I love how Honda continues to not give a shit about the numbers and emphasises on the important things. Comfort, reliability, power and torque where it is needed etc. People out there are touring on every bike you could possibly imagine. True riders don't care about electronics. Ιnstead, most of them are scared of them because more electronics mean less reliability most of the times. And since when are 100hp bikes considered slow? From the little experience i have on my VFR 800, there are no slow bikes, only slow riders. And i'm not talking about straights. Don't buy your next bike based on spec sheets. Test ride every bike you like and decide based on the experience!
Disagree. Honda created a bike that is not competitive in the market. Not for the price they are asking. This bike is supposed to be competing VS the likes of the F900XR and Tracer 9 GT but just falls flat on its face, it's MUCH heavier, less equipped and the engine is really lacklustre, say what you want, that 1100 cc parallel twin is weak, boring and anemic. I heavily disagree with your electronics statement. I grew up on bikes without electronics, and now I have a bike packed with them. I put more miles on my bikes in a year than most do in their lives and I've yet to have a fault on my S1000XR that's at all related to electronics. It's a perfectly reliable bike and the electronics on it are awesome. It makes the bike fun to ride when you wanna mess about but don't wanna micro manage everything. You just twist and go, pull and stop, no drama, the option is always there to turn them off completely within 5 seconds.
@@AntaresSQ01 How do you know if it is supposed to be a competitor of the f900xr or the tracer? This is your statement because all i can see is a completely different bike than these 2. Not all sport tourers are the same. Some are 60%sport-40%touring like the tracer. This bike is more like 30%sport-70%touring and obviously not for riders like you. I believe that for the price it's one of the best choices for someone looking for a bike like this. How much would you like it to cost, 9k?? And about the electronics, can you say that it is like this in every bike out there? I believe not. I believe you are just one of the lucky ones that paid a lot of money to have this kind of reliability. But i strongly believe that in 10 years from now, your opinion will be different. I really hope im wrong though.
@@trantas4 It is a competitor quite simply because noone is looking for this kind of bike when you have bikes that can do touring AND sport just as good if not better and it is priced to be a competitor. There'll be people buying this just like there are people buying the NC750, there is no question about that. But that doesn't make it a good bike. People who don't care about power and want a reliable touring bike will go for the Versys 650 as it's almost 5k cheaper whilst doing all the same things this bike does. People who want super comfortable touring will go with a grand tourer like the goldwing or the K1600 from BMW, yes they are very expensive but people looking for these kinda bikes rarely compromise. I personally paid way less than this bike costs for a much better bike, but even now you can get leftover 0 mile S1000XRs for 13k at which point there isn't even a competition. Honda had some really cool looking concepts for this bike, a lightweight, compact upright tourer using the africa twin engine, and that'd have been fine and interesting, but instead they came out with this under equipped whale of an ugly bike...
@@AntaresSQ01 You are clearly someone that base your opinion on spec sheets. And i am clearly the exact opposite. That being said i don't thing we will agree on this one. Maybe this bike is for the people that can't afford a Goldwing and they may want to go a little faster on the twists every once in a while. And for people that put reliability as a priority when it comes to touring. This bike checks all the boxes for me because i like riding my bikes and not my bikes doing everything for me. I like to learn from my mistakes and not depend on electronics to save me. That is my opinion though and i understand that not many people agree with me. No hard feelings.. P.S. The fact that a bike does not look like a jet fighter, does not mean it's ugly. Maybe it means you care about looks more than anything else. If you ride bikes to draw attention, that's not the bike for you ;)
@@trantas4 Fair enough, I agree we won't agree, however I for sure am the rider this bike is "aimed" at and It's missed the mark by miles. I don't ride for attention, but I like my bikes to have proper proportions and sharp lines, for personal pleasure. I own a 1st gen S1000XR that I put 15k miles on in the last 7 months, about 50% of that in twisties, 30% touring and 20% commuting, if that's not asking for reliable what is? What many people fail to understand about electronics is they don't nanny you, you don't "depend" on them. It goes this way: You hit the limit of the BIKE --> electronics intervene. Not the other way around. You still have to control yourself to NOT hit the limit of the bike, the electronics are just there in case you screw up. The only difference between this and a bike with no electronics is that you - most likely - won't crash needlessly, and you can LEARN from your mistakes. Doesn't mean you'll be bouncing off of TC every corner just because you have it... Now I also track this bike (which you will absolutely NOT do with the NT1100, talk about versatility) and even on track in high intermediate group I almost never get the TC to activate and ABS only occasionally barely intervenes on the rear wheel, which is inconsequential and actually a bit intrusive. Apart from that the only electronics that I rely on is wheelie control, not that I can't do a launch by myself, or control wheelies, it's just simply because it's easier, and more fun to twist and go and not have to worry about it coming up.
