The Honda NT 1100 arrived on the European market in 2021. It entered the brand's road car niche, officially, in order to fill a void left by the disappearance of the legendary Pan European.
Equipped with the engine from the 1084 cc Africa Twin travel maxi-enduro, the NT quickly made its place on the market, to the point of becoming a best-seller. What contributes to its success is of course its driving pleasure (read our test of the 2021 model), the two suitcases included in a competitive price, and above all the Honda double-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
The DCT can be used in “manual” mode, by selecting the “M” position on the control located on the right part of the handlebars, and by activating the “+” triggers with the thumb and index finger of the left hand to climb the speeds and “–” to lower them. In position D, that is to say completely automatic, you can still intervene on the triggers at any time. This system is very comfortable for the pilot.
This comfortable way of changing gears, which appeared in 2010 on the VFR 1200 (which is no longer part of the range), now equips 7 Honda two-wheel models. It seems that “after having tasted it, you can no longer do without it!”.
It is to the point that for Switzerland, 75% of NT 1100 sales are made with the automatic transmission and the remaining 25% with a more traditional transmission.
A new version has been added for 2025, the NT 1100 SE, which Honda Switzerland calls NT 100 Electronic Suspension, which is equipped with semi-active electronically adjustable suspensions. Important clarification: this version equipped with semi-active suspensions is sold only with the DCT, at the price of 16,390 fr. As for the DCT version with conventional suspensions, it is priced at 15,490 fr.
For fans of gear changes by foot with a traditional clutch, the NT 1100 in short is available from Honda Switzerland at a price of 14,650 fr (without the DCT, therefore, and without the electronic suspensions).
A proven fact, the Honda DCT transmission is therefore popular and the manufacturer specifies that 240,000 automatic transmissions have been fitted to the brand's vehicles, all models combined, since 2010.
But before taking the handlebars of the NT 1100 Electronic Suspension, because that is what it should be called, we take a tour of the owner to immediately notice a new, more angular look, focused on better penetration into the air. , particularly on the sides. The front end has been remodeled and now incorporates LED lights as well as direction warning signals.
We also notice the windshield and its ingenious five-position adjustment system, which changes angle and which, according to Honda, can be adjusted while driving, with one hand. But be careful, because experience has shown that the maneuver can suddenly distract you. Better to do it while stationary!
The perforated deflectors located on each side also help to improve aerodynamics. At indecent speeds, the observation is clear: no more turbulence and no more noise!
Still on the subject of comfort, we find that the original saddle (a comfort saddle is available as an option) is extremely gentle on the seat. In our opinion, there is a progression compared to the original saddle of the first model.
That said, before taking the handlebars, you had to re-familiarize yourself with the multitude of buttons and triggers located on the controls! Fortunately, there is the touch screen which simplifies things and allows you to obtain the desired settings. Note that the touch function of the color TFT screen is only available when stopped. But a simple press of your finger on the time allows you to access all the menus and work on them as you wish.
You can also access all of these functions via the left switch. But here, a time of adaptation is necessarily necessary and good explanations desired. You need memory too! You can thus change the control mode (there are five), the graphic presentation of the display, etc.
The connectivity present as standard allows you to pair the Motorcycle with a smartphone. And since Adroid Auto and Apple CarPlay are possible, we can, for example, afford the luxury of having beautiful GPS guidance with a color map on the dashboard of the Honda NT 1100.
Upgraded and already available in this new version on the Africa Twin, the DCT system promises more smoothness and less jerking at very low speed. But at the first roundabout, my motorcycle “coughs”. What a disappointment!
Then, talking with colleagues, I decided to reduce the transmission setting (in S mode, like Sport) by two bars (a simple action of the right thumb on the DS switch on the right stalk). And as if by magic, the jolts disappeared!
On our 180 kilometer route with roads sometimes still dirty and damaged by recent bad weather, the semi-active suspensions showed their great efficiency and precision but for this, we should not hesitate to test several of the available settings in order to find the right one. which is suitable. The same goes for “Traction Control” which does not suffer from any discussion.
On a few straight lines, we take advantage of “putting on a little gas”. The Honda NT 1100 responds quickly and builds power with enthusiasm. We wonder what would happen with luggage and a passenger. A 102-horsepower twin-cylinder to pave the way? We make up our minds and say to ourselves that the NT 1100 is not listed in the category of Sport-Touring motorcycles but in that of Pure Touring. And then the torque is present from low revs, and we move forward without getting tired.
When attacking on winding sections with good surface, the NT 1100 nevertheless puts forward some good advantages. Starting with a surprising vivacity which allows you to do one row after another without fatigue.
The braking phases are done each time with a very good feeling, to the point of never having needed to use the ABS on the corner. For the record: we always have fun seeing if the driver in front of us is in distress or braking very hard. This is thanks to the flashes emitted by the indicators during strong actions on the levers.
A safety system, which we would describe as “very Japanese”, and which is found on the majority of Honda motorcycles – and also among the competition.
When filling the tank for the following testers, we were able to calculate a consumption of 4.4 l/100 km, while the dashboard told us 5.9 l! This is good news.
So yes, the NT 1100 has really moved up the ranks!
The new NT 1100 will soon be available at retailers with three colors available: Matt Warm Ash Metallic (Bronze); Gun Metal Black Metallic (Black); Pearl Hawkseye (Blue).
Buyers can order two accessory packs.
Urban Pack
It includes a 50 l top box with interior bag and passenger backrest, and an alarm system.
Travel Pack
It includes a 50 l top case. with interior bag and passenger backrest, a 4.5 l tank bag, a rider and passenger comfort saddle, rider and passenger comfort footrests, and fog lights.
In addition to these packs, it is likely that Honda offers other things that are just as useful, such as heated grips or hand guards…
To find out more, you can consult the Swiss Honda website. You can also contact our partners in our Motorcycle Pros Directory. This gives Michel Moto and Moto Loisirs in Lausanne, Moto Rush and Motosport in Geneva, Zufferey Motos in Martigny (VS), and Garage Moderne Motocycles in Bulle (FR).
