In recent years, the evolution of the motorcycle market has produced a cruiser culture populated by men and women from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, and seeking a wide range of two-wheel experiences. Some are brand-new to riding, others are stepping up from entry-level cruisers, many are transitioning from other segments, and still others are grizzled cruiser veterans. Similarly, the riding experiences these enthusiasts pursue range widely. While many are content to limit their seat time to short jaunts at a relaxed pace, some enjoy more spirited outings on winding roads, and still others look to cover longer distances in a relatively straight line; a growing number want to do some combination—or maybe even all—of the above. In almost every case, these riders have a strong sense of community, and prefer their time on and around motorcycles to be shared with friends. In short, today's cruiser customer doesn't fit a stereotype, and neither should today's cruiser.
Enter the all-new 2021 Rebel 1100, a forward-looking midsize cruiser made for the modern cruiser rider. With a feel and sound like nothing else on the road, plus Honda's advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, it's a high-function motorcycle that only Honda could design and build, ready to take riders to their activities while delivering memorable experiences along the way.
Developed according to an ambitious "Relax and Excite" design theme, this adaptable machine is raw but purposeful, elemental yet modern, and is equally adept at classic no-rush "cruising" and adrenaline-filled outings marked by brisk acceleration and exhilarating corners. Marked by clean, serious styling and built around a retuned version of the high-performance, water-cooled parallel-twin engine from the Africa Twin, this motorcycle introduces new technology to the cruiser market—including the aforementioned DCT. Thanks in large part to its carefully developed geometry, sport-worthy components and its best-in-class power-to-weight ratio, this motorcycle has excellent performance, in terms of both acceleration and cornering prowess. It also has a unique, deep, pulsing exhaust note, as well as a high-level finish, Honda's renowned reliability and an extremely competitive price.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
At the heart of the Rebel 1100 is a torquey, liquid-cooled parallel-twin 1,084cc engine, made popular in the popular Africa Twin adventure platform and adopted in order to achieve dynamic performance in a cruiser application. The engine's powerful torque and output are adjusted for easy handling, enabling both exciting rides and pressure-free, relaxed touring. The DCT further enhances both types of riding experiences.
The parallel-twin design makes it possible to locate heavy parts on the rear of the engine, enhancing mass centralization and a low center of gravity. Further contributing to the compact engine layout are the Unicam® single-overhead-camshaft valvetrain design. Also found on Honda's high-performance CRF450R motocrosser, the design lowers the engine's cylinder head, contributing to the mill's compact size. In addition, a dry-sump lubrication system places the oil tank inside the crankcase, allowing a thinner oil pan.
Together, these features contribute to the Rebel 1100's excellent handling and a deep bank angle for aggressive cornering, while still allowing the squat styling and low seat height (27.5 inches) that are intrinsic to cruisers, and that enable riders to easily place both feet on the ground at stops or during parking-lot maneuvers.
The uneven firing interval provided by the 270-degree crankshaft design animates a pulsing, rhythmic feel at idle and low engine speeds. A two-axis primary balancer minimizes unpleasant vibrations by canceling primary inertia, resulting in a smooth-running engine that still produces substantial power.
Sophisticated electronic ignition timing and fuel-delivery maps give the Rebel 1100 engine a character all its own. Compared to the Africa Twin, the flywheel is 20 percent heavier, increasing the moment of inertia, and the air-filter and exhaust-system designs are unique. The combined result is enhanced cylinder "pulsing" at low rpm, while power at higher engine speeds is maximized. The muscular engine signature is unlike that of any other cruiser on the market, delivering both relaxed and exciting riding experiences.
Dual Clutch Transmission
Introducing advanced gear-box technology to the cruiser market, the Rebel 1100 is available with a six-speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission—a Honda exclusive in the powersports world. Contributing to a steady, safe, comfortable and fun ride, DCT is a geared transmission with the durability and efficiency of a conventional gearbox, but that has automatic clutch and gear-shifting, allowing the rider to focus on other operations. There is no clutch lever or foot shift lever.
Honda is a pioneer in DCT technology, having introduced it to powersports in the 2010 VFR1200F sport-tourer and applied evolved iterations to high-performance vehicles like the Africa Twin adventure platform and the Talon sport side-by-side, as well as the Gold Wing touring flagship.
