Honda NT1100 REVIEW: 14,000 miles in all conditions

[@Nick-vu2bz]

I love these long chats so much! A lot of info and experiences, excellent!

[@blearyview2254]

Good review guys and like to add a couple of things. The dash problem you mention is a known fault and is replaced under warranty and Honda do have a decal kit for about £100 that does indeed make a big difference. I went to Switzerland on mine this year and just love the bike.

[@yewtreeknives5834]

Hi, i also drive the NT, what is this dash problem you mention ans what is the decal kit? Kind regards and thx

[@RobertJones-s9b]

Why doesn't anybody ever mention that a lot of modern bikes have almost no mudguards?? all that road shit blasted onto the front of the engine!!! Pillion passengers get absolutely covered in shit as well because there's no protection. Designed by an artist rather than an engineer.

[@MyRandomLife247]

I hired one when I went to this years TT, I also rode the NC500 and basically amassed close to 6500km in four weeks. The DCT gearbox makes a lot of sense. It takes time getting used to but it makes a lot of sense on a bike like this. The balance and handling are much like a smaller bike. Basically the handling is surpisingly good to the point that I was surprising a few people taking it up the mountain course on the Isle of Man!

[@olethorhermansen5696]

I'm glad you mentioned the lack of shaft drive. It's disappointing that Honda, like most other manufacturers, has given up on shaft drive. Apart from Moto Guzzi and a few BMWs (and ridiculously expensive american cruisers with belt drive), everything these days is chain drive. I get it, chains are cheap, but chain drive sucks! Honda, give us something like the CX, the NTV, the ST with shaft drive, belt drive, anything but more lousy chains!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Agreed, mostly. Chain drive is fine on a long distance all-weather bike if you have a centrestand and a high-grade chain but the maintenance is a pain in winter. My old MZ TS150 (nostalgic sigh...) used to have its chain enclosed in a rubber casing and that was brilliant (although it only had 8bhp running through it). Honda's shaft drive on the VFR1200 and Crosstourer was brilliant. If they'd made the NT a shaftie and pitched it against BMW's R1250RS that would have made an interesting challenge.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

Yes, an enclosed chain case is an excellent solution to the problems of chain drive, I had one for years on a Honda CBF125. Unfortunately no accessory companies make them, I was only able to get one for my CBF because it was standard on the CBF in some asian countries. I just wish that Honda would produce some practical middleweight shaft drive bikes like they (and the other japanese brands) used to.

[@jono492]

Shaft drive would put it in the Pan European weight territory, that's the heavy bike's I avoid

[@jimporter]

@@bennettsbikesocialI still think that Honda at some point must put the engine from the VFR1200 (maybe as a detuned 1300 for emissions) into the body of the ST1300 and position it between the NT and the Goldwing to compete with the GS and the 1250/1300 BMW tourer. Would this be the bike where they introduce the fbw clutch that they recently patented along with the DCT for slow control at low speeds.

[@gingerelvis]

You're absolutely spot on about Honda having a few bikes that are only available in dull colours, it's almost like they design a great basis for graphics but they never fit them. The CBF1000 was the same, just a sea of body colour and nothing to break it up and give it any interest. The new Transalp is only interesting to look at in the white with the retro graphics. People are quick to call Honda's underpowered and boring, I think in reality they make great all round bikes for people who maybe only have one bike and ride a lot all year round, a bit of a do it all and outlive the rest.

[@chrisdagnall8666]

Nice review, as an owner if the DCT I concur with your observations, having the DCT was the mainreason u went with the bike. Here are some if my thoughts. I have put the screen in the position I like and haven't touched it since, I never use D mode i think it stands for dreadful. I like the torque of the engine, its comfortable, I have standard seat. Chain drive doesn't bother me, none of the direct competitors have it. Mine is grey and I like not to stand out as a commuting touring tool its perfect for me. Cheers guys.

[@GuyMurray-r3e]

Great review. Covers all the bases to help a prospective buyer decide. More like this, please.

