Get ready for a stealthy surprise from Honda's top touring motorcycle! The NT1100 is about to get a new look, but it's not just any makeover. This update raises some intriguing questions and might just spark a debate among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Honda, a brand known for its two-wheeled wonders, has a special place in the hearts of many riders, including me. Their motorcycles are a joy to ride, but there's one thing that's always bugged me: the lack of certain models in America. And here's where it gets controversial...
The latest news from Honda is an exciting cosmetic update to the NT1100, their best-selling touring bike in Europe. For 2026, the NT1100 will don a new color scheme, Iridium Gray Metallic, which is so dark it's almost black. This sleek look covers most of the bike, creating a stealthy presence on the road.
As someone who appreciates the wisdom of John Cutter (a character from the movie Passenger 57), I can't help but think this new colorway is the best of the bunch. But here's the twist: while Europe gets to enjoy this update and even has the option of a manual transmission (MT) NT1100, American riders are limited to the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) version.
I wrote about the NT1100 DCT earlier this year, and it's a great bike. When compared to similar alternatives like the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS, Yamaha Tracer 9, and Ducati Multistrada V2, the NT1100 stands out for its torque, price, and ease of use.
The DCT transmission, derived from the Africa Twin engine, delivers a powerful 82.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. And with a starting price of $11,899, it's a compelling choice. But the real Goldilocks factor is the approachability of the DCT, which essentially makes the bike automatic, perfect for those seeking an easier ride.
However, this ease of use might not satisfy purists who prefer the manual experience. The bike does have a "manual" mode, but it sounds more like a fun feature than a practical one.
So, why does Honda offer Americans only the automatic version while Europeans get the manual? It's an interesting question, especially considering that less than 1% of new vehicles sold in the US last year had manual transmissions, compared to a much higher percentage in Europe. Honda might be reading the writing on the wall and adapting to the market's preferences.
Honda's investment in automatic bike technologies, like DCT and E-Clutch, further supports this theory. And let's not forget their growing interest in electric motorcycles.
Despite these differences, I'm optimistic that American riders will get to enjoy the Iridium Gray Metallic hue in 2026, as one of the European colors is already available on the US version of the NT1100.
For now, the 2026 Honda NT1100 MT is exclusive to Europe/UK, with pricing yet to be announced. The 2025 model retails for around $17,000 USD. Europe also gets the 2026 NT1100 Electronic Suspension DCT, with the 2025 edition priced at nearly $18,500 USD. Meanwhile, American riders can get their hands on the more affordable 2025 NT100 DCT, starting at $11,899.
So, what do you think? Is Honda making the right move by catering to the automatic transmission preference in the US market? Or should they offer more options to satisfy the purists? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this intriguing topic!
