Honda NT1100 | Things I hate | Things I love

after riding this bike for a few weeks , here are my love and hates of it. .. drop a comment if you have your own
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Thanks for watching

[@lukebusbridge6611]

Very refreshing to have an honest review that isn't afraid to be grumpy as well as enthusiastic!

[@Mrfish2015]

Got to have a balance lol

[@reverendhoover]

I've recently test rode the Moto Guzzi V100, Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory, Aprilia Tuono 660, Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX, Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT and the Honda NT 1100 DCT. After only ten minutes it was obvious the bike suited me more than the others, so I bought one and I'm waiting for it to be delivered. It's not the prettiest, not the fastest and not the most dynamic but it's a comfortable, controlled, technically brilliant motorcycle and it suits an old bloke like me!

[@kevinb2844]

I really enjoyed your review… very in depth and you have a good sense of humor and like how you have immersed yourself in technology as I imagine that has changed over time… when you corrected yourself from hate to dislike… it reminded me of when my Nana-grandma would correct me when I would say hate as a youngster and she would say we don’t have people we just really dislike them. 😊

[@EXQCmoi]

I like those honest reviews. It really helps in choosing my next bike.

[@MightyMouzMoto]

I really want this bike! If they sold it in the US for no more than 12k, I'd own one asap!

[@Checkpat]

It is 15,5K€ in France with Dct. No way you could get it 12k$ 😢

[@MightyMouzMoto]

@@Checkpat That stinks 😕

[@AzzBiker]

Bought one last year and I agree with all your points! It’s a cracking bike, totally deceptive. Love the DCT on mine, might wrap the hand wind deflector bits matt black because of the reflections in the long term, but I’m amazed how well they work. 👍 just wished the did the blue and white Africa twin colours…

[@Mrfish2015]

The colours certainly need a lift

[@reverendhoover]

Just been changed now to dark blue, red and grey. White is no longer available. @@Mrfish2015

[@HondaNT1100]

I got the nt1100 last week. I agree with most of your comments. Considering the price, I can understand it, but penniers are uncomfortable. However, I think it is the best to pack your luggage and go on a trip.

[@Geshmaal]

The weather protection point is really interesting! I think like the only adventure bike that would rival the NT in this aspect is a GS, and you could have an NT and Himalayan or CRF300 for less than a GS and have those two fronts covered.

[@dalehawkes1698]

It’s such a Fugaley bike but everyone seams to love it as a rider , just when you open the garage oh boy what a monster 😳🤣

[@TReitsema]

Puig has an upgrade for the pigs ears.. Al little bit wider and higher.. even more comfort..

[@AdyRider]

A good review sir Thank You. Was I having a moment or did the intro music sound intentionally like a train 😉

[@IIxMURPHYxII]

Got this bike in Black as my first big bike after passing my MOD 2 a few weeks ago and agree with all your points. I got the manual version and I feel so safe riding it, the weight was a bit concerning at first due to me being a very skinny tall bloke but I absolutley love it now. The circles showing power, engine braking and traction took a bit of getting used to as its back to front, 1 bar is the most while 3 bars is the least ? Great video mate.

[@sunrisejak2709]

Whats really weird is Hondas XADV has the opposite of intervention on the circle settings. Same company with 2 bikes having different philosophies on the basic settings. For example most power is one bar while least power is one bar on the other model. Crazy.