[@davidwatts2046]

Definitely a marmite bike gents! Excellent review and really informative I've owned my white DCT since last summer and love it.Had rust appear on frame weld but Honda weren't interested, so sorted myself with hammerite then 2 topcoats satin spray. Never-ending issues with AA Connectivity, even after taking to dealer who couldn't resolve it. However, I found the answer via KZbin, you MUST connect headset to bike 1st, then connect phone. Keep between the hedgerows 😊

[@johnnydrama7603]

Interesting to read about the rust issue. You use the bike in winter?

[@bootsmcfoolish8499]

Imminent arrival of a 2025 model, and your chat is terrifically engaging, plus it reminds me why I need to go the the NEC next week more than ever now. Thanks guys..!

[@davecarrera]

After watching this video, it looks like my route to owning the NT is a wise one. When (hopefully) I pass my MOD 2 21st Dec 2023, I am chopping my wonderful CB125F in for a 2022 (600mile ) CB500F. I plan to learn more of the craft of motorcycling on that and gaining 2 maybe 3 years no claims and then chopping that in for the 2026 /27 NT1100. Its a plan of sorts 🙂

[@chrishall734]

I test rode the Yamaha tracer 900 GT before buying an Africa twin with this engine, and the engine sold the bike. I wasn’t a fan of the 900 engine as it seemed to lack power unless you ramped up the rpm. Also you don’t have to have a headset to make the Apple CarPlay work. There’s a way to make it work without by holding the back button. Handy when your headset battery goes

[@UncleWally3]

The match between the DCT and the AT’s engine took many miles for me to appreciate. The big surprise was that the DCT was something I had to learn how to use - and trust. The learning curve, for me, was far from “automatic” but now that I’ve surrendered to the wisdom of the Honda engineers, I’d never go back.

[@paulyflyer8154]

I was looking for a shaft drive bike but I found the cross tourer too heavy and uninspiring, but then tried the NT. Lovely balance and very nimble but still an old chain so went for a 1250 RS in the end. I have to say though that the RS is fantastic in every area and It excites me every time I pull the cover off. Personally the NT wouldn't have done that for me to be honest.

[@TomTtaylor]

I have got the same problem with the dash on my NT1100 it keeps changing mode when you are riding, if it is wet and you have rain mode on so that there is no engine breaking it will suddenly switch modes and give you full engine breaking without warning. Waiting for Honda to come up with an answer after 12 months. Have bneen told they can change the screen but can't guarantee that it would cure the fault

[@lr_spb]

Honda NT and AF have two displays which is useful when you use Carplay on the main TFT screen. And Carplay is possibly one of the best advantages of the NT, compared to others. I wish that more manufacturers would adopt the same technology.

[@TheSquirrelSam]

Agreed it is great to have it on a motorcycle! I still have not fully worked out the button press sequences to easily navigate menus within CarPlay!

[@HenrikClante]

You notis that the weight is a bit higher than the competition but take into account thar the nt 1100 includes centerstand and panniers, witch is quite a few kiloes, I think it even out

[@jasperdegrood]

Nice analysis! I watched a couple of reviews now on the NT1100 and it’s accursed to me that nobody mentioned the XL1000 in comparison. I guess it is a good comparison a strange touring machine. And HONDA is very good at making them. Keep the good work going.

[@adrianjackson3361]

Thanks for such a detailed review, this has helped me to make the decision and I'm loving my manual transmission NT1100.

[@dugly1149]

Kawi is team Green, Honda is Big Red, why don’t they make at least their top spec in each bike available in red? I have a 2018 Africa Twin dct in red, I like the colour so much it actually makes me reconsider shopping new.

[@TheSquirrelSam]

I totally agree it is very good value compared to smaller bikes with the same options. It’s a very easy, fun and comfortable bike to ride. I am also having similar problems with the main display. In cold and wet weather it sometimes stops responding, stops working or worse it beeps randomly in my headset as if the screen keeps getting pressed. I love the CarPlay and having the small lower display means I can display whatever I want on the main display while still have the speed and other vital items on view on the lower display. I do plan to get the main display replaced while under warranty.

