The sub-1000cc commuter bike segment may not be overly popular locally, as most South African bikers seek machines with four-digit capacity. However, in Europe, these bikes are very popular due to their manageable size and low emissions. The segment is slowly gathering momentum in SA as bigger bikes are creeping out of many riders' price brackets.
Related: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 (2024) Review
We take a look at two premier machines hovering around the 800cc mark. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 and the Honda NC750X are excellent commuter bikes with plenty of grunt for open-road riding and are manageable enough to navigate busy city streets. But how do they compare?
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Specifications
| Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 | Honda NC750X | |
| Engine | 799cc 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin | 745cc Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, eight-valve SOHC Parallel Twin |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential, wet plate slipper clutch | 6-speed sequential, wet plate clutch |
| Power figures | 77kW / 86Nm | 43kW / 69Nm |
| Top speed | 185km/h | 173km/h |
| Frame | Chromium Molybdenum steel frame | Diamond steel pipe |
| Suspension Front | 43mm WP Apex upside-down shocks 140mm travel | 41mm telescopic fork, 120mm Stroke |
| Suspension Rear | WP Apex monshock 150mm travel | Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 120mm travel |
| Brakes Front | 300mm J. Juan 2x radially mounted four piston calliper | Axial-mounted twin-piston brake calliper, 296 mm floating double disc |
| Brakes Rear | 240mm J. Juan Single-piston floating calliper | Single piston calliper, 240 mm single disc |
| Fuel Tank (litres) | 14l | 14l |
| Tech & Features | 5.0-inch TFT screen, BT connectivity for smartphone, Navigation, Optional Rider software tech pack | 5.0-inch TFT Screen, five ride modes, ABS, LED lighting, USB-C charging, Traction control |
| Fuel Consumption(claimed) | 4.5 L/100km | 3.5 L/100km |
| Weight | 181kg | 216kgs |
| Seat Height | 820mm | 802mm |
| Price | R 206 699 | R 150 749 |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Verdict
The Husqvarna is slightly above the Honda in terms of its power output, technical specs, and overall performance, but is significantly more expensive. The Honda represents excellent value for money as you get everything for the price, whereas with the Husqvarna, you will need to spend extra cash on accessories and software.
