HONDA NM4 VULTUS (2014 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £350 |
| Power: | 54 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (25.6 in / 650 mm) |
| Weight: | High (540 lbs / 245 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesNC750 Integra scooter-based limited edition concept machine attempts to be half-scoot/half motorbike to tempt newcomers to two wheels and thanks to capable, DCT-equipped (Honda’s clevcer semi auto gearbox) NC750 platform and decent dynamics it largely works. So forget those DN01 jokes. ‘Alien-meets-stealth’ styling aside the Vultus is credible and commendable. Motorcycle instead of scooter roots give an alternative future for the commuter two-wheeler, one that’s just as idiot-proof and practical, but has biking fun and cool, too.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAn 18/17in wheel combo and fat 200-section rear tyre means this is certainly no wobbly scoot (interestingly Honda classify it as a ‘custom’ on its website). Instead it’s rock stable, nimble enough to wiggle through traffic (well, as much as its wide mirrors allow) and yet also a joy to carve and slice until the ground clearance runs out through the twisties. Yes, it’s ‘only’ an NC750, but it gave me the biggest hoot I’ve had on any of them yet.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe supremely refined second generation DCT system, though daunting initially, is instantly mastered. Just turn on, prod the starter, thumb into D for drive, open the throttle and go. And go, decently well, the Vultus does too. In ‘D’ mode it’s brisk and easy, it’s a 750, 50bhp twin after all. Prod the selector into ‘S’ (for Sport) and it revs a little higher and is livelier still. Want a little more motorcycle-style fun and you can use the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ switches on the left bar to go up and down the gears. It’s easy bloody peasy.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueAlthough new we’ve no reason to doubt either, after all: a) it’s a Honda and b) it’s based on the proven NC750 Integra platform
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCould be better. Its two grand more than the base Integra over which it offers nothing except a great big wodge of added style. That said, they’re all sold out, so it’s hardly an issue. Residuals might be interesting though…
Equipment
The screen does little and is unadjustable (a larger, electrical one, surely?); the front storage compartments are gimmicky and too small, as is the tank, and the mirrors are slightly too wide for comfortable traffic splitting.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 745cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | liquid-cooled, four-valve, SOHC parallel twin, DCT automatic gearbox |
| Frame type | Steel spine |
| Fuel capacity | 11.6 litres |
| Seat height | 650mm |
| Bike weight | 245kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm telescopic fork, no adjust |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock single shock, no adjust |
| Front brake | 320mm wavy disc with two-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 240mm wavy disc with single piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 18 |
| Rear tyre size | 200/50 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 80 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £350 |
| New price | £9,666 |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 54 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 50 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 110 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 206 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2014: Model introduced
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HONDA NM4 VULTUS (2014 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their HONDA NM4 VULTUS (2014 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA NM4 VULTUS (2014 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £350 |
Version: US 670cc engine
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £350
Ride Quality is excellent. Low center of gravity make my nm4 stick to the road.
Excellent ride. Breaks are sufficient for the bike weight. Quick stops stay manageable.
Engine does well overall, but its just a bit anemic. Would have liked to have the European 750cc varient.
It's a Honda. Do the routine maintenance and it just keeps going. Only unscheduled problem was a bad chain that chewed up a sprocket.
Service costs a bit more because there is a LOT of plastic to remove to get to anything.
As noted everywhere in nm4 reviews, storage space is a joke. 4 compartment on board could not fill a standard backpack.
Buying experience: Bought used from a dealer.
Version: NC700JDF
Year: 2015
Performs well. Storage can hold more than most reviews state. Transmission is great! Low seat is made for me. Extremely stable running on highway and contrary to reviews it is very manoeuvrable. I get 70 mpg generally and 65 mpg cruising on interstate at 75 MPH. Tires lasting over 12000 miles. Gas tank should be larger. A belt drive would be great.
Suspension could be better on some road bumps but since I adjusted the preload it is mostly very good to excellent. For me it is excellent all around and touring since I installed a large top box. I can ride over 160 miles and only need to stop for gas. I have done 450 miles in a day with no problems.
A little more power would be better.
I like the low seat. I installed round foot pegs on end of footboards. This gives me a much better leg position and support for long riding times. I installed a Scottoiler for the chain and it nearly eliminates maintenance. A large top box added gives storage for touring/ shopping.
Buying experience: Dealer was excellent. Paid MSRP.
