ダムや海、山、川、岬を巡るツーリングを通し関東を主に日本の風景を紹介します

Category: インプレッション(impressions)

The most detailed impression of NC750S

Design  ★★★★    The design around the front can be improved.
Engine  ★★★★   It’s enough on general roads.
( More 10 to 20 ps is wanted on tall roads)
Brakes  ★★★    The rear one is a little weak.
Usability ★★★★   The luggage space is supurve.
The position of the filling port can be improved.
Economy ★★★★★  The economic price and the small fuel consumption
are terrific
Price   ★★★★★  ABS, ETC, Grip heaters are equipped by default.

Let me introduce the most detailed impression of NC750S. NC750S is not so popular around the world, but a lot of fascination as a motorcycle can be found as well as the other motorcycles. I will report the most detailed impression of the design, the riding, the convenience, the usability, the packaging, and the interesting point about the mechanical design.

NC750Sを右側からみる
この写真だけでもNC750Sの特徴が沢山みてとれます

Overview of NC750S

The 2,215mm overall length is a little long and characteristic. This is a result of a little large fork angle 27°. The height of seat is 790mm and I can stand on the full soles of the both foot.
The engine 62° forward tilted looks remarkable. A diamond frame is applied and you can see the main frame in the comparatively lower position, how do you like? The design around the engine, the rear suspension, and the exhaust muffler is well combined and preferable. On the other hand, the design around the front looks a little cheap.

The low style is characteristic and this effect the riding.

NC750S engine impression

NC750Sシートエンジン周り
最近のバイクにしてはエンジンからリアサス周りが忙しい印象です

The engine of NC750S is a water cooled, 4 stroke, OHC, 4 valves, and parallel 2 cylinders. Someone said it has been designed by dividing the engine of a HONDA car, FIT into 2 parts. Maximum power is 54ps /6,250 and you can understand the low rpm characteristic. The engine of FIT has been already DOHCed, and the engine of NC750S looks one for a car than the engine of FIT.

The maximum power is remarkably lower than that of the other same class motorcycles and this is because NC750S is not so popular. Slow? No. When I ride on a winding road in ordinal velocity, I am satisfied with the characteristic of the engine. In riding on the winding with many curves, the domain the torque arises is very useful and the characteristic is very suitable.

Of course, I feel some dissatisfaction in some case. When I ride on a tall road on which the limited speed is 120km/h (about 75mph), I felt a desire for more 10-20ps power if I will pass the other. There is no problem but I have to accelerate intentionally to obtain the acceleration.

The exhaust sound feels me the power which is produced by a typical parallel 2 cylinders, probably because the design of the system of the intake and the exhaust are excellent. The muffler setting aims the low sound like ‘a big motorcycle’. I can ride in a residential area without an anxiety about the noise.

The impression of brakes of NC750S

NC750S フロントブレーキ周り
NC750S フロントブレーキはシングルディスクのABSです。

The front and rear ABS are equipped with all models of NC750S after Nov. 2018. The front brake is single disk produced by NISSIN and I have been satisfied with the performance. If you ride on a circuit full braking needed, you may feel some dissatisfaction due to the weight, but once I ride on a public road there is no problem.
The performance is enough but I think the timing the ABS is applied is a little too early. 2 years has been passed since the duty of equipping ABS, I think something to improve is still left with the ABS of NC750S.

NC750S のリアブレーキ周り
NC750Sのリアブレーキはフロントディスクの内側から打ち出されたものだそうです

The rear brake is a single disk produced by NISSIN. The disk is stamped from the inside of the front disk to decrease the cost… I want more capability. I wander if my riding style may be wrong, the rear does not work in the deceleration in middle-high velocity and only the front works. Of course in low velocity, the rear works.

The impression of the luggage space of NC750S

NC750s ラゲッジスペースの内部
NC750s ラゲッジスペースの内部には車載工具とETCユニットが入っています。

The luggage space in the position of the fuel tank is the special of NC750S. Almost all motorcycles have no space for a luggage, the space is extremely convenient. When I ride, small luggage like a camera or a drink PET bottle can be stored and at the destination I will go activities after converting my helmet and the luggage. A large size helmet ( like a racing type ) can not be stored in the space, but my Arai Quantum J is just suitable.

An ETC ( the tall road payment system with a credit card ) is equipped in the bottom of the luggage space of the Japanese model of NC750S. It is a little inconvenient to set the ETC card to the system every time. I do not know the models for the other countries. Some review says the latch does not be fasten well, but do not mind. The latch will be fasten if you weigh on the top of that by your weight.

