Just done a 880 mile trip on my NT ... 355 miles each way to Cornwall and back and 170 miles of scratching about the rural lanes and coastal roads whilst I was there. The bike simply destroyed the miles on the motorways and A roads ... comfort was excellent, slight numb bottom (as this was the first long haul I've done on a bike in quite a few years) was relieved with a quick stretch at the 2 fuel stops each way, wind and weather protection is very much on point (80mph with helmet visor fully open is no problem), cruise control works great and thundering along at 70/80mph in 5th or 6th there is no intrusive vibrations - both 6 hour rides there and back were pretty easy. On the rural back lanes and coast roads the NT showed that it can handle unexpectedly well and also has a great turn of pace once the engine is spinning in the top half of the rev range ... it tore up the twisties impressively well and with a nimbleness that genuinely surprised me!! The forks are a bit soft for very aggressive riding but still cope ok (spring upgrade would likely sort that out) and the only issue I had was that the wind protection is so good that the rider doesn't get much cooling breeze over them - the large vents on my jacket were rendered pretty ineffective regardless of whether the bikes screen was all the way down, up or anywhere in between. There's always compromises somewhere and I'll accept the sweaty, spirited rides as a trade off for the supreme high speed long journey comfort. All in all it's a fantastic machine ... if you're looking for a very accomplished touring bike with a slight whiff of sportiness about it then you wont go far wrong with the NT1100 😉
I've always wondered why bike manufacturers offer a comfort seat as a cost option. Why would they not make the seat as comfortable as possible as standard- especially on a touring bike?
I had a 2010 NT700V. That bike had a shaft drive and was one of my all time favorites. The lack of a shaft drive on the NT1100 is why I’m sticking with my BMW. When I first heard about the NT1100, I was honestly kind of excited. I was picturing an updated NT700 with a bigger engine AND a shaft drive for touring, which means less maintenance. I love the look of the NT1100, but I’ll have to pass on purchasing one.
Agree. I had an NT700v and thought the package was great apart from the most important thing - the engine. Noise, vibration and harshness. I sold it after 2 weeks, couldn't live with it. I also got excited about the NT1100 but, like you, withdrew my interest after seeing it was chain driven. Who in the world out there wants a touring bike with chain drive. I would have rather done without the panniers and top box in favor of a shaft drive.You can always add them later but you are stuck with a chain forever. Honda certainly does not always get it right IMO. Clearly the bean counters are designing their bikes these days. Shame. I heard their bike division was being sold to POLARIS, and that info came from a french Banker, but all quiet so far on that front.
I also first wanted the NT700 but a neighbor of mine had a BMW R1100RS for sale for very cheap and couldn't resist buying it. I am actually glad I did because now I really love the low center of gravity and from that the easiness of handling, and high torque of the BMW boxer. I still would like to try one of these NT1100 just to see what they feel like.
I am with you on the BMW shaft drive but the cost of even a used BMW (say and R or RS 1250) ridiculous here on the west coast. I am not interested in a GS anymore either as I am old enough to start having difficulty moving the heavy adventure bikes around. The are of course fine when riding. I would definitely buy the NT even with the chain if it came to the U.S. The pricing is especially reasonable as the bags come with the bike.
@@waynekerr2397Bean counters don’t design anything. I am a CPA and the stupid comment about the bean counters determining design is an old perpetuated myth. Pricing and cost is actually part of the financial planning and analysis group. They are tasked with working with designers by the high ups in the company. So, at the end of the day, anybody who is involved with the numbers doesn’t decide anything.
@@HockeyVictory66 I really lucked out with my BMW, the previous owner just wanted to get rid of it because of bad memories so I got mine for about half price, but just want to set forth because I often hear complaints about BMW bike prices, don't forget it's a price for the long run and the reliability - any bean counter can tell you ... :D .. just a joke. But seriously: BMWs are very reliable, have a lot fewer maintenance issues, they just keep going with less problems than most other bikes do. The other and even more important reason for the higher price is BMWs are designed to run twice as long as most other bikes. Most bikes are built to run for around 100K miles while BMWs are built for 200K .. so it's two bikes for the price of one and a half. So again, the price is for the quality and reliably, well justified, not just paying for the brand name as most people think and even reviewers say in their videos. Again, I never thought I would own a BMW but now that I do, I really am happy and satisfied with it.
