INTRODUCTION
Honda NT1100 Sports Tourer
Many riders today desire performance, handling, long-range comfort and a full range of technology but not necessarily the image or physical dimensions of ‘adventure’. What they want is a straightforward touring machine, but one with a rich specification list and a sporty edge to its performance – the sort of bike that deals with the weekday commute efficiently and is equally ready for an extended tour, two-up and fully loaded.
The new NT1100 is precisely that bike. A comfortable, agile, enjoyable New Touring breed, it’s designed to draw those with a long memory of similar Honda machines of the past, and also attract younger riders looking to move up from a middleweight machine. Using the frame and characterful twin-cylinder engine of the CRF1100L Africa Twin as a base, engaging performance is assured. But it’s also packed with features that build and broaden any motorcycle’s appeal.
Chassis
The steel semi-double cradle frame employs a relatively short wheelbase and sharp steering geometry while suspension is via high specification 43mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front forks and single-tube rear shock, with 150mm travel front and rear. Rear spring preload adjusts hydraulically. Dual 310mm front discs are paired with 4-piston radial-mount calipers; tyres are sized 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear.
Engine and Transmission
The NT1100 also features ‘full-fat’ performance from its engaging and characterful engine, with 75kW power and 104Nm torque and intake and exhaust tuned for super-smooth acceleration and a pleasing low-rpm sound. The performance does not come to the detriment of fuel efficiency, with a 400km range possible from the 20 litre fuel tank.
Honda’s unique 200,000-selling Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is an option for the six-speed gearbox, and finds a natural home in the NT1100 with its choice of trigger-based manual gear changes or smooth, efficient automatic shifting.
Features
The NT1100’s substantial electronics package includes 3 default riding modes (URBAN, RAIN and TOUR) plus 2 customisable USER modes, 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and 3-level Wheelie Control. A 6.5-inch TFT touch screen provides full colour, customisable displays and offers Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto® and Bluetooth® connectivity.
With its rich specification sheet and thorough-going versatility, practicality and comfort, the NT1100 offers adds yet another new dimension to Honda’s uniquely broad and diverse motorcycle line-up.
Please note: final spec, colour and pricing for Australian models not yet confirmed and is subject to change.