The space is tank shaped but consists of resin not of metal. The bags which sticks by the magnets are not available. OK, I do not need. The heat from the engine effect the inside of the luggage and it is preferable to keep a hot coffee in a PET bottle. On the other hand, a cool drink becomes warm quickly and food souvenirs have to be avoided to stored in.

I wrote various points about the luggage space, the conclusion is the space is enormously convenient.

The impression of the position of the fuel filling port of NC750S

NC750S 給油位置
タンクが通常のタンク位置にないということは給油位置は…タンデムシートの下です

The usual tank space is replaced by the luggage space and the fuel filling port is set under the pillion. An attendant who do not NC750S will be surprised ( ,because in Japan an attendant fills fuel at a half of petrol station. ) This is an unique feature but it is sometimes inconvenient. When I have luggage on the pillion, I have to remove them before filling fuel. And the depth of the tank is a little shallow and some carefulness is needed not to spill fuel.

There is a hook for the helmet holder. The wire helmet holder which has loop on its both end is included in the equipped tools. ( The tools can be found on the front wall of the luggage space. ) To use, put a loop through the D ring of helmet, put the loop through another loop, pull the loop below the pillion grip, and hang the loop to the hook. After these, once you lock the pillion, helmet is never stolen.

ヘルメットホルダーのワイヤー
工具袋に入っていて意外と気づきません
ヘルメットホルダーを使ってみた
NC750Sの独特のヘルメットホルダー

The impression of luggage hook on the pillion grips of NC750S

NC750S タンデムグリップとラゲッジフック
NC750S タンデムグリップとラゲッジフック。ラゲッジフックは何故か1か所しかありません

Only one luggage hook provided on a pillion grip. When I use touring net that have several hooks, it is very inconvenient. Though hooks of a touring net can hang on the groove on the pillion grip, the size of the groove is a little small and shallow.

Luggage like a small souvenir can be easily put on the wide pillion and the grips. Large luggage like a camping gear is required to fix tightly with a large touring net and in this case I have a little problem.

The impression of NC750S as an engineer

NC means ‘New Mid Concept’ consists of ‘the usability in the street ride and the touring’, ‘the middle class which is comfort with superior fuel consumption’, and ‘high cost performance’. NC700 series were released in 2012. And NC750 series were released with the enlarged displacement of 745cc.

To realize the concept, the luggage space and RC70E with parallel 2 cylinder, OHC engine are proposed. Of course the luggage space is convenient and at the same time effect the design and characteristics of NC750S. To build the luggage space, the main frame is off set to low in the front and risen up in the rear. I can imagine that ( it is usual in this time ) a lot of structural simulations had been executed to design the complex shape.

And to secure the space for the luggage, the engine is tilted largely (62°). This is because the fork angle is large (27°). The fuel is usually stored in the tank, but the space is used as luggage space and the fuel is replaced to the place under the seat. As the result of these, NC750S has the long over all length ( longer than CB1300 Super Four ) and the low weight center. So the design looks like a ‘sport type’ but the riding characteristics is a ‘cruiser’ with high stability. NC750S is a new proposal of the new style of motorcycle as the result of pursuit of the New Mid Concept from HONDA .

The price is very economic and I appreciate the proposal from the engineers of HONDA.

The reason why NC750S does not so popular

In Japan NC750S is used for the big motorcycle license training. ( In Japan, when you take license you have to ride prepared motorcycle by the driving and riding school. ) This is the reason that displacement of NC700S was enlarged to 750cc. ( A motorcycle which has larger displacement than 700cc must be used in lessons and test for the big motorcycle license by the law. )

NC750L ( de-powered version of NC750S for the lessons) is riden by a lot of rider who has the normal motorcycle license in practice. Probably most of them feel ‘power is weak?’ because the power of NC750L is only 27[37]/5,250. This value is of course smaller than other motorcycle whose displacement is 250-600.

The setting ( for the engine, the transmissions, and the position of weight center) of NC750L and NC750S is so different that I can feel the difference easily. In Japan, NC750S is sometimes recognized as a derived version of NC750L which has weak power and this is the reason NC750S does not become so popular.

But the situation in other country are different. The fact is, the convenience, the easiness to ride, and the reasonable fuel consumption are not so attractive for the majority of riders, though they are remarkable advantages in fact. And NC750S does not have ‘history’ or ‘story’ on which the brand is based.