Good one. I like it. The screen is no issue because once set I'd leave it alone. Less weight and one less thing to go wrong. The chain I'd fit an oiler to, and that's fine too. It's on the limit size wise for me because of where I could take it. But much better for me than an RT or K series. And good value, too. If I could have several bikes it would be one. I wonder if the secondary instrument panel is for when your navigation is on the main TFT? Excellent reviews. Safe, happy travels 👍
So true. One thing about the Japanese, they do very decent quality and quantity for a reasonable price. More than I can say for triumph or Harley or many Euro bike makers. I used to have a 1975 CB 750 four and that thing had 0 leaks, as much HP as my 2005 t100. More actually. It was a comfortable all day rider. Wasn't happy with the spokes not being stainless, but for a bike that was 15 years old when I got it, it was a solid ride.
All people complain about on Hondas nowadays is rust and paint finish don’t think they have the rep they used to in the adventure groups I’m in people have to baby their Africa twins to keep them looking half respectable
this reminds me of the HONDA CB-750A. It was a great idea, im glad the idea has returned. Manuals are a dangerious method in cities and suburbs. Wonderful off road.
Great review, ... not many are talking about that a heated seat option is not given. Just as you I drive in all conditions and seasons. A half hour drive would not be making an impact but for commuting I have trips of 1.5 hour. Trust me ... after an hour one feels the difference. The screen that is not adjustable whilst riding a really another point. For a bike in this t class I would say it is a must have. Even if Honda would have made it manual but adjustable whilst driving it would be OK for me.
I give you a thumbs up, I own both, Africa twin adventure Sports 2018 and the NT1100. Just got a new schuberth C5 and it's so quiet. Love the Android Auto, so easy to use, DCT good my 3rd bike with it.
Just used my NT for a first big outing from East Yorkshire to Kent and back it’s the best bike I have owned in 40 years of riding I am 69 years old and still have my health the bike is everything I need perfect 👌🏻
Yes the more I ride the NT, the more I realise what a great bike it is. My next video feature me riding one through the Irish Countryside and it was a hoot
I have an Africa Twin, and have tested this as an alternative - it is after all an Africa Twin in touring clothes. I like it - in fact I prefer it to my AT and it is much more suitable for my needs - but of course being a vain shallow person I will hang on to the AT for a while yet because its all about the image, right?
I tried one and found it a little dull but liked the engine and DCT. I bought an ATAS on the strength of it. Wrong move for me really. The ATAS is a great machine but not for me being too top heavy and more unwieldy than the GSA it replaced. I wanted to love it but just didn’t. I’ve bought a KTM 890 Adventure which seems to combine my needs/wants being much lighter, much lower CoG, skinny compared to either and that hard to explain quality, FUN!
@@bikersam7286 Read some reviews doing comparisons. Overall the 1100 is the better bike BUT the 750x is a great bike in it's own right. Did you test ride the 1100? ididn't/don't test ride bikes.
@@bobnicholson4702 I did test ride it and loved it, the NC is a great first bike and I’ve had it for nearly 3 years and done 25k miles on it, because I live on the motorway commuting I felt the NT would give me everything I need from wind protection and that but more power and road presence
Great bike and gearbox, some people seems to forget about Sport mode and they complain about jerkiness, I absolutely love that gearbox, fast and smooth, the only thing that pushing off that bike is lak of power, 100hp? Honda, give it 120hp!!!
Honda is the two wheels Lexus, not attractive as Ducati or Triumph but value for the money and high reliability and iow maintenance costs, I have a Honda NC750x with DCT a very easygoing mc but maybe little plastic. But the low insurance and maintenance cost is 👍😀
Cool video. I watched also the first one you made about this bike. Also rode it. I think that everything works on this bike quite well and it is well made in my opinion. You got my like.
