- The new bikes are based on the NT1100 that’s available to private buyers across Europe.
- A 1,084 cc two-cylinder engine delivers 101 hp and 77 lb-ft.
- Police forces can customize the bikes through approved vendors.
Starting next May, you may notice police officers across the United States riding around on newly issued motorcycles. The new bike comes from Honda and is known as the NT1100 Police and has been developed exclusively for enforcement agencies across the US.
The new motorcycle is lighter and more nimble than the ST1300 currently in use and is based around the NT1100 already available across Europe. It features the same frame and 1,084 cc two-cylinder engine as the famed Honda Africa Twin. This engine produces 101 hp at 8,500 rpm and 77 lb-ft (104 Nm) of torque at 6,000 rpm, down from the 125 hp and 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) of the ST1300. However, whereas the old bike weighs around 705 lbs (320 kg), the NT1100 Police tips the scales at just 566 lbs (257 kg) with a full tank of fuel.
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Several modifications have been made to the bike to get it ready to protect and serve, including new protective fairings, an adjustable windshield, a plush seat, electronic rider aids, and new LED lighting. It’s also equipped with pannier bags, an engine guard, a document box, and a seat cowl. Individual police forces can customize the bike with additional parts through approved vendors.
Coupled to the 1,084 cc engine is a six-speed manual transmission with a multi-plate wet clutch. The bike has 17-inch wheels at the front and rear clad in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires. Showa shocks have been fitted front and rear, while braking is provided by four-piston calipers and 310 mm (12.2-inch) discs at the front and single-piston calipers and 256 mm (10-inch) discs at the rear.
One particularly cool feature of the bike is the integrated six-axis IMU that automatically adjusts the level of anti-lock braking when cornering, depending on the degree the bike is leaned over. It also has customizable torque levels, different riding modes, cruise control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.
Agencies will need to cough up $14,499 for each NT1100 they would like to add to their fleets with the first units landing in May next year.
“U.S. motorcycle units and motor officers understand the benefits that two-wheel vehicles can offer over automobiles, and we’re pleased to provide a brand-new option for their fleets,” American Honda manager of public relations Colin Miller said. “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.”
