2023 Honda Rebel 1100 Buyer’s Guide

The 2023 Rebel 1100 in Iridium Gray Metallic. This is the six-speed manual version. Tweaked and modified to suit the cruiser vibe, the Rebel’s engine has unique engine mapping, a 20 percent larger flywheel for increased inertia, and revised camshaft profiles that give what Honda calls “power pulses,” as though to further mimic the feel of a V-twin.

Ups

• 1,083cc parallel twin derived from the Africa Twin is an effective, if unexpected, tool
  
• Adjustable power delivery, traction control, and engine-braking enable riders to tailor performance to their preference. And there’s a lot of performance to be had!
  
• Available with a six-speed manual transmission or automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
• Great for shorter riders

Downs

• A little too quiet, could use an exhaust upgrade
  

Verdict
The Honda Rebel 1100 and Rebel 1100 DCT are the next generation of Japanese cruisers. Veering from archetypal cruiser styling cues and adopting modern rider aids, the Rebel 1100′s appeal extends beyond the stereotypical cruiser demographic, delivering an easy-to-ride, fun-loving vibe that lots of riders can get behind. Cornering clearance and lots of power make this a bike that’s fun to ride on more than just around-town jaunts.

Overview
The Honda Rebel 1100 and Rebel 1100 DCT are modern metric cruisers. For decades, many of the Big Four’s cruiser offerings were chromed-out imitations of America’s highest-selling motorcycles. Often, they were reliable, finely engineered machines catering to a certain segment of the market that didn’t care—or at least claimed they didn’t care—what badge was on the tank. For many of today’s consumers, however, perceived authenticity is a firmly held value, and a “Harley clone,” no matter how well made, is anything but authentic.

"For some, that makes it authentically, proudly subversive. To others, it’s just a good motorcycle at a good price."

Rather than imitate some other brand’s schtick, Honda endowed the Rebel 1100 with its own identity, right down to the parallel-twin engine derived from the company’s Africa Twin adventure bike.

The 2023 Rebel 1100 in Green Metallic. The pinnacle of the Rebel lineup, the 1100 is a landing point for scores of riders who have cut their teeth on the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500. A low 27.5-inch seat-height, adjustable power delivery, and optional automatic transmission mean the leap from 500 to 1100 isn’t too great.

While the 59.8-inch wheelbase, 28-degree-raked front-end, and mid-controls immediately announce “cruiser,” Honda’s DNA shines through. As such, the Rebel 1100 has electronic rider aids, ABS, a sweet-handling chassis, and an available automatic dual-clutch transmission.

The pinnacle of the Rebel lineup, the 1100 is a landing point for scores of riders who have cut their teeth on the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500. A low, 27.5-inch seat-height, adjustable power delivery, and the aforementioned optional automatic transmission mean the leap from 500 to 1100 isn’t too great. At the same time, more experienced riders will have plenty to enjoy with 81 hp and 68 lb.-ft. of torque delivered to the rear wheel.

The Rebel is still an affordable alternative to a Harley or Indian, but the keyword here is alternative. It offers its own unique take on what a cruiser can be. For some, that makes it authentically, proudly subversive. To others, it’s just a good motorcycle at a good price.

Quality
The Rebel 1100 feels well engineered and boasts some high performance for what is otherwise a friendly cruiser. The blacked-out finishes, clean welds on the frame, high-quality metalflake paint, full-LED lighting, and other touches exude Honda quality. The 1100 is clearly built to a very high standard and without much flash or glitz to distract. Honda has found its own style with the Rebel line, rather than mimic American cruisers.

Browse our inventory of the Honda Rebel 1100 series