Love my DCT NT. D mode I find a complete waste of time as it shifts up too soon and makes the engine sluggish. I ride in S1 mode most of the time and use S2 or manual for more spirited windy back roads when I want to go a bit quicker. Just wish I could have got it in red rather than the pretty boring black. New Zealand only got black models.
Forgot the battery pack LOL I've done that, was out one day it was getting cold and wet wanted to get a ride share home my phone was at 9% and I realized I had left my battery pack at home still plugged in and charging. I like this bike, chain drive not a problem for me I rather have a chain than a shaft or belt, chains are easily repaired on a trip provided you got the tools, spares and these days the know how. The DCT is okay but for me an old school long time rider, I like my manual transmissions. The USA is getting the Rebel 1100T, a Rebel with hard and locking backs and a windshield but it only comes in the DCT version. The Rebel 1100 is on my short list of my next Motorcycle purchase.
Too bad it’s not in the states. I love Honda’s DCT. Has everything. Except adaptive cruise control, and the windscreen you don’t have to get off the bike to adjust. That I know of. I’m looking at the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+
I have a feeling you'd feel the lack of grunt if loaded with luggage and pillion. That screen would irritate me so much, as I often adjust my screen on my FJR to suit the wind conditions. Thanks for the updated review.
Thank you for the review. Very balanced and informative. I was interested in your remarks about the costs and challenges of developing a shaft drive and not having one ready cooked in the parts bin. I get that but wouldn’t a belt drive option be far easier to develop and make the maintenance issue go away?
No problem. I don't think modern chains need that much maintenance to be honest. A regular clean and relube is all thats needed, and a tension check every now and again. Generally getting it done on annual basis with a service is probably sufficient unles your doing really high mileage?
That's probably crossed their minds. A good thought. I'd guess, though, it would change the character of the bike quite a bit. Probably not bad, just different. I'm sure the weight penalty was a big factor.
@Peter O'Connell Gone from the showrooms, but not the roads. I absolutely love my V4 DCT Crosstourer Highlander. I test drove the NT, but not enough power compared to my bike.
Mostly because we can’t buy the NT in North America I’ll be ready for the release of a well appointed 2nd generation. I’m sure it’ll be bundled with all the technical features I don’t need and with a price adjustment I’ll resent. Can’t wait!
Man, that bike I will buy it and will buy it again and again 😉. It is a wonderful Honda reliable comfy bike with plenty of power to get me killed in style.
You can't get a better bike for touring and commuting for this kind of money. Some people underestimate dct...after 3+hours of riding and when you go into a new city or is a lot of traffic dct is just amazing to have. I take dct anytime over manual.
Have had the NT1100 DCT for a while now, love it. Very comfortable, nimble and the power is actually really useful. Having come from more powerful bikes in the past, I never used that power, but the NT1100 I can actually use it a lot more. Wind protection is amazing, better than the R1250RT that I have. The DCT is actually awesome. I wasn't a fan but gave it a shot and it is so smooth and predictable, it changes gear WAY too early in drive, but if you put it on the lowest sport setting it's perfect for me. Even on track using manual mode, always smooth and totally predictable. Highly recommend everyone to give the DCT a shot or a test ride, it surprised the heck out of me. The only downside for me is I'm not a massive fan of the styling, but it is growing on me. Would much prefer they got away from the adventure styling though.
I think its very much an underrated bike. People get put off by the looks i think, but its a very nice bike to ride and it handles much better than i expected. It would be nice to see the bike fitted with an IMU which would improve the DCT experience even more. I like S II mode, which suits my riding perfectly.
How does it compare to your RT overall? I sold my R1250RT and missed it, but this would make a lot more sense financially. Could get a newish DCT for £12 or spend the same on a 3-4 year old RT. Hmmm. Interested in your thoughts.