[@jefftripp1100]

I'm here in North Carolina USA, my belief is there are two types of "Sport Touring" bikes. Some are sport oriented, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, while others, NT 1100, Versys 1000, are more touring oriented.

[@flyingfish173]

You know guys just be thankful you have two or three colors to choose from. In the States you don't even get a bike to choose! Good review.

[@sivanm2130]

Great format!

[@reverendhoover]

Bloody hell! I just bought one of these!

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Thank heavens at long last there's a "conversation" about the oft inaequacy of headlights....... 🙂 But by no stretch is it a good looking bike!!!! Thank you for that excellent chat on the bike....

[@williamcoulter5462]

Dec 24 I am getting one an ex demmo for a very good price £4.5K saving, I tried one in March but it had the standard seat and I could not put a foot down but this has the full voyager kit which includes the comfort seat and that was a revelation as it had been used as a loan bike so someone had put a few miles on it and the seat is bedded in and now I can put a foot down.

[@martinhancock5846]

What's the idea behind the empty cup lifting senario

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

I appreciate that engines power and fuel efficiency 50+ mpg 87 octane.

[@yewtreeknives5834]

Thx for the review, i drive the NT with DCT, my 2 previous bikes where 2 Pan Europeans ST1100. I like the NT a lot but the 17 buttons on the left handle are a bit to much, also because they are not backlit, the headlights are not bright enough, the front fender is to short, this causes spray in the area arround the frontfork and behind the screen, maybe this is the cause for the electric problems you had? I placed a extender on the front fender and a tire hugger on the back, because without it al the dirt commes on the chain and at the back of my feet and legs. On sunny days the reflection on the tft screen is a other problem i found. For the rest a verry nice bike, love it! Greetings from Belgium and happy trails 😎

[@thisisme003]

TOP TIP : use a original cable for Apple carplay. Even with the certified cables it was not stable for me so I had a long frustrating experience because I wanted a braided black cable, ditched it for an original white 0,5m and now it's working like a charm, all the time...

[@jfro5867]

Having owned previous big Hondas, St1100, Crosstourer and even a Wing albeit briefly it would have to be shaft drive before I’d even consider one.

[@dragoclarke9497]

Shaft drive would make it heavier, more expensive, worse fuel mileage, and result in less power at the rear wheel. Modern chains last 15000 plus miles with average maintenance and compared to BMW shaft drives work out cheaper (I owned two BMWs both had problems).

[@jfro5867]

@@dragoclarke9497 Hi Drago. Yep don’t disagree BUT I like and prefer shaft drive bikes so any negatives are less important, to me.

In the end you didn't talk about rivals. You mentioned earlier that you aren't going to talk much about rivals, because you'll cover it later. I waited until the end for that part to come... but it never did. I'm curious how NT looks like when compared to other sport tourers. Can you elaborate on it?

[@AliG-iq4gd]

BMW had a 100bhp twin from 1100cc back in 1999. The R1100s was and is a cracking bike and I think - a better engine than a parallel twin. BUT - that Honda appears to be a very good bike for most. Shaft drive would have sealed the deal, I think

[@kemadat]

Excellent review gr8 job. Always enjoyed.

[@dougiequick1]

I predict Honda's best transmission is going to be manual 6 speed with the E Clutch and quick shifter too (why not? especially if the ecu can know when it would be clunky and just e clutch that clunk out of it so it ONLY quick shifted when optimally the slickest way to next gear?) ...I hope they put e clutch on all the 1100 twin genre motorcycles that are available with manual shift ... considerably lighter than DCT too which is a heavy bit of kit as you brits might say

[@austinkidd-smith]

Looking forward for the 2nd hand prices for these to drop

[@yewtreeknives5834]

Are the extra foglights worth buying? The standard LED headlights are verry weak , does the foglights make a difference? thx and greetz 😎

[@richedwards4651]

I purchased my NT1100 DCT in April, ive done 4000 mikes on it so far. It is a great bike for my touring activities. My only two gripes, Android Auto is a hit and miss, appears to work on 3rd attempt for no apparent reason, and i still can't get the audio prompts although Spotify & phone work ok ! and the main headlight beam at night is woeful.