[@sunrisejak2709]

As for your dislikes I find them mostly trivial. No big deal with those. The screen adjustment I think is misunderstood. I believe it's intended to adapt to various riders and not adjustability with daily use of 1 rider. I set it at position #4 and never change it. It's ideal for me in that position for my riding needs and comfort. I always ride with a small SW Motech tank bag. A much better place to keep a phone as opposed to handlebar mounts as phones generally don't like being in the elements. (my phone is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip which is an ideal "motorcycle phone" as it folds small and is protected) My biggest challenge is with unreliable connectivity. The boot up time is too long. As I ride off perhaps 25% of the time a reconnection fault occurs. That entails stopping to go through the menu to reconnect the headset etc. Got 4 helmets with different headsets and they all behave the same with troublesome bootups. Ugh. Stopping for fuel I would rather hit the kill switch and not disconnect connectivity by switching everything off and putting the key in the gas cap. That means traveling with 2 keys. Weird. But it means with 2 keys I can access the luggage while leaving the key in the ignition. The bags need a key every time to open them. Ugh. A small thing is in the small lower display I would like to see the actual gear you're in and not the shift mode (SII). It does this in manual but not Auto. I know what mode I'm in so I just think seeing the gear # would be more interesting. Navigating through Android Auto can be tedious. Scrolling down a list of music folders gets silly if your going from "A" to maybe "S" and you have a large music collection. (not really a big deal but a nit). On a mechanical wish. I would prefer the rear brake to be controlled by the left hand as in the Honda XADV. Would be much easier to modulate the rear brake for slow maneuvers. Oh, another small nit pick. I can't seem to put the bike on the center stand without the toe of my shoe hitting the chain. Makes for a hassle to clean the grime off my shoe! (I know kind of OCD) 🙄 I share all the same positives and really like the NT1100. Oh, I put a quality aftermarket rear shock which enhanced the overall ride quality quite a bit. Cheers,,,

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Enjoyed that bud and agree with all your insights. 👍👊🏻

[@Mrfish2015]

Cheers mate

[@MrFifer101]

Aww man, no Xperia update this week. It's actually in your hand already 😮

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Great bike, by the sound of it.

[@2day_we_ride]

Chiswick Honda gave me one for a couple of hours whilst my AT was being serviced. Loved the engine, weather protection and above all the handling, especially the slow speed balance - you can do 2mph figure of 8s for hours if that's your thing 🙂It's ugly but grows on you, sounds good, and is a lovely place to sit if you need to do a lot of miles. Biggest downside I could find was the suspension on crappy UK minor roads was quickly unsettled if you were pressing on. Overall a really good bike if people can get past the looks but for me, the Twin just makes me smile more and suits me better.

[@butchcassidy9125]

Hi Richard. Does the suspension transfer the bumps to the rider, giving him a rough ride, or does it become difficult to control because the bumps are throwing it off line ? I am interested as we also have crappy roads and I haven't been able to test ride one.

[@2day_we_ride]

@@butchcassidy9125 I wouldn't go as far as saying difficult to control, just fidgety rather than absorbent. I'd emphasise this is in comparison to my Africa Twin which maintains its composure over the same roads.

[@sunrisejak2709]

I put the EMC sportshock II from France and the improvement was remarkable. Expensive but worth it in my opinion. It addresses the biggest drawback of the bike.

[@mariog4707]

Great review and I agree with most of your opinions. However I find the combination of the engine and DCT to be a mixed bag. Around town and on the move they are fantastic, but on tight back lanes I find the DCT gets bogged down in slow corners and the engine chugs and vibrates being in too high a gear at times. I find it far from the smooth seamless experience many reviewers claim it to be.

[@Mrfish2015]

Use it manually if not sure that way it doesn’t change unless you want it to , once you get used to the characteristics it’s fine .. took me about 6 months on my africatwin to really get in tune with it

[@terrybrooks7140]

Yep agree with it all the screen and dull colours are 1 and 2 in my book. I think Honda need an Italian designer.

[@sunrisejak2709]

I think the XADV and the NT1100 both designed by the same designer in,,,Italy.

[@robertdetwieler1631]

Mr. fish on a sidenote, have you ever had a chance to do a video on a Honda, VTX 1800?

