Honda NT1100 DCT specifications, dimensions and price

Honda NT1100 DCT

What an owner-rider says

On the Concours Owners forum, a rider who was following reviews because a leg injury made manhandling and shifting a Concours 14 difficult writes that the DCT and the roughly 150-pound weight reduction are the primary attractions.

After a demo ride the same rider says they would have to ride a standard-shift NT1100 to feel the engine power as it delivers, and that the seat and riding position seemed comfortable enough for extended rides. Another poster notes that everyone upgrades the suspension, windscreen, handlebars, seat, exhaust and ECU on a bike like this.

It is one owner's impression, but it captures who buys the DCT version: riders who want to remove the clutch lever, not to reduce engagement.

The NT1100 has a 92.0 x 81.5 mm bore and stroke and 10.5:1 compression, the same engine dimensions as the Rebel 1100. The chassis has a 60.4 in wheelbase, 26.5 degrees of rake and 4.3 in of trail. The 43 mm inverted Showa fork gives 5.9 in of travel and the Pro-Link Showa shock 5.9 in.

The front brakes are dual 310 mm discs with radial four-piston calipers and ABS, and the tires are 120/70-17 and 180/55-17. At 547 lb curb, it is 50 lb heavier than the Rebel 1100.

NT1100 against the German tourers

At $11,999 the NT1100 costs about half of BMW's R 1300 RT at $22,645 and weighs 73 lb less than its 620 lb. BMW's K 1600 GT at $26,885 and 756.2 lb and K 1600 B at $25,075 are in a larger class. If you want a comfortable, mid-weight tourer with an automatic gearbox at a modest price, the Honda is the value choice; if you want a big bike with heated everything, look elsewhere.

Fuel, range and comfort features

The 5.4 gal tank is the largest in the Honda twin family, and at a reasonable economy figure that gives a long range between stops, which is what a sport-touring rider wants. The 5.9 in of travel front and rear is less than an adventure bike's 7.5 to 7.9 in but more than a cruiser's 3.7 in. The 43 mm inverted Showa fork with an SFF-BP cartridge is a quality component at this price.

The accessory 32.6 in seat is 0.3 in higher than the standard one, which is a small change but shows Honda offering a range of heights. For a rider with a lower inseam, sit on the bike first: 32.3 in is not a low seat.

NT1100 against the R 1300 RT and K 1600 GT

BMW's R 1300 RT and K 1600 GT are the premium tourers, at $22,645 and $26,885.