Well, 2024 or 25 they say is different from the previous 1000 model. Would be good to test ride it back-to-back if possible. Not sure if they let test riding Jap bikes.
Is the USA nt1100 is a Frankenbike?
- Thread starter billo
- Start date
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
2025 is the release of the Versys 1100. But one would be hard pressed to find one. 2015 to 2018 was the first time the 1000 was in the US as a Generation two model. (Cat eye headlights) 2019 to 2024 is the gen three Versys 1000 SE (electronic suspension, cruise and a bunch of other items the Gen II did not have. And now the 2025 is the 1100 SE which looks exactly like the 1000 SE but the displacement was increased about 56 CC. The 2019 to 2024 Versys 1000 was 1043 CC and the 1100 version is 1099cc
I still think that Versys 11 is step up in fun factor compared to Honda, but still need to test riding both to know all the details.
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Don't know if any body has been into the engine of the new NT1100 or even an African twin, but...... I received my authorized Honda NT1100D/P Service Manual yesterday evening, It took a week and a half. They told me when I ordered it it would be 5 to 6 weeks. Not cheap but one or two DIY oil changes will pay for the manual. 87 bucks. Lots of pages with colored wiring diagrams. Phone number and internet address is in the back of the Owners manual. Anyway, Just glancing through the service manual real quick and I read the valve adjust procedure. The intake valves are shim under bucket adjust and the exhaust vales are Roller rocker arms with locknut/ screwdriver adjust. Strange, but that tells me the intakes will not move very much but the exhaust might need frequent adjustments when checked via the service interval. Gentlemen, I am starting to believe we DO have a Frankenbike
That is strange. I would think they'd go for shims on both sides. Unless it was a way to keep the dealership mechanics working???
I just had the valves inspected on my XR and all were in the middle of the spec. I expected that because they are shimmed, but did the inspection to both get an initial measurement and to keep the warranty intact.
Chris
Honda calls that SOHC valve train Unicam and it is used in newer engines like the 2018+ Goldwings, 1100 cc engine in the Rebels, Africa Twin, NT1100, the 755cc twin engine in the Transalpine and Hornet. I believe it debuted some years ago in the CRF450 single. Unicam compacts the cylinder heads while reducing some of the complexity of maintaining shim under bucket valves and keeps the intake valve adjustments simple.
The thought that comes to mind is there is more to the cost of a motorcycle than simply the initial purchase cost. Probably the biggest cost item on the service interval chart is the valve checks. My guess, and it is only an assumption from a non-mechanic, is the NT1100 (and the other bikes) will need a valve inspection. Those bikes with shims don't usually change and many owners will skip some of the valve inspections.
Chris
Erdoc48
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I have fond (just kidding) memories of switching out a spring in a revolver I have several years ago…all of the sudden it was there, then it was gone…checked all areas of my living room, and to this day, it’s still MIA (had to order a replacement then). They get distance when compressed.
As for valve checks, would it be a proper assumption that higher revving bikes (like 12-15K RPM at high end) might need the valves shimmed more frequently or more likely?
Yes, skipping valve checks does reduce ownership cost. Neglecting all the maintenance is cheaper yet. Until it isn't because it was neglected.
If it's a serious Q, having half the valves, the intakes, adjusted by screw & lock nuts is less labor and cost and those are something so simple many owners can DIY. NT, Rebel, and Africa Twin owners might comment on how often valve checks are recommended and if the intakes are stable.
Donk
Site Supporter
I have never seen a Unicam with a screw and locknut adjuster. Just looked it up IT IS a screw and locknut setup.
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ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
exhaust valves are screw and locknut. Intake valves are shim under bucket.
Yes, unaccountably I got that backwards. Thanks for the correction.
Dave, skipping valve checks intelligently, is not always negligence. I know of a couple bikes, my F800GT was one, where we had our valves checked...and nothing changed. Ever. Mine stayed in spec through 100,000+ miles. So after the first couple checks, I quit checking mine till @80,000 miles. Still no change. At 107,000 miles when I traded it in, it ran smoother than when new and still used no oil. Skipping those valve checks wasn't negligence. It was simply saving money.
I had screw & locknut valves on my VW Beetle. They were easy to check and adjust. But they did require that check. My point was only that with any of the valves using the screw & locknut adjustment, they have to be checked. The cost of ownership includes both the initial purchase price and what happens after the sale.
Chris
Donk
Site Supporter
Recommended valve checks on my '15 R1 were 26,000 miles. But it only revved to 12K.
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
Well, it is a Crossover, so by definition...
the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
Heck recommended valve checks on my Yamahas like my 2002 FZ-1, a 5 valve per cylinder sport bike were 26,000 miles. I always wondered why Yamaha valves could go that long and the valves on my Hondas less than 1/2 that? Then again the 84 Honda Nighthawk CB700S had hydraulic valves that NEVER needed checking (and it has shaft drive too). Motorcycle mfgs could give us nearly maint free bikes if they wanted to.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
I agree completely in the case of a touring motorcycle. I had a Honda that I put over 240,000 Km on and never even had to check the valves because they were hydraulic. I know all of the reasons for having mechanical valve trains like smaller more compact valve trains, cheaper manufacturing, higher revving capability, increased horse power, etc.. If I had a sport bike that I was ringing to the limit all of the time that would be a different scenario but with a touring bike I would happily trade a five HP loss for a maintenance free hydraulic valve train.
Thanks for all the insights re: NT. I am seriously look ing for a replacement for my 2006 ST1300, and find the options limited for comprobable unit. Keep the info comming as I will probably be getting serious by the Fall.
Donk
Site Supporter
For whatever reason Honda chose to go with screw and locknut I'm sure it will work fine. I'd imagine once they are set to spec the next time will be a check only and we will know how often they really need service. You have to remember the set-up has been around a while now between the AfricaTwin, the Rebel 1100?, and the NT being in EU since '22. The Unicam in the 450 uses shims on both sides but that is also a highly tuned engine and I think valve checks are every 10 hours. I believe the new TransAlp is a Unicam engine but I'm not sure how it's configured. So it's not at all a Frankenbike it is a proven cam and valve train system. This is starting to have a mountain out of a mole hill feel about it.