[@kristophertrout7328]

And of course, not available in the US. 🤨

[@yewtreeknives5834]

Thx for all nice reviews of the NT, i bought one in White with DCT, comes in the shop next week 🥳 If you don't like the Metzeler's, what would you reccomend? Greetz from Belgium

[@Mrfish2015]

Try it with the Metz first you may like them , sometimes it’s just a personal thing with tyres

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Nice review. If it had shaftdrive it would probably be My next touring bike untill then i stick with My lovely Crosstourer. The Power Of Dreams ❤

[@reverendhoover]

I've had scottoilers on my last four bikes and rarely had to adjust the chain on any of them. I've never owned a shaftie but I can't imagine they are much easier than a chain with a scottoiler.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I have a 2023 Hayabusa and was talking to a Suzuki technician when I collected it and he was quite adamant that new chains are so good that as long as they are kept lubricated they rarely need adjustment. On its first service the chain was adjusted (400 miles) and I have just had another service at 3,000 miles and the chain needed no adjustment.@@reverendhoover

[@RedskullPro]

Hey, can you fit a full helmet in the side bags? Thx

[@sunrisejak2709]

Nope. But I have the top box which fits 2 helmets. The side panniers being slimmer is more preferable for me as they don't stick out so far. Makes for a narrower dimension for lane splitting.

[@wanderlpnw]

Apologize if you mention it later in the video, but what kind of mileage are you getting on it? Huge miss not having straps in the panniers. Seems like a simple and obvious thing.

[@reverendhoover]

But the bags come with the panniers so why would you need straps as well?

[@gameplayingtime1690]

I have Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2020 I use only for commuting all time off the year. Should i change for an NT?

[@shiftyshamsk]

Definitely not.

[@dandemann123]

Use a Carlink 3.0 for wireless connection, phone stays in your pocket, works really well too 👍🏻

[@sunrisejak2709]

Yes, but on longish trips I need charging so connecting by cable solves that. I just use a small tank bag.

[@davecarrera]

Good balanced review on a bike I am looking into swapping up from my NC750x. May I ask if you have done a long journey on it (100 miles +) and if so how did the seat hold up ? Was it comfortable. If you have not had a chance to do such a journey, then may I be so bold as to ask others here what their thoughts are if they have done a Long journey on theirs. Wishing you well and stay upright.

[@Mrfish2015]

I don’t do over 100 in one go so I won’t comment , if there’s a forum check it out they will highlight all the negativities

[@DennysPlantBasedJourney]

wish they would bring this to the US

[@marcus577]

Mr Fish I'm just trading in my Forza750DCT. Ordered the NT1100. How can you miss the Cruise Control but only operational after 40mph. Receiving in June 2024. Also comes in Manuel with the DCT being 10kg heavier and £1000 more.

[@Mrfish2015]

I like cruise for a lot of average speed cameras around my way

[@marcus577]

@@Mrfish2015I know what you mean I’m also in Essex borders of London.

[@gtrguy17]

Agree hate side opening bags

[@fidelcatsro6948]

100hp with 105Nm of torque, not bad for a 2 cylinder 1100cc bike

[@tbonesenior6736]

Great video

[@Mrfish2015]

Thanks!

[@grumpsrides6074]

I'm thinking, NT100 Deauville.......... or should it be Dull ville?! Sounds like a great bike, just dull?!

[@sunrisejak2709]

It's only as full as the chosen shift mode and your right wrist. Put it in manual and be heavy handed with the throttle and it's far from dull. The general overall approach is leaning toward relaxed riding but it can be exciting if you want. 😊

[@Winterstick549]

I don't care for electronics, digital readouts when a speedo and tach with a few lights is all you need. Same with electronic adjustments on wind screens, suspension, modes. Now get off my lawn!! 😅

[@shiftyshamsk]

Yeah. Same here. A motorcycle is ment to be basic. Basic with plenty of enjoyment.

[@3DKiwi]

And you would have even less mud etc thrown up if you fit a fender extender.

[@netkongen]

When I owned a Honda NC 750 DCT, it had a very annoying buzz. I fear it will happend on this too.

