Devon deluge
RIDE’S commuter/tourer smashes a wet trip down south. It isn’t all misery, though…
I’M SAT WITH Jim Blackstock, RIDE products editor and Devon resident. We’re chatting over a cuppa and bag of chips. It’s chucking it down – and through the window I can just about see the drenched Honda NC750X parked in Brixham Harbour. It’s a long way from Stamford – 286 miles to be precise – and right now I’m happy to be warming up after a chilly couple of February riding days.
What am I doing here? It’s a question I’ve asked myself a few times over the past couple of days. I’m always one for adventure and love touring, so thought it would be chance to see if the NC’S more than the commuter bike it’s often thought to be.
I’d prepped through January. From the off it’s raining – in some way this adds to the sense of adventure. The weather’s hideous and getting worse. There’s wind protection from the screen and the newly-fitted handguards make a difference. Heated grips are set to five, the maximum setting; they’re warm and keep palms toasty. This is OK…
It’s a dull motorway route to get to Cornwall but after seven hours of riding, punctuated with a couple of stops to warm up, I arrive at my hotel. Fuel economy is good for most bikes but pretty poor for an NC. I’m averaging 60mpg, but I put that down to making haste where I can.
The riding position is comfortable and the seat is well-padded; I’m wet and tired but don’t ache. The top box and frunk are large enough to stow all my gear. It’s watertight too, which is a bonus.
Dawn breaks, but the weather doesn’t – so it’s a wet ride to the chequered flag, on the A38 for breakfast. What a great place. A café-cum-bike shop, it serves great food and offers a warm welcome. I head to explore Dartmoor and I’d be lying to say it’s picturesque – in the conditions it’s eerie. But this brings its own beauty.
The Honda has three riding modes. I click to rain, which alters engine braking and power
delivery, but I don’t like the way the DCT holds gears and lacks engine braking, so swap back to standard. With loads of options to stop off and have a cuppa, I hide from the weather for an hour to dry off both me and my kit before meeting Jim.
All too soon it’s time to head north. I’m glad I’ve fitted the new Dunlop Mutants, designed for cold and wet weather. A full-on emergency stop, on soaking-wet tarmac, puts them to the test. An oncoming lorry decides to turn across my carriageway, leaving both me and the car in front having to jam our anchors on. Other than the loud curse and heart in the mouth moment, all’s good.
With more than 700 miles on the clock, I’m home, it’s been wet for pretty much every mile.
I’d planned to explore scenic routes and sample a delightful cream tea (cream first, for those asking); instead I end up barely seeing my hand in front of my face and eating bags of chips for warmth, but it’s been worth it.
Winter touring on an NC750X – I can’t recommend it enough. Maybe…