The Honda Motorcycle That’s Surprisingly Good At Everything Is The NT1100

The NT1100 is one of the most exciting Honda launches in recent times. Creating a do-it-all motorcycle is a challenging task, but going above and beyond with a cool, futuristic design and an impressive array of technological features raises the bar even further. For under $12,000, the Honda NT1100 offers a package that none of its rivals can match yet. This Honda can be a commuter, a touring bike, a corner-carver, and even do spirited triple-digit runs without breaking a sweat.

Comfort and convenience features are well catered to, and Honda also offers a slew of practical accessories to dial up the NT1100’s value-for-money proposition further. Did we mention that the NT1100 has ample ground clearance to take on a few easy trails, too!? To top it all, this touring bike comes with a standard automatic transmission, which adds a superior layer of riding comfort on all terrains. The 2025 Honda NT1100 DCT is a surprisingly good do-it-all touring bike that neither we nor its well-seasoned rivals saw coming.

The Honda NT1100 DCT Is Surprisingly Good At Everything

For A Starting Price Of Just $11,899

Honda utilizes a shared engine and chassis, which form the basis of the NT1100’s do-it-all character. Then there’s the robust subframe and suspension setup, designed to withstand a significant amount of load and abuse. Adding the accessory touring kit makes the NT1100 a more efficient mile-muncher than most of its price-matched rivals, including the Yamaha Tracer 9, the Triumph Tiger Sport 800, and the BMW F 900 XR. But with a starting price of $11,899, it undercuts all its rivals, with the closest being the BMW, which is $96 more expensive. The most expensive of this bunch is the Yamaha with a premium of $900.

The rider triangle is relaxed, thanks to its low seat height, which helps the NT1100 remain comfortable even on tight urban roads and for long hours in the saddle. Even couples will love riding this Honda because, not only is the rider showered with comfortable ergonomics, the pillion also gets a cozy and spacious saddle with optional back support courtesy of the add-on luggage solution. Honda also offers a Comfort Passenger Footpegs set as an accessory for the pillion.

Then there is the impressive suite of technology features, which even includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Honda NT1100 DCT is a motorcycle that gets everything right. Interestingly, this Honda offers such exceptional value that its arch-rivals, which can truly match the level of technology features on offer, are the $19,499 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT and the $18,599 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+.

Tractable Parallel-Twin Engine That Is High On Versatility

The NT1100 Engine Is Made For Both Urban And Highway Duties

The 1,084 cc parallel-twin engine on the Honda NT1100 is a proven mill that has undertaken a variety of adventure and sporty duties, as it is the same engine that powers the dune-bashing Africa Twin and the sporty yet forbidden Hawk 11. Tractability is on point here, with the NT1100’s peak power and torque of 100 horsepower and 82 pound-feet, respectively, produced at 7,500 RPM and 5,500 RPM. The torque surges early, which contributes to its meaty low- and mid-range performance. This significantly contributes to its peppy urban and swift highway overtakes.

Engine Specs

Taking the riding appeal to the next level is its standard 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers the best of both worlds with a scooter-like twist-and-go acceleration mode as well. This helps the rider relieve their left hand and left foot of gear-shifting duties. However, for those who still want a more engaging ride, this automatic gearbox comes with a manual mode that utilizes two ergonomically positioned shifters (“+” and “-“) on the right side of the handlebar, working similarly to paddle shifters on cars. Advantages of DCT over a manual gearbox include:

• No stalling
• Reduced fatigue
• Improved fuel efficiency
• No hand clutch and foot shifter
• Elevated low-speed maneuverability, handy in steep hill situations

Quality Underpinnings Help This Honda Carve Corners With Conviction

A Main Frame Shared With A Cruiser Bike And Even A Forbidden Café Racer

Complementing the NT1100’s flexible engine is its versatile chassis, the main frame of which is shared with the Africa Twin ADV and even the Rebel 1100 cruiser bike. Its semi-double cradle frame is suspended by 43 mm inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends offer preload adjustability, with 5.9 inches of travel.

While adjustability levels are limited, Honda claims that the NT1100 provides a balance of sturdy, high-speed stability and comfortable urban nimbleness. Braking duties are courtesy of dual 310 mm discs up front, coupled to radially mounted four-piston calipers and a single 256 mm disc, coupled to a single-piston caliper. Complementing its tarmac duties (including corner-carving skills) are road-focused 120-section front and 180-section rear tubeless tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels.

Hardware Specs

The Design Is Both Futuristic And Practical

With Comfortable Ergonomics

This is one of those few motorcycles that looks cool despite being high on practicality. Its design is sharp, futuristic, and head-turning. The front fascia features a blended fairing with a design reminiscent of the distinctive Honda X-ADV scooter. The NT1100’s design is front-heavy, featuring a sharp LED headlamp assembly, a two-piece wind deflector that includes an adjustable windscreen, and a distinctive lower shield that extends to the bar ends, as well as provisions for auxiliary lights.

The rear quarter is minimal and sleek when compared to the front half. However, this is intentional, as it clears space for the NT1100’s optional luggage system, which includes side cases and a top box. A notable example of how practicality is prioritized is its exhaust system design. The muffler is angled disproportionately, which looks odd, but this has been done to provide enough clearance for the side box. This touring bike is very accessible with a relatively low seat height of 32.3 inches and 6.9 inches of ground clearance.

Dimensions

Suite Of Accessories To Dial Up The NT1100’s Touring Capabilities

The Honda NT1100 is a well-rounded motorcycle, no doubt. However, to truly maximize its touring potential, it needs to be outfitted with officially offered accessories. In fact, most of the accessories from Honda focus on improving cargo and comfort, and are designed to transform the NT1100 into a capable touring motorcycle. For just $2,350, the “barebones” NT1100 can be equipped with all its available official accessories to become a fully equipped touring bike with added storage, comfort, and convenience.

2025 Honda NT1100 Accessories List

Filled To The Brim With Impressive Technology

Gets Two Screens, Connected Features, And More

The NT1100 gets two displays—a large 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen and a sleek LCD unit. The former is the window to accessing a slew of cool technology and connected features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen also shows incoming calls and messages on the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth connectivity.

The LCD below the TFT displays vital information, including speed, gear shift indicator, warning lights, and riding range, among other details. Safety and assistive features are also loaded to the brim, with the NT1100 featuring a six-axis IMU that enables seamless communication between various onboard sensors and hardware. This comfortable and practical touring bike also features wheelie control and rear lift control, features generally reserved for sports bikes.

Honda NT1100 Notable Standard Features

• TFT dash
• Heated grips
• Cruise control
• Cornering ABS
• Rear Lift Control
• Wheelie Control
• Ride-by-wire throttle
• Traction control (HSTC)
• 5 Ride modes (Urban, Rain, Tour, and two user-configurable modes)