NC750Sとヤマザクラ、三つ葉ツツジ
都内某所で撮影したNC750S。前傾したストロークの長いエンジンが特徴的。

The attractions of NC750S

is the performance that enable me to go touring with ease and to ride on a winding road with fun. The fundamental pleasure, ‘ riding and enjoying all direction landscape with feeling wind ‘ is realized in a higher order by NC750S.

The engine power of NC750S is lesser than that of CB650F which has less displacement. The displacement of engine of NC750S, RC70E is used to increase the torque in low rpm and this method is not usual in a concept of motorcycle engine, but is usual that of a car ( especially sedans ) engine. This realizes the stable and tireless riding and eases a long distance touring. In a long distance touring, I often ride throughout a day and tiredness could cause an accident. The stability and easiness of NC750S provide ‘safe’.

Of course riding on the winding road with NC750S is pleasure. Though NC750S can not race with a supersport or a highend machine ( the most biggest problem is my riding skill ) , I can enjoy riding on a winding road. Passing a curved road banking the body moderately is pleasure satisfyingly. The maximum power is a little low but the power in low rpm is powerful due to the displacement. I think once a skillful rider rides on a tight winding road, NC750S is the fastest.

The economic price is based on the clear concepts. The low rpm oriented OHC engine consists of lesser parts and essentially economic. And, because it exhausts lesser NOx and sounds smaller, the cost for the exhaust system can be reduced. Front and rear brake is single disk ( is real single disk because rear one is stamped from inside of front disk ), but on the other hand ABS is equipped in all model to make sure of security. If you feel this packaging is cheap you can select another motorcycle. But I think it is exquisite.

The fuel consumption is over 30km/l ( about 70mpg ) . So I fill NC750S with fuel after one day touring ( about 300km ) on public road. The fuel consumption is very economic among this class of motorcycles.

I love my NC750S which makes my weekend pleasure!

Solo-touring in the east coast of Boso Peninsula(with NC750S)

It was cloudy day the last Saturday, I went to solo-touring with NC750S. The route was Tokyo – Chiba city – Ooamishirasato ( Shirasato Beach ) – Katsuura – Kamogawa – Mt. Kano – Kisarazu – Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line – Metro road 318.

冬の白里海岸
冬の白里海岸 風景は素晴らしいものの人気は少なく寂しい感じがしました。

I would go to Kamogawa via Chiba city using tall-free road first, but I changed the destination to ‘Shirasato Beach’ when I saw the city name ‘Ooamishirasato’ ( = white village with large fishing net ). Though it was a windy, cold and cloudy day, the landscape in the beach was impressive.

美しい貝殻@冬の白里海岸
美しい貝殻@冬の白里海岸 白里海岸で足元を見ると美しい貝殻がたくさん落ちていました。砂と貝殻(の破片)の混じった砂浜でした。

The atmosphere on Kujukuri Beach reminded me that of Ookinohama in Kochi pref., Japan where is near the place I had grown up. I saw the beach for the first time, but the sight made me remember the time when I was a child.

冬の御宿町中央海水浴場
冬の御宿町中央海水浴場 九十九里浜一帯は日本でも有数のサーフスポットです

I arrived at Central Beach of Onjuku Town, after passing Ohara and Iwawada Peninsula. You can enter sea water in several ten seconds from the parking lot. A lot of people were enjoying surfing even in Winter. The sight is terrific and the road around there is the best touring road if it was fine.

鹿野山山頂から房総スカイライン方面を望む
鹿野山山頂から房総スカイライン方面を望むとあまり高くない山が折り重なる独特の風景を望めます。

It was 15:00 at Onjuku. I decided to return via Kamogawa, Kururi, Tokyo-Bay Aqua-Line. I have a little time and I went through the winding road of Mt. Kano.
I took Pref. Road163 to go down from Mt. Kano. The road is a nice winding road but damages by the typhoon still remain in Feb. 2020. I took care of the road conditions, returned home via Tokyo-Bay Aqua-Line and Metro Road 318.

NC750S@冬の白里海岸
NC750S@冬の白里海岸 こうやって見るとキャスター角は確かに大きいのが分かります。

Impression of NC750S today

The tall-free road between Tokyo and Chiba is always crowded. I thought that it may be less crowded due to the effect of COVID-19 but route 357 was crowded. So I could not think about the impression.
After I went beyond Chiba city, the jam disappeared. I ride to Shirasato Beach through the road beside of which houses are seen. No cowl nor windscreen is not equipped on NC750S, I have to take care of the visor of helmet when it winds with sand or rains.
In the just front of Shirasato Beach there is a parking lot. From the road to there road is paved but a part of the road is buried naturally by winds in a off season. On the situation like this, the low weight center of NC750S is demerit. If an off-road motor I can slide the tires intentionally to pass, the rear tire stuck a little unintentionally.
After Shirahama Beach I rode with pleasure and got to the view point on Mt. Kano. After that I got home via Tokyo-Bay Aqua-Line and metro road 318. The average fuel consumption was over than 30km/l. This is the absolute advantage of NC750S.

