I just wrote for 20 minutes and accidentally closed the browser..
What it comes down to, regardless of your riding experience, the NC700X is something
to experience since it's a bike that feels a lot different (at least to me) then what you'd
expect from that kind of a bike just looking at the specs sheet.
But to answer your questions quickly..
NC's suspension is longer and softer, bigger wheels do a lot for comfort too so
there's no doubt the NC is more comfortable then the DT300. The seat on the
DT is better, of course, but that doesn't do much given the huge suspension
differences.
The difference between the 30hp and 50hp might seem like a lot, but because of
the extra weight, the NC is hardly any faster around 40-60mph speeds where most
spend a lot of time. It's got a lot more torque, but it runs out of steam fast and
you need to short shift all the time. Not a problem, but don't expect mind blowing
performance.
The NC is somewhat practical because of the storage space, but for around town,
I'll never say that ANY motorcycle with a manual transmission is more practical then
ANY scooter out there.
I'd rather ride the hugeass Burgman 650 around town then any tiny motorcycle, just
to get rid of shifting gears. If you ride 2 up a lot, that's even more important. As smooth
as I was on my Kawasaki (ninja 650R), I always bumped helmets with my passenger and
my arms always hurt after a while (because of all the pressure from behind). On the DT
you don't even know that you have a passenger behind you.
I got rid of the 650R because of that since you end up spending most of the time around
town anyways unless the motorcycle is only a toy for you, and it is (was) my only mode
of transport so it had to go. Sold the small 125cc scooter too and then ordered the DT300
hoping that it would replace both well.
It sure replaced the smaller scooter in every way, but I miss the 70hp engine from my
Kawasaki.. and the gearbox for touring/spirited riding.
THe NC700X DCT might be best of both worlds, but you gotta decide for yourself if you're
happy with a 48hp engine on such a heavy motorcycle, regardless of rather fat torque curve.
I was blown away the first time I rode it, but you get used to it very fast (since it's
very easy to ride, like a freaking bicycle, the weight NEVER shows), but 2nd and 3rd
ride had me bumping the engine off the rev limiter and thinking how it could use 5 or 10
hp more.
(There's supposed to be a bigger / more powerful NC coming next year)
Take it for a ride, but make it a longer one.
After a 5 minute ride, you'll sign on the dotted line right away, it needs a longer ride.
As for me.. I dunno.. I might drop down to a 125-150cc scoot again, and buy a big bike
again, but I'm eyeballing the MyRoad 700i too..
Did I miss anything?
