Review of the “Rebel 1100DCT”, the Eldest Sibling of the Popular Rebel! This is the New Normal of the Cruiser World [WMS2021]

rebel.jpg Motorcycle

The Honda Rebel 250/500 is a cruiser model with modern styling and is supported by a wide range of riders due to its excellent ease of handling. The flagship model, the Rebel 1100, is now available. We take a closer look at the brand-new cruiser, which has gained a large-displacement engine.

Elegant and sporty character. Should I choose the DCT model?

Rebel 1100

If you've been around motorcycles for a long time, the name Honda Rebel may conjure up images of the orthodox, so-called American cruisers that were made in the 80s and 90s. However, the modern version of the Rebel is a model with a distinctly different personality.

The new Rebel was introduced in 2017 and was available in two displacements: 250 and 500. At a time when supersports and off-road models were regaining popularity in the 250 class, this cruiser model was introduced with innovative styling that had never been seen before, and its low seat height, compact size and easy handling made it a hit with a wide range of people.

The new flagship model in the Rebel series boasts a displacement of 1100cc. When I drove the current Rebel 500, I loved how easy it was to handle, and I've already given it my seal of approval as a motorcycle I'd want to ride anytime, anywhere. I decided to find out how that was done with the adoption of an engine with more than twice the displacement.

The first thing that strikes me about the Rebel 1100 is that it is surprisingly compact. Cruiser models like this are often steered towards low and long styling, but the rather short front and rear length and the 18-inch front and 16-inch rear tires visually convey the ease of riding. Even at a quick glance, the design is recognizable as the Rebel series, and when you look at the details such as the electrical system, meter display, and steel fenders, you can see that it is equipped with luxurious features, but at a glance, you can see that it is the flagship! I felt that it might be good to add some catchy points to make it obvious that it is a flagship!

20210406_1566_DSC07156.jpgAt a glance, the styling conveys that it is a Rebel series. Even though it is a large displacement cruiser, it has a compact impression.

Fire up the engine and start riding. The Rebel 1100 is powered by the same engine as the Africa Twin, which has a reputation for being comfortable and easy to handle. According to the developers, compared to the Africa Twin, which has a higher frequency pulse feeling, the Rebel 1100 has a gentler pulse feeling in the low to mid RPM range to give it more of a cruiser model character. The pickup response has been tuned to be "dull". In fact, it's very comfortable and easy to handle at low and mid-range speeds.

The dimensions are the same as those of the 250/500 models, and the handling is nimble and enjoyable. It also has the hefty feel of a larger model, giving it a sporty yet solid feel. I tested the DCT model, and our cheeks relaxed when I saw how well the system had matured and how it picked the right shifts for us. Handling at low speeds is superb, and the motorcycle feels like it's in your hands and feet.

It has a modern style and is easy to handle and use. Along with the 250/500, the Rebel 1100 will be the new normal for cruisers and will be supported by many riders.

20210406_1566_DSC07169.jpgThe rider is 177cm tall and weighs 71kg.

During development, the step position was re-positioned slightly forward, allowing for a more relaxed riding position. The seat height is 700mm, and it's a sticky foot.

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Headlight

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The headlight design, with four lights in a single case, is a common identity for the series.

Meter

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Compared to the lower models, the Rebel 1100's special meter displays more detailed information.

Seat

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The thick seat reduces fatigue even on a long cruise. Although small in size, it is also equipped with a passenger seat.

Front suspension

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The inner tube of the F fork is coated with titanium, and the steel fender and other finishes are also carefully selected.

Engine

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Based on the Africa Twin engine, the intake and exhaust, camshafts, and power generation components have been restyled.

Switch box

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Manual shift operation on the DCT model can be done with the left switch box. Auto-Cruise is also standard equipment.

Exhaust system

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Extra thick silencer set to match the large displacement engine. The crisp twin sound is also very attractive.

Footpeg

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Solid footpeg bar like a sportbike. It has a 35-degree bank angle, which is not typical for a cruiser.

Rear suspension

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The twin-shock style rear suspension boasts a high level of ground feel with a reservoir tank.

Solidly equipped, the eldest brother makes his presence felt

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Name HONDA REBEL1100/1100 DCT
Price 1.1 to 1.21 million yen
Color Gunmetal Black Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic

Specification

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Overall length 2240mm
Overall width 850mm〔830mm〕
Overall height 1115mm
Wheelbase 1520mm
Minimum ground height 120mm
Seat height 700mm
Engine displacement 1082cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke OHC 4-valve inline 2-cylinder
Bore x Stroke 92.0×81.4mm
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Maximum power 87PS/7000rpm
Maximum Torque 98Nm/4750rpm
Fuel supply system type fuel injection
Fuel tank capacity 13L
Vehicle weight 223kg〔233kg〕
Primary reduction ratio/Secondary reduction ratio 1.717/2.625 [1.863/2.625]
Transmission type 6-stage return with constant engagement [electronic 6-stage gear shift]
Caster angle/trail 28°/110mm
Front brake hydraulic disk
Rear brake hydraulic disk
Front tire size 130/70B 18M/C 63H
Rear tire size 180/65B 16M/C 81H

*Figures in parentheses [ ] indicate REBEL1100DCT. 

See HONDA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HONDA Rebel 250
See Accessories for HONDA Rebel 500
See Accessories for HONDA Rebel 1100

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