Ridefast April 2022

I even think this configuration could be well worn on an Ninja that is
destined to be a track machine, a good use of the midrange of the
gearbox coupled with the smooth power curve and torque will see
some good speeds from a light and steady machine. There is a nice
instrumentation display, different modes and the regular rider ‘aids’
employed these days. I must admit, I enjoyed the cable-actuated
throttle. The response on the throttle input is good and lends itself
to blipping on the downshift and a naughty little rev at the lights. The
brakes are just as good as a Japanese machine always are, and the ABS
is also up there with the best, not as intrusive as the English machines
and there’s no need to grab a handful of lever to stop the Ninja.
The feeling I got from the chassis and suspension was stable and the
out-of-the-box setup good for my weight and height. The ninja 650
is notably smaller and more nimble than the ZX6. Better for a town
machine and maybe even a short track. It’s also not going to catapult
you past 200 in a hurry, but it gets there quickly enough. At the ‘full-taps’
situation, the motor feels like it could use a little enhancement in terms
of aspiration and exhaust, just to perk it up a little and bring out that
unique Kawasaki twin whine. The folks in Nippon are lauded for making
reliable machines that last, and this one is not going to change that in a
hurry.
My truth told; it’s a great machine; it is probably a good step toward
a larger sport machine, coming from a street bike or a small capacity
faired machine, solely for the introduction to riding a sport bike.
Kyle says:
This bike took me back to my youth, when I was hanging on the throttle
cable of my CBR125. The 650 Ninja felt like a properly upgraded version
of that. It is fast, it is light and it is very nimble through the traffic.
Considering it is not a thoroughbred Supersport bike it felt very stable
and planted through the corners with very little flex in the chassis.
The suspension is plush, aimed more at comfort than serious sport
riding which makes it great for long hours in the saddle, but still plenty
capable in the turns to get my grin going. It was a fat jol to ride. I had so
much fun blitzing through traffic with the odd wheelie here and there.
Glenn Says:
It’s no race bike but this little bike is absolutely 100 percent fun. For
some reason, I ended up riding it longer than anyone else and there
are absolutely no complaints here. Its fast enough, powerful enough
and really comfortable even for a bigger boned rider like myself. If
you are budget conscious you cannot go wrong, it’s a brilliant do it all
motorcycle!
YES!! The new NC750 is packed with extra fun factor.
Honda NC 750 – from R128,500.00
A bike that sells really well mostly to the price conscious commuter
and a bike that is generally overlooked by the fun seekers in the
motorcycling commuting because of its perceived conservative ‘beigeness’.
And admittedly with the first two renditions of this motorcycle
that might not have been unjustified. However, with the third generation
Honda does seem to have replaced the suit and tie with cargo pants,
golf shirt and hiking boots as far as the NC 750’s go. They have added
in a strong fun factor while still keeping the sensible reliability, efficient
fuel usage and clever storage. Of all the bikes we rode on this test
the NC was by far the best in all round comfort and most predictable
handling and power. The fun factor comes in with an extra 3 odd kW
of power and an extra 500rpms to get to the full power with an extra
1Nm of torque. Doesn’t sound like much, but you can definitely feel a
significant difference from the previous generation. We kept bouncing
off the rev limiter because you are so well cocooned in the cockpit
and the suspension and chassis work so well to smooth out the ride
that you do not actually feel the extra speed and only a quick reference
to the speedo lets you know that you are shifting along quite rapidly.
The fuel tank under the seat gives it a nice low centre of gravity and
place the weight right in the middle of the NC making its handling very
neutral, coupled with the relaxed and natural riding posture makes for
an incredibly confidence inspiring ride that you attack the corners with a
lot more gusto and we all love the great quick access twenty three litres
of storage space that basically negates the need for a back pack or a
top box.