[@fliesonthevisor]

I spent a lot of time working out Android Auto... Two main issues are the cable, as not all cables are of a high enough quality and the features of the Android Auto version of the app. I found that not all Android Apps work, and not all apps that are Auto-enabled have a full feature set. There is a video on KZbin on how to do it wirelessly 🙂

[@richedwards4651]

@@fliesonthevisor really appreciate that. I have a good quality cable which works, but just not every time on the first try. As to why I can get audio from some apps but not mapping 🤷. Gives us something to talk about 😁

[@iamprabhath]

I know this is an older video .. but talking about the value for money .. in Australia .. Honda doesn't give you panniers and all those packages (voyager and touring) .. all of the extras are to be installed separately and more than the pricing of the accessories .. the labour charges are the one which are turning away my interest ..

[@weybikerlad7388]

Great bike - oozes Honda engineering and build quality. Recently completed an 8 day x 1200 mile tour of Wales (UK) - it went like clockwork - manual version - DCT no thanks. Have lost count of the number of bikes I have owned over the past 20 + years but as regards offering genuine value for money, the NT takes some beating. A bike with similar add ons such as a BMW would add at least 3.5K plus to the on road price. Yes, it’s not without its foibles but they are at best minor. You need to look at the bigger picture for what the NT offers as an all-round touring MC.

[@meetmobility]

As a VFR800 tourer I feel this has to be on the next-bike list. Although with a set of original luggage on the VFR800 and a few accessories, am I really going to need something like this? VTEC gives me the kick I need sometimes. It sounds like it's missing from this.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The NT1100 is quite different to the VFR. Less revvy, more roomy and a riding position derived from an adventure bike rather than a more upright version of a sports bike. You sit more upright as opposed to the VFR's slight lean forward. Pillions get a much better deal on the NT1100 too. There's plenty of kick in the NT's motor too, but it comes a few thousand rpm further down the rev range than on the VFR. The VFR feels more compact and more sporty, but also perhaps, a little more focused. It's also a lot easier to adjust the VFR's chain. The NT has more versatility, making you more likely to ride it for more things.

[@meetmobility]

@@bennettsbikesocial thanks for the detailed response. I'm going to say that as I get older, this could be the perfect 'progression.' I love the VFR riding style but at some point more ADV comfort could be a bonus.

[@gilvansouza]

I don't understand this absolute nonsense about adjusting the screen while riding. I have adjusted the screen on my versys 1000 se once. Found a good position and it just stays in that position forever.

[@gomesdacosta88]

Did you ride with 35degrees outside and the high screen just box you in a hellish summer? I love to have more air flowing. Got it?

[@ContextIQ]

Great talk but still this bike is missing heated seat as option and the screen not being electronic adjustable. For reference I drive year round commute and in winter this is essential just as with traffic filtering the screen must be on the go adjustable to see in rain where wheels of cars are turning too. So ... unfortunately I still have to wait for this bike to be an option. Not blocking but for me are as 190cm guy with long legs the seat could be higher. Would have preferred cardan in stead of chain.

[@costinmarina]

How about the competitors? You guys mentioned couple of times during the chat that you'll talk about that, but never did... For people who are on the market for one of those, it's kind of important.

[@Fractal379]

Super informative, thank you.

[@kenbowlus2995]

It would be nice if Honda would release the NT1100, Hornet and Transalp in the U.S.A., even if they only come in one color each, like most of the bikes they send here.

[@shaunukhiking]

looked on advrider. looks like next year for Transalp.

[@tactical1224]

Agreed...It's baffling to see some of the bikes that Honda has not brought into the USA over the years.

[@nicam66]

Nice review, must say I'm enjoying mine, love the quickshifter too

[@Grahamvfr]

Love these type of reviews, as you get a better overall picture of bike. Thanks. However still leaves us Vfr1200 owners with nowhere to go on from though,(if we, wanted to) ie smaller engine chain drive😕

[@eskemeldgaardkrogh4145]

The only current bike that somewhat fills the VFR1200 brief is the BMW R1250RS… but it’s still not quite there. Other than that, you’re looking at a used FJR1300…

[@Grahamvfr]

@@eskemeldgaardkrogh4145 I agree, I recently did a video on my channel "where next".. And only the bmw I pointed out, came close, although I have no strong desire to change.