The latest-generation Honda DCT featured on the Rebel 1100 has two coaxial main shafts and two automatic clutches, one for the odd-numbered gears (1/3/5) and one for the even-numbered gears (2/4/6). Multiple gears are engaged simultaneously so that the transmission is constantly prepared for the next shift. Data, collected by a series of sensors, is processed by the ECU, which uses an advanced algorithm to determine when the shift-control motor should hydraulically trigger gear-changes. At those moments, one clutch disengages and the other engages, resulting in shifts that are quick, smooth and seamless. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via an efficient and durable 525 chain.
DCT also an optional manual mode, with gear changes accomplished via buttons on the left switch cluster; even when riding in automatic mode, the rider can force manual shifts, with the transmission returning to automatic shifting after several seconds.
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
In keeping with—and contributing to—its surprising sporting capabilities, the Rebel 1100 touts electronic rider aids not typically associated with the cruiser segment. Throttle-by-wire allows features including Honda Selectable Torque Control (which incorporates Wheelie Control) and riding modes, as well as cruise control.
HSTC / Wheelie Control
By controlling the throttle opening (and thus engine torque), Honda Selectable Torque Control inhibits rear-tire slip during acceleration and cornering, increasing rider confidence. When the level setting is switched on, the system detects differences between front- and rear-wheel speeds (suggesting that the rear tire is spinning). As the calculated slip ratio goes beyond a specific level set by the rider, the ECU controls fuel injection to the optimum level, and optimized engine torque controls the rear-tire torque. An indicator light on the meter panel turns on when the system is in operation.
HSTC also incorporates Wheelie Control, which limits front-end rise during acceleration. When the system detects that the front wheel is decelerating while the rear wheel is accelerating, it infers that a wheelie is occurring and intervenes. Again, the result is an increase in rider confidence.
Riding Modes
These electronic rider aids, as well as DCT, are controlled and utilized through different ride modes, each of which provides a distinct riding experience, enhancing the Rebel 1100's "Relax and Excite" ethos.
Three preset ride modes give the rider distinct options that result in different experiences for varying riding conditions, including commuting, long-distance trips, slippery road surfaces and carrying a passenger. Each ride mode is comprised of carefully balanced settings for power, HSTC (including Wheelie Control), engine braking and DCT shift timing.
- Standard: This mode has middle-of-the-road settings for all parameters, resulting in a riding experience that can be relaxed for city riding or cruising, yet exciting when the throttle is opened. Power is brisk but manageable, shift-timing is appropriate for a wide range of situations, engine braking is natural-feeling and HSTC suppresses unexpected slip.
- Sport: Programmed for exciting, spirited riding, this mode is great for exhilarating outings, on winding roads for example. It has an aggressive, strong power delivery and low intervention for HSTC. Engine braking is natural-feeling, and gear-changes up and down occur at higher rpm, with vigorous blipping on downshifts to emphasize aggressiveness.
- Rain: Not just for wet conditions, this mode is ideal for situations when traction is limited, but also when a relaxed, enjoyable, comfortable, energy-conserving riding experience is desired. Throttle response and engine braking are both mild, and gear changes occur at lower rpm, for minimum shift shock and vehicle pitching. HSTC has high levels of intervention.
In addition, a customizable User mode can be set up to the rider's preferences. When the bike's ignition is turned on, the ECU remembers the previously selected mode.
The Rebel 1100 is the only model in its class to come standard with cruise control.
STYLING & DESIGN
Simple, raw and casual-yet-serious, the Rebel 1100 has a striking appearance when parked but looks even better in use, thanks to a handlebar-seat-foot peg triangle that unites rider and bike.
The narrow, curvy steel frame has a simple, organic profile. Its 35 mm main tube contributes a bulky appearance to the machine's sleek form, while the rear has looping lines. The low, long, scallop-style, flangeless fuel tank is enhanced by subtle, low-contrast, two-tone colors. Fuel capacity is 3.6 gallons, including a 1.1 gallon reserve—sufficient for touring.
The narrow, saddle-type seat has a soft texture and progressive foam thickness, maximizing comfort for long trips. The narrow front section makes it easier to put both feet on the ground at stops, and the dished design holds the rider comfortably in place, even during vigorous acceleration. The seat is easily removable, revealing a 3 liter storage space, plus 3-amp USB-C terminals, handy for stowing and charging a smart phone or other gadgets.
