Honda Touring Motorcycle: Travel Bikes and Sports Tourers for Long Distances

• 4 models, all for category A
• Gold Wing: 1833 cc six-cylinder, 93 kW
• Tank from 20.4 to 24.8 litres
• DCT on Gold Wing, NT1100 and Adventure Sports
• CB1000GT: 110.1 kW, 21-litre tank
• NT1100 with IMU-based electronics

Travel motorcycle, sports tourer, luxury tourer: the differences

Touring motorcycles differ mainly in how sporty or comfortable they are. A sports tourer such as the CB1000GT combines high performance with touring ability. An all-round tourer such as the NT1100 focuses on adjustable wind protection, modern electronics and everyday practicality.

The Gold Wing (GL1800) stands for touring with a six-cylinder engine and dual clutch transmission. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports, in turn, is a travel motorcycle with reserves for gravel and has the largest tank in this category. Which type suits you depends on whether you like to take corners briskly, cover kilometres in a relaxed way or also plan unpaved routes.

What to look for in a touring motorcycle

Before you choose a touring motorcycle, check your licence: all four models require category A. There is no model in this category for category A restricted to 35 kW, called A2 in the EU; touring-capable alternatives with a 35 kW version are, for example, the NC750X or Transalp XL750.

After that, weight, range and transmission are decisive. The Gold Wing is the heaviest model in this category and requires practice when manoeuvring; the CB1000GT and NT1100 are considerably lighter. In terms of tank capacity, the CB1000GT and Gold Wing hold 21 litres, the NT1100 20.4 litres and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports 24.8 litres.

If you do not like using the clutch, you will find the Gold Wing with dual clutch transmission (DCT) in all listed versions; the NT1100 and Africa Twin Adventure Sports are optionally available with it. On mountain passes and in traffic jams there is then no clutch work, which makes long days less tiring.

The Honda travel motorcycles at a glance

The Gold Wing (GL1800) has an 1833 cc six-cylinder engine with 93 kW and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission; Honda describes its chassis as agile. It is available as the Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour, and for the anniversary also as the 50th Anniversary.

The NT1100 (1084 cc, 75 kW) pulls harder thanks to extra torque at low and medium revs, and it also has an easily adjustable windscreen, LED headlights with daytime running lights and IMU-based electronics. It is available without DCT, with DCT and as DCT ES.

The CB1000GT brings 110.1 kW and 1000 cc to a touring package with a 21-litre tank, suited to brisk journeys on winding roads. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports is the tourer for road and off-road: 75 kW, a large tank, fairing and windscreen for long days in the saddle, and suspension that can be adjusted electronically.

On the road with luggage and a passenger

On long journeys you are often riding two-up and with luggage. This changes handling and braking distance. Ride the first few kilometres with a full load calmly and adjust tyre pressure and spring preload according to the information in the owner's manual.

Adjustable suspension is helpful, as offered on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports with the electronic Showa EERA system. It also has a 19-inch front wheel and a tyre of size 110/80-19, which Honda cites for good handling on the road. According to dealer data, the NT1100 and CB1000GT each reach 200 km/h.

Test ride and training before the big trip

You can only judge the seating position, wind protection and weight of a travel motorcycle after a few kilometres. Honda Motorrad Zürich arranges a test ride with you and advises on DCT, equipment and leasing.

If you also plan unpaved routes with the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, it is best to practise beforehand: the MX-Academy off-road training is designed specifically for people who ride adventure tourers or adventure bikes, either on their own motorcycle or in a complete package.