Honda NC700S 2012 Owner's Manual

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 1 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle
and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold.

This publication includes the latest production information available
before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make
changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.

The vehicle pictured in this owner’s manual may not match your actual
vehicle.

© 2011 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 2 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of a new
Honda motorcycle. Your selection of a
Honda makes you part of a worldwide family
of satisfied customers who appreciate
Honda’s reputation for building quality into
every product.

To ensure your safety and riding pleasure:

● Read this owner’s manual carefully.

● Follow all recommendations and

procedures contained in this manual.

● Pay close attention to safety messages

contained in this manual and on the
motorcycle.

● The following codes in this manual indicate

each country.

● The illustrations here in are based on the

NC700SA ED type.

Country Codes

Code Country
NC700S

III E UK
II F France
II ED European direct sales
U Australia, New Zealand

NC700SA

III E UK
II F France
ED, II ED European direct sales
U Australia, New Zealand

NC700SD

III E UK
II F France
II ED European direct sales
U Australia, New Zealand

*The specifications may vary with each locale.

3

DANGER

3

WARNING

3

CAUTION

NOTICE

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 3 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very
important. Operating this motorcycle safely is
an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about
safety, we have provided operating
procedures and other information on safety
labels and in this manual. This information
alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to
warn you about all hazards associated with
operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You
must use your own good judgement.

You will find important safety information in
a variety of forms, including:

● Safety labels on the motorcycle

● Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert

symbol and one of three signal words:
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.

Other important information is
provided under the following titles:

Information to help you avoid
damage to your motorcycle, other
property, or the environment.

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 4 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

Contents

Motorcycle Safety P. 2

Operation Guide P. 18

Maintenance P. 48

Troubleshooting P. 92

Information P. 114

Specifications P. 126

Index P. 129

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Motorcycle Safety

This section contains important information for safe riding of your motorcycle.
Please read this section carefully.

Safety Guidelines .........................................P. 3

Image Labels.................................................P. 6

Safety Precautions .....................................P. 11

Riding Precautions .....................................P. 12

Accessories & Modifications......................P. 16

Loading .......................................................P. 17

Motorcycle Safety

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 3 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

Safety Guidelines

Safety Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to enhance your safety:

● Perform all routine and regular inspections

specified in this manual.

● Stop the engine and keep sparks and flame

away before filling the fuel tank.

● Do not run the engine in enclosed or partly

enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide in exhaust
gases is toxic and can kill you.

Always Wear a Helmet

It’s a proven fact: helmets and protective
apparel significantly reduce the number and
severity of head and other injuries. So always
wear an approved motorcycle helmet and
protective apparel.

2 P. 11

Before Riding

Make sure that you are physically fit, mentally
focused and free of alcohol and drugs. Check

that you and your passenger are both wearing
an approved motorcycle helmet and protective
apparel. Instruct your passenger on holding
onto the grab rails, leaning with you in turns,
and keeping their feet on the footpegs, even
when the motorcycle is stopped.

Take Time to Learn & Practice

Even if you have ridden other motorcycles,
practice riding in a safe area to become familiar
with how this motorcycle works and handles,
and to become accustomed to the motorcycle’s
size and weight.

Ride Defensively

Always pay attention to other vehicles around
you, and do not assume that other drivers see
you. Be prepared to stop quickly or perform an
evasive maneuver.

continued

3

Motorcycle Safety

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 4 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

Safety Guidelines

Make Yourself Easy to See

Make yourself more visible, especially at night,
by wearing bright reflective clothing,
positioning yourself so other drivers can see
you, signaling before turning or changing lanes,
and using your horn when necessary.

Ride within Your Limits

Never ride beyond your personal abilities or
faster than conditions warrant. Fatigue and
inattention can impair your ability to use good
judgement and ride safely.

Don’t Drink and Ride

Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one
alcoholic drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and your
reaction time gets worse with every additional
drink. Don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your
friends drink and ride either.