Camellia seeing on Izu Oshima ( traveled by the hydrofoil )

I have been to Izu Oshima ( an island in Tokyo ) to enjoy fishing and seeing camellia fully blooms in 22-24 Feb.

CAMELLIA GARDEN IN OSHIMA METROPOLITAN PARK

Topic of the fishing is skipped because I did not take photos. I have taken a lot of photos of camellia blooms in the camellia garden in OSHIMA METROPOLITAN PARK in the morning to early evening in Feb. 24. The camellia garden is very famous as one of the finest camellia park in the world. I digested the photos in the slider below. You can see the other camellias in the site 「写真の椿園」(Camellia garden by photos)

We took the hydrofoil operated by Tokai Kisen Co. from Takeshibasanbashi Tokyo. The ship called up Tateyama port and arrived at Okata Port, Izu Oshima. It took 120 minutes from Takeshibasanbashi to Okata. Feeling during the trip is very comfortable with out pitch nor roll even if outer sea is a little tidy. And the best attraction of the travel with the hydrofoil is the early arrival.

  • ジェットフォイル アイランド愛
    ジェットフォイル アイランド愛 時速80kmで航行する米国Boeingが開発したジェットフォイルBoeing929です。愛はBoeing社製ですが同型の新しい船は川崎重工製です。
  • 東京湾のガントリークレーン
    竹芝桟橋を出るとガントリークレーンが見送ってくれます。(見送っているのではなく働いているのですが…)
  • 館山港と館山城
    今回乗船の便は館山港寄港。館山城が見えていました。
  • ジェットフォイルから洲崎灯台
    館山港を出てすぐ、ジェットフォイルから洲崎灯台を見たところ。

We rented a car for moving around the island. If you will enjoy fishing, you have to rent ‘a car for fishing’. This time the car was SUZUKI Every VAN (10th generation 1999-2013).

スズキ エブリーバン( 1999–2005 )

Impression of suzuki every van

This kind of cars are not for an impression… The car was equipped with new tires and there was no problem at the place where I had been stuck once. Oops, this is not the impression of the car.
The first impression was the lack of power of NA657cc engine. If I could use a manual shift, the problem may be avoidable. But the car have a 3AT shift and full throttle was needed to drive on an up slope in a constant speed with three adult passengers. They drive slowly in the island, but I had to pay attention to cars behind.
Of course no problem happened and we enjoyed the travel fully.

Solo touring to Okutama with NC750S

Because it was so warm that I have lesser anxiety about a frozen road, I went the solo touring to Ogochi dam and Okutamako lake.

奥多摩湖と小河内ダム
この時期は山の落葉樹は葉が落ち風景のいろどりは春までお預けです

Colors on the mountains had been lost after the leafs fell. On the other hand, you can enjoy ‘animal watching’ in this season. There are many dears and Japanese macaques, but it is difficult to find them in then leaf-full season. You can see a little space in the right side of the father tower, there were…

奥多摩湖のニホンザル
奥多摩湖のニホンザル

I think they can be seen even in the leaf full season because they are so near. But I imagine that in the leaf full season they can feed themselves around the top of the mountain and they seldom get near.

奥多摩湖の慰霊碑
奥多摩湖の慰霊碑

The sacrifice in the building Okutamako lake and Ogochi dam is that 87 people were killed by the accident and 1000 families were forced to move. We thank them that they had built the stable water supply of Tokyo and the beautiful sight.

小河内ダムー水道局の皆さん
小河内ダムは東京都水道局が管理しています。ヘルメットの「東京都水道局」の文字がその証明です。

Impression of NC750S today
I miss took the way for Okutamako lake. I would take Okutamashuyu road for the outbound but took metro road 5 and route 411 to Okutamako.
For inbound, I took Okutamashuyu road. The pleasure full winding roads continued and I do not have to feel fear aboud frozen road too much, but I reminded the safety riding with moderate speed. I rode with remembering and wandering that is the trigger of a cornering the timing after the deceleration is finished to release the brake and the center of weight return on rear tire? I am not so young that I can ride only with reflexes.
I found the reason why NC750S has the cornering characteristic that the front does not cut in the corner. This is because that the total length of NC750S (2215mm) is longer than CB1300(2200mm). NC750S has a low center of weight and long length, it looks like a cruiser. It is natural in a sense.

