If there’s one place that can put any motorcycle to the test, it’s Cherrapunji , the rain-drenched, mist-shrouded paradise nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Known for its winding roads, unpredictable weather, and jaw-dropping scenery, Cherrapunji has become my favorite proving ground. And what better machine to challenge this majestic terrain than the newly updated 2025 Honda NC750X , a bike that has long carried the reputation of being the ultimate all-rounder? This wasn’t just a ride , it was an experience through monsoon-kissed mountains, mossy trails, and endlessly curving hill roads. But as much as the location was dramatic, this blog isn’t about the mist and magic of Meghalaya , it’s about how the 2025 Honda NC750X behaved in that environment: every gear shift, every brake pull, every corner leaned into with intent. Let’s dive deep.

Update for 2025

Standing next to the 2025 NC750X in the gray morning light of Cherrapunji, the visual changes immediately struck me. The front end has been redesigned, and it looks more purposeful now , the fairing is sharper, more compact, and hosts a beautifully integrated LED headlight. It’s not aggressive, but it carries a sense of calm confidence , like a climber who doesn’t need to show off their ropes. What I loved most was how practical these updates are. The new fairing attachment design isn’t just for show , it actually makes maintenance easier, which matters when you’re far from home on a wet and muddy ride. Then there’s the new 5-inch TFT screen, which felt like a luxury while riding through the fog. It’s crisp and customizable with three layout styles. Honda’s RoadSync system brought my music and navigation right to my thumb via the four-way backlit switch , intuitive and safe, even with gloves on. You can control calls and directions without taking your eyes off the misty road ahead. And yes, Honda finally gave the NC750X what it always needed , twin front disc brakes. Gone is the lonely single-disc setup. The new 296 mm double disc brakes with double-piston calipers make a big difference. I felt a more immediate response and consistent stopping power, especially when descending steep hills slick with morning drizzle. Another small but mighty improvement , the new aluminum rims. A weight reduction of 1.8 kg may not sound like much, but it translated into lighter steering and better feedback when I was weaving through narrow village lanes on the edge of cliffs.

Engine and Driving Modes

Powering the NC750X is the same dependable 745cc parallel-twin engine, liquid-cooled and with a deep, satisfying growl. It’s not a fire-breather at 58.6 hp, but let’s get something straight: this bike isn’t about showboating. It’s about control, efficiency, and making every ride count. Climbing the snaking roads toward Nohkalikai Falls, I kept switching between riding modes , Rain, Standard, Sport, and my own custom setup. The throttle-by-wire system is beautifully tuned. In Sport mode, I could really push the engine, leaning the bike into tight corners with confidence, while Standard was perfect for cruising through flatter sections. Rain mode, tested during a light afternoon shower, dulled the throttle and sharpened safety , exactly what you need when wet moss coats the pavement. And let’s talk fuel efficiency. At 3.5L/100km, this thing sips fuel like a yogi sipping tea. With a 14.1-liter tank, you’re looking at nearly 400 km of real-world range. Up in the hills, where fuel pumps are scarce, this was a godsend.

Optional DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission

I tested both the manual and the optional Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) version of the bike. The DCT on the 2025 model has been smoothed out significantly. Gear changes are more fluid now, especially at low speeds where previous versions felt clunky. Climbing up the slippery forest roads of Cherrapunji, I didn’t have to worry about clutch control , the DCT did the thinking, letting me focus on the terrain and line. In Drive mode, it’s mellow and fuel-efficient. Switch to S (Sport) mode, and it holds gears longer, giving you engine braking and punchier acceleration. It’s intelligent enough to adapt to the riding mode you’re in, which means less fiddling and more riding. This transmission is a revelation in technical terrain. Where I would have been feathering the clutch and modulating throttle constantly, the DCT let me ride smoother, longer, and with less fatigue.

Focus on Sustainability

This year’s NC750X isn’t just about performance , it’s a step toward a greener future. Honda has started using Durabio, a biomass-based plastic, for the windshield and some fairing parts. It’s subtle, but it matters. On the trail to Mawsmai Caves, I sat on a rock next to the bike, admiring the craftsmanship. You wouldn’t know it’s more eco-friendly just by looking, but knowing it reduces environmental impact added a layer of respect. It feels like Honda is thinking about the long ride ahead , for the planet as much as for the rider.

Equipment and Storage Space

Here’s where the NC750X crushes the competition: storage. That glorious 23-liter tank-area compartment , big enough to swallow a full-face helmet , came in handy every single day on this ride. Raincoat, DSLR, thermos, even my drone , all went in with ease. Even better, you can opt for a USB-C port in that compartment or add a partition system. It’s like having a small car glovebox on two wheels. And the comfort? The seat has better grip now, which I noticed when tackling Cherrapunji’s endless twisties. The new windshield, though not massive, deflects wind better and made highway stints more bearable. Long story short: this is a bike you can live with. Commute. Tour. Explore. It adapts to you.

Colors and Accessories

I rode the bike in Earth Ivy Ash Green, and it blended beautifully with the surrounding forest. Subtle yet striking. Other shades , Earth Black, Mat Pearl Glare White, and Fighting Red , give the NC750X a personality for every kind of rider. Honda also offers tailored accessory packs:

• Urban Pack: Top box, heated grips, center stand , perfect for commuters.
• Travel Pack: Saddlebags, comfort seat, taller windshield , ideal for weekend warriors.
• Adventure Pack: Engine guard, fog lights, skid plate , for those who ride where roads don’t go.

In Cherrapunji, I had the Adventure Pack fitted. The fog lights cut through the morning haze like a hot knife through butter. The engine guard saved me once when I misjudged a wet rock crossing. Worth every rupee.

Conclusion

The 2025 Honda NC750X is a bike that doesn’t shout , it whispers confidence. It doesn’t chase spec sheets , it delivers real-world practicality with quiet excellence. After days of riding in Cherrapunji , through monsoon rain, under ancient bridges, past waterfalls hidden in clouds , I stepped off the bike with admiration. It’s smooth, balanced, efficient, and capable of handling both the office commute and the mountain escape. The updates this year bring it closer to perfection , better brakes, smarter tech, refined transmission, and greener materials. In a world of overpowered giants and flashy beasts, the NC750X remains a grounded, smart, and sincere motorcycle. And maybe that’s exactly what we need more of , a machine that’s always ready, always versatile, and always real.