4

Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition

It’s important to keep your motorcycle properly
maintained and in safe riding condition.
Inspect your motorcycle before every ride and
perform all recommended maintenance. Never
exceed load limits (
your motorcycle or install accessories that
would make your motorcycle unsafe (

2 P. 17), and do not modify

2 P. 16).

If You are Involved in a Crash

Personal safety is your first priority. If you or
anyone else has been injured, take time to
assess the severity of the injuries and whether it
is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency
assistance if needed. Also follow applicable
laws and regulations if another person or
vehicle is involved in the crash.

If you decide to continue riding, first evaluate
the condition of your motorcycle. If the engine
is still running, turn it off. Inspect for fluid leaks,

Motorcycle Safety

3

WARNING

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Safety Guidelines

check the tightness of critical nuts and bolts,
and check the handlebar, control levers, brakes,
and wheels. Ride slowly and cautiously.
Your motorcycle may have suffered damage
that is not immediately apparent. Have your
motorcycle thoroughly checked at a qualified
service facility as soon as possible.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide,
a colourless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon
monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and
may lead to death.

If you run the engine in confined or even partly
enclosed area, the air you breathe could contain
a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide.
Never run your motorcycle inside a garage or
other enclosure.

5

Motorcycle Safety

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Image Labels

Image Labels

The following pages describe the label
meanings. Some labels warn you of
potential hazards that could cause serious
injury. Others provide important safety
information. Read this information carefully
and don’t remove the labels.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read,
contact your dealer for a replacement.

There is a specific symbol on each label.
The meanings of each symbol and label are
as follows.

6

Read instructions contained in Owner’s
Manual carefully.

Read instructions contained in Shop Manual
carefully. In the interest of safety, take the
motorcycle to be serviced only by your dealer.

DANGER (with RED background)

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don’t follow instructions.

WARNING (with ORANGE background)

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don’t follow instructions.

CAUTION (with YELLOW background)

You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.

Motorcycle Safety

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 7 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

Image Labels

BATTERY LABEL
DANGER

• Keep flame and spark away from the battery.
Battery produce explosive gas that can cause
explosion.

• Wear the eye protection and rubber gloves when
handling the battery, or you can get burned or
lose your eyesight by the battery electrolyte.

• Do not allow children and other people to touch
a battery unless they understand proper
handling and hazards of the battery very well.

• Handle the battery electrolyte with extreme care
as it contains dilute sulfuric acid. Contact with
your skin or eyes can burn you or cause loss of
your eyesight.

• Read this manual carefully and understand it
before handling the battery. Neglect of the
instructions can cause personal injury and
damage to the motorcycle.

• Do not use a battery with the electrolyte at or
below the lower level mark. It can explode
causing serious injury.

continued

7

Motorcycle Safety

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Image Labels

RADIATOR CAP LABEL
DANGER

NEVER OPEN WHEN HOT.
Hot coolant will scald you.
Relief pressure valve begins to open at 108 kPa.

ACCESSORIES AND LOADING WARNING LABEL
WARNING

ACCESSORIES AND LOADING

• The safety stability and handling of this motorcycle may be
affected by the addition of accessories and luggage.

• Read carefully the instructions contained in user’s manual and
installation guide before installing any accessory.

• The total weight of accessories and luggage added to rider’s and
passenger’s weight should not exceed 209 kg (461 lb), which is
the maximum weight capacity.

• The luggage weight must not exceed 27 kg (60 lb) under any
circumstances.

• The fitting of large fork-mounted or large handlebar mounted
fairing is not recommended.

8

Motorcycle Safety

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Image Labels

REAR CUSHION LABEL

GAS FILLED
Do not open. Do not heat.