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Why so much «hate» on the VFR1200X Crosstourer i wonder. Am on My second Crosstourer Dct & just love it. Shaft, Comfy & lots of power. Hope one of these fine days Honda will bring it back with all the new bells & whistles. The Power Of Dreams ❤ Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴

[@903lew]

V100 Mandello should do the trick?

[@Grahamvfr]

@@903lew Good shout!!!

[@robertmarsh3588]

Great review. Two excellent real world bike journalists giving their experience and views. 100% agree on the drab colours. Why do Honda UK and other manufacturers do it? The NT1100 looks so mundane and boring. Even the Deauville had some decent options. I was lucky enough to get a non UK spec red Forza 750 when they came out. The colour, unavailable in the UK was the key extra thing that made me buy the bike. I just wouldn't have bought it in black or grey.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Agreed. Even just one colour scheme a bit more lively would have been interesting. Or some graphics to emphasise the lines etc. Interestngly, there's a comment in this thread from someone bemoaning how NT enthusiasts are all seemingly 50+. Maybe a few go-faster stripes or a fluoro green paintscheme with Shelby Mustang stripes might attract a few 49 year olds or even 48...

[@cpuuk]

If you design down to a price: Lacks excitement and so it really needs options to make up for the price deficiencies i.e. semi active suspension.

[@stevevw34]

Nice review ,as you said would be so much better with a shaft

[@MrVinnyh]

As a HGV driver the last thing I wont on a motorbike is automation! for me part of the enjoyment of riding a bike is imput via gears and clutch, plus there is another factor, when you walk into your shed/garage is the bike looks like you want to ride it & feel happy to ride it. A lot of newer bikes don't have front end appeal more so from the likes of KTM Yamaha, the NT1100 fails on this level, the only advantage is luggage, but missing shaft drive is huge disadvantage for a so called tourer!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Don't think of DCT as automation. Think of it as the next step in manual gearboxes where every change is quicker and slicker than you could ever imagine. With the added bonus of no more aching clutch hands after an hour's filtering through traffic. Some of the auto-modes are fine and for some journeys they work really well. But it's the manual mode that really makes DCT worth the money for me. If Honda had built a Fireblade with a manual only version of DCT it would have been so desirable that every sports bike on the planet would have had to build one too.

[@ajclark538]

Thanks for the review. You spoke about shaft drive and chain drive, with pros and cons of both, but what about belt drive? BMW have used belts and of course the American manufacturers, is it financially viable? And does it have the reliability for a tourer?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

In many ways belt drive is a good compromise for a tourer. Much less maintenance required but less re-engineering or additional weight either. Harley tourers can do 1000s of miles without belt problems and BMW used chain drive on their F800GS (because rocks and stones getting under the belt is what usually wrecks them at low mileages) but belt drive on other models in the range so it can be done. I can only remember one Japanese manufacturer (Kawasaki in the late-1980s) using belt drive and only on a very limited number of small-mid capacity bikes.

[@zzrider805]

@@bennettsbikesocialTo remember on future occasions: Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 is belt driven (2053cc, 2004-2010)

[@coolhandchunk]

How does the performance compare to a second-gen CBF1000? I have a 2011 model and love it... but want something more comfy & more suitable for carrying a pillion.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The NT feels physically a little bigger, with wider handlebars compared to the CBF. IThe seat is more comfy and the wond protection is much better too. With DCT it will be a lot better for pillions because you don't get the headbanging with gearchanges. Peak power is about the same but the NT makes it at lower revs. There is a top-end rush but mostly it happens in the midrange. Suspension is similar - softish but reasonably well controlled and it has a lot more kit as standard including panniers, heated grips, cruise control and the connectivity for Apple/Android Play which allows you to listen to music (you need a bluetooth headset) and navigate via Google maps. If you try a DCT bike, give yourself some time to get used to it and try out the SI and SII modes and manual-mode too.