NC750Sと奥多摩湖近辺
言われてみればホイールベースが長いかも。エンジンの前傾を大きくしたのも一因か?

Jogasaki Beach (touring with NC750S)

I spent my holidays for skiing and fishing wakasagi smelts using the car and shinkansen, but today I rode NC750S for one day touring. After wandering the destination, I decided to go Ito through metro route 311→Tomei exp. way→Odawara-Atsugi exp. way→route 135 to take photos of camellia in the camellia garden of Komuroyama park.
In this season, the various events like the plum festival in Atami and the Kawazu cherry festival in Kawaze are held and I was caught in the traffic jam at the Odawara side exit of Ishibashi IC of Odawara-Atsugi exp. way to Seisho bypass. I change the route to national way before Ishibashi IC to avoid the jam. I enjoyed the sight of the full-blown Kawazu cherry on the both side of the road from Atami to Ajiro, Kawana and Futo. I changed my mind that the destination should be Jogasaki Beach.

この時期の伊豆半島は河津さくらが満開です。というか、少し散り加減でした。

Jogasaki Beach is a rugged rocky beach and is not suitable for swimming. The sign shown in picture below is built at Igaigane parking lot. From here, you have to walk through the road in the forest about 10min to reach the beach line. When you reach the beach line, your sight spreads rapidly and in the front of you, you can see Izuoshima island.

城ケ崎海岸の案内看板。ジオパークの認定がされてから新しい看板が整備されました。
伊豆大島が見えていました が少しかすみ気味でした
  • 河津桜
    河津桜は伊豆半島の河津を産地として1月下旬から2月にかけて咲く極早咲きの桜です。ソメイヨシノに比べるとピンクが濃いのが特徴です。
  • 梅(城ケ崎にて)
    梅も満開でした。
  • 太郎冠者(城ケ崎にて)
    太郎冠者はツバキの中でもメジャーな品種で「侘助」と呼ばれる椿の元となった品種です。
  • ヤブツバキ(城ケ崎)
    海岸近くの林に自生しているヤブツバキが綺麗な花をつけていました。

In this season you can see Tarokaja and Yabutsubaki ( both of them are the kind of camellia ) bloom fully. At Izu peninsula, you can enjoy seeing plums, (Kawazu) cherry and camellia blooming at the same time in this season.

NC750S(城ケ崎)
NC750S エンジン・シート下燃料タンク・リアの足回りがほぼ同じ高さに配置されているのがよくわかります。

The Impressions of NC750S Today
I had some anxiety when I started the engine for the first time in three weeks, but it started normally. It was usual that the idling rpm is a little high until the catalyst of the exhaust get warm. Is the reason why the time of the higher rpm due to the cool temperature?
I found that I did not turn on the grip heater after riding a little and feeling chill in my hands. I think it is more convenient if the grip heater should recover the status before the engine stops.
From Tokyo to Jogasaki is about 150km in one way and I can go and return without the fuel supply. This is a convenient point due to the good fuel consumption rate.
Manazuru read, route 135 and prefecture road 740 are can be selected to go through from Yugawara to Manazuru. I selected route 135 for the outbound way and prefecture road 740 for in bound way. You can enjoy pleasure winding road on prefecture road 740. I also enjoyed the time I had no car and motorcycle in front and rear of me with the theme that I do not prevent the natural motion of front tire.
The averaged fuel consumption rate was 31km/l.

Road Station AshigakuboーChichibu district(solo touring with NC750S)

After oil changing of NC750S at the shop, I went to Chichibu district, Saitama pref. where a staff of the shop recommended for solo touring. I was afraid of the frozen road but there were no problem.
Photos below were taken in the way at Koma River of Agano Valley along the route 299. The site is famous for the flight of fireflies in summer, but in January the sight can not be seen. Anyway the sight constituted of the transparent water and forests and clear air refreshed me.
photo1. The landscape of the valley.
photo 2. NC750S parked in front of a sign says ‘fireflies live’
photo 3. The water of Koma River.
photo 4. The splash of Koma River.