First time I've seen this bike I said "it is so ugly for first view that I want it!". Now I really like the look of it plus practicality it has - brilliant combination! I am looking forward to see the new NT 700 or 800 - that would be a hit for me!
Weirdly one of my favourite reviews. You’ve really developed and nailed the structure, film and audio. Very cool to use your review tables for an end of year bike review? Alot of effort. Bike looks like a fantastic no frills commuter and tourer. Looks are pretty sharp and great thinking around the slender panniers as standard. 👍🏻👊🏼,
The perfect excellent review , awesome cheaper than Africa twin , but has all features including panniers ,Cruise control , heated grips , apple car play , brilliant Honda nt1100
If I had the money, this would make a fantastic second bike. Have a retro/custom/sports bike for the buzz and this for when you just need comfortable, reliable transport (but still have fun doing it ). It would make a brilliant touring bike, looks way more fun and easier to manage than the 'big' tourers and it will be far better build quality and looks far nicer than bikes like the tracer! Nice!
At seventy years old, I’m inclined to keep a smaller multi-purpose “off tarmac” bike, sell my beloved Honda VFR and buy the NT. For me, it will depend on availability in North America and . . . well, that’s about all.
It reminds me of the CBF1000f I had a few years back. Not the most exciting bike but super comfortable and versatile and hence, a bike I racked up 1000s of happy miles on. Honda do these type of bikes very well and know their buyer just as well I reckon.
Best review yet, i drove my Pan European 7/7 365 never let me down, bought the NT1100, comes in the shop this week... looking forward to drive this bike 😍
Bob, when you took off the panniers it looked v similar to my white Honda Crossrunner. Yep, the winged H knows exactly what counts on bikes. It looks crushingly competent. But for me lack of shaft drive, which I’m looking for on my next bike, and perhaps being just a wee bit too sensible are both probably deal breakers. Great vid! Keep up the great work 👍🏻
Bob Thanks for this review. This summer I did a long trip from France Spain Portugal on the T7, an excellent bike, and enough 73 bhp for me but not comfortable for a long trip. if I will have the budget for 2022 this will be my next bike in the DCT version. Thanks again
I've been waiting for your review on this bike. sounds like it could be my next bike . sorry you had to put up with rain here in Spain it's normally sunny. Always appreciate your reviews. Thanks Lewis
Cheers great review. I’m definitely going to have a test ride on one when they are in the dealers. Used to own a Pan European which I absolutely loved, only sold it as the weight was a bit much. This bike ticks the box on the weight. Currently riding a 2018 VStrom 1000 XT which is a superb bike. Thanks again 👍🏍
Thanks for the review. Without shaft drive Honda I believe have missed their spot in the affordable tourer class. I was hoping for an updated version of the Pan European.
For me, torque and lighter weight mean more to me than just horsepower. This has a lot of torque which would be the main selling point for me. Glad Honda woke up and included cruise control, ride modes, and matching panniers as standard equipment. The price point seems fine as well. I think they come out with a bit more flashy colors and even a blacked out model though. The white and silver they use are very bland.
Cracking review, I'm in the market for something like this and there's a lot of information in there. I liked the Tiger 900 but it doesn't fit me, and I hated the Tracer 900 which looked great but felt cheap and horrible to ride (apologies if you love them, I'm sure it's a great bike). Had several VFR's in the past so I'm hoping this will be the one when I get a chance to try one. Agree about the colours, if I get one it will be grey, but they've done some really nice reds and blues in the past which would look great on this. My left foot is knackered so the DCT could be the answer, haven't ridden much in the last couple of years. Great channel - subscribed.
Looks great look forward to seeing in person and a test ride. I’d like the white w Red wheels. What can this motor gain with a full exhaust and ecu tune?
Bang on review, it's a touring bike not a canyon carver. But I am with you this bike deserves the Honda red, drop the accord silver and replace with matt charcoal. Good stuff, when they offer red I'll hand over my visa card!
Thanks for a great, SENSIBLE review. Most Hondas don't smack you over the head, but owners more slowly fall in love by appreciating the thoughtfulness put into the details , the reliability, the build quality, and how it serves its intended purpose. The design, to me, is very clean, mature and modern. It will indeed age very, very well, unlike the screaming-mad-bird-face designs that are initially exciting, but quickly become adolescently annoying. Really nice rig.
Great review really well done in 13 minutes! My first question was Why are you wearing a Big Backpack? You answered that question in 2 ways - slim panniers for filtering (good) and available top case (great).
