Touring motorcycles have long been synonymous with sheer size — massive engines, plush seats wide enough to nap on, and dimensions that command the highway. That formula still has its devotees, but it has never been particularly kind to riders just starting out. Heavyweight tourers can feel intimidating in city traffic, unwieldy at low speeds, and downright exhausting to maneuver in a parking lot. A genuinely good beginner tourer should feel approachable in traffic, manageable at walking pace, and comfortable enough to make longer rides something to look forward to rather than survive. As it turns out, Honda has built exactly that machine — and it costs less than $10,000.
Why Traditional Touring Motorcycles Are Not For Beginners
The conventional touring formula doesn’t appeal to everyone anymore. Traditional tourers are magnificent once they are cruising on an open interstate, but they quickly become a handful everywhere else. A new generation of motorcyclists is prioritizing agility, ease of use, and versatility over sheer highway performance. Many want a bike that can commute during the week, handle errands, and still comfortably cover a few hundred miles on the weekend. That versatility matters more than owning the fastest or most powerful machine in the segment.
Comfort And Practicality Matter More Than Horsepower
A motorcycle designed for touring doesn’t need superbike-level acceleration to be enjoyable. When you are spending several hours in the saddle, triple-digit horsepower figures quickly lose their charm if your lower back is screaming. New-age riders are discovering that real-world comfort and usability are far more valuable than a high top speed or a blistering zero-to-sixty time.
Practicality plays an equally important role. Integrated storage, strong fuel economy, and comfortable seating are the traits that translate most directly into a rewarding riding experience. And right now, Honda has a sub-$10,000 secret weapon that treats these practical virtues not as an afterthought, but as its entire identity.
The Honda NC750X Is Designed With Simplicity In Mind
MSRP: $9,499
The motorcycle in question is the 2026 Honda NC750X. With a base price of $9,499 and a genuine do-it-all character, the NC750X completely redefines what a modern, entry-level touring motorcycle can be. Rather than trying to mimic larger touring bikes, Honda has spent more than a decade refining the NC750X formula, and that long evolution is a big part of what makes it so compelling today. What started as a practical, adventure-styled twin when it debuted in 2012 has steadily gained better comfort, smarter technology, and greater everyday usability — all while keeping the fundamentals right. This Honda proves that a beginner-friendly touring motorcycle can still be versatile and genuinely desirable.
A Parallel-Twin Engine That’s Easy To Live With
At the heart of the NC750X is a 745cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 57.8 horsepower at 6,750 RPM and 50.9 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 RPM. Thanks to its long-stroke architecture (77mm bore x 80mm stroke), the bike delivers punchy, effortless torque right where you need it most: in the low-to-mid RPM range. Twin balancers smooth out vibrations effectively, while a 270-degree crankshaft gives the engine a characterful, V-twin-like throb that keeps the ride engaging rather than sterile.
Further enhancing the NC750X’s everyday appeal is Honda’s renowned Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), which lets the rider shift automatically without any clutch input. For beginners — especially those transitioning from scooters — the DCT is a genuine advantage in stop-and-go traffic. Riders who prefer a more hands-on experience can switch to Manual mode and use paddle-style triggers on the left handlebar to select gears themselves.
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Engine |
745cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
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Power |
57.8 HP @ 6,750 RPM |
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Torque |
50.9 LB-FT @ 4,750 RPM |
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Transmission |
Six-speed automatic DCT |
Surprisingly Practical For Everyday Life
What truly sets this motorcycle apart from traditional tourers is its dual identity as an outstanding daily commuter, built around a suite of genuinely useful practical features. The real genius of the NC750X’s design lies in its clever packaging. The actual fuel tank is positioned low under the seat to optimize weight distribution, freeing up the traditional tank area for a 23-liter storage compartment. This lockable “frunk” is large enough to swallow a full-face helmet with room to spare.
Fuel efficiency is another strong suit. The NC750X returns a claimed fuel economy of 67.2 MPG. Paired with its 3.7-gallon tank, that translates to a riding range of nearly 250 miles between fill-ups. The upright ergonomics and rally-inspired windscreen further contribute to long-haul rider comfort.
Handful Of Useful Features As Standard
Honda has equipped the NC750X with a sensible set of rider aids without overcomplicating the package. The rider cockpit centers on a five-inch color TFT display with smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth and Honda’s RoadSync mobile application. The advanced Throttle-by-Wire system lets you seamlessly toggle among three preset electronic riding modes — Sport, Standard, and Rain — along with two fully customizable User modes. These profiles adjust engine power delivery, engine braking, and the multi-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) to suit changing road conditions. Honda also offers a catalog of official accessories, making it straightforward for riders to tailor the bike to their specific needs.
Arguably The Smartest Beginner Touring Motorcycle In The Class
The modern touring motorcycle landscape is shifting, and the Honda NC750X illustrates exactly why. It occupies a unique space that very few machines truly compete in, blending the comfort and upright ergonomics of an adventure-tourer with the practicality of a commuter and the approachability of a midweight everyday motorcycle. Rivals like the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650 offer strong touring capability in this segment, but the NC750X delivers a distinctly balanced package that neither quite matches. For someone entering the world of touring for the first time, that combination of simplicity, comfort, and practicality arguably makes the Honda NC750X one of the smartest choices currently on sale.
Source: Honda
