It's really looking like 2022 is the year of the touring bike and Honda has now added to the long list of upcoming sports tourers with the NT1100.
The sleek new NT1100 takes its engine from the CRF1100L, meaning it’s a 1084cc SOHC parallel twin “but with intake and exhaust tuned for super-smooth acceleration and a pleasing low-rpm sound” according to Honda.
Peak power figures are claimed at 100hp (75kW) @ 7,250rpm and 104Nm @ 6,250rpm peak torque. The engine's compression ratio is identical to the Africa Twin at 10.1:1 while the NT also shares the 270° phased crankshaft and uneven firing interval.
The steel semi-double cradle frame employs a relatively short wheelbase and sharp steering geometry while the suspension is a 43mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front fork and single-tube rear shock. Wheel travel is noted as 150mm front and rear.
Pulling the bike to a stop is a set of dual 310mm front discs are paired with 4-piston radial-mount calipers; tyres are sized 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear.
Being a tourer first and foremost, fuel range and comfort are priorities. Fuel range is claimed to be around the 400km mark thanks to a 20.4-litre fuel tank, while comfort is sorted thanks to a 5-way adjustable windscreen and range of wind deflectors to keep the elements of the rider while. The seat is also sorted with thick seat material which Honda claims offers a “luxurious expanse“ while height is set at 820mm.
Comfort is aided by the option of Honda’s 6-speed DCT transmission in lieu of the standard 6-speed gearbox.
While DCT is still a low selling option here in NZ, Honda has made sure the cockpit isn't without the latest in must-have rider technology either. Like the Africa Twin, the NT1100 gets a large TFT display with a secondary LCD speedometer below. The TFT has built-in Apple Carplay and Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.
Controlled from the dash is a substantial electronics package that includes three default riding modes (URBAN, RAIN and TOUR) plus two customisable USER modes, 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and 3-level Wheelie Control.
Pricing and availability are yet to be announced by Blue Wing Honda, but considering the tech, we’d expect pricing to fall in the high $20,000 to low $30,000 mark.
