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I do own a 2012, NC700X ABS DCT. I have had 4 years riding experience with other motorcycles and scooters, big and small.
It was riding my scooter that I really enjoyed riding. Just twist and go, as they say. You don't think of gears or planning changes in advance of turns, passing, cruising... ect. Just ride. That is all you have to think about, is riding, and staying safe on the road.
I will say with confidence not everybody would like an automatic motorcycle. Sometimes I think about what it would be like shifting gears again. Then I get on the girlfriends standard motorcycle, and am instantly reminded why I don't like shifting gears anymore.
The DCT on the NC700 is a refined version of the original on the VFR1200 DCT. Smoother shifting, smaller unit, quieter. Every time it shifts it sounds just like a typical motorcycle. The shifting is extremely fast, aided by dual clutches, just like the performance cars. disengage gear x, while engaging gear y.
I use D mode 99% of the time. Keeping the RPM's very low, and just cruising along, but twist the throttle and it will downshift, and throttle up when you need/want to.
The S mode is great for hills, and "performance" riding style. Keeping the RPM's higher before shifting.
I currently have 7000 miles on my NC700X. I'd have more but I still use my 125cc PCX scooter, it has 11,000 miles and counting. I ride a lot, and the MPG of the NC700X is impressive (64), but the PCX can get 100 MPG.
Next, when you look at automatic motorcycles/scooters, you must pay attention to the transmission type, usually its DCT vs CVT. I'm just "ok" with CVT. Just revs like crazy, and you don't feel anything shifting, just power all the time, high in the RPM band, and then you have Belts and rollers and variator wear parts to replace more often than you replace an air filter. But CVT's have their place, mainly on small engine scooters. I'd not want one on a full size traditional design motorcycle.
I've had no issues with my DCT NC700x. But one that comes to mind is easily avoided:
1. Problem: Stuck in gear after shutdown. (*Cannot start the motorcycle in gear*)
How to avoid: Switch transmission to Neutral, then turn engine off with Key, Do not use Emergency Engine stop button.
Solution: Replace, or charge battery, rock bike back and forth as you manually switch gears to 1, then switch to neutral.
What happens: Shutting down the motorcycle while in gear leaves the transmission in gear. When you try to start the bike a weak battery does not have enough power to move the transmission to neutral. You cannot start this motorcycle in gear, it has to be in neutral.
As I've said, I love my DCT. I have no intentions of getting a different motorcycle any time soon. I do want a Liter supersport bike to blast around on for 20 minutes, but insurance for my age group is ridiculous. Maybe in 5 years.
Hope this helps add perspective.