I was impressed with the CRF1000L DCT that I tested a couple of years ago. It was a real giggle when you gave the throttle a big twist, waited for a heartbeat for it to smoothly drop a gear and then it just seemed to reel in the horizon. However, it was too tall for me. This NT1100 with its lower seat height and the more powerful engine looks very tempting. 100HP is enough for road riding - any more than that is a waste of money really.
I was a fan of the NT700 having owned one myself. It would have been nice if the NT1100 had a shaft drive like the 650 and 700 NT’s had. I’m not a fan of the constant maintenance and adjustments that chain drives have and unfortunately that will keep this current NT out of my garage. I’m now on a shaft drive BMW and this new NT, although very stylish, just isn’t something for me as I’m approaching 60 and want to keep a more maintenance free drive system.
Great review motobob, initially I was a bit underwhelmed by the NT but Honda has produced a bike that meets most riders' needs, most of the time. Sure, it's not going to set your pants on fire but it's well specced and relatively good value so will sell to folk that want to cover miles. Better colour choices would have been good and it's a wee but dull visually but overall it's OK. Good to meet you at NEC last year!
Great review. I’m not sure about the styling but need to see one in person before commenting. Looks like you had some pretty amazing roads for the test ride!
Great sum up. I struggle with the concept of paying for a “comfort” seat when it should have been so on the first place. There should be a main stand on a chain driven bike unless there’s a chain oiler (there’s a thought, Honda et al).
The comfort seat will increase ride height so it's not a good option for everyone. People come in all shapes and sizes and some don't have much butt cushion and some have a lot, so I'm glad they offer it as a factory option.
This bike ticks all the boxes for me. I’d love to do all kinds of kms on it. And I think it looks great -kind of timeless unlike KTM or Yamahas weird modern things. Only a pity there’s no red one.
I agree there should be a red one! When I buy A bike I chose red first, then white, then…. But never black or grey. I might wait for the 2023 model revamp as it’s likely to just be different paint, hopefully including red 😀
This bike is absolutely useless as a tourer. You like bike maintenance that much that you want to play with your oily chain every day? A shaft drive needs no maintenance for thousands of miles....think about it.
Great job there reviewing that beast. You gained yourself a subscriber. Personally, I think Honda checked a lot of boxes with this one and will probably sell fairly well (hope they do by the ship load). I really liked the idea of the DCT BUT there's no point (to me) in having it and paying more for it IF there's going to an OPTIONAL Quick Shifter that does almost the same job and I personally prefer to have control during take off with a traditional clutch. Ehh, maybe I'll change my opinion in the future about it, motorcyclists are a fickle bunch. Looking forward to more of your work in the coming months with all the new hardware already in the pipeline.
Bob, Great review as always, given the complexity of the switch gear, especially on the left hand side, can you confirm if it's illuminated at all? cheers
The way the panniers are mounted with that high third point you can see them bounce going round the corners, and I imagine the are empty. I can only imagine how much they will bounce when full.
So, which of these colours or something very close will grace the 2022 Goldwing non Tour? Superb video as always, really the best out there now by some margin.
Hi! Great review! I live in Spain and I have just been at a Honda dealership near Malaga and will be testing just this bike soon. Could you tell me what area or roads that are shown in this video - looks great! Thanks for this review!
The critics saying the 1100 only having 100hp is a problem, yet we see in the AT it can pull 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. More than enough power. I'm sure the NT is quick too.
As a lorry driver, on first look at the white model l thought ‘ l didn’t know Scania made motorcycles?’ And to be fair, that’s a good thing- it looks like it’ll get the job done and in comfort too I’m very interested- wish it was belt or shaft drive though, don’t miss lubing chains/ wiping grease off on my current bike
I hope the Honda NT1100 will be available and sold in the USA. Looks like a great motorcycle.. the DCT.. for everyday use on home-work ride. Manual transmission is for weekend riding.
It's not a new problem, my mate has a 35 year old FJ 1100 and changing a bulb first needs the fuel tank removing! And it's a modern Honda, you won't want to touch the valves very much and would almost certainly not do it away from a dealership.
I had seriously been considering a Tracer 9 GT as there was nothing in the Honda line up that suited what I wanted, AT twin is great but I'm never going to go off road and it's a bit pricey, Goldwing is far to big and expensive for me. This ticks all the boxes for the mile munching I want to do and the standard spec is great. I will keep my blackbird for the speed thrils.
Dude you and I are like carbon copies with respect to that sentiment. My buddy is getting the Tracer 9 GT but I'm dying for a DCT. Hope US gets it soon!
This isnt a mile muncher whatsoever. Its got a chain drive. it will spend more time in the garage for chain adjustment, cleaning and lubricating. its no touring bike.
