This is Honda’s Most Sensible Motorcycle, Change My Mind

It’s perfect for practical folks and tech nerds alike.

Photo by: Honda

By: Enrico Punsalang

Nov 19, 2024 at 8:19am ET

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Whenever I see a Honda NC750X on the street, I can’t help but wonder exactly what it is. At a glance, it sort of looks like an adventure bike. But its low seat and fairly low-slung stance make me think of it as more of a sport-tourer. But hey, it isn’t at all sporty, not even in the lightest sense. So yeah, it’s a tourer. But not a big, long-distance tourer like a BMW R 1250 RT.

To that end, I’m of the belief that the NC750X is a bike that sits in a class all its own. It’s the perfect execution of a jack of all trades, master of none, as it’ll be perfectly at home doing pretty much anything from light off-roading, to daily commuting, and heck, I’ve even seen an NC750X once or twice at a trackday before. So yeah, the NC750X just might be Honda’s most sensible motorcycle.

But why?

Photo by: Honda

The NC750X's form is really a result of its function.

Well, it’s a bike whose form is a result of its function. Its massive fairing is a result of having a large storage compartment upfront. And its ADV-esque windscreen and ergonomics package are a result of it being designed to be as comfortable as possible. And for 2025, Honda has made this thing even better by introducing a slew of updates that modernize this already modern two-wheeler.

For starters, the 2025 NC750X gets a redesigned headlight sort of similar to that of the 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet, a bike we frustratingly don’t get in the US market. But apart from just aesthetics, the NC750X has also been given a new five-inch TFT display integrating Honda’s RoadSync mobile app and smartphone connectivity system—a superfluous piece of tech for some, but a must-have for tech nerds who don’t think twice about downing huge sums of money for the latest gadgets.

Of course, the new TFT screen is accompanied by all sorts of techie gizmos. The bike gets ride-by-wire complete with multiple ride modes and a user customizable mode, too. Honda mentions a refined Rain Mode, as well, so you can be confident riding this thing even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Photo by: Honda

2025 Honda NC750X is sort of like the pocket protector of motorcycles.

As before, the NC750X is powered by a 745cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank. This engine gives the bike a surprisingly burly character you could say is unbecoming of how well-mannered it seems. But to keep it all on tap, Honda offers the NC750X in a nice and easy-to-use DCT variant. But you could also opt for the good old manual transmission model too. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the DCT variant accounts for more than half of the model’s European sales since becoming available in 2021.

This clearly says a lot about the NC750X’s user base in that it’s preferred by folks who don’t necessarily prioritize sporty and exhilarating performance, but rather, an easy and convenient way to get around on two wheels that isn’t a scooter.

As of the moment, the 2025 update for the NC750X has been announced only for Europe. But hopefully, the US market will get this updated pocket protector of a motorcycle sooner than later.