When it comes to two wheels, there are different genres you can go to get your motorcycling fix. Among these, there are a few motorcycling segments that have stood the test of time and will not fade anytime soon, especially in America. For example, cruiser motorcycles. America and cruisers have a deep connection and rich history as well. Miles of open roads and biker brotherhood culture mean cruisers are held in high regard, especially the Harley-Davidson kind.
However, H-Ds are expensive motorcycles, making them difficult to recommend to riders on a budget. These are mainly riders looking to move to their first big bike or experienced riders wanting to add another motorcycle to their collection. Thankfully, the cruiser segment is vast and competitive, which means there are motorcycles on every budget that come across as a better alternative to Harleys. A fine budget-friendly example is the Honda Rebel 1100.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from official sources such as Honda Powersports USA.
Retro Styling Paired With Modern Tech
Neo-retro styling in modern motorcycles has been a trend for a while now, and for good reason. These motorcycles take timeless styling cues from old school motorcycles and infuse them with modern trends, making the design future-proof. A neo-retro styling kills two birds with one stone. It attracts the older generation of riders looking for a sense of nostalgia in their rides, and newer riders looking for a modern and stylish motorcycle.
The Honda Rebel 1100 is a fantastic example of retro-styled motorcycles. Its curved lines flow seamlessly with the exposed tube frame, while the old-school style round headlamp houses LED turn indicators and LED headlights. Overall styling mimics that of a Bobber, giving it a low-slung and muscular rebel attitude. The retro styling is neatly balanced with new-age tech features. From all-LED lighting to a TFT instrument console, the Rebel 1100 offers everything you need for daily riding. Here’s a list of notable features the Rebel 1100 comes packed with:
- LED headlight
- LED tail light
- LED turn indicators
- USB-C charging port
- 5-inch TFT instrument console
- Bluetooth connectivity with Honda RoadSync
- Throttle-by-Wire
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Four ride modes (Standard, Rain, Sport & Custom)
- Wheelie control
- Cruise control
- Dual-channel ABS
Pricing That Undercuts The Competition
Priced at $9,699, the Honda Rebel 1100 not just undercuts its competition, it outmatches them when it comes to value-for-money. Add another $700, and you get the Rebel 1100 DCT variant, which gets an automatic gearbox. In fact, it is one of the most affordable motorcycles you can buy with an automatic transmission.
Add another $800, and you can have the Rebel 1100 DCT SE, which adds cosmetic bits such as an exclusive Flare Orange Metallic paint job, a colour-matched headlight cowl, bronze painted wheels, a short front fender, fork boots, bar end mirrors, and a custom seat. The Rebel 1100 range also has a touring model called the Rebel 1100T. Priced at $10,799, it is styled as a custom bagger with blacked-out styling, a batwing fairing, and two hard panniers.
A 1,083cc Engine Powers The Rebel 1100
The Honda Rebel 1100 shares its engine with the latest iteration of the legendary Africa Twin adventure motorcycle. The 1083cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine features a 32 percent heavier flywheel for better low-end torque. The motor also has a 270-degree crank for V-twin-like power delivery without the associated vibrations and a stronger midrange. Having ADV origins, the motor is quite compact, allowing for a more comfortable riding position by having a narrow engine between your legs.
The DCT automatic transmission option is more than an option for the 6-speed manually equipped version. The 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox is a technologically advanced unit that offers rapid, seamless gearshifts. It is a twin-clutch gearbox setup that selects gears without any jerks or jolts and makes stalling the motorcycle almost impossible. It also has a manual mode where you can manually shift gears via buttons on the left side switchgear.
A Cruiser That Handles As Well As A Naked Motorcycle
The Honda Rebel 1100 offers an impressive balance between ride and handling thanks to its frame. Unlike traditional cruisers, which feature heavy frames, the Rebel 1100 sits on a frame derived from street bikes. It features a lighter, tubular style construction and uses the engine as a stressed member, doing away with the need for heavy frame reinforcements at critical joints. So you end up with a low-slung motorcycle that handles as well as a street bike. The sharp 28-degree rake and 4.3 inches of trail offer an eager front-end feel without sacrificing straight-line stability.
Showa Suspension Irons Out The Bumps
The frame is complemented with Showa conventional telescopic forks that use cartridge-type dampers, and rear Showa twin gas-charged shock absorbers. The suspension setup features preload adjustability at both ends. Rest of the cycle parts feature a high-end kit, such as a 330mm front disc brake clamped to radially mounted four-piston monobloc calipers and a 256mm rear disc, both supported by dual-channel ABS. Finally, the seat height is a low 27.9 inches, and despite that, the ground clearance is 4.7 inches.
There’s No Shortage Of American Rivals For The Rebel 1100
While the Honda Rebel 1100 is a fantastic cruiser alternative, if your heart yearns for a pureblood American V-twin motorcycle, you can choose between the Harley-Davidson Nightster and the Indian Scout Sixty Bobber. Both are priced slightly higher at $9,999 and feature liquid-cooled V-twin motors. However, expect to pay more in terms of maintenance for these bikes.
Another Japanese V-twin option is the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec. It offers an old-school cruiser experience but is low on performance and lacks modern safety features like ABS. Compared to the competition, the Honda Rebel 1100 comes across as a value-for-money all-rounder that you’d happily spend more time with.
Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Competition
|
Specs |
Honda Rebel 1100 |
Harley-Davidson Nightster |
Indian Scout Sixty Bobber |
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec |
|
Starting Price |
$9,599 |
$9,999 |
$9,999 |
$8,999 |
|
Engine |
1,086 cc parallel twin |
975 cc V-twin, intake VVT |
999 cc 60-degree V-twin |
942 cc V-twin, air-cooled |
|
Power |
87 HP |
91 HP |
85 HP |
65 HP |
|
Torque |
72.2 LB-FT |
72 LB-FT |
65 LB-FT |
59.3 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed manual/DCT |
6-Speed manual |
6-Speed manual |
6-Speed manual |
|
Weight |
487 pounds (540 pounds) |
481 pounds |
536 pounds |
545 pounds |