Honda NT1100 long-term review: part one

If you had an unlimited budget to buy any bike, what would it be? For Bryn Davies, it would be the NT1100. Yes, you read that correctly.

I’ve been writing for ABR for almost 15 years now and, in that time, I’ve had the chance to ride some amazing motorcycles. In the adventure and touring range, you name it, I’ve put miles on it.

Naturally, there are certain bikes that have stuck with me and would be included in my dream garage were I given an unlimited budget and a garage big enough to put them in. And you might be surprised to know that number one on my wish list would be the NT1100.

I know, it feels a little wrong just writing that out. But having spent a year with Honda’s Africa Twin-based touring bike in 2022, I fell deeply in love with just about everything on that motorcycle.

I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it’s a bit like Esmeralda falling for Quasimodo. Everyone’s thinking ‘really? That guy?’, but she knows he’s a great ride.

The suspension upgrades on the 2025 Honda NT1100 make it more balanced and composed

And so, when we had to fight for our pick of the long-termer review bikes this year, I was more than happy to see James with the keys to the GSA and Charlie on the Husky, because I knew I’d quietly bagged the real gem.

One that I will thoroughly enjoy, and one that has recently received a few updates which should have sorted out the niggles that held it back the last time I rode it.

Most significantly, the 2025 NT1100 now features Showa EERA semi-active damping, a huge leap forward for anyone who found the previous setup a little underwhelming.

The new electronically managed system offers a noticeably more stable ride, with reduced fork dive, improved composure through corners, and a better response under hard braking or during quick changes of direction.

In my short time with the bike so far, the new setup definitely inspires more confidence, especially when leaning into bends at speed (the old one tended to get out of shape if ridden with too much gusto).

And that’s before I had a chance to fiddle with the settings (there are three damping levels and preload options to play with).

The NT1100’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) lets you shift gears without a clutch

Elsewhere, the 2025 bike comes with a 7% increase in torque on the old model, taking it up to 112Nm, and it provides that lower down the rev range.

This was really quite noticeable as the acceleration felt more urgent when making quick overtakes on fast A-roads, and while you’re not going to be beating any speed records on the NT1100, it’s no slouch and is plenty quick enough to give you a sensible amount of thrill.

And that’s what I love about the NT. It’s a damn sensible bike, and for some reason, since I’ve become a father, I’m more concerned about things being sensible than anything else.

Perhaps that’s a problem with me, but I’m really looking forward to spending the next few months getting to grips with Honda’s touring bike once again and discovering whether the updates have made it a better machine to live with.

The NT11000 may be sensible, but it can still be fun in the corners

Specs at a glance

Price: from £12,679
Engine: liquid-cooled, parallel twin, with 270-degree crank
Final drive: chain
Capacity: 1,084cc
Power: 101bhp at 7,500rpm
Torque: 112Nm at 5,500rpm
Gears: six-speed
Front suspension: telescopic inverted 43mm fork, and Showa EERA with compression and rebound damping adjustments, 150mm stroke
Rear suspension: pro-link with Showa gas-charged damper, 150mm stroke
Front brakes: radially mounted four-piston brake caliper, 310 mm floating double disc
Rear brakes: single piston caliper, 256mm single disc
Weight: 249kg
Tank capacity: 20.4l
Seat height: 820mm
Front wheel: 17” cast aluminium, 17M/C X MT3.50
Rear wheel: 17” cast aluminium, 17M/C X MT5.50