If you’ve always wanted the all-day comfort and unwavering performance of an adventure bike, but not a high saddle or that Long drive around Look, you’re in luck because Honda has just unveiled the brand new NT1100, a touring bike derived from the Africa Twin.
The Japanese manufacturer has described it as a “new breed of Honda Tourer” that offers comfort, agility and performance at the highest level without the illusions of turning off-piste.
And as big fans of the Africa Twin, the prospect of a Roadtourer with the best features of the flagship adventure bike of the brand really impressed us here APR.
To start things off, here are the new NT1100 headlines:
- 1,084 cc two-cylinder engine, adopted from the CRF1100L Africa Twin
- 101 hp and 104 Nm torque at 6,250 rpm
- On-the-go price of £ 11,999 (manual)
- Semi-double cradle frame made of steel and aluminum subframe of the Africa Twin
- Honda claims the 20 liter fuel tank offers 250 miles of range
- Wet weight of 238kg
- 820mm seat height
- Case, cruise control, main stand and heated handles are standard
- Full electronics package including torque and wheelie controls, a 6.5 ”TFT, and five driver modes
Honda NT1100: Everything We Know
First, let’s talk about the looks. While we can see echoes of Honda’s old Pan European and Deauville Touring models in design, the NT1100 also has a modern, sleek style that’s ready for a trip to the Alps.
The front fairing and the chunky windshield, which offer a lot of weather protection on the long days on tour through France to the Alps, are particularly striking. And those big, slim LED headlights look like they’re straight out of Honda’s X-ADV adventure scooter
The same two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,084 cm³ that can be found in the Africa Twin is hidden beneath this huge fairing, producing 101 hp and 104 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. I’ve spent the past two years on an Africa Twin so I know from experience that it is an absolute peach when it comes to touring.
Believe me when I say that there is more than enough pulling power at freeway speeds even when riding with a pillion passenger and full luggage, while there is also enough punch in the rev range to have fun cornering views.
A 20-liter fuel tank keeps the engine powered, with Honda reporting an estimated 250 miles between refueling, and like the Africa Twin, there is a chain drive. The entire ensemble weighs 238 kg wet for the manual model, while the automatic DCT version will also be available with a weight of 248 kg.
These numbers are standard for touring bikes over 1000cc, but a low seat height of 820mm should keep things manageable and also help smaller riders drive flat when approaching a traffic light.
Touring comfort
Elsewhere, the NT1100 runs on 17-inch cast aluminum front and rear wheels and uses a 43mm Showa inverted front fork and monotube Showa rear shock, both of which offer 150mm of travel.
So that everything comes to a standstill, the new bike has two 310 mm brake discs and radially mounted four-piston brake calipers at the front. At the rear is a 256mm disc with a single piston caliper.
While we’ll have to wait until the official launch to put all of this to the test, Honda’s track record in making excellent long-distance touring bikes suggests these features will provide a crisp ride.
On paper, life in the saddle of the NT1100 sounds like a comfortable one. This touring windshield is fully adjustable 164mm, while top and bottom deflectors are included as standard on either side of the windshield to help keep air out of your arms and legs.
That’s not all that’s included as standard. You can also get heated handles, cruise control, a main stand and, above all, luggage racks with a total volume of 65 liters of storage space directly from the showroom.
There’s also a full suite of driving aids and electronics, including three-level traction control, five driver modes (including two customizable user modes), and three-level wheelie control.
In the cockpit you also get a 6.5-inch TFT with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones, full LED lighting and a USB socket.
Make no mistake, this is a technologically advanced tourer.
How much?
With that in mind, it’s impressive to see that Honda offers the NT1100 on the go from £ 11,999 for a manual model and £ 12,999 with DCT.
In our opinion, a real bargain for a motorcycle that will go straight from the showroom on a Europe-wide tour from February / March 2022. At least when the suitcases are packed.
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