The front and rear fenders are both made of 1 mm steel, produced through a drawing process, and are attached with handsome, die-cast aluminum brackets. An available accessory passenger seat bolts to the rear fender.
The engine, frame, suspension and other components are blacked out; even the D.I.D drive chain is plated with black highlighting, enhancing the bike's raw, cool character.
Meter / Controls
The ignition switch is located away from the handlebar, on the left side of the frame. The switch can also be used to remove the seat.
The handlebar bend makes for an upright rider position, and one-inch clamps provide a tough look. The left-hand switch cluster includes DCT upshift and downshift controls, a horn, an up-down toggle for scrolling through riding modes, a select/enter button and a hazard-light switch. The right-hand cluster houses the start button and cruise-control switches.
The stylish, round multi-function meter is offset-mounted and has a 4.7-inch diameter screen. It mimics the look of a large analog gauge while the inverted LCD display adds a touch of modern, high-tech beauty. In addition to speedometer, tachometer and tripmeter readings, the cruise-control and transmission functions are displayed on the gauge, all in an intuitive layout.
Lighting
The modern headlight is 6.9 inches in diameter and houses four direct-emitting LED bulbs with thick inner lenses, achieving a cool, iconic look, and its low mounting position contributes to the bike's sleek profile. Conspicuous light-directing guides are arranged on both sides of the housing to highlight the character lines of the lenses and enhance the field of vision.
The 2.1-inch diameter turn signals are also LED and match well with the Rebel styling. The front signals have impressive-looking round light-guiding rings inside that function as position lights and also enhance the field of vision.
The LED taillight has a thin, simple, oval design that complements the low-slung cruiser style. A small LED light illuminates the license plate.
Cool, raw styling, stimulating performance, modern controls and relaxed comfort come together—all in one machine.
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Geometry
With a 59.8-inch wheelbase and a 30-degree fork angle, the Rebel 1100 achieves a cruiser style that belies its sporting capabilities. This is possible because the caster angle is actually 28 degrees and the trail length 4.3 inches, achieving both straight-line stability and neutral handling. Spirited riding is also facilitated by the aforementioned 27.5-inch seat height, the middle positioning of the foot pegs and foot controls, the neutral location and bend of the handlebar, the 35-degree bank angle (much more than most cruisers—similar to naked-bike), 4.7 inches of ground clearance and the 509 pound curb weight for the DCT version.
The tubular swingarm has a 50.8 mm diameter.
Suspension
Also contributing to the sporting potential are high-performance suspension components. Consistent with the bike's blacked-out styling, the 43 mm conventional telescopic fork has stanchions that are coated with dark navy titanium oxide, while the two-part sliders are wrought and die-cast aluminum. A cartridge-type damper and 5.5 inches of wheel travel contribute to the machine's sporty performance.
Rear suspension comprises dual Showa shocks with 12.5 mm shafts and pressurized piggyback reservoirs for tough looks, good road-holding performance and consistent damping force. Rear-wheel travel is 3.7 inches.
At both ends, preload can be adjusted to tailor the ride to load and passenger conditions. The rear preload-adjustment range is particularly broad, allowing appropriate setup for a wide range of rider weights and preferences.
Brakes
Slowing and stopping the Rebel 1100 is accomplished with high-quality braking components similar to those found on sport bikes, resulting in high-level vehicle control in a broad range of riding conditions. The single front caliper has a monobloc, four-piston, radial-mount design and squeezes a floating 330 mm rotor. The rear caliper has a single piston and works a 256 mm rotor. ABS is standard.
Wheels
Attractive, sporty, cast wheels with five Y-shaped spokes are used both front and rear, providing optimum rigidity and contributing to the bike's neutral handling character. The radial tires are size 130/70-18 (front) and 180/65-16 (rear), for a voluminous look and powerful styling.
ACCESSORIES
More than any category, cruisers are about customization—for performance, appearance and convenience—and Honda makes that possible with a long list of Rebel 1100 accessories, from minimalist to tour-focused. Examples include cowls, bags, seats, backrests, short fenders and tank pads, heated grips, alarms and more.
INFORMATION
The 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 is scheduled for release in January 2021 and will be available in Metallic Black and Bordeaux Red Metallic. MSRP is extremely competitive at $9,999 ($9,299 for manual transmission).
For more information, visit powersports.honda.com
Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
- Meets current EPA standards.
- Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
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