The Honda Rebel 1100 stands out in the American cruiser market by blending classic, laid-back bobber styling with a powerful, modern engine and advanced technology. It’s designed for riders who appreciate a relaxed cruising experience but also want spirited performance and agile handling.
Bold Style with a Dark, Custom Look
The Rebel 1100 takes the popular Rebel design and gives it a big-bike attitude:
- Blacked-Out Components: Most of the bike, including the engine, frame, and exhaust, is finished in a matte black, giving it a tough, custom “bobber” appearance.
- Low and Wide Stance: With its very low 27.5-inch seat height, wide tires, and a compact body, the Rebel 1100 looks aggressive and is easy to handle for a variety of riders.
- Chopped Fenders: The short, cut-off fenders expose more of the tires, adding to its raw, stripped-down aesthetic.
- Iconic Fuel Tank: The sculpted fuel tank is a central design element, keeping that classic Rebel silhouette while accommodating a larger engine.
- Modern Lighting: It features contemporary LED lighting all around, including a distinctive round headlight and sleek taillight, expertly mixing vintage appeal with modern function.
Powerful Engine and Versatile Performance
The heart of the Rebel 1100 is its robust parallel-twin engine, known for its strong torque and smooth power delivery:
- Engine: It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 1083cc parallel-twin engine, directly inspired by Honda’s proven Africa Twin adventure bike but tuned specifically for cruiser duties. This engine produces approximately 85.8 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and a healthy 72.2 lb-ft of torque at just 4,750 rpm. This means plenty of pulling power right from low speeds.
- Transmission Choices: A major highlight of the Rebel 1100 is the choice between a conventional 6-speed manual transmission and Honda’s advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT offers seamless, automatic shifting for an effortless ride, but also allows for manual gear changes via handlebar-mounted paddle shifters, providing both convenience and engaging control.
- Riding Modes: The Rebel 1100 comes with multiple riding modes (Rain, Standard, Sport, and a customizable User mode), which adjust engine power delivery, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, or traction control), and engine braking to suit different conditions and rider preferences.
- Cruise Control: A standard convenience for highway rides, cruise control helps reduce rider fatigue on longer journeys.
Nimble Handling and Comfortable Ride
Despite its larger engine, the Rebel 1100 keeps the Rebel family’s reputation for surprisingly agile handling:
- Chassis: It uses a lightweight diamond steel frame that contributes to its nimble feel, making it easy to maneuver in traffic and enjoyable on winding roads.
- Suspension: It features a 43mm telescopic fork with preload adjustability at the front and twin rear shocks with adjustable preload. This setup is designed to offer a comfortable yet controlled ride, absorbing bumps while maintaining stability. The ground clearance is a practical 4.7 inches.
- Brakes: Equipped with disc brakes at both the front (330mm) and rear (256mm), complemented by standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for confident stopping power in various conditions.
Key Features and Technology
The Rebel 1100 is well-equipped with modern technology, blending seamlessly with its classic looks:
- Digital Instrument Console: A sleek round LCD display provides essential information, including speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, and selected riding mode.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): This traction control system helps manage rear-wheel slip, especially useful on slippery surfaces or during aggressive acceleration. On some models, this system can also incorporate Wheelie Control.
- USB Charging Port: A convenient USB-C charging port is often included for keeping your devices powered on the go.
- Full LED Lighting: Ensures excellent visibility for both the rider and other road users.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
While official EPA ratings can vary slightly by year and specific configuration, the Honda Rebel 1100 generally offers respectable fuel economy for its engine size. Riders can typically expect to achieve around 37-45 miles per gallon (MPG) in mixed riding conditions. With its 3.6-gallon fuel tank, this provides a good range for cruising.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
The Honda Rebel 1100 lineup offers various trims, which affects its price. For the 2025 Honda Rebel 1100, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically starts around $9,599 for the manual transmission model.
The Rebel 1100 DCT (with the automatic Dual Clutch Transmission) generally starts around $10,299 MSRP. Higher trims, such as the Rebel 1100T (Touring) with hard saddlebags and a fairing, or the Rebel 1100 DCT SE (Special Edition), will have higher MSRPs, potentially ranging up to around $11,099 to $11,399.
These prices usually do not include destination charges (which are often around $775), dealer preparation fees, sales tax, title, or registration fees, which will vary by state and dealership.
The Honda Rebel 1100 is a compelling choice for riders in the U.S. seeking a cruiser that defies expectations. It offers a unique blend of classic bobber aesthetics, a powerful and versatile engine with the option of an advanced automatic transmission, and modern features, making it suitable for everything from daily commutes to spirited weekend rides on the open road.