@@GS-xg4nz Pros for the NT1100: Better price, slightly better wind protection, better engine note and sound, DCT is actually really great to use for everything except slow speed riding, smart phone connectivity, removeable panniers / top box much easier, taller seating position which I find slightly more comfortable. Negatives for the NT1100: Chain drive requires more maintenance, only 77kw compared to the 100kw you get for the RT (Though, I prefer the lesser power, much much more usable), If the tire pressures are wrong you get handlebar shake due to no steering dampener (Which the RT has), but once I fixed the tire pressures all was fixed. The RT feels more stable, but also much more bulky to maneuver. The suspension on the NT is very soft and pliable and when you get used to it I find it pretty good for spirited riding even on rough roads - though the RT's automatically adjustable suspension is superior due to the adjustability. The NT's engine hates driving at lower RPM (2,100RPM or less) and the DCT finds itself driving at those RPMs too often, but that's easily fixed by using Sport mode (1 or 2) which is perfect. The RT's engine loves any rev range, but because it is a manual you're probably never going to need it. They are very different but good for different reasons. If you spend time in traffic the NT is far better, it's lighter and more nimble and narrower - and the DCT makes light work of it. But if you spend time doing longer trips on freeways / scenic routes out of traffic - the RT would be better. It's hard for some people to get past the NT's scooter heritage and styling, I personally don't mind it. Such a low fuss bike to ride.
@@Playtechy Thank you for the comprehensive reply! :) I'm more or less retired and have no commute so I think it may well be another RT ;) I quite like the NT styling, especially the new blue version. I'll test-ride both again though. Cheers.
Mmm I’m really undecided about this bike, recently had a Honda and the quality was really poor as was the dealer, which surprised me, don’t think I’ll be rushing back. Now have the Suzuki GSXS GT and think I’ll keep that for a while
I think you can use the manual +/- buttons without even shifting it into manual mode first …. like anytime you’re rolling in D you can hit the + to force an upshift, etc….. no?
Yea good, I like revisit reviews for the said reasons. 👍. Seats!!!, I have this image of going into a furniture shop, for a sofa, and being asked.. "do you want the comfort version, or the one that makes your arse ache?".
Shame your GoPro let you down, but to be fair the audio on the 360 wasn't too bad. Good to know that often, as riders, our first impressions of a bike are just reinforced the longer you spend with it.
I’m pretty sure in Australia it’s illegal to take your hands off the bars whilst moving!! So you have to get off and change the windscreen anyway;) I tend to move it to one position, and not touch it. So it’s not a deal breaker for me.
I kind of feel the same, the only time i tend to move it is when going from urban/country roads onto the motorway, or when the rain starts. It wouldn't be a deal breaker
I enjoy your reviews very much. Other take reviewing tips! Could you clarify a couple question I have? One, What octane is recommended? Two, Valve adjustment intervals , hydraulic or shim type? Three, shop cost for valve adjustment serve? Great no nonsense review. Thanks for staying on task. Again other take note.
Thanks! I don't know what Honda specify (if at all) i the UK standard pump petrol and lowest octane is 95RON equivalent to 91 in the US. Valve check is at the 16k mile service
I read that it's just a screw in type for valve adjustment,which means you can literally do it on the side of the road or in your own garage if you want to. No shim.
They should have sold the bike division to POLARIS, as I heard some time ago was in the offing. I bet Polaris would not have included a chain on a touring bike. Belt driven at least.