  • 吾野渓谷全景
    吾野渓谷は人里に近い小さな渓谷でした。右側に見えているのが国道299号線。
  • 高麗川をバックにNC750S
    蛍生息地と書かれた看板がある吾野渓谷で高麗川をバックにNC750S.
  • 高麗川の水
    蛍生息地の高麗川はとても澄んでいました。台風以降はあまり雨が降っていないので岩には苔がついています。
  • 高麗川の水しぶき
    荒川水系の高麗川上流の吾野渓谷で撮影。

It takes a little ride to reach Michinoeki ( = Roadside station ) Ashigakubo from Agano Valley. Roadside stations in Japan are designated and provided usually by local governments. In a michinoeki, place for travelers to rest, automatic vend0rs, shops and cafeterias are provided. The souvenirs sold in a each michinoeki have characteristics corresponding to the district where a michinoeki is. Chichibu district including Ashigakubo is famous for its agricultural products. Konnyaku ( jelly food, made from devil’s-tongue stach ) is special in the district.
In the parking lot of the michinoeki I met a lot of touring riders. The next to my NC750S, Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 and Honda NC750X is parked.
photo 1. the main building in Michinoeki Ashigakubo
photo 2. the landscape from in the michinoeki
photo 3. NC750S, opened luggage box and souvenirs fixed on rear space
photo 4. souvenirs I bought. Konnyakus, imogaras ( teared and dried roots of taro ) and a radish.

  • 道の駅芦ヶ久保メインの建物
    道の駅芦ヶ久保メインの建物です。この中でお土産やお弁当が販売されています。
  • 道の駅芦ヶ久保全景
    道の駅芦ヶ久保の全景です。この日はまずまずの好天に恵まれました。
  • 購入したお土産を乗せたNC750S
    購入したお土産を乗せたNC750Sです。荷造り中なのでフロントのラゲッジスペースも開けています。少し異形のルックス?
  • 道の駅芦ヶ久保のお土産
    道の駅芦ヶ久保のお土産です。こんにゃくと大根と芋がら(芋茎)。

Today’s impression of NC750S
Engine oil is changed after 2000km ride from the previous change. I would like to check the adequate frequency of changing and changed at earlier timing comparing to usual. The damage of oil was small and it seems the change per 3000-4000km is acceptable.
I selected Ome-Chichibu line ( Prefectural road 53 ) for return path to reach Ome. There is few traffic and I ride pleasurably on the winding road with various types of corner. Some tight corner has no guard rail and I ride with some care. I was afraid of a frozen road but all roads were dry and not frozen.
NC750S has a honest cornering characteristic that responds to the movement of the center of the weight. ( In other word, not so quick nor sharp. ) So an intentional cornering motion is needed but this is an interesting characteristic of NC750S.
Route was Kannana ( Prefectural road 318 ) →Kawagoe road→route 299→Michinoeki Ashigakubo→route 299→Ome-Chichibu line ( prefectural road 53 ) →Shin-Ome road→Ome road. About 150km way and fuel consumption was 28km/l. It was good even after I was caught in a traffic jam on Kawagoe road.

Boso Peninsula Myogane Cape~Sunosaki Lighthouse(Solo touring with NC750S)

The route of the first solo touring in 2020 with the partner, NC750S was Tokyo – Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line – Cape Myogane – Sunosaki Light House and around there. In this season Mt.Fuji can be seen from Boso Peninsula if the air is transparent…

明鐘岬から富士山方向を望む、薄っすらと富士山が見えています。手前の海に粒の様に見えるのは渡り鳥の一群。この時期ならではです。

Sunosaki Lighthouse is built on Boso Peninsula and plays am important role to keep the safety of the entrance of Tokyo Bay. It blinks white and red every 30 seconds and the light reaches 34 kilo-meters. The intensity of light is enough for farther distance but the horizon hides the light. There is Sunosaki Taishakuten (photo4) beside of the lighthouse.

  • 洲崎灯台入口
    洲乃崎燈臺の旧字体表示が歴史を感じさせます
  • 洲崎灯台全景
    洲崎灯台の全景です。重要な灯台にしては比較的小型なのが印象的です。
  • 洲崎灯台から内房を望む
    洲崎灯台から内房を望むと、手前側が鋸山、奥の左側に富津岬が見えます。この日は少しかすみ加減だったのが残念です。
  • 洲崎帝釈天
    洲崎灯台の裏側には洲崎帝釈天が祀られていました。小さな祠ですが手入れが行き届き線香の香りがほのかに漂っていました。寅さんのポスターは御愛嬌。

I walked around Sunosaki Lighthouse. People there lives with harvest from sea like farmer grows plants on the farm and lives with the harvest. The parking around the light house are provided by individual and the price for 2 hour is 200 jpy ( about 2 dollars ). The roof of some houses are covered with blue sheets. The scars by typhoon 15 (Faxai) and typhoon 19 (Hagibis ) are still left around Chiba area. I wish earlier recovery sincerely.

