2021 Honda Rebel 1100
Honda first launched the Rebel CMX range of cruisers almost 36 years ago in 1985. Since then the Rebel CMX range of motorcycles was offered only in 250cc, 300cc, 450cc and 500cc capacities until the “Big” Rebel 1100 was launched in 2020. Regardless of the capacity of the engine, the Rebel range has been popular among riders mainly because of the styling and low ride height which makes manoeuvring the motorcycle easier.
Since 2018, there have been rumours regarding the arrival of a bigger Honda Rebel. It all took a turn in 2020 when YoungMachine speculated that the incoming Honda Rebel would be called the Rebel 1100 and it would make use of Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L’s 1084cc parallel-twin engine.
Shortly after Young Machine’s speculation, a series of patent filings for the “big” Honda Rebel started spreading like wildfire in October 2020. Back then the patent filings suggested the incoming Rebel would make use of Honda Africa Twin’s parallel-twin engine and the model would be offered in DCT (dual-clutch transmission) and six-speed manual transmission variants.
Aside from the powertrain, the patent leak also suggested a new rear suspension design with a relocated preload adjuster dial which was placed to avoid the adjuster from rotating accidentally. Besides this, cruiser focused piggyback reservoir rear shocks were also showcased in the patent filings.
After a lot of anticipation, Honda officially pulled the cover off the Rebel 1100 a month later in November 2020. It was a shock to everyone because the model was launched out of the blue. Just as the earlier speculations the Rebel 1100 made use of Honda Africa Twin’s parallel-twin mill and the model was offered in both DCT and Manual transmission variants. The next shocking thing was the price. During the launch, Honda announced that the Rebel 1100 would go on sale in North America with an MSPR of $9999 [MYR 40,865] for the DCT variant and $9299 [MYR 38,000] for the manual transmission variant.
So, why was it a big deal? Well, when the Rebel 1100 was launched, the standard 500cc Honda Rebel 500 was selling for $6,299 and comparing it with the then-new standard Rebel 1100, the 1100cc Rebel cost just $3,000 extra which was a bit unusual for a big cruiser in the 1000cc range.
Now let’s take a look at the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 in detail!
Starting with the design, the new Honda Rebel 1100 follows the same bobber styling of Honda’s iconic Rebel series. Upfront, just like the Rebel 500, the new Honda Rebel 1100 also comes with a 4-eye LED round headlamp unit. Besides this, the Rebel 1100 also comes with full LED lighting all around.
2021 Honda Rebel 1100
From the side, the low seat height, the massive parallel-twin engine together with the overall minimalist cruiser stance characterizes the new flagship Honda Rebel 1100.
Speaking of creature comfort, the new Honda Rebel 1100 features a hidden under-seat storage compartment with an inbuilt USB type C charging socket as well.
In the case of the engine, the Rebel 1100 features a Euro5 compliant 1084cc 270-degree crank parallel 2-cylinder engine derived from the CRF1100L Africa Twin. The new Rebel 1100 pushes 91.1hp @ 7000 rpm and 98 Nm of peak torque @ 4,750 rpm. Honda says the new Rebel 1100 is capable of delivering torque from idle to redline and punch of power in the low rev range. As for the transmission, both the Manual and DCT are set to 6 gears. The Rebel 1100 is also equipped with throttle by wire as standard.
The Rebel 1100 is built around a tubular steel frame and adopts slanted forks just like its younger siblings. Compared to the 11.2L tank on the Rebel 500, the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 features a slightly bigger 13.6L tank. The manual variant of the Honda Rebel 1100 weighs 220.8 kg meanwhile the DCT variant weighs 10kg heavier at 230.8 kg. As speculated earlier, the Rebel 1100 features 18-inch wheel up front and a smaller 16-inch wheel at the rear to go hand in hand with the cruiser poise. The seat height of the Rebel 1100 is 700 mm and comes with a steering angle of 35 degrees.
In the case of the brakes, single radial-mounted four-piston calliper with floating 330mm disc up front and a single calliper with 256mm disc at the rear take care of braking duties.
As for the suspension, the cruiser is equipped with a 43mm telescopic front fork and a pair of Showa piggyback style shocks at the rear.
The 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 comes with an LCD instrument cluster with integrated handlebar switches. Honda offers ABS and cruise control as standard with the Rebel 1100.
Being a flagship cruiser, the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 comes with 3 riding modes; standard, sports and rain as well as a custom setting. Selectable torque control (TC) on the Rebel 1100 can be adjusted in 3 different stages. Besides this, the DCT transmission comes with 3 automatic modes and a customizable mode.
Both the DCT and MT models come in two colour options: Metallic Black and Bordeaux Red Metallic. Honda also offers a variety of custom parts to choose from!
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hi there, really like to know when will this beke available in malayasia, its has arrived in thailand n philipines