2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT Evaluation [16 Fast Facts]

As soon as upon a time, there have been numerous Honda cruisers that additionally served as touring platforms. Nonetheless, it has taken till 2023 for a touring variant to make its method into the three-bike Insurgent lineup of latest cruisers. Though the 2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT doesn’t compete with critical touring bikes, it’s a bagger designed for weekend journeys if you’re packing mild and on the lookout for some enjoyable using alongside the way in which. Let’s pack up and go using to the land of Quick Information.

1. Two options flip the usual Insurgent 1100 DCT into the 2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT. The T will get a minimalist fork-mounted batwing-style fairing and a pair of compact facet luggage; that’s it. These options add $1200 and 33 kilos to the usual Insurgent 1100 DCT. Even with that added worth, the 1100T’s MSRP is a bagger discount at $11,299.

2. There are touring equipment for the usual Insurgent 1100 fashions—saddlebags and a windscreen fairing—however they aren’t the identical as what’s on the 1100T. The 1100 accent saddlebags are nylon with a 24-liter capability, in comparison with the locking plastic facet instances on the T that carry 35 liters of cargo. Additionally, the accent windscreen fairing is completely different, and arguably much less trendy, than what Honda bestowed upon the 1100T.

3. The aim-built 1100T facet instances and fairing are color-matched to the bike, giving it a premium look. Whereas hardcore motorcyclists will discover instantly that these are objects constructed to a worth level, passersby who merely know what they like routinely give approval to the looks of the 2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT. They will inform it’s a glossy motorbike with a solo seat and sufficient cargo area for a rider who can pack mild.

4. Constructed for weekend journeys, the fairing does its job. The 1100T’s fairing isn’t designed to place you in a bubble. It directs the wind off your torso, making a experience much less fatiguing, with out isolating you out of your environment. It’s good for gentle or heat climate—you may wish to decide one other experience for chilly or inclement days.

5. Honda didn’t go overboard on the Insurgent 1100T’s facet instances. The plastic used for the instances is just not strong, and the lid is so flimsy that it makes it tough to latch shut—it takes concerted strain in simply the correct spot till you hear the latch click on. As soon as closed, it’s straightforward to lock with the identical key used for the ignition.

6. You may deliver your electronics alongside, however you’ll should pack round them. A big laptop computer is out of the query, however a 13-inch Chromebook suits within the left case when wedged in diagonally—you’ll should pack round it. Small laptops, normal tablets, and enormous smartphones will likely be advantageous. No method a helmet suits—properly, perhaps a half-helmet, however we didn’t have one useful to attempt.

7. The facet instances will simply pack sufficient clothes for a single rider on a weekend tour. Keep in mind, there’s solely a solo seat, so that you solely should pack for one. You may pack layers and gloves for days with massive temperature swings. A median textile jacket with full armor can squeeze in, although in all probability solely into the left case. You might need to make some arduous selections when packing.

8. The parallel-twin and Twin Clutch Transmission tailored from the Honda Africa Twin 1100 journey bike is a spirited using accomplice. The motor spins up rapidly within the Sport mode, and noticeably slower within the Commonplace mode. High velocity is restricted to 100 mph by Honda—in sixth gear, the rev limiter kicks in at 6000 rpm, although the redline is 8k. The DCT optimizes acceleration, because it upshifts on the newest second doable in Sport mode, getting probably the most out of the revable motor.

9. Along with three preset modes—Sport, Commonplace, and Rain—a Person mode lets the rider choose the throttle response, shifting aggressiveness, traction management, and engine compression braking. You may swap between modes on the fly through intuitive switchgear on your left thumb. Apart from traction management, all modifications are plainly felt whereas using.

10. Working with the totally (or semi-) computerized DCT, the Insurgent 1100T likes to carve up canyons, quick and sluggish. The power to dial on the facility with out shifting provides the rider the capability to focus solely on using. Many individuals object to the DCT, arguing that clutching and shifting are integral to the using expertise. We perceive that, however we suspect they’ve by no means ridden a motorcycle with DCT. Nothing about it takes away from the using expertise, and liberating up rider bandwidth makes it simpler to get pleasure from your environment alongside the way in which. In case you should, you’ll be able to manually change gears through thumb and index shifters. After that novelty wears off, you doubtless received’t contact them once more.

