TRAVERSE 129
NEWS
Fresh Colours, Proven Formula
Honda’ s NT1100 will enter its 2027 model year with a fresh colour palette, as the company looks to keep its road-focused tourer appealing in an adventure-bike dominated market.
The 2027 NT1100 and NT1100 Electronic Suspension will be available in two new finishes – Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Mat Beta Silver Metallic – alongside the existing Pearl Hawkseye Blue.
There are no major mechanical changes announced for 2027, with Honda instead carrying forward the substantial upgrades introduced for the 2025 model year. Those changes strengthened the NT1100’ s engine performance, improved its touring practicality and introduced a new electronically controlled suspension variant.
The NT1100 was originally launched for the 2022 model year as an alternative to the increasingly large and adventure-focused motorcycles dominating long-distance travel. Rather than chasing off-road ability or imposing dimensions, Honda designed the NT as a straightforward road tourer with a sporty edge, combining the platform and 1,084cc parallel-twin engine derived from the Africa Twin with a more road-focused chassis and touring equipment.
According to Honda, more than 25,000 NT1100s have now been sold, while the model was Europe’ s best-selling tourer in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
For the 2025 model year, Honda concentrated on making the NT1100 stronger and more comfortable rather than radically changing its character. The 1,084cc, eight-valve parallel twin was revised through changes to the intake, combustion and exhaust systems, increasing low- and mid-range torque by seven per cent without sacrificing peak power.
The engine produces 75kW at 7,500rpm and 112Nm at 5,500rpm, with the peak torque figure arriving earlier than before. The 270-degree crankshaft and uneven firing interval remain a key part of the engine’ s character, giving the twin its distinctive exhaust note and feel.
Electronic control was also substantially upgraded for 2025, with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit becoming the centre of the NT1100 ' s rider-assistance systems.
The IMU monitors roll, pitch and yaw, feeding information into the Honda Selectable Torque Control system and integrated Wheelie Control. It also supports Cornering ABS and Rear Lift Control, giving the NT1100 a more sophisticated electronic safety net when braking, accelerating and cornering.
Three standard riding modes – Urban, Rain and Tour – provide different combinations of power and engine braking, while two User modes allow riders to create and save their own settings.
The Honda Selectable Torque Control system has three levels of intervention, with the system using realtime information from the IMU to adjust its response according to the motorcycle’ s attitude and movement.
The NT1100 continues to offer Honda’ s Dual Clutch Transmission as an alternative to the conventional six-speed manual gearbox. The DCT system was also revised for 2025, with Honda concentrating on smoother low-speed operation and a shift strategy specifically developed around the NT1100’ s engine and cornering characteristics.
In automatic mode, riders can choose between D and three levels of S mode, while manual control is available through paddle-style triggers on the left handlebar.
Honda says that 66 per cent of NT1100 customers have chosen DCT since the model was introduced, highlighting the growing acceptance of the technology among touring riders.
The NT1100 ' s touring credentials are also reflected in its equipment list. A redesigned fairing introduced for 2025 gave the bike a sharper appearance while retaining its focus on weather protection, with upper and lower wind deflectors working with a redesigned five-position screen.
One of the more practical changes was the ability to adjust the screen with one hand while seated, allowing riders to alter the airflow without having to stop.
The seat was also enlarged, with the rear section of the rider’ s seating area increased by 20 per cent compared with the original 2022 design. Seat height remains 820mm.
Honda also increased the capacity of the standard panniers. The 37-litre left pannier and 36-litre right pannier are large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet each, while the low-mounted exhaust helps maximise the available luggage space.
TRAVERSE 129