Only Cops Are Allowed to Ride Honda’s Beloved NT1100 in the US

Honda just kind of slapped US sport-touring riders in the face. Sometimes manufacturers get it so right and give you more than you asked for—thanks again CFMoto for the 675SR and Voom 500. Some get it so wrong and don't give you the bike that everyone wants—Yes, Yamaha we're still talking about you. 

But Honda is almost actively provoking riders by not bringing Europe's best-selling sport-touring bike, the NT1100, to the States, only to backtrack and provide solely for police forces. If there was animosity between motorcyclists and cops before, imagine what it'll be like when they're rolling around on the shiniest bike you'll never own.

The bike was developed exclusively for US law-enforcement agencies and based on the NT1100. The 2025 NT1100 Police will use the same twin-cylinder engine as the CRF1100L Africa Twin, just as the consumer version does in Europe, and feature some of the creature comforts from the consumer model too, including an adjustable windscreen, plush seat, and electronic rider aids. But, being a law-enforcement-specific model, it'll have some extra bits.

The NT1100 Police gets a host of special features to help police officers do their jobs, including pannier bags, a wiring harness that enables easy customization, an engine guard, a rear bumper, a document box, and a seat cowl. And each unit is available for the very reasonable price of $14,499, almost two grand cheaper than you'd pick one up in Europe.

"One of the main advantages of a police motorcycle is maneuverability, and the NT1100 Police is unmatched in that area. It also boasts Honda's legendary reliability and value—attributes that were proven with law enforcement agencies in the past, with the police version of the ST1300. Thanks to its light weight, nimble handling, and exceptional value, the NT1100 Police promises to be a popular choice among U.S. motorcycle units." said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda.

Yeah, all the reasons listed above that should make this popular among US motorcycle units would also make it very popular among US consumers. So the big question is, why won't Honda bring Europe's best-selling sport-touring bike to the US when it clearly can?

If some of you are thinking Goldwing sales would drop if US riders get the chance to buy an NT1100, and that's the reason, I'd be inclined to agree. Not cool, Honda.