[@coolhandchunk]

@@bennettsbikesocial thanks for the info. Now Honda Canada just has to do their part and import the bike into Canada! That metallic 'Blue Jeans' colour from the 'Wing would be nice!

[@michaeldobson8859]

Do the side cases fit a helmet?

[@aneeseldeen3467]

I was hoping protection frame bars would be a topic to talk about.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Sorry, it's not something we added to our test bike. There are a number of useful Facebook groups for the NT1100 that might be able to offer some advice on this though. Good luck. Steve R

[@JLo1960]

Honda should have made the panniers like BMW's vario system. That way they could be slim while riding then expanded for a full face helmet or a jacket, gloves, spare boots etc.

[@stephc4427]

What's this? I can't buy one in the States?

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

if DCT and Android Auto didn't matter - which motorcycle would you choose (riding only on asphalt - for tourist purposes): NT1100 or Suzuki DL1050 (new version)?

[@steverose641]

I'd say the NT1100 because it has better weather protection, more standard equipment and I prefer the riding position and power delivery of the engine.

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

@@steverose641 Thank You for help :)

[@dougiequick1]

Everytime I start wanting this of the new AT with 19 frt wheel? I cant stop thinking how it is low on power....I think 120hp is the magic hp least I can tolerate having on a heavy bike....now my Tracer has just under that but then it is a sub 500llb bikes. But this bike is well over 500...about 40 pounds more than my tracer

[@murrayspeirs2900]

I rode a CrossTourer around the world. Loved the DCT. It can be anything you want it to be.

[@mbal4052]

Can you clutch up wheelies?

[@questeusher]

i tried one of these at ABR coming from a nt650v and it just felt so wrong, was too close to an adv, im 187cm 34 inseam and it just felt too tall and not planted on those gorgeous roads. super disappointed

[@ToriADVMoto]

Have you rode a dct with the foot lever kit? U should give it a go. It really does make that difference in manual mode.. try it

[@steverose641]

Haven't had the chance yet, that sounds really interesting though

[@ToriADVMoto]

@@steverose641 the kit is a little hard to find but it's out there. If you search it there is a guy who posted a KZbin video of the install and the results

[@twmclean1]

Sad this bike is not available in Canada. Someday, hopefully.

[@petefletcher5380]

For me you hit the nail on the head at the start when you questioned why it didn't have a shaft drive with Honda's response that it was to keep the price down. Sadly this is all to prevalent with very bland looking bikes, poor paint quality and finish on the Transalp and Africa Twin for example, low fuel tank capacity and basic accessories. For we ex ST1300 Pan European riders Honda has simply lost the plot when it comes to all year round all weather touring.

[@steverose641]

To be fair the NT1100 has many more accessories fitted as standard than the ST1300 ever did and my limited experience (one winter, close-on 10,000 miles) showed no problems with any of the paint or metalwork (apart from the drive chain). But I agree about the shaft drive. It still seems odd to me that Honda built the VFR1200 and Crosstourer on a brand new shaft-driven engine/chassis platform and didn't make an updated Pan European. I'm guessing that on a global scale the numbers didn't add up.

[@longshanks4833]

Makes Dull Ditchwater look exciting.

[@steverose641]

The colours don’t do it any favours, but the way it rides makes up for that. And truth is that it sits in between ‘crazy-excitement’ and ‘dull commuter’ pretty well. Efficient enough that you’ll get your bonus biking fix every day whatever the weather when others are sat in their car, but also exciting enough to make it worth going out on Sunday too or taking the long way home on a wet Wednesday evening.

[@alext9338]

“The Ben Bostrom wiggle…” 😂😂😂

[@tompGA]

Please tell Honda to bring this bike to the US.

