The Sport Tourer That Could Replace Three Different Motorcycles
Motorcycle ownership often involves some sort of compromise. A lot of riders enjoy the appeal of a particular type of motorcycle, be it a sport bike for its twisty fun, a commuter for its city convenience, or a tourer for its long-distance capability. But there are a few of us who enjoy more than just a single machine within the motorcycling world. Buying all three is an expensive way to cover these different riding needs, but choosing one motorcycle that does everything well is not always easy. You would think naked bikes and roadsters can cover the broad spectrum of these types of rides, but sometimes, a well-equipped sport-tourer can cover considerably more ground than its styling might suggest.
The Appeal Of A Motorcycle That Can Handle Almost Anything
The do-it-all motorcycle has become an appealing proposition because riders increasingly want one machine that fits several parts of their lives. A bike should be enjoyable on the weekend ride without becoming exhausting during the daily commute, and it should ideally handle an occasional long-distance trip without requiring extensive modifications. Naked motorcycles often suit this role because their upright riding positions, relatively accessible ergonomics, and responsive engines make them versatile in everyday conditions.
Sport-tourers, however, combine characteristics that manufacturers traditionally divide between performance motorcycles and long-distance machines. They generally offer more wind protection than naked bikes, a chassis designed for confident road handling, and ergonomics that accommodate longer rides without becoming too tourer-oriented.
This category covers a broad range of motorcycles. The Yamaha Tracer 9, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT, and even the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX dominate the Japanese sport-tourer conversation. The Honda NT1100, by contrast, is an overlooked gem in this segment. It lacks the overly aggressive visual identity of a sport-tourer and combines traits from three different motorcycle segments, letting it perform well in a broad range of conditions.
How The Honda NT1100 DCT Can Replace A Commuter
The DCT Transmission Makes Everyday Riding Less Demanding
In the case of the Honda NT1100, its heart and soul has to be its dual-clutch transmission. Honda’s system uses two clutches to manage the odd and even gear sets, allowing the motorcycle to shift automatically without a conventional clutch lever. In stop-and-go conditions, this removes one of the most repetitive parts of motorcycling.
There is no clutch lever to operate at every traffic light, and the transmission handles gear changes as speeds rise and fall. The system also allows for different operating characteristics depending on the selected mode. Riders can also select their gear manually using the paddles on the handlebar if they want more control.
The Flexible Twin-Cylinder Engine Suits The Daily Grind
Powering the NT1100 is the 1,084cc liquid-cooled engine derived from the Africa Twin. According to Honda’s UK website, the engine produces 100 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. What makes it distinctive is where these numbers peak. Horsepower peaks at 7,500 rpm, which means you don’t have to rev too high when the road opens up to reach your powerband. On the other hand, a low 5,500 rpm torque peak means pulling away from traffic lights and overtaking — assisted by the DCT, of course — becomes smooth.
The Honda NT1100’s Sporty Chassis Helps Replace A Naked
Road-Focused Suspension Keeps The Handling Engaging
The NT1100 is primarily designed for paved roads, and the chassis reflects this purpose. The steel semi-double cradle frame supports a 43mm Showa inverted front fork and a Showa rear monoshock with preload adjustment. A 310mm dual disc setup at the front and 256mm disc at the rear provide stopping power. While the chassis geometry means the NT is tuned for straight highways, the bike is considerably more agile when compared to big ADVs and full-size touring motorcycles. There is plenty of confidence going around a bend in the twisties, delivering the everyday pleasures of a weekend ride.
Honda NT1100 Chassis Specifications
|
Chassis |
Semi-Double Cradle |
|---|---|
|
Rake/Trail |
26.5 degrees / 4.3 inches |
|
Wheelbase |
60.4 inches |
|
Tires (F | R) |
120/70-17 | 180/55-17 |
|
Seat Height |
32.3 inches |
|
Curb Weight |
547 Lbs |
|
Ground Clearance |
6.9 inches |
The Honda NT1100 Also Functions As A Tourer
Upright Ergonomics And Wind Protection Make Long Rides Easier
Touring comfort is not entirely determined by seat padding. The position of the handlebars, the angle between the seat of your pants and the footpegs, wind protection, and the way the motorcycle responds to long hours at a steady pace all influence how fresh a rider feels at the end of the day. The NT1100 has its roots in the ADV segment, unlike most sport-tourers. So, its upright riding position avoids the forward lean of a typical sport bike, and the broad fairing and adjustable windscreen deflect wind substantially to reduce fatigue.
Luggage Options Make It More Than A Weekend Sport-Tourer
Then there is the luggage-carrying capability. The Honda NT1100 features discreet, built-in structural slots for mounting Honda’s factory side cases without the need for unsightly mounting hardware. While this helps keep the look clean, it also gives riders the option to travel for longer vacations on their motorcycle.
The Honda NT1100 DCT Starts At $11,999
The Honda NT1100 DCT makes a convincing case for the motorcycle that can cover three different roles. It does compromise somewhat when compared directly to dedicated segment-specific motorcycles, but it compensates by drawing on qualities from multiple segments. The automatic transmission, flexible parallel-twin, road-focused chassis, rider aids, and luggage capacity all make this a very flexible motorcycle.
Source: Honda
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