How capable do you think I will be on this.

[96Cruiser13]

I bought a 2013 Honda NC700X about a month ago. I planned on buying a dual sport, but ill be 90% on road so the sales lady talked me into a more highway friendly bike.

I plan on ordering some off road/dual sport tires for it so I can have fun on some easy trails at uwharrie. Just wondering what you guys think about the capability of this bike. The suspension is "dirtbike like", with the one big shock placed on the center of the bike.

I'm looking at a couple sets of tires, I need them to be "grippy"on road as well as off road. I don't care how fast they wear, or how bad they wear. Two examples are attached:

 

[Mtbcoach]

How much off-road motorcycle experience do you have? Just like any off-roading, skill goes a long way when under-equipped.

That bike is designed to be on the street, the front end rake & trail are such that the front end will easily "tuck" and not meant for off-road handling. The suspension is the same, meant for the dynamics of road riding, not a softer spring settings with increased damping. That bike is set up and designed for fun mountain roads, light/positive handling in urban/city traffic and decent distance cruising.

Doesn't mean you can't ride it off-road, just don't expect too much out of it, which means, you will drop it in all probability. That bike isn't meant to be dropped, you'll be spending some cash even if its just a "standing still" drop, let alone anything with any speed involved

Don't waste money on off-road specific tires IMHO, best mix are the new Michilin Anakee 3, went through a set of the Anakee 2's and will put the Anakee 3's when I replace these tires. I've get almost 10k out of a set of Tournaces, 5k out of a set of Anakees, <2.5k on a set of Mezler Enduro's, when one is talking $300-350 for a set of each, its not cheap.

Please don't take this as negative, just want to be realistic for you and your expectations. I'd hate to see you drop that new bike and be looking at a few hundred to replace levers, mirrors, turn signals and maybe a radiator shroud or worse.

You've got a nice bike there, could you ride it up URE on the fire-roads, probably, once it gets beyond that, you'd best be a very good bike handler...

 

[96Cruiser13]

See, that's why I LOVE mud! That is exactly what I was hoping to hear! And honestly its exactly what I wanted to hear. I knew I was buying a road bike, and only expect to take some dirt roads/easy trails. I've rode dual sports and dirt bites my whole life (not saying I'm a pro by any means) so I feel pretty confident with little traction, but even in wet grass these tires are fun. Fun as in very sketchy...

Thanks for the input, I plan on getting a very cheap set of more aggressive tires just to get the experience. I don't even want them to last a while because I plan on taking a solo road trip up to Massachusetts after I get some luggage mounted.

By no means did I ever expect to climb Daniel or anything on this, but maybe ride around on some of the easy trails. See how it handles over the rain hump.

Thanks again for the input. VERY HELPFUL!

Its a fun little bike.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Got to agree with Jerry 1000% here. That is why I have a road bike and dirt bike. Both motorized and peddle wise. But it you just had to do it, I should pick the first set for that tread pattern. You do not want an aggressive tire for the road on a bike. I take my dirt bike on the hardball every once in awhile and hate it.

 

[96Cruiser13]

Got to agree with Jerry 1000% here. That is why I have a road bike and dirt bike. Both motorized and peddle wise. But it you just had to do it, I should pick the first set for that tread pattern. You do not want an aggressive tire for the road on a bike. I take my dirt bike on the hardball every once in awhile and hate it.

That's exactly what I was thinking as well. I'm sure these tires won't last long at all since they are 159 a pair... So it may be fun for a month or two.

Thanks buddy

 

[Burt88]

Glad you got some input from other knowledgeable bike owners. Definitely get the more streetable tires, although they'll probably run you about 3-4k miles before replacing. Knobbies will rob you of the street performance that bike is designed for. And when you hit the trail be careful of rocks and high drainage humps because your exhaust pipe is routed at the bottom most point of the center of the bike. I'd hate to see you break anything major on that new bike.

 

[Yukon LX]

i cant remember what it is, but what about the tire that was developed for the Ducatti on/off road bike

 

[dbenke]

Ryan, I have 2 barrell bags and a sissy bar bag that I got on a craigslist deal if you would like them. I will ship them on your dime. I don't want anything for them, I just wanted someone that would use them, not let them sit like I have. There is also a 3/4 helmet if you're interested. It's just taking up space at my house.

 

[96Cruiser13]

Ryan, I have 2 barrell bags and a sissy bar bag that I got on a craigslist deal if you would like them. I will ship them on your dime. I don't want anything for them, I just wanted someone that would use them, not let them sit like I have. There is also a 3/4 helmet if you're interested. It's just taking up space at my house.

Any update on these? I will pay whatever is needed

 

[GLTHFJ60]

To answer the original question of the thread, not that capable, especially when you're not paying attention to the trail

 

[Yukon LX]

^

 

[speedrye]

I don't know a thing about bikes, but I recognize a busted-ass oil pan when I see one.

 

[tpham32]

haha yeah, I was about to say that you need a skid plate so you don't bust into that oil pan again!

 

[NCFJ]

I do not think you will run much more than a fire road before you are pushing the edge with that bike. An endoro style bike would handle it but give up far more on the road to do it. Even an experienced rider would have to work to hard on even mild trails.

I'd ride the one you've got on the street and enjoy it for all it offers.