  • 天草を干す
    洲崎灯台の近所のお宅では天草を干していました。天草は寒天の原料であんみつの寒天や心太の原料となる重要な海産物です。
  • 洲崎のやぶつばき
    伊豆半島に比べると房総半島はヤブツバキの自生が少ない印象ですが、洲崎近くではよく見かけました。寒さには比較的弱いので暖かい南部に自生が多くなるのは首肯できます。
  • フノリを干す風景(洲崎)
    洲崎灯台から海岸線へ降りていくと小さな港に行き当たりました。そこでは冬に美味しい(春は大きくなりすぎて硬い)フノリが水揚げされ干されていました。船の奥に敷き詰められている赤紫のがフノリです。心打たれる風景でした。

Impression of NC750S and touring route
The camera and 3 lenses are stocked in the 21 liters luggage space located in the front ( is usually tank space ). This space is very convenient for 1 day touring. The fuel injection control rises the idling rotation when the oil temperature? or the catalyst temperature? are low and some carefulness is needed.
A lot of car was driven on the road and I was caught in traffic jams several time. Especially on Keyou road on the return path is crowed and several accidents occurred.
Fuel consumption is 9.1 liters for the 280 km trip. NC750S always promises the good fuel consumption rate for me. But I am sorry for the lack of riding impression because I did not pass the winding road this day.

NC750S (2020年1月3日)
2020年1月3日の愛車NC750S。奥は先行されていた方のCB750。よく考えると大型教習用のベース車先代と現役。CBシリーズも乗ってみたいなあ。

Kasumigaura ( Road Station Tamatsukuri )touring with NC750S

I had not toured around the east area of Kanto district so many time and this time I decided to go to ‘Kasumigaura’, the 2nd largest lake in Japan with NC750S. I rode from Tokyo on the route 6th. I could see Mt.Tsukuba on the way but it was too far away and could not drop in.
I crossed Kasumigaura on the Kasumigauraohashi bridge of the route 354. I took the photos of the picturesque landscape and crossed Kasumigaura to took rest at ‘Road Station Tamatsukuri’. I bought ‘Koipakkun ( burger put in carp patty ) for lunch. It was delicious and I was very satisfied.

  • 霞ヶ浦大橋を堤防より望む
    霞ヶ浦には一か所だけ横断する橋がかけられておりそれが霞ヶ浦大橋です。
  • 霞ヶ浦から筑波山を望む
    霞ヶ浦から北西方向に筑波山が望めます。筑波山頂上と女体山頂上が特徴的です。
  • 田んぼとNC750S
    写真撮影のために農道を堤防の突き当りまで走り、その場所で止めていました。
  • ノスタルジック霞ヶ浦
    霞ヶ浦の観光地としてのシーズンは本来夏。冬のこの時期は観光ボートも陸揚げしてお休みです。

Kasumigaura is the biggest fresh water fishery site in Japan. Koipakkun ( the carp burger ) is one of a product of the harvest. And at the same time, it means that wild life around the lake can enjoy the rich nature. A several number of snowy heron walked around the rice field harvested and rested on the top of an utility pole. In winter in Japan, snowy herons are usually seen in country side. But for me who lives in metropolis where human is the only animal, I was impressed to see a comparable large bird flies and looks for feed.

  • ダイサギ着陸直前 霞ヶ浦にて
    ダイサギが電柱のてっぺんに着陸する寸前です。結構なスピードで飛んできて、狭いてっぺんにちゃんと止まる姿に感心しました。
  • テントウムシと幼虫の喧嘩
    この寒い時期にテントウムシと蝶の幼虫が大菜の葉の上でもめてました。
  • 鯉パックン
    鯉パックンは鯉のスライスした身を衣をつけて揚げたものをパティにしたご当地バーガーです。味付けがちょっと濃いかなと思いましたが美味です。
  • 霞ヶ浦の南側を望む
    この日は比較的空気が澄んでいたので約8km先の対岸が見えています。

Impression of NC750S
NC750S kept good condition in the last touring in 2019. It is cold and the oil viscosity is suitable due to the low temperature and the rotation of engine felt to be smoother than ever. There was some traffic jam on the route 6 and I ride next to HONDA Cross Cub110 for sometime in the jam. After I reached to the route 354 the traffic got fewer and I could enjoy my pace riding. On the usual road there is no chance to use 6th gear. My appreciation is the exhaust noise which is sounded with 2500~3500rpm in 4th-5th shift in which the speed reaches 50 mph.
To arrive home before it will get dark, I took Joban Expressway from Chiyodaishioka IC to Tokyo and took the C2 of Metropolitan Expressway. In the path, I could ride with 3000rpm-3500rpm in 6th shift and I reconfirmed the pleasure of riding with NC750S in the rpm area.
The fuel consumption was better than 30km/l even after the traffic jam on route 6.

