Test fleet: Honda NT1100 DCT ES

As another chunk of monthly mileage takes my NT1100 over the 10,000-mile mark, I assess my current and future relationship with it. Overall, the Honda gets a good score, with a similar vote coming from a fellow owner.

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Though it's a crucial advantage, my NT1100's total reliability is something I've just taken for granted during the eight months and 11,000 miles I've had it.

It's true, the vast majority of today's bikes are generally expected to run like clockwork, and the days of roadside frustration from breakdowns seem largely behind us. But that's not to say there aren't the odd exceptions to this, so I'm very grateful that aside from the usual wear and tear of consumables, I've not really had to attend to much more than filling the Honda's tank to keep it running. It's been a great bike to rely on.

Actually, there has been a small exception to the 'just fill and ride' theory, with me attending a little more to my modification to the NT1100's parking brake position. In extending the 'clutch' lever I've fitted to the left-hand side of the bars to now operate it, I've improved the access and effectiveness of the brake. Giving me a lot more control when I'm wheeling the heavy Honda around with a dead engine, I'm much happier and confident in such situations thanks to being able to use the rear stopper far more easily. I need to mod it a little more yet, but it's a good start.

Another job that's been attended to, though not by me, is the rerouting of the lubing tube on my Tutoro chain oiler. After I'd dislodged it and damaged its end, Tutoro boss Roger confirmed it's easy to knock from its ideal position as the NT's sprocket fixing nuts are very large and can easily move it out of place. Anyway, it's all sorted now, and after having to spray the chain periodically with lube by hand for a while, I'm really appreciative of the auto oiler's convenience again. I know it'll be a major boon riding through the winter months.