TYRE INFORMATION LABEL

Cold tyre pressure:
[Driver only]

Front 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi)
Rear 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)

[Driver and passenger]

250

290

250

290

Front 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi)
Rear 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm2, 42 psi)

Tyre size:

Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Tyre brand: BRIDGESTONE METZELER

Front BT023F G ROADTEC Z8 INTERACT E
Rear BT023R G ROADTEC Z8 INTERACT

continued

9

Motorcycle Safety

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Image Labels

SAFETY REMINDER LABEL

For your protection, always wear helmet, protective apparel.

FUEL LABEL

Unleaded petrol only

DRIVE CHAIN LABEL

Keep chain adjusted and lubricated.

25 to 35 mm (1.0 to 1.4 in) Freeplay

CARGO LIMIT LABEL
Do not exceed 5.0 kg (11.0 lb)

10

Motorcycle Safety

3

WARNING

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Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions

● Ride cautiously and keep your hands on the

handlebar and feet on the footpegs.

● Keep passenger’s hands onto the grab rails,

passenger’s feet on the footpegs while
riding.

● Always consider the safety of your passenger,

as well as other drivers and riders.

● Face shield with unobstructed field of vision

or other approved eye protection

Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.

Make sure that you and any passenger
always wear an approved helmet and

Protective Apparel

Make sure that you and any passenger are
wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, eye
protection, and high-visibility protective
clothing. Ride defensively in response to
weather and road conditions.

Helmet

❙

Safety-standard certified, high-visibility, correct
size for your head

● Must fit comfortably but securely, with the

chin strap fastened

protective apparel.

Gloves

❙

Full-finger leather gloves with high abrasion
resistance

Boots or Riding Shoes

❙

Sturdy boots with non-slip soles and ankle
protection

Jacket and Trousers

❙

Protective, highly visible, long-sleeved jacket
and durable trousers for riding (or a protective
suit).

11

Motorcycle Safety

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Riding Precautions

Riding Precautions

Brakes

Observe the following guidelines:

Running-in Period

During the first 500 km (300 miles) of running,
follow these guidelines to ensure your
motorcycle’s future reliability and performance.

● Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid

acceleration.

● Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.

● Ride conservatively.

● Avoid excessively hard braking and down-

shifts.

u Sudden braking can reduce the motorcycle

stability.

u Where possible, reduce speed before

turning; otherwise you risk sliding out.

● Exercise caution on low traction surfaces.

u The tyres slip more easily on such surfaces

and braking distances are longer.

● Avoid continuous braking.

u Repeated braking, such as when

descending long, steep slopes can
seriously overheat the brakes, reducing
their effectiveness. Use engine braking
with intermittent use of the brakes to
reduce speed.

12

Motorcycle Safety

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Riding Precautions

Combined ABS (NC700SA/SD)

❙

Your motorcycle is equipped with a brake
system that distributes the braking force
between the front and rear brakes.
The distribution of the braking force applied to
the front and rear brakes is different when
operating the lever only and when operating
the pedal only.
For full braking effectiveness, operate both the
lever and pedal together.

This model is also equipped with an Anti-lock
Brake System (ABS) designed to help prevent
the brakes from locking up during hard braking.
Always use the recommended tyres to ensure
correct ABS operation.

● ABS does not reduce braking distance. In

certain circumstances, ABS may result in a
longer stopping distance.

● ABS does not function at speeds below 10

km/h (6 mph).

● The brake lever and pedal may recoil slightly

when applying the brakes. This is normal.

Engine Braking

❙

Engine braking helps slow your motorcycle
down when you release the throttle. For further
slowing action, downshift to a lower gear. Use
engine braking with intermittent use of the
brakes to reduce speed when descending long,
steep slopes.

Wet or Rainy Conditions

❙

Road surfaces are slippery when wet, and wet
brakes further reduce braking efficiency.
Exercise extra caution when braking in wet
conditions.
If the brakes get wet, apply the brakes while
riding at low speed to help them dry.

continued

13

Motorcycle Safety

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Riding Precautions

3.