Thank You Did you break your hips as you tried to reach down to the ground from the wide seat , i did that on my Honda XADV 750 , the seat look much the same? Not to be negative but on a tourer this size you expect a shaft drive like on the Cross Tourer 1200 or at least a closed chain guard to get rid of the rather dirty Chain maintaining like the smaller bikes have ❓
Thanks Bob great review. Loving my CB1000R, but missing the Crosstourer which I chopped for the CB. Feel the need for a touring bike in our lives again. Could this be it? Looking forward to having a spin myself. Keep up the great work Bob!
Never thought I would say this about a bike, but it comes across as a bit of an appliance. It’s a long distance scoot. Then again, that’s Honda as a whole. Unless you’re shopping for the extremes of riding capability the company’s offerings hardly fall out of the descriptor of “it’s okay”. There’s a reason why the Fireblade, Africa Twin, and Goldwing are so notable, they’re at the extremes of their respective niche
Great review, bang on with your assessments in my view. Not a stunning looking bike by any means, more practical if anything so I'm surprised that it wasn't a shaft drive.
Honda do not make beautiful looking bikes. Just look at their cars to get an idea. Even though they are completely different departments, their styling is cardigan look. Great review MB! You’re going great!⭐️
Good review, very clear. I won't be changing my Crossrunner for one though. Yes, the NT is more torquey but I still think the engine is a bit flaccid compared to the V4. The lack of centre stand and on the fly screen adjustability would grate as well.
I just sold my VFR1200x (that’s what it is called in the U.S.). I am. 6’4” but was tired of the weight. Don’t get me wrong, it was a blast out on the highway and through twisty roads on good pavement. However, I don’t miss it as much as I thought I would. I am currently riding a 2014 CB1100. The suspension is crap but I love the smaller profile and buttery smooth inline 4 engine and it’s retro styling. I will consider this NT when it comes out though.
Man, at this stage of my life, I think I would love it. I live in the US and I have been looking at a Africa twin with the DCT. I've been shifting a Tractor Trailer all my life. Shifting, I'm over it.. I have a long in the tooth VStrom..
They keep making bikes for years, now It provokes "interest", but as the time pass they start putting colors and stuff to keep It interesting. My versys when It was introduced It was so plain, now they make them with more colors. Just a sales thing
The lack of color is better than what Yamaha does were they sell extremely ugly color combinations the first year and the next years they release and more humane ones.
On first impressions, the styling looked a bit too restrained, but as you take if the panniers it starts to look better. Some more interesting colours and paint jobs would likely do the trick. Good review - thanks.
I rode my AT with my wife across the US and back, almost coast to coast. I adjusted the chain once in a hotel parking lot over the course of 4500 miles. Every night I inspected the chain and lubed/cleaned it if necessary. Not a big deal. Typically took 5 minutes. This is a practical machine for road trips or commuting. In my opinion it's just a bit too "vanilla" for me.
Great review Bob, balance and clarity. It looks like Honda have aimed this bike at riders who aren’t into W waving, I think its aimed at the Capt Sensible who wants a great touring bike and the practical mile muncher. Looks are divisive but I reckon it will sell. I’ll ride it just to settle my opinion. Cheers Bob, nice vid.
CBF has evolved into the adventure category. The undercarriage is squeezed around the knees so that there is less entanglement, and the underguard seems to prevent the wind from hitting the knees so much. The biggest rival is Kawasaki Versis.
Great video MTB.As usual attention to detail and well presented.👍. Honda seem to have upped their game when it comes to knowing their audience. Personally I think they lost their way after the demise of the Blackbird. They seem to be back with their current line up. Happy Days.🥳
Good report. Of course the elephant in the room is that unlike NT700 and it's grandad the Revere 600 the NT1100 does not have shaft drive with all it's pros and cons. Until recently I had a nice 700 which I had owned for about a year. A nice practical bike which I thought I would keep for a few years at least. That was until I took it into my local Honda dealer for a service and MOT. Whilst killing some time I noticed they had a really nice looking 2018 reg. grey Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 with just 3500 miles at a great price which they were looking to quickly sell. Whilst a large bike it was, to me, not too big and lumpy like a BMW GS1200/1250 or Triumph Explorer. With the help of a part exchange and a credit card I'm still very happy with the Super Tenere. I understand it has been discontinued by Yamaha but it still has many happy users and a good long term alternative to the NT1100.
Excellent review. Very interested in this bike but the colour options are so dull. What is wrong with red, blue, or yellow? Would love to see full width panniers (I have these on my Forza and don't bother using them, just the top box whereas I regularly use the side cases on my BMWs as they fit a helmet), back-lit handlebar controls and an option for left lever braking on the dct like a scooter.
Did Honda mention if they plan to bring it stateside? Seems like a nearly perfect all day twisty road tourer, and you can actually use the power, unlike say a S1000XR or Super Duke GT where you can barely touch the throttle on public roads
