The NT1100, the Grand Tourer Ticking all the Boxes  

The Gold Wing 1800 is a top-shelf tourer that can, without a doubt, tackle serious commuting. In comparison, the NC750X is an excellent commuter and can pass as a good weekend tourer. So the question is, what happens if you want the best of both worlds? 

Honda's design engineers asked themselves the same thing and came up with the answer; the NT1100. 

Launched earlier this year, on paper, the NT had a lot going for it as a motorcycle. Its beating heart came straight from the mighty Africa Twin, wrapped in a steel semi-double cradle frame. The suspension is courtesy of Showa, both front and rear. The half-fairing appears functional and the electronics package is enough without being overpowering. 

Award-Winning  

In true Honda style, though, the NT became far more than the sum of its parts. A fact, rubber-stamped earlier this year when it won the prestigious MCN Touring Bike Award. So has Honda pulled it off once more, recognising a niche to fill in the market?  

The 1,084cc SOHC 8-valve parallel twin engine proved its reliability in the CRF1100 Africa Twin. Peak power of 75kW at 7,250rpm and 104Nm of torque at a lowly 6,250rpm remain unchanged. The compression ratio is also identical at 10.1:1, as is the 270° phased crankshaft. 

This last detail and in particular with its uneven firing interval, is one of the things that makes the 1100 engine so endearing. While using biaxial balance shafts cancels primary vibrations, the core of the motor is left intact to provide a tactile feel to acceleration.   

Taking things further still, optimising both air intake and muffler internals creates a pleasing, low-rpm 'throb' guaranteeing the rider's visceral experience. 

For the frame, a conventional semi-double cradle kept production costs low. Meanwhile, a weight-saving aluminium subframe provides a solid base for the luggage and passenger.  

There are chunky 43mm cartridge-style Showa forks with adjustable preload and single tube pressurised Showa on the rear. It's also possible to adjust the rear shock for preload remotely. 

With a keen eye on cost and a desire not to overcomplicate the design, electronic rider aids consist of three default riding modes plus two customisable user modes. The Honda Selectable Torque Control has three settings with three for the wheelie control also.  

The left handlebar switch changes modes. Information viewing is via a 5" TFT touch-screen information consul. 

It's easy to read a spec sheet and imagine everything working in unison but this isn't always something you can take for granted. Motorcycle manufacturers have a history of building bikes with 'dream' specifications only for them to fail to deliver. 

Why the NT is the Whole Package 

For the Honda NT1100, while no one aspect of the build stands out, all components work incredibly well together. The result is a tourer agile enough to enjoy the bends and large enough to be comfortable. While not imposing, it's also fast enough to remain engaging.  

Panniers, centre stand, heated grips and cruise control are all available as standard. What's more, with 60% of new owners opting for the DCT option, this is a grand tourer offering day-to-day practicality.  

CMX1100T; the Coolest Way to Clock up the Miles 

Bobbers are one of the most practical, real-world custom bikes on the street. Dumping all the extra hardware cuts down on sprung weight, which helps with handling and gives the engine and brakes an easier life. However, with the suspension and brakes often untouched, the bobber is a custom bike for the real world. 

In 2017, Honda let the CMX 500 Rebel loose on the world and it was a bold move. A seat height of 690mm and the petrol tank slanting upwards towards the single clock, riders sat in, rather than on, the bike. As a result, the blacked-out bobber looked mean and moody. Yet, its willing motor and amazing agility made it a fun bike to ride.   

With its CB500 engine re-tuned for low-end torque, the diminutive A2 licence-friendly CMX made plenty of friends. In 2021, it became the best-selling custom-style motorcycle in Europe. Criticism of the bike was rare. In fact, it was so good, some couldn't help but ponder if only the Rebel had a huge engine to live up to its badass looks.    

As ever, when bikers speak, Honda steps up. Enter the show-stopping 2021 CMX 1100. 

Old-School meets High-Tech 

The big bobbers engine came straight from the Africa Twin but this time, re-tuned to provide more stump-pulling bottom and mid-range punch. Although the finished product had an old-school vibe, it was 100% high-tech beneath its cut-down bodywork. 

Throttle by wire made electronic rider aids possible. These included three default riding modes with a cluster of different parameters to suit riding conditions or rider mood. 

Power delivery, engine braking and the level of Honda Selectable Torque Control (with integrated Wheelie Control) were also present, as was cruise control as standard. In addition, the bike came with the option of Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), making it one of the most advanced retro bikes on the market.  

Similar to its more diminutive brother, handling was nothing short of amazing. Also,  with so much power on tap and the electronic means to control it, riders couldn't wait to clock up the miles. 

Honda has a range of genuine accessories to trick out the big Rebel but for 2023, there is a surprise up the sleeve. 

All-new touring edition 

The new CMX1100T touring edition is a unique factory custom.  

Instead of burying the bike under a mountain of unnecessary add-ons, the skillfully designed CMX1100 T's fairing and hard panniers enhance the bobber. 

The Rebel T's half-fairing is more than just a pretty face; its dimensions are precise. Meanwhile, the angular fairing is wide enough to provide excellent coverage of the rider's hands but not high enough to swamp the front end.  

Weight-wise and with the addition of a narrow angled screen, it's neatly curtailed in height to provide just enough wind deflection. The fairing also attaches to the fork legs, which allows the fairing to move with the handlebars. 

As for luggage, the minimalistic hard panniers are a work of art, their curves mirroring the back fender perfectly and their lids hinged. They have a generous carrying capacity of 35 litres. 

The Honda 2023 CMX1100T is available with optional DCT. Check this out on Honda's touring section.  

We guarantee the CMX1100T is the coolest way to clock up the miles.