Cape Myogane – solo touring with MT-25 (2018)

I rented Yamaha MT-25 (2018) to see secondhand motorcycles at shops. My mind was a little excited in front of the various motorcycles, but I did not meet with ‘special’. I left for the other shop ‘Sakurai HONDA Pia’ that I found on the outward. After talking about new and secondhand motorcycles, I decided to buy ‘NC750S’ on impulse. The candidates were ‘NC750S’, ‘CB650R’, ‘CBR400R’. Honestly the reason of the selection were the budget, the luggage space and fuel consumption. When I said ‘Oh my impulsive buying!’, the owner of the shop said ‘ Motorcycles are bought always with impulse’. After I truly agreed with the comment, I left for Cape Myogane of Chiba pref. with MT-25.

At Cape Myogane three riders on GSX250R, RGV 250 Γ and GROM had arrived. I talked to them and we talked about the motorcycle touring. They said they would return to the west district of Tokyo taking no express way, because GROM can not use. I returned to Tokyo in the same way and I was caught in a terrible traffic jam from Chiba to Nishifunabashi. I promised in my mind that I never use this route in the same timing.

  • MT-25 明鐘岬にて
    後ろに見えているのは若者3人組のRGV250Γ、GSX250R, GROM。
  • 明鐘岬 - 釣りのポイント
    明鐘岬したの地磯は釣りのポイントでもあります。地磯側は水深がなくロマンがないとのコメントもありますが…。
  • 明鐘岬から遠景
    冬の空気が澄んだ時期には富士山が見えます。10月ではまだちょっと早かった。

MT-25(2018 Impression
I honestly agree with the design. Yellow blighter than the traditional Yamaha Lemon Yellow is painted on the tire wheels and the fuel tank. That is cool. The height of seat is enough low for me to stand on both whole feet. Of course, body is very light to move.
I imaged a relative lower rpm characteristic for the engine with the parallel 2 cylinders. My imagination is different from the fact. Yamaha engine has high rpm characteristics on MT-25. The torque is thin for the lower than 4000rpm, and 4000-6000rpm is normally used in a town. But rpm rises quickly and I feel no problem.
On an express way, the range of 6th-7000rpm is often used. You can use the higher range and never feel dullness. But I felt some fatigue to cruise with in the higher range. The best way to enjoy with MT-25 should be riding on the winding road with the 6000-9000rpm range, I image.

Enoshima ( solo touring with NC750X)

I rented NC750X to go touring to Enoshima in the end of summer. It was my fault not to take photo of NC750X and photos of only landscape are slided.
Around Katasenishihama beach next to Enoshima, there were many people who enjoys surfing, fishing, walking and just the atmosphere. Though I had been grew up in country side and do not like clouded area, the pleasant atmosphere raized my mind a little.

  • 夏の終わりの江の島ーたくさんのサーファー
    夏の終わりの江の島ではまだたくさんのサーファーがサーフィンを楽しんでいました。
  • 夏の終わりの江の島ー境川
    江の島は境川の陸繋砂洲が発達し半島状になっていたものが浸食と海進によって島になった地形とされています。
  • 夏の終わりの江の島ー片瀬西浜
    まだ夏の余韻の残る江の島の片瀬西浜

NC750X impressions
First, the seat of NC750X is a little high for me ( 168cm, short legs ). I stand on the toes to support the motorcycle. In riding there are no problem but some cares are needed when a parking and a traffic jam.
The engine provides an enough torque in the low rpm and I never feel the lack of power in a town riding, even if someone claims ‘short of power’. When the riding on the motorway, Seisho motorway and Odawara-Atsugi motorway, NC750X was stable and the large front visor defended me from a wind pressure.
On the other hand, when I ride at 5th-4000rpm or 6th-3500rpm on Tomei express way, the vibration is caused by the resonance of around the engine, the tire noise and the movement of frame. I do not know the reason but I image the integrity of NC750X was a little deficient in 2014.
NC series has a luggage space in the front. This is enormously convenient and very attractive. NC750X had been one of the candidate to buy for me.
A sequel to this NC750X I rented, she become for sale and I got the estimate. But the memory of the vibration keep me from buying.

Probably the problem is solved in the recent model. I would like to check that but I have not had the chance yet.