I like it for commanding upright riding position and the built-in storage compartment in the faux fuel tank that can easily swallow a full-face helmet. The wide handlebars allow you to throw the bike wherever it’s needed, while its slim profile is great for splitting lanes (if you’re in California, anyway). As an added bonus, the NC returns excellent fuel mileage, and optional luggage provides ample room for groceries, though we’d opt for just the top case for commuting duties.
Perhaps the Honda’s biggest strong suit, however, is its optional second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). With it, you have the option to shift at the press of a button, or not shift at all and let the bike handle it for you. If slogging through the city congestion sounds like a chore from all the shifting and clutching involved, this option should be particularly appealing. Those looking for more of a feet-forward riding experience could also consider Honda’s new CTX700.
Everyone who rides an NC is taken by surprise at the low redline -- just 6,500 rpm -- but once you adapt to a power curve that's more diesel car than high-revving bike by short shifting and using the higher gears at low speed, the 46 pound-feet of torque is more than enough to achieve some serious hustle. Combined with the soft-but-capable suspension, it makes it possible to really wring some serious speed out of the bike on a canyon road.
[via www.motorcycle.com]