2010 Honda NT700V Preview

Introduction

Behind all the touring fun and excitement is a consecrated (on the old continent) liquid-cooled 52-degree V-Twin displacing 680cc as a result of an 81mm bore and 66mm stroke as well as 10:1 compression ratio. Each cylinder’s four valves are controlled through a single overhead cam, while gas is fed into the engine by Honda’s programmed fuel injection system. The engine is coupled to a five-speed tranny, which should keep things lively and interesting at all times while also maintaining good mileage. Knowing about the standard model’s 566 lbs curb weight (571 on the ABS model) and the gas tank’s 5.2 gallons capacity, we reckon the NT700V should beg for more gas after around 200 miles during long haul traveling and approximately 165 miles around town.

If our predictions are right, this qualifies the bike as a great alternative for those who have long been waiting to join the big league, but don’t feel like spending too much money on big touring bikes, which aren’t that helpful around town either.

2010 Honda NT700V

With a 26.5-degree rake and 4.5 inches trail, the bike should be very maneuverable even at slow speeds also thanks to the low center of gravity and 58.1 inches wheelbase. The rider’s bottom will sit 31.7 inches above the ground, which is acceptable.

A major contribution to this model’s touring credentials is the suspension equipment composed from a 41mm telescopic fork offering 4.5 inches of travel and a preload adjustable shock offering an even greater 4.8 inches of travel. And the thing is that you haven’t even heard the best part yet: the thing features combined braking system working with three-piston calipers on the 296mm front discs and also on the 276mm rear one. ABS is optional.

Being a veritable mid-range touring motorcycle, the Honda NT700V comes with large-capacity saddlebags and five-position adjustable windscreen so that it will suit riders of different heights. Also, the decent accessories list includes a 45-litre top box in matching body colors, just to start your interest.

History

Honda NT650V Deauville

Looks like this motorcycle is always ready to spoil its riders and the best part is that it has gone through a thorough testing process undergone along the years mostly by those lucky Europeans. The Honda NT650V Deauville was introduced in 1998. It came to replace the NTV650 Revere and it did it with style as it stood out thanks to a fully integrated three-quarter fairing and panniers. The engine, which was the same type as the current one, originally displaced 647cc and had only three valves per cylinder. It developed a decent 55 hp at 7,750 rpm and 41 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm, enough to keep riders interested in Honda’s offering for the respective segment.

This bike has gradually gained the respect of European riders not only for being versatile, efficient, comfortable and fun to ride, but also thanks to the reliable V-Twin engine. This was enlarged in 2006 to 680cc and the bike’s name was changed into NT700V Deauville. Fuel injection was also added and the power and torque gain was more than substantial: 65 hp at 8,000 rpm and 48.8 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. In 2006, ABS was also introduced as an option.

Competition

With this all-new NT700V, Honda is walking on soft American ground mostly because riders can go ahead and buy sport-touring models such as the Yamaha FZ6, Suzuki GSX650F or Kawasaki Ninja 650R for plenty less than what they’ll pay for the NT700V and still ride a much more potent piece of engineering. But the fact is that the Honda NT700V addresses to riders who have long surpassed the “horsepower crisis” and prefer the joy of riding in complete comfort and well protected by wind and weather for miles and miles every day.

Exterior

2010 Honda NT700V

And the way that it looks shows this from the very first glance. You won’t see the FZ6 coming out of the factory gates with panniers on, but this motorcycle does and still looks up for the sport-touring challenge. The three-quarter fairing and demure headlight positioned above the NT’s “shark mouth” all contribute at making the thing look one-of-a-kind, while the five-position windscreen looks very efficient.

Overall quite clean and docile, the NT700V disguises that gas tank very well behind the large fairing, but this still blends in with the spacious seat and standard panniers. Everything is designed with aerodynamics in mind and Honda’s quality built and refinement can be spotted all over this model. The three-spoke, 17-inch wheels are quite simple and in between them there’s not much to lay your eyes on apart from the exhaust on the right rider side and the shaft final drive on the left.

This new introduction to the US market comes in colors that Honda also used for the ST1300 along the years: Metallic Red and Metallic Silver. Only the last color is available for the ABS-equipped NT700V.

2010 Honda NT700V

Price

As you’ve already deduced, this motorcycle’s biggest disadvantage is its price tag. With a $9,999 MSRP for the non ABS version and a $10.999 one for the ABS version, riders are most likely gonna head to the cheaper, good old sport-touring segment.

Conclusion

2010 Honda NT700V

Looking at the bike and knowing that it comes after a long ride on the old continent, we cannot ever underestimate it, so much the less now that we haven’t even ridden it. We’ll just express our reservations towards the way riders are looking at it.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2010 Honda NT700V

Model: NT700V / NT700VA ABS

Engine and Transmission

Engine Type: 680cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin

Bore and Stroke: 81mm x 66mm

Compression ratio: 10.0:1

Valve Train: SOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 40mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors

Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance

Transmission: Five-speed

Chassis and Dimensions

Suspension
Front: 41mm telescopic fork; 4.5 inches travel
Rear: Single shock with spring preload adjustability; 4.8 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Dual full-floating 296mm discs with CBS three-piston calipers
Rear: Single 276mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper; Optional ABS

Tires
Front: 120/70 ZR17 radial
Rear: 150/70 ZR17 radial

Wheelbase: 58.1 inches

Rake: 28° 50’

Trail: 115mm (4.5 inches)

Seat Height: 31.7 inches

Curb Weight: 566 pounds (NT700V) / 571 pounds (NT700VA ABS)

Fuel Capacity: 5.2 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve

Features & Benefits

2010 Honda NT700V