Parking

● Park on a firm, level paved surface.

● If you must park on a slight incline or loose

surface, park so that the motorcycle cannot
move or fall over.

● Make sure that high-temperature parts

cannot come into contact with flammable
materials.

● Do not touch the engine, muffler, brakes and

Slowly lean the motorcycle to the left until its
weight rests on the side stand.

4.

Turn the handlebar fully to the left.

u Turning the handlebar to the right reduces

stability and may cause the motorcycle to
fall.

5.

Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
and remove the key.

2 P. 31

other high-temperature parts until they cool
down.

● To reduce the likelihood of theft, always lock

the handlebar and remove the key when
leaving the motorcycle unattended.
Use of an anti-theft device is also
recommended.

Parking with the Side Stand

❙

1.

Stop the engine.

2.

Push the side stand down.

14

Motorcycle Safety

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Riding Precautions

Refuelling and Fuel Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to protect the engine
and catalytic converter:

● Use only unleaded petrol.

● Use recommended octane number. Using

lower octane petrol will result in decreased
engine performance.

● Do not use fuels containing a high

concentration of alcohol.

● Do not use stale or contaminated petrol or an

oil/petrol mixture.

● Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.

2 P. 118

15

Motorcycle Safety

3

WARNING

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 16 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

Accessories & Modifications

Accessories &
Modifications

We strongly advise that you do not add any
accessories that were not specifically designed
for your motorcycle by Honda or make
modifications to your motorcycle from its
original design. Doing so can make it unsafe.
Modifying your motorcycle may also void your
warranty and make your motorcycle illegal to
operate on public roads and highways. Before
deciding to install accessories on your
motorcycle be certain the modification is safe
and legal.

Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

Do not pull a trailer with, or attach a sidecar to,
your motorcycle. Your motorcycle was not
designed for these attachments, and their use
can seriously impair your motorcycle’s handling.

16

Motorcycle Safety

3

WARNING

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Loading

Loading

● Carrying extra weight affects your

motorcycle’s handling, braking and stability.
Always ride at a safe speed for the load you
are carrying.

● Avoid carrying an excessive load and keep

within specified load limits.

2 Maximum weight capacity / Maximum

luggage weight P. 126

● Tie all luggage securely, evenly balanced and

close to the centre of the motorcycle.

● Do not place objects near the lights or the

muffler.

Overloading or improper loading can
cause a crash and you can be seriously
hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.

17

Operation Guide

Operation Guide

Rear brake fluid
reservoir

(P78)

Lower cowl (P66)

Front brake fluid reservoir

(P78)

Throttle grip (P89)

Engine oil fill cap/dipstick

(P70)

Engine oil drain bolt (P72)

Engine oil filter (P72)

Coolant reserve tank (P76)

Battery (P69)
Main fuse (P113)

Front brake lever

Rear brake pedal

(NC700S/SA)

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Parts Location

18

Operation Guide

Shift lever (P36)

Side stand (P81)

Fuel fill cap (P43)

Clutch lever (P86)

Rear seat (P42)

Drive chain (P82)

Maintenance lid (P65)
Luggage box (P44)

Fuse box (P112)

Crankcase breather (P90)

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 19 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

continued

19

Operation Guide

Rear brake fluid
reservoir

(P78)

Lower cowl (P67)

Front brake fluid reservoir

(P78)

Throttle grip (P89)

Engine oil fill cap/dipstick

(P70)

Engine oil drain bolt (P72)

Engine oil filter (P72)

Coolant reserve tank (P76)

Battery (P69)
Main fuse (P113)

Front brake lever

Rear brake pedal

(NC700SD)

Clutch oil filter

(P74)

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Parts Location (Continued)

20

Operation Guide

Side stand (P81)

Fuel fill cap (P43)

Parking brake
lever

(P32)

Rear seat (P42)

Drive chain (P82)

Maintenance lid (P65)
Luggage box (P44)

Fuse box (P112)

Crankcase breather (P90)

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 21 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

21

Operation Guide

Display Check

When the ignition switch is turned on, all the mode and digital segments
will show, and the tachometer segment progress to maximum scale and
then disappear.
If any part of these displays does not come on when it should, have your
dealer check for problems.

