The Swiss Army Bike

Polite, mild mannered, and unpretentious, the Honda NC750X is the unsung hero.

An instant success all over the world when launched as a 700 back in 2012, the NC’s unrivalled blend of usability, efficiency and value for money has made it the go-to option for riders after a true all-round workhorse – but one that’s enjoyable away from the daily grind, too.

Gentle updates over the last nine years have kept the modest adventurer up to date, with the latest bevy of small but important upgrades arriving for the 2021 model year. Designed to keep the 745cc twin nose-to-nose with rivals and maintain its solid sales position, the NC has more tech, greater performance and better storage than ever.

Browse our inventory of the hero NC750X

MCN Magazine gives the 2021 NC750X 5 out of 5 stars

Reliability & build quality: 5/5
Buy an NC750X and you can expect faultless dependability. Previous incarnations have developed an enviable reputation for reliability and there are lots of massive-mile workhorses that slog on tirelessly without a niggle. Their owners love 'em, and there’s no reason why the 2021-on model should be any different.

Build quality on the Japan-made 750 is impressive; from the paint and fit of parts, to switchgear that will survive millions of prods.

As with any bike you’ll need a squirt of anti-corrosion fluid splashed on the brake banjo bolts and some fasteners to prevent them cultivating fur in the salty depths of winter. There are a few clips, bolts and brackets that’ll rust, too.

The suspension on well-used older variants gets a tad saggy at 30,000-odd miles, though the better-quality items on this model may well stay in shape for longer. Overall, the Honda has a finish that’s as good as anything else at its price point. Or better. Buy with confidence.

Value vs rivals: 5/5
Attractively priced? Indeed. The Honda is $8,099 on the road and so is cheaper than the humdrum BMW F750GS, cheaper-feeling Kawasaki Versys 650 and less practical Yamaha Tracer 7. Suzuki’s evergreen V-Strom 650 is about the same sort of cash as the NC750X but just not as refined, agile or frugal.

Having a Honda badge and a solid reputation should mean pleasing residuals too. You could buy, say, a perfectly capable CFMOTO 650GT and save $1500, but the NC will do a grander job of holding onto its value. Same is true compared to the more mainstream opposition above.

Browse our inventory of the hero NC750X