11. The 2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T chassis is a sporty one. The seating place is near a typical, with the rider’s toes barely ahead. The ergonomics make testing the geometry’s limits straightforward, and that features beneficiant cornering clearance. The Dunlop D428 tires work impressively properly—it’s the OEM model of the Dunlop Elite 4, which we’ve got reviewed. Flip-in is impartial with the 130mm 18-inch entrance tire, and pulling the 1100T out of a nook is just not tough. Suspension motion is taut, conserving the Insurgent engaged. Actually, should you’re pushing the envelope of the 1100T’s dealing with, it’s time to maneuver on to a full-on sport-touring bike. For a lot of riders, the Insurgent 1100T is as sporting because it must be.

12. The one weak spot within the Insurgent 1100T’s sport-touring efficiency is its braking. Honda is asking a variety of the 1100T’s single 330mm entrance disc, even with a radially mounted no-name four-piston caliper. You may’t depend on engine braking, because the DCT doesn’t downshift as aggressively as you is perhaps hitting the entrance brake. We have been impressed by the help provided by the 256mm rear disc brake and the 180mm tire. The 2 brakes work so properly in conjunction that we predict Honda must be linking them—that definitely would enhance the efficiency of the right-hand lever.

13. With average cruiser ergonomics, a snug seat, semi-protective fairing, and environment friendly suspension, the 2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T can knock off 400 miles in a day with out a second thought. Whereas it doesn’t have the bags area for lengthy journeys, it’s snug when piling on the miles. It helps that you could transfer round a bit on the seat and footpegs. The usual cruise management works completely, extending the rider’s vary.

14. Nearer to dwelling, the Insurgent 1100T is a advantageous commuter mount. It has the facility and stability wanted. The luggage are definitely useful, and don’t get in the way in which when lane-splitting and filtering, regardless that they’re a contact wider than the bar ends on the slender handlebar. It’s additionally nice to lane-split with out worrying about clutching, stalling, or being in the correct gear—good for arriving at work much less frazzled.

15. While you park, don’t overlook to set the parking brake. With the engine off, the motor is in impartial, so it should roll on an incline. Honda has a useful warning mild do you have to attempt taking off with the brake nonetheless on. Nonetheless, we would like an insistent rev limiter that additionally will get your consideration if the parking brake is engaged—you’ll by no means wish to experience with it cinched down.

16. It didn’t take a lot to show the Insurgent 1100 DCT right into a convincing cruiser-sport-tourer, which speaks to the fundamental competency of the platform. The ensuing 2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT is a rewarding experience for individuals who need velocity over consolation. The steampunk styling, with the peanut-style tank and solo seat perched over a fringe body, impresses onlookers with a contemporary customized look. The adaptable Insurgent 1100T proves to be a formidable and fulfilling motorbike, even when it set sail towards the prevailing V-twin cruiser present.

Motion images by Kelly Callan
Static images by Don Williams

RIDING STYLE

2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT Specs

ENGINE

• Kind: Parallel-twin canted ahead 22.5 levels
• Bore x stroke: 92.0 x 81.5mm
• Displacement: 1084cc
• Compression ratio: 10.1:1
• Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves
• Fueling: EFI w/ 46mm throttle our bodies
• Transmission: 6-speed Twin Clutch Transmission w/ guide or computerized shift
• Clutch: Absolutely computerized
• Remaining drive: 525 O-ring chain

CHASSIS

• Body: Metal-tube perimeter
• Entrance suspension; journey: Spring-preload adjustable 43mm cartridge-style fork; 5.5 inches
• Rear suspension; journey: Spring-preload adjustable Showa piggyback-reservoir shocks; 3.7 inches
• Wheels: Forged aluminum
• Tires: Dunlop D428
• Entrance tire: 130/70 x 18
• Rear tire: 180/65 x 16
• Entrance brake: 330mm floating disc w/ radially mounted four-piston monobloc caliper
• Rear brake: 256mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
• Parking: Left handlebar-mounted locking lever
• ABS: Commonplace

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

• Wheelbase: 59.8 inches
• Rake: 28 levels
• Path: 4.3 inches
• Seat peak: 27.5 inches
• Gasoline capability: 3.6 gallons
• Curb weight: 542 kilos
• Colours: Bordeaux Crimson Metallic; Metallic Black

2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT Worth: $11,299 MSRP

2023 Honda Insurgent 1100T DCT Evaluation Photograph Gallery