I've come to the conclusion that it's time to bite the bullet and change my bike. Last week I test rode the MT07, and today it was an NC750X and I must admit, although I've seen plenty of comparison reviews, I don't think the two really bare any comparison at all. Neither is better than the other in my opinion, just very different. having mulled it over, at least for me and what I need a bike for (12-16,000 smiles/year 80% commuting and a bit of touring), the NC750X is where I'm putting my money (subject to final sign off by my controller on her return from a holiday (best time to get in test rides in my experience!))
The MT09 tracer doesn't really interest me and I'm after a smaller engine so that rules it out no matter how good it may be, Kawasaki seem to be in a stagnant period where their entire range needs updating so have nothing to offer, as are Suzuki, and Triumph are a bit too pricey for me. I considered a cruiser but couldn't reconcile myself to all that cleaning! So it came down to those two.
I agree with others that the MT07 has a gloriously fun engine, I had a hoot on my short test ride, and is definitely the most fun but it's teeny and I can't see it being much fun/comfort over any sort of distance. That alone killed it for me. Really can't figure out why Yamaha didn't release a longer/roomier/bigger semi faired bike from the offset; even though they're going to sell them by the bucket load anyway, it just seems like a missed opportunity and would certainly have been more tempting for me.
The NC750X is definitely different, and is harder to describe; I'd describe it more like a really tall mid-weight cruiser from a Manga film (told you it was difficult to describe!). The engine feels like a lazy V-Twin, low revving, under-stressed and really smooth. It doesn't feel fast, and I suppose by comparison to other bikes it isn't, but it's still plenty quick enough to feel fun, and the ergonomics are spot on. Despite it not feeling fast, looking at the speedo it didn't seem like I was ever going slower than I would on my 850. Not too tall to get both feet down, roomy seating position and lovely wide bars. I don't know about the NC700X but I didn't hit the rev limiter on the new one, maybe 'cos I'm used to twins so short shift and use the torque anyway? I really enjoyed riding it and understand what Honda have done.
So, subject final sign off I shall soon be putting my 850 up for grabs on Carpe for a very reasonable price. It owes me nothing and has been a cracking bike but it's time to move on. It is out of MOT and could do with some TLC but is still the best bike I've ever owned.