If you’ve always fancied the all-day comfort and unflappable performance of an adventure bike, but didn’t want a lofty saddle or the Long Way Round look, then you’re in luck as Honda has just revealed the all-new NT1100, a touring bike derived from the Africa Twin.
The Japanese manufacturer has called it a ‘new breed of Honda tourer’, designed to offer comfort, agility, and performance in spades without any illusions about turning off-piste.
And, as big fans of the Africa Twin, the prospect of a road tourer that takes the best qualities of the brand’s flagship adventure bike has us seriously excited here at ABR.
So, to start things off, here are the new NT1100 headlines:
- 1,084cc twin-cylinder engine, lifted from the CRF1100L Africa Twin
- 101bhp and 104Nm torque at 6,250rpm
- On the road price of £11,999 (manual)
- Steel semi-double cradle frame and aluminium subframe from the Africa Twin
- Honda claims the 20l fuel tank will deliver a range of 250 miles
- Wet weight of 238kg
- 820mm seat height
- Panniers, cruise control, centre stand, and heated grips come as standard
- Full electronics package, including torque and wheelie control, a 6.5″ TFT, and five rider modes
Honda NT1100: Everything we know
First up, let’s talk about looks. While we can see echoes of Honda’s old Pan European and Deauville touring models in the design, the NT1100 also has a modern, sleek style that looks ready to take on a trip to the Alps.
In particular, I’m struck by that front fairing and chunky windscreen which look like they’ll provide plenty of weather protection on those long days on tour travelling through France to reach the Alps. And those large, sleek LED headlights look like they’ve been lifted straight from from Honda’s adventure scooter, the X-ADV
Beneath that vast fairing lies the same twin-cylinder 1,084cc engine that can be found in the Africa Twin, which makes 101bhp and 104Nm of torque at 6,250rpm. I’ve spent the last two years on an Africa Twin, so I know from experience that it’s an absolute peach when it comes to touring.
Believe me when I say there’s more than enough pulling power at motorways speeds, even when I’ve ridden with a pillion, and a full set of luggage, while there’s also enough punch further up the rev range to have some fun when twisties come into view.
A 20l fuel tank keeps that powerplant fed, with Honda claiming an estimated 250 mile range between fill ups and, like the Africa Twin, there’s a chain drive. The entire ensemble weighs in at 238kg wet for the manual model, while the automatic DCT version will also be available weighing in at 248kg.
These figures are par-for-the-course when it comes to 1000cc-plus tourers, but a low 820mm seat height should keep things manageable and help even shorter riders flat f00t when pulling up to a set of traffic lights.
Touring comfort
Elsewhere, the NT1100 runs on 17-inch cast aluminium wheels front and rear, and uses 43mm Showa inverted front forks and a single-tube Showa rear shock, both offering 150mm of travel.
To bring everything to a stop, the new bike features dual 310mm brake discs and four-piston radial-mounted callipers at the front. At the rear you’ll find a 256mm disc using a one piston calliper.
While we’ll have to wait until the official launch to put all of this to the test, Honda’s track record of making excellent long-distance touring bikes suggests these features will deliver a cracking ride.
On paper, life in the saddle of the NT1100 sounds like a comfortable one. That touring windscreen is fully adjustable through 164mm, while upper and lower wind deflectors either side of the screen are included as standard to keep air away from your arms and legs.
That’s not all that’s included as standard either. Straight out of the showroom you’ll also get heated grips, cruise control, a centre stand, and, most impressively of all, panniers offering a total capacity of 65l of storage.
There’s also a full complement of rider aids and electronics, including three-stage traction control, five rider modes (including two customisable user modes), and three-stage wheelie control.
In the cockpit you’ll also get a 6.5″ TFT with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones, a full set of LED lights, and a USB socket.
Make no mistake, this is one technologically-advanced tourer.
How much?
With all this in mind, it’s impressive to see that Honda is offering the NT1100 on the road from £11,999 for a manual model and £12,999 with DCT.
In our eyes, that’s a serious bargain on a motorcycle that’ll come ready to set off on a European-wide tour straight from the showroom when it’s available in February/March 2022. Well, once you’ve packed the panniers at least.
Do you want to test ride every adventure and touring bike in one venue?
Looking to buy a new bike? You can test ride the latest and greatest adventure and touring bikes from the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers at the 2022 Adventure Bike Rider Festival (24-26 June 2022).
Pick up your early bird tickets and save £30 by clicking HERE. Previous years have always sold out, and 2022 will be no different, so book today to avoid disappointment.