[@sunrisejak2709]

I've had the NC750X, XADV, and NT1100. The engine has no real buzzes but shifting at low speeds is a bit notchy on the NT1100. The 750 engines shift smoother at low speeds.

[@mojomoto259]

nc750x dct is a better value in my opinion cant beat that frunk - best feature in motorcycling not yet available in the states though -

[@frenchmirage6711]

I am used to ride sport-gt, and i can't stand not to have clip-on's, and worth, i hate handlebars with mirors on it. Why didn't Honda try to stick to the CBR or VFR philosophie? If i don't by an Africa twin, it's not to get the same driving environment. Thank you for you thoughts ! Who nows, i could change my mind one day ?

[@sunrisejak2709]

Handlebars and mirrors are simply cheaper for Honda. I agree with your wish but Honda clearly used their parts bin whenever possible to create the NT1100.

[@lorquet21]

Why wouldn't you swap?

[@philkelly8410]

Thanks for the vid Mr fish done 7000 miles on mine and agree with all your points the one gripe which I have to add is if using the large screen in car play or Android you loose the fuel gauge so begins the game of fuel light bingo 😳

[@Mrfish2015]

If it’s like my africatwin you can switch the screens from the handle bar cluster ..

[@petrkarv]

Is that a picture of you in the background?

[@Sunesen]

So, why would you not choose this over your Africa Twin?

[@Mrfish2015]

Because my twin is better 😂 and i wouldn’t take this anywhere near off-road

[@rafaelcordoba13]

what makes the Africa Twin a better option in your opinion? besides the off-road capabilities?

[@sunrisejak2709]

Much better suspension on the AF Twin.

[@tomvaversky7201]

​@@sunrisejak2709 if you're going good roads it doesn't matter. But the better wind protection is big props against the nt. HEY MrFish why ATAS ? Only because of style?

[@sunrisejak2709]

@@tomvaversky7201 Sorry but better suspension is not just about bumps. Ride aggressively in smooth mountain twisties and the better compliant damping will make handling significantly better. But if your talking straight billiard table smooth motorway than yes mediocre suspension will be adequate,,,,until you load up the luggage to the max and the preload does nothing to improve the ride compliance or provide greater travel. As for wind protection associated with traditional sport/touring, the NT strikes (for me) 😊 the ideal balance. Otherwise the minor differences between AT and NT is seating position and seat height. The front 21 inch wheel can feel different on paved twisty roads as well. The NT was developed to slot in below the AT in price and features. Upgrading the suspension goes a good way toward matching the superior overall ride characteristics of the AT.

[@tomvaversky7201]

@@sunrisejak2709 Have you ever ride on NT1100? During last month I made on nt1100 over 1200km in different conditions. Highway, country roads, some gravel. And I can't say anything particularly, extremely bad about the suspension.. My previous bike was a 2016 z1000sx. What about twists roads? I dare say that 17' wheels and a lower center of gravity will be more important than semi adaptive suspensions (it's just a suspension with motors to adjust the preload). Also on the winding asphalt roads of the NT1100 you will drive more efficiently, better, more pleasantly, more precisely than a tall ATAS with a 21' wheel.

[@sunrisejak2709]

