacturers many years ago, the so-called Universal Japanese Motorcycle.
The NC will actually be available in 3 guises, all based on the same platform. The first iteration will be the Integra, a proper scooter that is almost a motorcycle, previewed on this site a couple pf weeks ago.
Then there are the two other models both announced at EICMA. The NC700S is a full motorcycle, powered by the same 670cc parallel twin engine producing 47bhp and built for a broad spread of torque and extraordinary fuel consumption (Honda is claiming 3l/100km, 78mpg in the old money)
The NC700X is the same basic bike with raised suspension, quasi-off-road tyres and with an adventure bike bias. Hardly a GS1200 BMW but it will undoubtedly find a niche in many countries where the standard of roads is nowhere near what we are used to in the better developed western countries.
Each bike will feature a Suzuki Across-style helmet compartment where you’d expect to find the fuel tank and will be equipped with Honda’s second generation DCT transmission as well as DCBS brakes fitted with ABS as standard.
Pricing is expected to be very aggressive and I foresee them selling by the boatload despite their relatively low-performance specification.
The 7th round of the Australian Superbike Championship takes place at Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania this weekend. Glenn Allerton on the BMW could seal the title with one round to go with a good performance.