Honda NT1100: The Perfect Fusion of Touring Comfort and Adventure DNA in 2025

TorqBullJune 29, 2025

The Honda NT1100 has emerged as one of the most compelling options in the world of sport-touring motorcycles. With a strong foundation borrowed from the Africa Twin’s proven powertrain, Honda has re-engineered the NT1100 to deliver an exciting mix of comfort, performance, and practicality. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore how the NT1100 blends touring sophistication with adventure-inspired capability—making it one of the most versatile motorcycles for 2025.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Honda NT1100

The NT1100 is Honda’s answer to riders who want a touring motorcycle that doesn’t sacrifice agility or modern features. Designed for long-distance comfort but infused with the agility of an adventure machine, the NT1100 is ideal for both spirited weekend rides and cross-country expeditions.

This bike appeals to a wide range of riders—from experienced touring veterans to younger riders upgrading from midweight platforms.

Engine and Performance Overview

Africa Twin DNA, Tuned for the Road

A 1084cc parallel-twin engine, which is also shared by the CRF1100L Africa Twin, powers the NT1100. However, Honda has tuned this engine specifically for on-road use, emphasizing smoother power delivery and improved torque in the mid-range.

Power Output: Approx. 101 horsepower @ 7,500 RPM
Torque: 104 Nm @ 6,250 RPM
Throttle: Throttle-by-wire with multiple ride modes

Unlike high-revving supersport engines, the NT1100’s twin-cylinder delivers usable torque early in the rev range, making it great for overtaking on highways or navigating mountain roads with ease.

Manual vs DCT Transmission: The Choice is Yours

The NT1100 stands out in its segment by offering two transmission options:

6-speed Manual Gearbox
6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

The DCT variant is particularly popular among touring enthusiasts, allowing seamless automatic gear changes or manual override via handlebar paddles. This system significantly reduces fatigue on long rides and is especially useful in urban traffic.

Ergonomics and Rider Comfort

The NT1100’s comfortable riding position is one of its main advantages. With upright ergonomics, well-padded seats, and spacious legroom, it ensures all-day comfort for both the rider and passenger.

Seat height: 820mm, suitable for most riders
Handlebar position: Wide and comfortably raised
Wind protection: Large adjustable windscreen with deflectors for hands and feet
Cruise control and heated grips are standard on all trim levels.

Whether you’re cruising on the highway or slicing through backroads, the NT1100 keeps rider fatigue to a minimum.

Touring-Ready Features and Storage

Honda built the NT1100 with long-distance journeys in mind. It comes standard with panniers, offering ample storage without needing aftermarket accessories.

Side panniers: 32L (left), 33L (right)
Optional top box: Adds another 50L capacity
Accessory options: Fog lights, comfort seats, taller windscreens

The motorcycle also features a center stand, USB charging ports, and 12V sockets, which are essential for modern-day travel needs.

Suspension and Handling

The NT1100 features suspension components designed to absorb road imperfections while maintaining composure at high speeds:

Front Suspension: 43mm Showa inverted fork with 150mm travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link monoshock with remote preload adjustment

Thanks to its semi-active geometry and refined chassis, the NT1100 handles curves gracefully despite being a touring bike. It strikes a perfect balance between comfort and agility, making it ideal for winding roads or light gravel trails.

Braking System and Safety

Safety is paramount in long-distance riding, and Honda equips the NT1100 with robust braking hardware:

Dual front disc brakes with radial-mounted calipers
Single rear disc brake
Cornering ABS with integrated IMU for optimized braking under lean

This braking system ensures confident stopping power even when fully loaded with luggage and a pillion.

Advanced Electronics and Ride Modes

Honda hasn’t held back on the electronics suite. The NT1100 includes a six-axis IMU that governs traction control, wheelie control, engine braking, and cornering ABS.

Ride Modes: Urban, Rain, Tour, and two customizable user modes
Traction Control: 3-level adjustable
Wheelie Control: Can be turned off
Cornering ABS: Standard

This system enables the rider to customize throttle response and power delivery depending on road conditions or personal preference.

Technology and Connectivity

Modern riders expect their motorcycles to be as connected as their smartphones. The NT1100 delivers on this front:

6.5-inch TFT touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Bluetooth connectivity for helmet intercoms, calls, and music
Dual display: Analog LCD backup display for essential info

This infotainment system is intuitive, responsive, and enhances both navigation and entertainment during long rides.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

Touring motorcycles need great range, and the NT1100 offers impressive fuel economy:

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.4 liters
Average Fuel Economy: Around 47 mpg (20 km/l)
Estimated Range: ~400 km (250 miles) per tank

This allows riders to tackle long stretches between refueling, which is critical for cross-country travel or remote routes.

Styling and Build Quality

Aesthetically, the NT1100 combines adventure-bike stance with sport-touring flair:

LED lighting all around (headlight, indicators, tail lamp)
Minimal bodywork with strong character lines
Functional design over flashy aesthetics

It’s clear that Honda focused on durability, aerodynamics, and comfort rather than aggressive visual gimmicks.

Pricing and Value for Money

The NT1100 offers exceptional value given the caliber of equipment offered:

Base Price (manual): Approx. $11,900 USD
DCT Variant: Approx. $12,900 USD

Compared to rivals like the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Suzuki V-Strom 1050, and even the BMW R1250RT, the NT1100 offers a premium riding experience at a more affordable price point.

Competitors in the Segment

Here’s how the NT1100 compares with its key rivals:

Motorcycle	Engine	Power (hp)	Price (USD)	Notable Feature
Honda NT1100	1084cc twin	101	$11,900–12,900	DCT, Touring-ready stock
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT	890cc triple	117	$14,000	Sportier, electronic suspension
Suzuki V-Strom 1050	1037cc twin	106	$14,849	ADV-focused, robust build
BMW R1250RT	1254cc boxer	136	$19,000+	Luxury tourer

The NT1100 undercuts most of its competitors while offering nearly the same level of equipment and comfort.

Pros and Cons of the NT1100

✅ Pros

Comfortable for long-distance rides
DCT transmission option
Standard touring accessories
Excellent value for money
Advanced electronics and safety features
Wind and weather protection

❌ Cons

Styling may be too conservative for some
Limited off-road capabilities despite ADV DNA
Slight vibration in higher RPMs (as noted by some riders)

Also Read: Why the Honda Rebel Is the Ideal First Bike for New Riders in 2025

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the NT1100?

The Honda NT1100 is ideal for riders who want one motorcycle that does it all. Whether you’re:

A commuter looking for comfort and connectivity
A weekend warrior seeking mountain roads
A seasoned tourer planning cross-country trips
A beginner stepping into the touring segment

… the NT1100 ticks all the boxes.

Honda has created a machine that fuses the long-haul comfort of a traditional tourer with the DNA of an adventure bike. It’s not just a touring motorcycle; it’s a do-it-all machine—balanced, practical, and deeply satisfying to ride.