MCL 2021
TOURING
Touring Bikes
Our focus for today’s article is Touring – hitting the open road, as you venture away on small jaunts, or long adventures, knowing your bike is the perfect mechanical companion and you have everything you need loaded with you.
On the Honda stand – the all new NT1100 is capturing a lot of the attention, the latest touring offer in the Honda line-up with many people coming specifically to see this new model, and even have a go on it via our on-stand rolling road feature.
That is not all however, as the Gold Wing zone and lounge is also proving as popular and busy as last time at the same show, with current owners spending some time relaxing, with many potential owners taking a seat on the new models and visualising how it would feel to be out on the open road with this special bike beneath you.
Two-wheeled wanderlust is deep in the hearts of UK riders, and in today's world, motorcycle touring feels even more relevant.
Stable, Agile and Nimble, the New 2022 Honda NT1100 Makes its Debut
From Scotland's 516-mile North Coast 500 route to the rugged splendour of the Cornwall peninsular, the UK's roads offer breath-taking scenery.
Watching the world drift past from the confines of a car does little to fire the imagination. Experience the same journey on two wheels, and you will be embarking on an adventurous road trip with a sensory overload! In light of this, is it any wonder that the announcement of Honda's latest addition to its touring lineup is such welcome news?
The NT1100 is a grand tourer in the purest sense of the word. Its Metzeler Roadtecs, though, are firmly planted in the real world. A capable daily commuter, it breaks free from the urban jungle on the open road, adapting perfectly to both roles.
The motorcycle world press launch was held recently in Barcelona. However, Britain's army of touring fans will get their first opportunity to get up close and personal with Honda's latest mile muncher at this year's NEC's Motorcycle Live event from 4th -12th December.
At the heart of the NT1100 is the engine and chassis from Honda's other runaway success story, the CRF 1100L Africa Twin. This platform, combined with sharper steering and top-shelf suspension, provides the NT1100 with a winning combination of power and poise.
Large capacity twin-cylinder engines are synonymous with grand tourers. The NT1100s 1,084-cc single overhead cam, parallel-twin is more than up to the job. The engine produces a colossal 104-Nm of torque at a lowly 6250-rpm. It can effortlessly carry two people plus their touring kit.
The NT1100 leaves other Big Twins Standing
The 270-degree crankshaft's uneven firing sequence together with tuned intake ducts and silencer internals mean the NT sounds and feels like a big twin at low revs. Light the blue touch paper, and any resemblance to other big twins on the market ends abruptly.
The throttle by wire engine management and fuel injection system translates to seamless and powerful acceleration. Highway cruising speeds are effortless. While vibes higher up the rev counter get taken care of thanks to biaxial balance shafts.
As for the NT1100's Electronics package, you'll find three riding modes, three levels of torque control and three-level wheelie control. In addition, it's possible to select all modes from the left handlebar switch. Riders will find choices highlighted on the crystal clear 6.5-in TFT touch screen display.
Being a competent tourer, the option for Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission was a natural fit. First appearing as an option on the 2009 VFR1200, DCT now features on over 200,00 bikes in Europe alone.
With two settings, Dual Clutch Transmission allows the rider to enjoy seamless, consistent automatic gear changes in Automatic (AT) mode. Switch to MT (manual) mode, and up and downshifts are taken care of using the left-hand switchgear as a paddle shift.
Keeping things on track is the Africa Twin's steel semi-double-cradle frame with bolt-on aluminium subframe. This confidence-inspiring frame is off-road rugged, so you can bet it will handle anything the urban jungle throws its way.
At the front end, sharpened steering geometry provides greater road-oriented performance. At the same time, the 43-mm USD Showa forks get a useful 150-mm of travel. Interestingly, the rear Showa monoshock also gets 150-mm of travel too. Spring load adjustment is courtesy of remote hydraulics, and adjustment for pillion and luggage is a piece of cake.
On the road, all of these chassis refinements and components gel to give a well-designed combination of stability, agility and nimbleness. Find yourself wading through slow traffic and despite the NT's generous proportions, a low seat height and sculptured seat mean even shorter riders can get both boots on the ground. Passenger space is ample and well-placed pillion pegs make paddling painless.
When it comes to equipment, the NT1100's creature comforts have a practicality that negates clutter. In addition, there are subtle additions, including upper and lower fairing wings designed to cut down wind and weather stress. The NT also benefits from a height and angle adjustable screen.
You will also find a USB and ACC power socket. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth keep you in touch and in the groove while on the move.
Heated grips, cruise control, colour-coded panniers and a helpful centre stand feature as standard.
The NT1100 takes the grand tour in its stride, yet at the same time, it is a tourer nimble enough to tackle the everyday commute. For new owners, the biggest problem will be in which direction to head first.
The 2022 GL 1800 Gold Wing: Because you’re Worth It!
When the Honda Gold Wing's launch took place in 1975, you could almost hear the sound of jaws hitting the floor. Having already earned a reputation as an innovator with the 1969 Honda 750-4, the new 1000-cc Gold Wing picked up the baton and ran.
With a certain large capacity V-twin manufacturer resting on its laurels, mile hungry American motorcyclists saw the Gold Wing as the answer to their prayers.
The Gold Wing is one of the longest standing motorcycle models to remain in constant production. It has evolved from a naked muscle bike to the ultimate in touring luxury and sophistication.
They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, when the opposition attempted to steal its crown, Honda rose to the challenge. They got to work by redesigning the 2018 Gold Wing from the tyres up.
The result was a future proof, sleeker, sharper handling Wing. It delivered turbine smooth power while carrying its rider and pillion in unapologetic and sheer luxury.
