For years, Japanese manufacturers have built motorcycles celebrated for reliability and ease of use. But few blend these traits with true touring capability as effectively as the Honda NT1100. In a market where long-distance bikes often sacrifice everyday practicality, this model stands out as a standout choice.
Bridging the Gap: Sport Tourer Meets Daily Rider
The NT1100 isn’t just another touring motorcycle; it’s a crossover designed to handle highway miles and city commutes with equal ease. This is a significant advantage in a segment where many tourers feel unwieldy in urban settings. The bike’s upright seating, long-travel suspension, and torquey engine—paired with an automatic transmission—make it unusually versatile.
Key Specs and Pricing
The Honda NT1100 DCT is priced at $11,999. This puts it in direct competition with premium middleweight sport tourers, yet it often undercuts their price while offering a comparable level of standard equipment. Honda achieves this by leveraging its existing parts bin, resulting in excellent value for the rider.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the NT1100 is a 1,084cc 270-degree parallel-twin engine borrowed from the Africa Twin and Rebel 1100. This engine delivers 100 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 82 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 RPM. The torque curve is broad, making it easy to manage in various riding conditions. The engine’s short stature—thanks to Honda’s Unicam SOHC head—contributes to a slightly lower seat height.
DCT Transmission: A Game-Changer
The NT1100’s standout feature is its six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This automatic gearbox allows riders to choose between fully automatic shifting or manual control via handlebar-mounted paddles. This system is refined enough to feel natural in both city traffic and open-road cruising.
Chassis and Handling
The NT1100 uses a semi-double cradle frame, again sourced from the Africa Twin, which Honda has optimized for on-road performance. The bike rides on 43mm inverted Showa forks with adjustable preload and 5.9 inches of travel. At the rear, a Pro-link suspension system offers similar adjustability and travel. The 17-inch alloy wheels and radial four-piston brakes ensure confident handling and stopping power.
Dimensions and Weight
The NT1100 is a full-size motorcycle with an overall length of over 88 inches, a 60.4-inch wheelbase, and 6.9 inches of ground clearance. The seat height is 32.3 inches, and the bike weighs 547 pounds with a full 5.4-gallon fuel tank. These figures position it as a capable but not overly intimidating touring platform.
Tech and Features
The NT1100 includes a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and sat-nav integration. A secondary LCD screen displays critical information without forcing riders to navigate menus on the main screen. A manually adjustable windscreen adds further comfort.
Competition: Honda vs. Yamaha
The main competitor to the NT1100 is the Yamaha Tracer 9, which costs $500 more but offers a higher-horsepower engine and more aggressive styling. While the Tracer 9 excels in sportiness, the Honda’s DCT transmission and pillion comfort give it an edge in real-world usability. The BMW F 900 XR and Triumph Tiger 900 GT also compete in this segment, but both are European models with higher price tags.
The Honda NT1100 stands out by delivering a rare combination of touring capability, daily rider practicality, and affordability. It’s a bike that doesn’t demand compromise, making it an ideal choice for riders who want the best of both worlds.
