Bike Files: Honda NT1100

Could this be the best all-round motorcycle on sale today?

All-rounder, isn’t that just another way of saying boring?

We wouldn’t say that, although the NT1100 it does have a bit of a reputation for being somewhat staid. We think that’s unfair, and plenty happy owners agree.

The NT was introduced in 2021 and was seen by many as the spiritual successor to the old V-twin NT700V Deauville (or Dullsville as many a wag dubbed it) which DID have a reputation for being as bland as a margarine sandwich.

This NT1100 is powered by Honda’s Africa Twin engine, which is a parallel-twin unit delivering 101bhp, and although the styling and colours hardly get the pulse racing, it certainly isn’t dull. Despite pre-launch rumours it would wear the Deauville badge, Honda never decided to give it an actual name – which is, we suppose, one of the dullest things about it.

It’s a sensible option, that’s for sure, but ultimately can any 100bhp motorcycle be boring? We don’t think so!

So, the Honda NT1100 isn’t dull?

We’d disagree with Honda’s categorisation of the NT as a straightforward tourer. In many ways it replaces the more touring focussed Pan European (whose ‘ST’ designation stood for ‘Sport Touring’) and we’d definitely pitch it more towards being a sports tourer than that model.

In the context of sports bikes, it isn’t the most thrilling option out there but, equally, it’s a lot more engaging than many a big touring bike. We can see how sitting between these two stools doesn’t do it many favours in a marketplace where riders like to put their bikes in pigeonholes, but that hasn’t made buyers shy away, as more than 20,000 examples have been sold over the years.

It sort of sits in both camps. As a touring bike, it doesn’t really have a huge cossetting fairing, shaft drive or the laziness of a more dedicated tool like the old Pan European, but it’s comfy enough and practical nonetheless, especially when fitted with the accessory top box.

On the ‘sports’ side, it is easily outgunned by the likes of Kawasaki’s Ninja 1100SX (and arguably also the Yamaha Tracer 9) but it is well built and the blend is just so typically Honda, carrying on a tradition which dates back to bikes like the VFR750 from the 1980s, as well as the often derided (but still much loved by owners) Deauville.

The main machine to compare the NT1100 to is probably Honda’s own Africa Twin, the adventure bike with which it shares its mechanicals.

So what’s it like to ride?

We had the opportunity to try out a top-of-the-range NT1100, which came fitted with electronically adjustable suspension and Honda’s automatic DCT transmission, and we were well impressed.

It’s a comfortable machine with lots of different modes, which allow the rider to modify the riding experience to meet their needs (although the massive array of buttons on the left hand switchgear will take a bit of getting used to) and with the electronic suspension set firm and the rear preload dialled up, the chassis feels taut and can be hustled along at pace.

Other modes allow for the power delivery and suspension to be softened, creating a more gentle riding experience, while the DCT is a popular option – meaning many second hand examples will be that way equipped.

While many bikers may baulk at the thought of not changing gear manually, the system is well proven and suits the nature of the bike well – more than half of all Africa Twins sold, for example, come with DCT.

The shift pattern changes depending on the selected power mode, meaning it revs out more in sportier settings, although the rider can always go into manual mode or override the computer by using the handlebar mounted button at any time. 

And it’s comfortable?

The Honda NT1100 is comfortable with a suitably plush seat and (manually) adjustable windscreen, making it a bike which can clock up the miles. It’s classed as a tourer by Honda and it is full of practical stuff too. The panniers, for example, are big enough to hold a full-faced helmet and the TFT dashboard connects to a smartphone, facilitating navigation and the ability to take calls and listen to music on the go.

What else has it got going for it?

It’s just good at almost everything: it is comfy, well specced, not too big and bulky (being lower than an Africa Twin). It’s cheaper than the Africa Twin too, and reasonably priced in the context of other big capacity motorcycles.

Are there different versions available?

The NT1100 was launched in 2021 with two versions, a base model and a more expensive variant with DCT transmission.

It received an update in 2025, with modifications to the engine improving torque and mid-range power, while helping it to meet Euro5+ emissions, a new fairing, windscreen and better electronics, including revised settings for the DCT.

Another change was the introduction of a variant with electronic suspension, which allows the ride to adapt and be adjusted on the go, at the touch of a button. Electronic suspension is only available with the DCT transmission, while conventionally sprung NT1100s can be specified with either manual or DCT gear shifts.

Why should I buy a Honda NT1100?

You need an all-round motorcycle and want something with a touch of class. It’s good value and, with the automatic dual clutch transmission, is a skoosh to ride.