@@tomvaversky7201 Hi, yes, of course I own an NT1100. Got 1 of the first 10 in Thailand about a year ago. Now I've got 17,000 km and just back from a ride to Phuket and Samui. I agree with your comments on 17 inch wheels and low center of gravity. 👍 But I've thought about why my experience with the NT1100 suspension was so disappointing. Could it be I had a defective shock to begin with??? Instead of having Big Wing Honda Thailand chase this down (my confidence level in them a bit low) I just upgraded to the EMC and it was markedly better. Sold my BMW F900XR when switching to the NT1100. The BMW suspension spoiled me as it performed nicely. Had 10 BMWs the past 15 yrs and their suspension always competent. Admittedly electronically adjusted and good quality. (I was the founder of the BMW Club in Thailand decades ago) 😊 Also have an XADV which is a good general purpose machine. But that's for another forum. 😊 For fun I have a 1989 Suzuki RGV 250 2-stroke GP replica. (I'm a former club racer). At 70 I don't ride it as fast as I used to but nothing like a 2-stroke hitting the power band! 🤣 Back to the NT1100. I rode all over Thailand and all I had available to adjust was preload. No setting resulted in a good compliant ride. (could it be the crazy hot conditions?) Either "wallowy" (minimal preload) or "jarring" (high preload. The sag measures about right. I'm 5'7 77kgs and the spring rate seemed reasonable for my weight. I also reached out to Ohlins Thailand as well as YSS but neither had an NT1100 solution. So I sprung for the EMC unit and am very pleased. Is the Honda rear shock a low quality item or was mine defective? Don't know, but now I ride the NT1100 in the northern mountains of Thailand (eg Mae Hong Son loop) fast and amazed at how capable the NT1100 is. 👍(I rarely get passed) 😁 My corner speeds enough to compress the suspension as the tires are loaded and unloaded. I ride my buddies 2021 AT Adventure Sports and the investment Honda put into the suspension is evident. I suspect the IMU helps with the overall riding experience as well. (it would have been nice if the NT1100 had incorporated an IMU and they could have used the latest DCT software from the AT (which is a bit better) On the NT1100 internet forum I'm not the only one to have upgraded the shock with favorable results. The EMC sportshock 2 has of course preload and high and low speed damping adjustments. It took a fair amount of trial and error but I finally landed on the best setup. Very happy. I'm not slagging off the NT. I like mine a lot. But maybe I'm just too picky. 🤣

[@tonymann8215]

I had a Honda forza 300 scooter a couple of years ago and that had a fabulous electrically adjustable screen. Why the hell can’t Honda put one on this bike when it is twice the price. I just don’t understand what they were thinking about. I have come really close to buying one of these but absolutely hate that screen, it would really irritate me. come on Honda, give us some attractive colour options and a decent screen and you can have my deposit now.

[@sunrisejak2709]

All my BMWs had adjustable screens but I suspect 90% of the time I put it in my favored position and left it. I think the NT1100 has the adjustment to fit a variety of riders and once set it generally does the job. Mine at position #4 and it's great. I suspect their manufacturing and selling cost goals eliminated the expense of the power windscreen. It's not the only aspect where it's clear cost controls came into play.

[@whiskywhippet]

I’d have wanted shaft drive in a tourer.

[@whiskywhippet]

On, even

[@allwheeldrive]

Honda! NT1100 in the US - now!!!

[@Greggspies]

Don't agree with side opening luggage it works fine on my GS, can't see Honda being any different, your other gripes are limp apart from colours and phone mount.

[@christophereaves7108]

Hello. I recently purchased a tracer 9gt.. I ridden a tiger 900gt. No integrated luggage and scaffolding is ugly as.. also very skinny tyres so no for me. I then tested the nt1100. I'm really sorry although nothing particularly wrong with the bike my god it is a bland bike.. colours looks and engine. Just typical Honda really. Then the tracer looks great. Luggage is brilliant and the cp3 engine is such a good engine and very exciting.

[@Mrfish2015]

The yam is definitely more of a sport tourer this is a bit more chilled

[@marksimpson5218]

Agree, the cp3 is a gem. I’ve done loads of touring + it’s real quick when in the mood.

[@dannyvan5792]

you are 100 % richt

[@rafaelcordoba13]

do you think the mapping of the DCT is the same as the NC750X and Africa Twin?

[@sunrisejak2709]

No its not. The NT1100 uses a software package dating back to earlier models as the NT1100 does not have an IMU so Honda did not use more recent software versions. They were too cheap to create a newer more specific program for the NT1100 so they used an older off the shelf version.