B button

A button

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Instruments

22

Operation Guide

Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter
[TRIP A/B]

A button switches between
odometer & tripmeters at the
ordinary display.

• Odometer: Total distance ridden.

• Tripmeter: Distance ridden since
tripmeter was reset (press and
hold B button to reset to 0.0 km/
mile).

Tachometer

NOTICE

Do not operate the engine in the tachometer
red zone. Excessive engine speed can
adversely affect engine life.

Clock (12-hour display)
To set the clock:

(P25)

Fuel gauge

Remaining fuel when only
1st (E) segment starts flashing:
approximately 2.9 litres
(0.77 US gal, 0.64 Imp gal)

Speedometer

If the fuel gauge indicator repeat
flashing or turned off:

(P98)

Tachometer red zone

(excessive engine rpm range)

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 23 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

continued

23

Operation Guide

Ordinary display

Backlight brightness adjustment

Clock setting

Changing of speed and mileage unit

Press and hold A button and B button

Press A button (Except III E type)

Press A button (III E type only)

Display setting

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Instruments (Continued)

Display Setting

You can adjust the three settings.

• Backlight brightness adjustment

• Clock setting

• (III E type only) Changing of speed and

24

mileage unit

In addition, to move the ordinary display at
display setting.

• The button is not pressed for about 30
seconds

• Turn the ignition switch off and then on

Each setting will be cancelled if the A button
is not pressed.

1 Backlight brightness adjustment:

You can adjust the brightness three levels.

!a Turn the ignition switch to ON.
!b Press and hold A button and B button until

the minute digit displays the brightness
level.

!c Press B button. The brightness is switched.

!d Press A button. The backlight is set, and

then the display moves to the clock setting.

Operation Guide

12 NC700S (NM-1)-32MGS600.book 25 ページ ２０１２年４月１８日　水曜日　午後６時１７分

2 To set the clock:

!a After backlight brightness adjustment, the

hour digits start flashing.

!b Press B button until the desired hour and

AM/PM are displayed.

u Press and hold to advance the hour fast.

!e (Except III E type)

Press A button. The clock is set, and then
the display returns to the backlight
brightness adjustment.

(III E type only)

Press A button. The clock is set, and then
the display moves to the changing of the
speed and mileage unit.

!c Press A button. The minute digits start

flashing.

3 (III E type only) Changing the speed
and mileage unit:

!a After clock setting, the speed and mileage

unit start flashing.

!d Press B button until the desired minute is

displayed.

u Press and hold to advance the minute

fast.

!b Press B button to select either “km/h” and

“km” or “mph” and “mile”.

!c Press A button. The speed and mileage unit

is set, and then the display returns to the
backlight brightness adjustment.

25

Operation Guide

HISS

(NC700SD only)

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Instruments (Continued)

26

Operation Guide

D indicator

Comes on when the D mode is selected in the AT MODE. (P40 )

S indicator

Comes on when the S mode is selected in the AT MODE.

(P40)

Gear position indicator

The gear position is shown in the gear position indicator when the D, S mode or MT MODE
are selected.

u “-” appears for a few seconds and then goes off when the engine starts.
u “-” flashes when the engine stop switch position is changed from RUN to OFF position

with the ignition switch on.

u “-” flashes when the ignition switch is turned on with the engine stop switch OFF position.

The indicator may flash if:

u The front wheel leaves the ground.
u You turn the wheel while the motorcycle is upright on the stand.

This is normal. To operate the system again, turn the ignition switch off, then on again.

If the “-” indicator is blinking in the gear position window while riding: (P97)

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continued

27