My impressions after700+ miles

[tomouley]

First I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcomes to the forum. Thanks again to all who have taken the time to post how too's, reviews and what not as it has given a lot of us newbies a great tool. I have spent hours reading and researching. I must say i love riding the NT. It does everything with ease. It is a grin maker for sure. I have added a few farkels: honda tank pad, deflector set, PC-8 fuseblock, signal dynamics led brake/turn license plate holder, first gear tank bag, givi E55 tech case, sw motec alu rack and GIpro gear indicator.
I have done the oil change and used the Rotella T6. I must say the gear box got really smooth after that. I will do the valve inspection this winter when I put the bike in for the winter. I will also change out the oil for the shaft drive this winter. The NT is no more "buzzier" than my vstrom....actually it is less so. Only quibble i have is the OE tires.........IMHO they are not that great in the rain compared to some of the other tires i have driven on in the past. They get squirelly in the wet and I have had a 2 hydroplaning issues.....I am not an aggressive rider. Looking forward to the day they wear out. Have metzelers that i put on last year on the Vstrom that are awesome. I alternate riding both bikes and can say this with back to back comparison.
I would like to add a cee bailey +2 down the road and maybe some auxiliary lighting to supplement the headlight. I highly recommend the Signal Dynamic License plate frame. It has a knight rider effect for turn signals and flashes when you brake. Also because NT's don't have emergency flashers this unit has a feature that if you turn right blinker and hold the brake turn key off the unit flashes till u turn key back on. Worth the $120.00 or so.

 

[Rmcapozzi]

You've been busy making the NT your own, that's for sure. Nice tip on the Signal Dynamics plate frame. They make some good stuff. I hope you continue to enjoy the bike.

 

[Chucksklrst]

The US models do not have 4 way flashers. You guys over seas get all the neat STuff. 4 way flasher/ hazard warning lights/emergency flashers, all the same thing.

 

[RedLdr1]

Surprised you don't get them.

We also lost HISS, and a couple other features, like the On /Off light switch, in the translation to the US market...

 

[Chucksklrst]

We also lost HISS, and a couple other features, like the On /Off light switch, in the translation to the US market...

To Me, the Hiss IS NOT a big loss. Just more to go wrong and too expensive to repair. DOT wont allow an on and off switch for the head light.
As I said, the Europeans got all the good STUFF.

 

[cosmicnt]

Go figure ...NC 700 gets 4ways but not us!

 

[junglejim]

If you go with the Cee Bailey +2, be aware that it doesn't have the curl at the top like the +4 and +6.

 

[RedLdr1]

If you go with the Cee Bailey +2, be aware that it doesn't have the curl at the top like the +4 and +6.

It does in the current sizing according to their website and my experience. Only the stock replacement 15 inch size does not have the curve...all the current plus sizes +2, +4, and +6 inch have the "flip". I had the +2 "flip" and it worked great for me at 5'10" and a 29" inseam.

For the new folks reading this be careful if you are buying a used Cee Bailey. There are two versions, the first version did not have the "flip", in any size, and had fitment issues especially with the OEM Hand Guards. It was replaced fairly quickly with the new, current "flip" or "curve" version which worked a lot better than the original + size flat shields. Cee Bailey replaced my original version with a new version +2 under warranty.

With the "curve" of "flip" you can get by with less windshield height as the aerodynamics do a great job keeping the wind manageable. I rode with my +2 "flip" in the center, or number 3, position and had great coverage while still being able to see over the windshield. In hot weather I'd "slap" the windshield down the the lowest position and enjoy the breeze....

 

[Phil Tarman]

Why do you say that, Jim? I had a CB + 2 before they started putting the curl on the screens; I've got a +4 now and it's got the curl. It works better than the +2 did.

I ride with my +4 in the 2nd notch from the top. I look through it most of the time, but can sit up straight in rain or dark and see over it easily enough.

 

[junglejim]

Why do you say that, Jim? I had a CB + 2 before they started putting the curl on the screens; I've got a +4 now and it's got the curl. It works better than the +2 did.

Oops - you guys are right - I'm wrong. The +2 does have a curl, but it may not be as pornounced as the others. I screwed that one up, but at my age I'm getting used to screwing up more often.

 

[junglejim]

I ride with my +4 in the 2nd notch from the top. I look through it most of the time, but can sit up straight in rain or dark and see over it easily enough.

I guess you're just that much closer to heaven than I am Phil (or your seat is higher).

 

[Phil Tarman]

I guess you're just that much closer to heaven than I am Phil (or your seat is higher).

LOL, Jim. If I'm closer to heaven it's definitely because my seat is higher. I think the Russell adds at least an inch to seat height.

 

[Warren]

When I got my +2 I thought they made a mistake. I could not see a curve. It took a close look to see it.