[@rafaelcordoba13]

@@sunrisejak2709 but the NC750X also doesn’t have an IMU 🤔

[@sunrisejak2709]

@@rafaelcordoba13 correct so they have numerous software versions for DCT. The Africa Twin does have an IMU but they could not use the latest 1100 motor software in that case. I understand the NT1100 is using software from 2016. Not sure if that is true or not,,,,

[@rafaelcordoba13]

@@sunrisejak2709 also hard to trust the dealer salesperson, he said the DCT on the NT was the same as NC. But they just wanna sell bikes. There’s no official document about that stuff so 🤷‍♂️ Tomorrow I rented an NT for the entire day and I’ll just see how it behaves on street 🙂

[@sunrisejak2709]

@@rafaelcordoba13 Yes, you are correct. Lots of speculation and rumors about things that are not necessarily public knowledge. I read stuff and it could be fake news! 🤣 But overall I love the NT1100. The shift programs is honestly a bit nit picky. I hope you enjoy the experience. My little advice is to not obsess with focusing on gear/rpm/ and what the gear it should be in etc. Ride it with your right wrist and brake. Fast or slow it works. It will do a pretty good job of sorting things out. An occasional tap of a shift paddle is always convenient to fine tune. I would stay out of "D" and use Sport I or II. Let us know how you get on. I'm a big DCT fan.

[@captainobvious5349]

Is this sold in the USA 🇺🇸??

[@Mrfish2015]

Ask your local Honda dealer

[@derbyshireruralrider9398]

Apple comparably would have been useful on ADV350

[@spycon69]

Ugly and beautiful is actually totally subjective. For example some people consider Moto Guzzi mandelo a beautiful bike while I find it horrendous, one of the ugliest ever. I will agree with the luggage opening and the non-existent phone holder/pocket.

[@chrisb5986]

That windscreen adjustment is LAME.

[@stephenthomas2730]

In my mind, there's no such thing as a touring MC with a chain drive. I understand Honda uses this motor in several different models, so a shaft would require different lower cases but a belt drive shouldn't require different cases or a bunch of engineering. A smaller, lighter motorcycle is a great idea, just drop the oily chain.

[@tallchap30]

Any taller riders tried this bike. Am 6ft 4. Trying to find a comfy ride.

[@FMS_SERRES]

No electric shield.... No electronic suspensions... No Shaft.... BIG BIG FOULS...

[@Bayezid66]

You can find everything altogether if you pay double

[@40mosher]

I was meant to be test riding one. But John Banks Honda Cambridge never called me back…

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

Got to agree with most of your points, it’s a decent bike but it’s built DOWN to a price, it’s a budget tourer. Honda missed a trick by not putting the effort in and giving us a really quality product instead we got a half hearted bike. 🤷‍♂️

[@Mrfish2015]

They have a goldwing for that

[@sunrisejak2709]

I think they wanted to put a price distance between the AF adventure sport and the NT1100 such the NT1100 is entry level hence the mediocre suspension etc. Yes, it appears the NT1100 had rigid price and cost goals.

[@st114me]

The screen is not electric, so what. Less things to go wrong. Riders these days are so spoiled. Try a Norton Atlas then come back and moan about the NT100.

[@Mrfish2015]

If you could do it from the seat it would be better even if manual ..

[@marcellojune63]

Luggages ..dont care, like TFT, screens..dont care, screen manual ..dont care, BECAUSE Honda did not wanted a 26K EURO bike..it is not a GS

[@Mrfish2015]

it’s a tourer not an adv bike .. so can’t compare sorry

[@AdrianoStAubyn64]

Fuel consumption! 👎

[@davidatherton8264]

you're not selling it LOL

[@shiftyshamsk]

Its dull. The engine shudders horribly in auto. The gears select when its least expected. It never changes down at low speeds till its shuddering away. Its just a horrible bike aimed at people who just dont get motorcycling. Its a car drivers bike. Someone who likes beige trousers, brown shoes and a pink shirt.