Why no 30-year story
NC concept = 2012
The NC platform — Honda New Concept commuter — launched in 2012. There was no NC700X or NC750X in 1996 or 2006, and the NC concept itself did not exist. Honda nearest equivalents were sport-tourers (Deauville).
Power change
+6bhp
54bhp Gen 2 NC750X → 58bhp current. Honda kept the bike deliberately mild. The NC was designed around fuel economy and accessibility, not performance.
Torque change
+1Nm
68Nm to 69Nm in a decade. Almost no change. The NC is built around its torque curve — a long flat plateau from 2,000rpm. Honda nailed it on day one and have left it alone.
Real cost change
−£0.5k
£6,800 in 2016 ≈ £8,850 today. The 2026 NC750X DCT is £8,399 — about 5% cheaper in real terms. Honda have kept the NC honest on price.
Rider aids count
1 → 5
2016: just ABS. 2026: ABS, traction control, ride modes, smartphone, TFT. Modest electronics for a commuter.
What makes it odd
Storage where tank should be
The NC750X defining feature: a helmet-sized storage compartment where the fuel tank usually sits. The fuel tank is under the seat. Few bikes are designed around storage; the NC was.
Cheapest way in
£3k
A clean Gen 2 NC750X today. Underrated, indestructible, 70+mpg, optional auto gearbox. The most-rented bike in many parts of Europe. There is a reason.
