NT1100 Speculation Over

[VLJ_imp]

There is no downside to adding the necessary inch or so of depth that would enable the bags to carry a helmet. From the saddle, you will never notice the difference. I live in a lane-splitting state, and have always been able to split lanes on my bikes with normal-sized side bags.

No downside at all. None. There is no good reason not to design them that way from the start.

[misterprofessionality]

There is no downside to adding the necessary inch or so of depth that would enable the bags to carry a helmet. From the saddle, you will never notice the difference. I live in a lane-splitting state, and have always been able to split lanes on my bikes with normal-sized side bags.

No downside at all. None. There is no good reason not to design them that way from the start.

I can think of one.. Additional accessory part sales. They want you to buy a top case. BMW does the same thing. It's pretty standard marketing.

[VLJ_imp]

BMW's side cases are large enough to hold a full-face helmet. With my two BMW Roadsters I never needed to spring for the top case. Those same bags fit on the R1200RT, R1200GS, and R1200RS.

It really isn't standard at all, lockable side bags that are too skinny to hold a helmet. It's not even standard for Honda. These NT1100 bags are an anomaly.

[Whoops]

BMW's side cases are large enough to hold a full-face helmet. With my two BMW Roadsters I never needed to spring for the top case. Those same bags fit on the R1200RT, R1200GS, and R1200RS.

It really isn't standard at all, lockable side bags that are too skinny to hold a helmet. It's not even standard for Honda. These NT1100 bags are an anomaly.

It seems to me that it is becoming standard when you look beyond BMW. The Goldwing sidecases no longer fit a helmet. While the FJR1300 still does (however long that bike has left), the newer Yamaha bikes come with the “city” sized side cases which don’t fit one either, if the bike comes with side cases at all. I think BMW might be the exception these days due primarily to their position at the top end as a “luxury” manufacturer, but I would wager that changes in the not so distant future. I think the one exception might be in the ADV segment where there are a ton of large aftermarket cases. Then again the ADV rider is looking to stow expedition levels of gear on the bike, whether they ever make it beyond a Starbucks or not.

It’s just my opinion, but the concept of “skimpflation” seems to be trickling into the automotive industry as well, albeit at a slower pace I suspect due to longer R&D/development cycles. It also seems like consumers just don’t want big heavy bikes anymore based on big cruiser’s sales figures bottoming out. But then again, that is just my impression of the way things seem to be going and I admit that I don’t scan every news source for the latest bits of motorcycling news.

[the Ferret]

I guess if it's a big enough deal for enough people, either the aftermarket will come up with something ..... or Honda won't sell many of the NTs. Time will tell.

It certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

[redbirds_imp]

As long as there's enough room for some changes of clothes and a rain suit I care not at all if a helmet fits. If I'm traveling there would be no room for a helmet anyway. This looks to be a very nice sport-touring bike that will satisfy many riders and I hope Honda sells a lot of them.
One of the best features is curb weight about 525lbs ready to ride, less than a CB1100.

[GoldOxide_imp]

BMW's side cases are large enough to hold a full-face helmet. With my two BMW Roadsters I never needed to spring for the top case. Those same bags fit on the R1200RT, R1200GS, and R1200RS.

It really isn't standard at all, lockable side bags that are too skinny to hold a helmet. It's not even standard for Honda. These NT1100 bags are an anomaly.

It seems to me that it is becoming standard when you look beyond BMW. The Goldwing sidecases no longer fit a helmet. While the FJR1300 still does (however long that bike has left), the newer Yamaha bikes come with the “city” sized side cases which don’t fit one either, if the bike comes with side cases at all. I think BMW might be the exception these days due primarily to their position at the top end as a “luxury” manufacturer, but I would wager that changes in the not so distant future. I think the one exception might be in the ADV segment where there are a ton of large aftermarket cases. Then again the ADV rider is looking to stow expedition levels of gear on the bike, whether they ever make it beyond a Starbucks or not.

It’s just my opinion, but the concept of “skimpflation” seems to be trickling into the automotive industry as well, albeit at a slower pace I suspect due to longer R&D/development cycles. It also seems like consumers just don’t want big heavy bikes anymore based on big cruiser’s sales figures bottoming out. But then again, that is just my impression of the way things seem to be going and I admit that I don’t scan every news source for the latest bits of motorcycling news.

[VLJ_imp]

Whoops, the side cases on the new GoldWing won't hold a full-face helmet? Did they shrink them in the last year or so?

Anyway, if that's now true, it just blows my mind.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Whoops, the side cases on the new GoldWing won't hold a full-face helmet? Did they shrink them in the last year or so?

Anyway, if that's now true, it just blows my mind.

... and that is one way to make space.

[Tev62]

I think the NT1100 is a Euro centric bike, the slim panniers are probably to aid filtering and nadgering around small European cities. I have a giant ADV bike with two big aluminium panniers and a top box that takes a helmet. I don't ever remember stowing my helmet in the top box when on a trip, it's full of other rubbish and there are plenty of times I wish I had a slimmer bike!