[@Brankas]

The out of phase voice in both mics is making me laugh so much 😂

[@DennysPlantBasedJourney]

I hope the upgrade the DCT and bring it to the USA next year

[@UncleWally3]

It’s as counterproductive for me to ride my Africa Twin DCT on anything but B roads and off-tarmac as it is to ride my VFR in mud and gravel. That said, I’m in my 70’s now and I’m kinda looking for a pipe ‘n slippers bike to chugga-chugga DCT through the countryside. I’d let down my Post Traumatic BMW $upport group if I scored one more of ‘em things. So, I hope Honda releases the NT in North America. Make sense?

[@fc15min]

Will it be not new Africa Twin with super charger.... but new x-adv750 _ NT1100 _ xProject? From design it looks like... ;)

[@jtec99]

I wonder if Honda sells this in the US. Haven't seen one before

[@pelanth]

They do not. Would be nice if they did.

[@garyjervis7283]

Has anybody here had issues with their NT burning oil? I'm about to pull the trigger on a new one but have heard stories...

[@Jubelly]

Never had any issue with android auto and use it on a daily base

[@bobharris5759]

Great review gents - enjoyed listening to your thoughts. My only question is - would you buy one with your own money? If not, why not?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Yes, in fact I very nearly did buy my long term test bike from Honda. The only thing that stopped me was the other three bikes in the garage that mostly sit unused because I'm lucky enough to have test bikes to ride for my job. If I wasn't working here it'd be a toss-up between the NT and a BMW R1250RS. The Honda is more comfy and better equipped as standard, the BMW has shaft drive, better headlights and doesn't sound like the battery is half dead every time you press the starter.

[@bobharris5759]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks for the reply! As you both mentioned in the review, Honda have not helped sales with the limited range of pretty plain colour schemes. Sounds like it might be worth organising a test ride…..

[@teneretraveller8980]

I hardly ever see one on the road, so even at that price it's not convincing people. I expect to see a lot of Transalps specced up, and obviously Africa Twins, are everywhere although hardly any see dirt. Image matters. Good watch though. Ride safe, happy travels 👍

[@Mr450pro]

I tried the Transalp for 1.5 hour ride. I own the Hornet and thought the Transalp would be like riding a sofa. I was so disappointed wenn I tried it. The windshield is to short, I had a lot of buffeting on my helmet, it had a lot of vibes going through the rev range. It made a noise that I couldn’t figure out where it came from. And suspension was disappointing for a bike like that.. I couldn’t wait to get back to the Hornet.

[@arnoldtm31]

Everyone is selling them off after a short stint.

[@thewoodster8607]

Loads on the ferries and the channel tunnel.

[@radu01]

My biggest issue with this bike is its engine.. this bike looks like a spaceship but that engine to me is a bit too agricultural.. if it had a 4cyl liter crossplane with around 150hp I would have bought it hands down.. oh well, until then I’ll keep my trusty CB650R❤

[@thejuice181]

Nc1000

[@TekkenLei]

Bro it’s more than enough if be honest

[@mikerogers1216]

You probably couldn't handle the jump from 82hp to 150hp.

[@superbike1]

The way they tuned the power delivery together with the gearing means that it is actually very capable

[@Ou8well]

It’s all about torque!

[@allwheeldrive]

Great review! Great motorbike. Honda REALLY needs to bring this to the States! I'm in line.

[@roverchap]

The BMW R1150 range were making nearly 100bhp from 1130cc over 20 years ago, so the power output of the NT is not that spectacular for a twin of this size.

[@BodybuildingSteve]

the only thing that pains me is the looks, I love a good looking bike and the nt is just so dam bland, its not cheap either and a really hard sell for a bike that looks so average

[@arnoldtm31]

The problem is it's going up against the ninja 1000 and the gsxs1000gt. They are much smoother and sportier and also noticeably cheaper.

[@steverose641]

In the UK the prices are very similar for bikes with the same equipment. The Kawasaki and Suzuki are more sporty, but less comfy or versatile and while the Honda is further along the line between sports and tour, it still has the ability to thrill on a twisty back road.