Updates in 2020, including LED fog lights, larger pillion grab rails and suspension mods, were joined in 2021 by increased carrying capacity and an audio upgrade. Thus, Honda discovered a whole new generation of potential Wing owners. These touring fans were happy to sacrifice old school nostalgia for new school technology.
As for the 2022 models, if you can't wait for them to hit the showroom floor, you're in luck. Heading to the Honda UK stand at the NEC's Motorcycle Live event from 4th-12th December will treat you to a tourer fix, guaranteed to keep you buzzing throughout winter.
Available in two models, the GL 1800 Gold Wing and GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour come with two gearbox options. The significant change comes with the standard GL1800, going from manual to DCT only.
Manual or Automatic, the Choice is Yours
Meanwhile, the higher-spec Gold Wing Tour still offers the option of a manual or automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The six-speed manual gearbox includes overdrive and reverse gear together with a 20% lighter slipper clutch.
Opt for DCT, and the big Honda transforms into a seamless power cruiser. The third-generation seven-speed box features smoother and faster gearshifts and a walking mode that operates forward and backwards.
Manual and DCT options benefit from the helpful addition of Hill Start Assist (HSA). This feature makes slipping backwards a thing of the past.
The only other significant changes relate to the colour options. The 2022 GL 1800 Gold Wing is now available in Matt Jeans Blue Metallic. The subtle textures of this striking paint scheme are a masterpiece of understatement. The blacked-in engine is highlighted to perfection by red satin finish rocker covers.
When it comes to the 2022 GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour, you'll find a choice of three colours. Henry Ford strikes again with a Gunmetal Black Metallic for the manual version that takes stealth to another level. Meanwhile, choose the GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour DCT version, and the Gunmetal Black option features a striking Glint Wave Blue Metallic and Pearl Glare White.
Honda Gets into Gear with Dual Clutch Transmission
Whenever a radical technological innovation in the motorcycle world makes its debut, you can expect some degree of scepticism. It was this way for Granville Bradshaw in 1919 when his 483-cc ABC motorcycle featured a duplex frame and front and rear suspension.
Scepticism also greeted Honda when, in 2010, the VFR1200F became the first motorcycle in the world to feature Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Any initial resistance focused on the potential loss of the traditional motorcycling experience rather than opposition to any technical aspect.
Instead of taking away from the riding experience, the DCT exists to enhance the ride. As a result, the rider can enjoy bend-swinging to the full by taking away the need for gear changing. Almost 12 years down the road, over 200,000 Honda owners ride around Europe on DCT-equipped motorcycles.
Without delving into technical aspects, a DCT is a transmission where the clutch and gearshift operate automatically.
Eliminating the need to operate the clutch, results in smoother acceleration and deceleration. With the rider free to concentrate on the throttle and brake operation, many DCT-equipped motorcycle owners say their riding skill and cornering has improved.
As its name suggests, the DCT mechanism comprises of two clutches. The first handles the odd gears (1st,3rd, 5th). Meanwhile, the second clutch takes care of the even gears (2nd,4th and 6th).
How Easy is the System to Operate?
From a rider viewpoint, operating the system couldn't be easier. Two modes are selectable, Automatic Transmission (AT) and Manual Transmission (MT). Its ease of use means the system quickly becomes intuitive.
Select AT mode, and the most challenging decision you'll face is in which direction to point the front wheel. The motorcycle's onboard electronics constantly monitor vehicle speed and engine revs and do all the heavy lifting, deciding the optimum time to shift up or down.
For those motorcyclists not quite ready to relinquish gear selection entirely, MT mode is the solution. Gear changes don't require a manual clutch operation, but the rider chooses the exact moment to change gear. This function is courtesy of the two paddle-shift triggers on the left handlebar switch.
For those unfamiliar with DCT, an obvious question springs to mind. When selecting AT mode, will automatic gear changes rob the rider of the thrill of spirited riding? Thanks to the level of integration between the bike's electronic sensors, riding modes such as Sport become part of the DCT shifting programme.
The bottom line is, even in full auto mode, spirited riding is only a push-button away. Only when it is safe to do so, of course!
At present, Honda's DCT makes perfect sense for their touring lineup. The introduction of DCT for the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports shows that it is both flexible and off-road tough.
Rolling Down the Highway in the Great Indoors
Being able to see your favourite motorcycle in the metal is a significant draw for bikers. However, while touching the object of your desire is fun, what every biker is yearning to do is throw a leg over the saddle and experience what it actually feels like to ride.
Honda understands this and thanks to the popularity of the rolling road on the Honda stand at the previous 2019 event, this hands-on show stopper has made its triumphant return in 2021.
This year's rolling road features the fabulous and flexible Honda NT1100, Honda's latest addition to its touring stable.
It's not every day you get the opportunity to ride a brand new model before it even hits the showroom floor. Better yet, because your ride will be in a safe and controlled environment, you won't even need to bring a crash helmet.
So if you’re coming to the show this week, be sure to head on over to Honda and start rolling, rolling, rolling!
Share your Motorcycle Live Honda Highlights
Time to Show, Tell and Share!
So this article about the love of touring draws to an end, however, are, or were you one of the thousands of two-wheel fans who came together during the UK's biggest and best motorcycle event?
Here at Honda, we'd love to hear your thoughts about the 2021 Motorcycle Live event and get your feedback on the 2022 GL 1800 Gold Wing and the all-new NT1100 2022. All you need to do is hit us up at https://twitter.com/HondaUKBikes or like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HondaMotoUK.
If you're a watcher rather than a talker, check out our YouTube channel. Here, you will discover hundreds of videos, ranging from our 125 range, to exclusive Honda UK racing content. There really is something for everyone.
Last but not least, why not share your pics and vids on Instagram and tag us @ hondaukmotorcycles
So, if you have something to show, tell or share, make it happen via one of our Honda social media platforms.
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