When we think of sport-touring, the image of an imposing, heavy GT with huge suitcases to stow all our luggage immediately springs to mind. But what if we told you that there’s a more modern, lighter and better-equipped GT out there? Allow me to introduce you to the 2025 Honda NT1100 DCT: the new racehorse for city tours and Sunday getaways.
Design: sober and practical
The NT1100 is neither flashy nor provocative: it adopts a discreet yet elegant Grand Touring look, designed to swallow up the miles without tiring. Its redesigned fairing takes on the role of an aerodynamic parachute (with style), and the adjustable windshield lets you modulate its aerodynamics in relax or “I want to feel the wind in my hair” mode.
Subtle detail: the side suitcases integrate harmoniously, yet are easily detachable, so you don’t look like a ton of luggage when you go for a ride.
Motorization and transmission: the promise of a cool ride
Under the fairing beats the heart of a 1,084 cm³, water-cooled, in-line twin derived from the Africa Twin: 102 hp (75 kW) at 8,500 rpm, plus 104 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Translation: mid-range acceleration that bites, and a reserve of power to spare when the need arises, because your girlfriend’s getting bored of your long solo rides. And don’t worry, the peak speed (≈ 200 km/h) isn’t used every day, unless you’re the type to escape the everyday.
But the highlight is the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) gearbox, which adds around 10 kg to the manual version. The system allows you to shift gears without the need for a clutch. Behind the handlebars, the NT1100 becomes as smooth as a spring breeze, and in manual mode (push/pull), it remains lively and responsive. The trick: in town, you forget the gears; on narrow roads, you play with the paddles. You’ll feel like Max Verstappen in his F1.
Chassis and handling: efficient without drama
The chassis is based on a steel frame with an aluminum rear arm (borrowed straight from the CRF1100L), the perfect balance between rigidity and comfort. At 238 kg ready to ride (248 kg with DCT), the bike handles effortlessly, with a pleasant turning radius, even in town. Balance is instantly felt on the handlebars: you won’t be amazed by the steering recall, but you’ll be reassured by its stability.
Braking with dual 298 mm discs at the front and a 245 mm disc at the rear ensures progressive, effective bite: as long as you don’t use it to stop a truck, you’ll be fine.
Autonomy and ergonomics: the ideal road companion
The generous 20.4-liter fuel tank (like the Africa Twin) offers a range of 330 to 400 km, depending on your pace. In terms of comfort, the NT1100 is designed for extended riding, and you can feel it. The adjustable windscreen provides good protection from the hustle and bustle of the skies, and the suitcases are adequately sized without being gargantuan (they’re still light to handle). A complete dashboard with TFT screen, smartphone connectivity and applications guarantees modernity at your fingertips.
On the road: test drive (you dreamt it, I tested it)
In town
Quiet start-up, first gear and off you go, gliding between cars. The DCT makes standing starts a breeze; no need to anticipate, just accelerate, it’s a must. The initially firm saddle reduces discomfort, and with the handlebars tamed, you’re on your way.
In the countryside
There’s nothing like a winding road or a small country lane. Generous torque (104 Nm) allows for acceleration from 4,000 rpm; the engine responds smoothly, almost with a hint of zest if you push the throttle. The DCT handles upshifts and downshifts without a hitch: at times, you’ll forget you’re on a motorcycle – it’s almost too easy.
On the freeway
Comfortable at high speeds, the bubble protects, the position is upright but not rigid, and the engine purrs softly. Fuel consumption: 5L/100km achievable if you’re careful; realistically, 5.5-6L/100km at a more aggressive pace.
Strengths & points to check
Strengths
- Outstanding comfort: saddle, position, protection: bravo.
- DCT transmission: smooth in town, high-performance on the road, practical for touring.
- Versatility: city and sport-touring.
- Ergonomics and equipment: modern dashboard, integrated panniers, LED lighting.
- Autonomy: 20.4 L can easily last 350-400 km.
What to look out for
- Weight: 248 kg, normal for a tourer; just a little heavy at idle.
- Long-term saddle comfort: after 300 km, some adjustments may be necessary.
- Windshield : not easy to adjust while riding.
Conclusion: a road companion for (almost) everyone
The Honda NT1100 DCT 2025 is the Swiss Army knife of modern sport-touring: easy, comfortable, durable, and with a stunning DCT transmission, unless you’re old-fashioned and stick to your manual clutch. But, let’s face it, the idea of riding without worrying about gears on a rainy day or at a red light has its charm. It doesn’t shine with its incendiary lines, but its discretion is its strength: it takes you where you want to go, without making waves. Do you know why the NT1100 is so popular in Quebec? Because with our bumpy roads, she’s finally found a roller coaster to her liking. It doesn’t need a clutch to fight its way over row 9 in St-Onésime-D’Ixworth, it eats them all up.
So, do you get in or do you get stuck in traffic with your 2004 Civic? Because the NT1100 is already hot and waiting for you in the driveway, saddlebags and gps pointed at happiness!
Thanks to Honda Canada for testing this long-awaited NT1100 in Canada.
Michel Laplante
Reviewer
Second test opinion
When it came out in Europe a few years ago, I was hoping for it because I was planning to change motorcycles, and I found it very interesting. So it was with great curiosity that I rode this bike. First of all, it’s a motorcycle designed to ride efficiently on the road, while ensuring good comfort for its passengers, in the manner of a mini-Goldwing. The recipe is well prepared.
The parallel-twin engine and DCT automatic transmission work admirably as a duo to maintain a more than decent pace, but always in a serene manner. The suspension is supple and absorbs road imperfections well, until the rear suspension bottoms out in steep valleys. Nevertheless, handling is precise and braking easy to control.
The driving position is straight and clear for the upper body, but the legs are a little more bent. Even so, this presented no problems over a 300-kilometer gallop. I even found that by the time I got to the finish line, I wasn’t tired for the distance I’d just covered. Passenger room on the bike is pretty tight, and other bikes offer more space in the saddle. It’s worth mentioning that the bike is fitted with all the desirable equipment for comfort (heated grips, cruise control, electronic assistants, etc.) and that space in the optional side and rear panniers is cavernous.
The Honda NT1100 offers great value for money, and a considerable dose of efficiency that will carry you tens of thousands of kilometers in comfort.
Pierre Allard
Reviewer