[@Stratocasterhead51]

I think the ninja 1000 is amazing. That being said, you get worse mileage than the NT. Worse protection. More effort when riding in the city. Riding two up is much better on the honda too. And for the equipment you get as standard the Honda is cheaper. The ninja and the suzuki are both SPORT tourers. The honda really isnt. Suspension too soft, too heavy, not enough power. But if you want to do a 1000mile road trip in comfort without needing to go too fast (think cruiser) the Honda is perfect.

[@amrak-8401]

Come on Honda bring the Manual and DCT NT 1100 to the USA 🇺🇸🙏

[@billy.b652]

Lacks colours, especially that boring white, with nowt added. Now that windshield should definitely be electric, as any biker that adjusts while moving, we’ll hit a pothole when adjusting, you’ll have trouble on your hands. The attraction for me though, it’s its reliability, and very economical.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Agree about the colours but the manual screen isn't a massive issue. I tended to leave it in one position most of the time. Even in heavy rain the highest position is still just low enough to see over rather than through and it is very effective at keeping the wind off. For the money, it's a really good package and the 2025 version looks even better value. www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/honda/nt1100-2025-review

[@jonparr1148]

Honda, please add RED to the NT. Look at all the VFRs out there, RED. I am not going to even test ride one unless it’s RED !

[@drdoolittle5724]

Good to see you Guys having a chat but far too long!

[@nihonkokusai]

In black would look cool

[@BigCarKilla]

I understand the want to shorten the video length, but please guys, don’t speed it up - the audio makes your voices sound a bit clipped!

[@patrickmalone9380]

Such nice guy agree on colours

[@paulleggett9735]

Why don't they just make traditional gear leaver work the DCT ? People who want manual can get 90% of the sensation and those that want an auto can leave the leaver alone.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

In the early versions of DCT Honda did offer a foot control for manual changing as well as the paddles on the switchgear. Not sure if they still do. We'll check and get back to you

[@dougmacpherson2610]

I have owned 4 DCT bikes and I watch a lot of demo ride videos. What is needed is a more comprehensive introduction to that gearbox by someone who is truly expert in its use. I have seen videos where the rider kept exclaiming that he really didn’t know how it worked. That needs to be fixed.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Not a video, but this article might help explain it a little better. www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/bikes/how-does-dual-clutch-transmission-work

[@dougmacpherson2610]

@@bennettsbikesocial My complaint is not in the technical side but more on the operator side. The videos I have seen often have a rider who is supposed to be reviewing the DCT but is also seeing it for the first time and doesn't really know how it works. This does not enhance the message, or help to sell the type of bike. Reviews should be done by riders who are accomplished in the use of the technology in question. Having somebody doing a review which is full of fits and starts and uncertainty is not going to help sell DCT to the public. If I was a dealer and somebody showed up to borrow a bike to review the tech I would first ascertain that they knew how to use it. Otherwise, it may have the opposite effect and turn people away from the product.

[@markjenkins905]

Bring back the Pan European

[@jfro5867]

Yea. Agree.

[@Greggspies]

I'm going for one of these next because BMW have become expensive, value for money on then Honda is very good for what you get

[@paulstanley3265]

Well if Honda brings it to the USA charge more and put a shaft drive on it

[@onlyonermf]

Red looks so much better, Dobles Honda selling a new custom Red one

[@MotoXplor]

I've wanted one since they first came out but Honda won't bring them to the US. What the hell Honda?

[@n9oqu]

Americans should demand from Honda that they sell the NT1100 to non-cops! Its a great bike and we are a very large market! Not everyone wants an African Twin!

[@andygreyriderGRN]

Rating out of 5

[@redbull4fly797]

Nice review, but when I see this owners reviews and most of them are in their 50+, I change my mind about NT1100 😂

[@morri03]

The NT is the overlap in the vein diagram of motorcyclists and accountants.

[@steverose641]

It's a nice thought (and Honda didn't help the NT1100's image by painting them such plain colours) but I keep thinking 'What would we be saying if they'd launched the NT first as a sporty road bike and then built the Africa twin afterwards?' we'd have loved the NT for it's flexible engine and comfort and equipment and ignoring the AT because it can't be a proper adventure bike etc. The truth is that Honda has built two very different feeling bikes from the same basic ingredients and they both work really well.