Carburettors

The carburettors are notably different between the two bikes, the model fitted to the NC35 are smaller diameter Flat-Slides. The pistons are Ø 30mm T-section pistons (see left), as opposed to Ø 32mm Circular-section pistons. This change in piston reduces resistance, as T-Section pistons have a smaller cross-sectional area at the bottom. The intake flutes on the NC35 carburettors are straight, making for cleaner airflow.

The intake ports in the NC35 engine are narrower; this will increase the velocity of the air entering the combustion chambers. Ports measure 19mm in diameter, 1mm smaller than the NC30. Exhaust valve diameters are unchanged but cam profiles are revised (see Cams).

Overall the internal changes made to the engine (Gear Ratios, Cams, Valves), and the changes made to the carburettors give the NC35 a slight edge over the NC30 in the midrange.

Frame Geometry

The NC35’s twin-spar frame was a complete redesign of the NC30’s. Not only is it stiffer, but changes to the headstock alter steering response. The added stiffness can mainly be attributed to the way the engine is mounted, as with nearly all modern bikes it is a major structural member.

The Rake angle is steeper than the NC30’s, 25-degrees against 25-degrees `20. As a result of this Front Trail is reduced, measuring 4mm shorter at 92mm. Both of these serve to quicken steering. In conjunction with these front-end modifications, the wheelbase is 10mm shorter (at 1335mm). Again this will aid steering response. It is much easier to change line mid-corner on an NC35 than it is on an NC30.

Faired, the NC35 is 685mm wide, 20mm narrower than the NC30. The total height also dropped, from 1075mm to 1065mm. Both bikes are the same length (1985mm). The NC35 is also a full 9kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 165kg (dry).

Rider Position

The NC35 has a noticeably more upright riding position, although is still very race-orientated. The position of the pegs is the same; the difference in rider position can be attributed to the handlebars being 24mm nearer to the rider, and 10mm higher.

Swingarm

The single-sided Pro-Arm, whilst looking identical has several changes. Structurally, it is narrower at the frame pivot (192mm against 202mm). The frame pivot on the NC35 swingarm is also 5mm smaller in diameter at 17mm. This reduction was made to balance rigidity with the revised frame and front forks. Positioning of the eccentric hub is different between models.

Removed from the swingarm fitted to the NC35 are the mounting points for the Pro-Squat Linkage system. Fitted as standard on the larger RC30, it was replaced with a torque-reaction bar between the rear brake caliper and the swingarm on the NC30. It is, however, possible to retro-fit the system, which links the rear caliper to the frame, to the NC30. The system is designed to convert the torque reaction from the rear brake into useful squat, making the rear wheel less likely to lift under extreme braking.

Rear Wheel

Many people found the NC30’s 18-inch rear wheel hampered tyre choice. On the NC35, this changed to 17-inches; the section is the same (150/60), although some people opt to fit a 160/60. Whilst this reduction in rear wheel size significantly improves the variety of tyres that can be fitted to the NC35, it also contributes to the bikes different geometry.

Exhaust

Changing the end-can on an NC30 means either cutting off the stainless steel stock item, or replacing the whole exhaust system. Whilst the pipes on the NC35 are still constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the end-can is no longer an integral part of it. The aluminium can is secured to the rest of the system via three bolts. It is also mounted to the subframe in one place- the main bracket- rather than two.

Internally, the configuration of the baffles is also different.