Honda CMX 1100 DCT SE: this felt like the first proper ride

If you have read recent posts then you will know I have recently got back on a bike after the events of 2025.

Opportunities to get out again have not been plentiful with a nasty weather system reminder that it’s still March.

The reality is we are not yet in spring.

But since that first ride I have managed to get out a couple of times. The first to meet up with a friend for a coffee and catch up  (Ian the guy with the decent Triumph and BSA 650 who I first met in 2024). The meet up with Ian was a round trip of about 70 miles.

The next ride was one of about 170 miles or so – out towards Llangollen and over the Horseshoe Pass. After that it was down to Corwen and a refreshment stop then Llangollen again and home. This felt like a decent ride

I’m pretty sure I’m going to like this bike

My very early impressions of the bike are more than favourable. Obviously it’s different in terms of style and seating position compared to all but one of my previous bikes.

That single exception being the Kawasaki Vulcan 650S) that I had back in 2016 – see this link. My wife and I both really liked that bike and I wouldn’t rule out buying another.

They are terrific value with very decent performance.

Although very early days I can tell you the CMX 1100 also belies it’s cruiser style. This model has the DCT gearbox. It can be ridden in a fully automatic mode or fully manual using the handlebar mounted ‘shift levers’ or a combination of both. It seems pretty good and very very smooth.

But I’ll wait longer until I am more familiar with it before I write in detail about that style of transmission.

What’s next?

I’ve had a failed attempt with a tail tidy – but superb customer service from The Two Wheel Centre in Mansfield.

I’m weighing up the options for a change of exhaust. I’m looking at slip on cans that won’t impact my Honda warranty.

I’ve fitted a luggage rack on the rear fender instead of the pillion seat and have a rear rack on order from Spain that should be here in the next week or so.

Getting a paddock stand that fits the tubular swing arm is difficult and I’m thinking of treating myself to one of these Motea lifts.

At some point I’ll post about how I have resolved the sat nav location issue … it’s not at all straightforward and I haven’t quite decided on the solution yet.

So don’t forget to check back for progress ,,, and just as soon as I can I’ll be heading on a short trip – it feels overdue.

In the meantime there are a couple of picture sets below.

Photo set one

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Photo set two 

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