Just a few days ago, we showed you Honda’s teaser video of its upcoming touring machine.  Now, Honda Europe is pulling the wraps off and is unveiling the NT1100 touring motorcycle.  Honda says the bike “ushers in a New Touring Era for 2022.”

Honda says that the new NT is for those who want “…performance, handling, long-range comfort and a full range of technology but not necessarily the image or physical dimensions of ‘adventure” bike.  They believe that many want a “straightforward” touring bike but with high specs and a sporty edge to its roadgoing performance.  And Honda thinks that its NT1100 is the sort of bike that can be a weekday commuter or an extended tour mount.  And it can do it all two up and fully loaded.

The 2022 HONDA NT1100 has an aggressive-looking front end.

In making comparisons to its touring heritage, Honda says that the NT1100 is a comfortable, agile, and enjoyable “New Touring breed.” Their design thesis hopes to draw those with memories of previous similar Hondas of the past and attract younger riders looking to “move up from a middleweight machine.”

Aero and rider wind protection

According to Honda, the NT1100 uses subtle styling to deliver efficient aerodynamic performance. Protecting the rider from the elements is a 5-way height-adjustable windscreen.  Complementing the screen are both upper and lower wind deflectors which provide additional rider protection.  The NT1100 also offers a riding position tailored to touring comfort.

2022 HONDA NT1100 comes with LED lighting all around and a 5-position adjustable windshield.

Comfort

To help riders travel those long distances, the NT1100 arrives with plenty of comfort aids.  The new machine boasts integrated panniers, heated grips, cruise control, USB and ACC charging sockets, and a center stand.  All come as standard equipment.

Lighting

To help you see and be seen, lighting is full LED with daytime running lights (DRL).  There are also self-canceling turn signals and emergency stop lighting.

The 2022 NT1100’s cockpit.

Suspension

To accomplish its mission, the NT1100 uses a steel semi-double cradle frame.  It provides for a relatively short wheelbase and “sharp” steering geometry.  Honda says the NT1100’s suspension uses a “high specification” 43 mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front fork and a single tube rear shock with hydraulic spring preload.  The setup provides 150 mm (5.9 inches) of travel both front and rear.  With this arrangement, the NT1100 offers an 820 mm (32.3 inches) seat height.

To help you slow down the festivities during sporty rides, the NT1100 uses dual 310 mm discs at the front paired with 4-piston radial-mount calipers.  Wheels are both 17-inch units shod with 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear tires.

4-piston calipers grasp 310 mm front discs.

Engine

The engine for Honda’s newest machine comes from its Africa Twin adventure bike.  Honda says the engine features “full fat” performance using an intake and exhaust tuned for smooth acceleration and a “pleasing” low rpm sound.  Honda quotes the bike’s engine outputs as 75 kW of power (100 hp) and 104 nM (~77 lb-ft) of torque.  Those numbers are pretty close to the Africa Twin’s claimed amounts.  So apparently, it’s not a watered-down version of the Africa Twin’s lump.

The 2022 HONDA NT1100 powerplant comes from the Africa Twin.

Riding modes

Most sporting machines are arriving with a significant electronics suite, and the new Honda is no different.  The NT1100 offers three default riding modes (URBAN, RAIN, and TOUR) in addition to two customizable USER modes. You’ll also find 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HTSC) and 3-level wheelie control.

Honda describes the bike’s riding modes as follows:

• URBAN is standard and offers an all-around middle setting of engine power and engine braking.
• RAIN reduces engine power and engine braking for extra reassurance on wet or slippery surfaces.
• TOUR gives full engine power and standard engine braking for strong acceleration while carrying a pillion and luggage.
• USER 1 and 2 modes offer the ability to customize between the settings for the preferred combination. Once set, the USER setting is automatically stored, so there’s no need to re-set each time the ignition is turned on.

The 2022 HONDA NT1100’s TFT full-color display is showing URBAN mode.

Manual or DCT transmission

If foot shifting is not your thing, you can also get Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option in place of the bike’s six-speed gearbox.  The DCT system offers two distinct shifting capabilities.  Automatic Transmission (AT) mode uses pre-programmed shift patterns, which constantly read vehicle speed, gear selected, and engine rpm to decide when a shift should occur.  Or the rider may choose to use the Manual Transmission (MT) mode for gear changes using the paddle-shift style triggers on the left handlebar.

Range and weight

The NT1100 sports a 20 liter (5.3 gallon) fuel tank, which Honda says should give riders a 400 km (~250 miles) range.  This range should allow most riders to enjoy more than enough riding between fuel stops.

Kerb weight (all fluids and full fuel) varies with the transmission chosen.  The manual transmission-equipped machine comes in at 238 kg (525 lbs).  If you choose the DCT version, kerb weight rises another 10kg to 248 kg (547 lbs).

2022 HONDA NT1100

Electronics

To keep you aware of operating conditions and provide entertainment, the bike’s 6.5-inch TFT touch screen display offers full color, customizable layouts.  And it is Apple Car Play®, Android Auto®, and Bluetooth® compatible.

2022 HONDA NT1100 has a suite of connectivity options.

Accessories

Of course, Honda is offering a range of accessories for the NT1100.  Among them is a quickshifter with autoblipper function and aluminum cosmetic panels for the luggage. To make it easy for an owner to get their NT1100 the way they want it, three packs are also available (all items can also be purchased separately):

• URBAN PACK: Includes a 50L top box with inner bag, comfort backrest, 4.5L tank bag.
• TOURING PACK: Includes rider/pillion comfort seats, comfort pillion footpegs, and fog lights.
• VOYAGE PACK: Includes a 50L top box with inner bag, comfort backrest, 4.5L tank bag, rider/pillion comfort seats, comfort pillion footpegs, and fog lights.

The 2022 HONDA NT1100 with the Voyage Pack.

Pricing

The manual transmission NT1100 is priced at £11,999 (~$16,535).  The DCT equipped model will set you back £12,999 (~$17,915). There’s no word on whether the bike will make it to North American shores.

Specifications:

All photo credit: Honda Europe

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