Usually I'm not used to front ends on bikes looking like that so I don't actually mind it, looks futuristic and kinda like a spaceship. 🙂 Chain is also not a deal breaker since it has a center stand and neither is the windshield. What I do mind, however, is that Dakar-esque, dorky instrument cluster and a mere 102HP. If the dash was a little bit more compact, a little bit more modern and if it had ~130HP, I'd probably be having this bad boy in my top 3 considerations for a new bike either next year or in 2025. Alas, Honda is still stuck in the 80s when it comes to dash design and engine power. Such a shame, it seems like such a great package with ergonomics, weather protection and comfort. 😔
I’m thinking of getting one but Honda their build quality on the nc 750 is just shocking and I heard the tft screen gives a lot trouble with pairing and Apple car play
It would have been interesting to see you take this bike to Poland in the late Autumn, I couldn´t agree more with the seat, initially I thought the standard seat was adequate, but after 5 days in France, riding every day 500-600 kms I immediately ordered the comfort version - fantastic. I´ve had my NT now for 9 months, and have rode over 15000km on it, I have never once regretted buying it, due to the fact that she is almost perfect for my needs I do sometimes think it would be nice to have a second bike, with lots of character, obviously this second bike wouldn´t be perfect. But, time and money...... Keep up the good work, I enjoy watching your stuff, have fun and ride safe. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_iJ0hnsWSww.html
Hi Tony, thanks for a very informed video. Regarding the touring aspect and power availability that you mentioned, have you tried it with a pillion, and the bike's performance with one, and the pillion's view of the comfort as well ? Thanks in anticipation
Hello Rob! I have the comfort seats on mine and often ride with my gf on the back. She's about 65 kg with equipment. She finds it very comfortable, but a bit tricky to get on and off. She's 168 cm. I have a shad 58x topbox and the panniers packed, the bike still feels powerful enough. (I'm 95kg in equipment). If anything it tends to wanna wheelie when I give it the beans with my pillion 😅
@@kyrorocks Hi Kyro, I am extremely grateful for the time you have taken in thinking of replying to my enquiry, and for the information you have given to me. My wife is about 10cm shorter than your gf, but probably similar in weight with equipment. Thank you again for thinking of me, - most helpful. Rob.
My old NT700 Deauville is the only bike I've ever had that never needed a 'comfort seat'. It's a bit of a shame that the NT1100 is a retrograde step in that regard.
I’m with you Ian. I too had n NT700V and the stock seat was by far the most comfortable stock seat I’ve ever ridden on. Not once did I ever consider swapping it for a “comfort” seat!
Nice review Tony and as always very balanced. For me it just doesn't work out money wise... the dct with the touring pack comes in around £15500 with 2 yrs warranty. For the same money I could go for a 2 Yr old 1250GS (not adventure) which has the benefits of a shaft drive, still 2 yrs warranty and potentially heated seats. I also wonder what the resale value on this will be compared to other brands as, as you say, it's a marmite bike in terms of looks. Don't get me wrong I think it's a decent bike but when you look at what you could get for the same money I just think there are better options out there. Ride safe ✌️ 🇬🇧
Cheers! and yes I get that. I always make value comparisons against other 'new' bikes as its more like for like. But used bikes can throw up some bargains (and some unknowns!) I paid less than £7.5K for my 790 adv which was just over a year old.
Hi. Unfortunately, there are no NTs on trial at the dealership. Do you think a person 175 centimeters (5.7) tall touches with the entire sole of the foot?
Screen adjustability is because of safety. Imagine some fool adjusting it and has a collision. There's a lawsuit waiting to happen. I mean, is it really hard (not personally you) to adjust before riding on your big tour ride, or adjust before you get on for the city run. The owner's manual even says do not adjust the windscreen while riding.
@@alrightdave6135 yes they ie ones who usually never had one say that about Ktm and Ducatis I have 2 Mvs 1 Ducati panigale as well never missed a beat go figure thanks
Je possede la nt 1100 je n aime pas et je ne me fait pas à la boite auto apres 10000 kms 😢😢😢😢je suis motard depuis 1972 je pensais finir avec cette moto je vais m en séparer bientôt 😮😮😮
Chain drive. No thanks. Have ridden sportsbikes for decades and now totally sick of need to wash and oil the chain every 300 miles. I am looking at shaft or belt drive bikes.
Looks like a shitty downgrade from my VFR800X to be honest. Too tamed. I've tested it and hated it. I'll keep my 2019 Crossrunner a few more years for sure, love it.
@@FourIntoOne Well the quality felt like it. It felt... cheap. I agree the motorization is different than the VFR800X which is a 4-cylinders, but overall it didn't feel like a fun bike to ride especially at 15.000€. Nowadays I'd much rather get a new Tiger Sport 660, a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, a Suzuki GSXS1000GT, a Kawasaki 1000SX/Versys1000. The NT1100 just feels off.
