A Large Displacement Rebel
The Honda Rebel is a fan favorite of new riders and folks who like lower displacement machines, but now Honda will build an 1100 version of the motorcycle. This larger-displacement machine will take the Rebel platform to all-new levels to challenge the other high-displacement cruisers out there.
Honda’s new Rebel will get a 1082cc parallel-twin engine that’s been pulled from the Africa Twin. Honda hasn’t released official info on the power output, but you can expect Honda to rework the engine’s output to favor more low-end torque, and that should make horsepower somewhere around 95.
The bike will get a new chassis. According to Motorcycle News, some new patents suggest some serious changes. These changes hint at a more upright stance while still keeping with the current Honda Rebel styling. The company will have to upgrade the suspension to help with the extra weight and power.
A lot is unclear at this point, but if Honda makes all those updates and puts out the new Rebel 1100, then expect the price to land somewhere around $12,000 although I’d love to see Honda stick as close to $10,000 as possible. It will be interesting to see the details of this bike as they come out. Depending on what Honda does with the bike, it could be a real winner.
This is both weird and cool. I like the idea of a big Rebel, but also odd to think of a Rebel that’s more than a beginner bike.
It’s actually brilliant since beginner riders who love their 300 or 500 Rebel can instantly graduate to the big Rebel and be completely comfortable.
Wade doesn’t mention it in the write up but I recognize that clutch cover in the photo as being the DCT as well. Even more beginner friendly or if you’re a taller and heavier beginner this is the bike to start your riding career on.
Very shrewd Honda!
It will take a bit of a mind shift for a lot of people. Most think of the Shadow nameplate when they think large Honda cruiser, but the Rebel is well-liked and an 1100 makes a lot of sense for Honda.
Im 58 yrs old , seasoned rider for 42 yrs, and Im still a rebel….. Why limit it ? Rebels grow up… not old, and we do not have a BB Date. lol
This is what people want. I large displacement bike, that is somewhat ergonomic and affordable. Royal Enfield needs to do the same thing. It will be a smash success. But by affordable I mean under 10k.
I agree with you, John. Someone who can make a large displacement comfortable bike for under $10k will win a lot of sales.
Indian has already been doing that with their scout 60 series, and they sell like hotcakes.
AMEN. CAN’T WAIT TO LOSE THE C90T.
I’ll purchase an 1100 rebel- if there is a DCT version, dual disc ABS front breaks, needs tall windscreen, floorboards, and some storage ( I prefer top case & not saddlebags by Honda) for around $12,000- $12,500. Sound system would be a plus, and soft seat w/ rider backrest. color choices & at least 200 rear tire. .
Hey Ted, yeah, I think a lot of people will be interested in this bike if Honda does it right. I sure hope they make it a platform that you can add accessories and additional parts and things like you’re discussing. I would love to see Honda do that. They seem to have a good platform in the Rebel and a good engine in the 1100 from the Africa Twin. All the pieces are there, they just have to execute it right.
I am hoping for a 6 speed and cruise control. Plenty of luggage choices .
It’s about time CC becomes standard on a larger cruiser. I sold my Road Glide to down size but the comfortable mid-level cruiser market has a serious void. I’m 6’3” 220 and want something bigger than a Scout or Bonneville. The 1100-1200cc range is plenty to cruise on. We did cross country rides on 650/750s with no issues in my youth.
EXACTLY 100 %
Shaft drive?
1100 SHAFT FOR SURE. REBEL 1100 BUYERS DO NOT WANT A CHAIN. BELT DRIVE IS NOT IN HONDA DNA.
AS LONG AS THEY AVOID THE CTX1300 DE-TUNED ENGINE DIASTER. IT”S A SHAFT. I SO WANTED A CTX1300 . 5 MILES INTO A TEST DRIVE. NOPE. DETUNED INTO HONDA HISTORY AS A BIG MIS-Q. BRING BACK THE VALK!!!
I agree with some of the comments above. I wanted to like this, but I wouldn’t touch it as presented in its first release year. Maybe by the second they will have given their heads a good shake and put dual discs up front. And they really need to figure out how to add fuel capacity. The tank depicted looks exactly like the already inadequate one they put on the 300 and 500 models. Might be fine for short rides around a little island nation, but ridiculously limited for the North American market.
Great platform to pitch against some of their rivals in this mid range market. I can see the low fuel capacity being a big stalling point for Australian market. Especialy as they call it a cruiser. Its nothing to do 300Klm plus between available fuel stops. Ok for Europe i suppose.
Why a Chin link drive on the HBR1100? I thought that was old school?!
I’m71. I remember riding my Suzuki 250 in the early 70s when the chain broke on the freeway! Ever since that day, I swore I’d never get another chain drive…,and now, here we are in 2021 with the new Rebel 1100 CHAIN DRIVE!!!!!!!??????
I can’t find any reviews on this new chain. Hope it’s very durable.