
Honda Rebel 1100 – A Good Buy for Touring
When I first saw the Honda Rebel 1100 in a showroom, I was genuinely impressed. I have not personally ridden this motorcycle, but even by just looking at it and gathering detailed information, I can confidently say this is a machine built for serious touring. Its design immediately caught my attention – strong, stylish, and modern. It reminded me of the smaller Honda Rebel 500, but everything here looks bigger and more powerful, which matches the large engine capacity.
One of the best parts about the Rebel 1100 is that it is a Japanese motorcycle. I have always trusted Japanese engineering because their engines are reliable and durable. Honda, in particular, has a strong reputation for making motorcycles that last for years without major problems.
This motorcycle is designed for riders who want comfort, power, and the ability to travel long distances without worry. If you are planning to buy this bike, it is important to understand its key features and specifications. Let us go through them one by one:
HONDA REBEL 1100 BIKE SPECICFICATION
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine type | 1084cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin |
Max power | 86 Hp @ 7000 rpm |
Max torque | 98 Nm @ 4750 rpm |
Bore x Stroke | 92 mm x 81.5 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
Fuel system | PGM-FI |
Transmission | 6 speed manual/ DCT |
Final drive | Chain |
Clutch type | Assist & Slipper |
Frame type | Steel tubular frame |
Front suspension | 43 mm telescopic fork |
Rear suspension | Dual shock, preload adjustable |
Front brake | 330mm Disc, radial mount 4 piston ABS |
Rear brake | 256mm Disc, ABS |
Front tyre | 130/70-18 |
Rear tyre | 180/65-16 |
Ground clearnce | 120mm |
Seat height | 700mm |
Fuel tank capacity | 13 litres |
Curb weight | 223 kg |
Top speed | 190 km/h |
Mileage | 25 km/l |
Price | $9500 - $10500 |
1. Engine Performance – The Heart of the Rebel 1100
The Honda Rebel 1100 comes with a 1084cc parallel-twin engine. This engine is taken from Honda’s famous Africa Twin adventure bike but tuned differently for cruiser performance. What does this mean? It means you get a powerful engine that is smooth, responsive, and reliable.
The engine produces around 85 horsepower, which is more than enough for highway touring. It also offers strong torque (force that moves the bike forward) at low RPMs. This makes the bike easy to ride even at lower speeds. You don’t have to constantly shift gears in city traffic, and when you hit the highway, the bike has enough power to cruise comfortably at high speeds.
For touring riders, engine performance is everything. A weak engine can make long-distance rides tiring and frustrating. The Rebel 1100’s engine is built to handle long hours of riding without overheating or feeling strained.
2. Transmission and Dual-Clutch Technology
One of the unique features of the Honda Rebel 1100 is its Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) option. This is an advanced system where you can ride the bike without manually operating the clutch. You can choose between automatic mode (the bike changes gears for you) or manual mode (you can change gears using buttons on the handlebar).
This feature is excellent for touring because it reduces rider fatigue. On long rides, constantly using the clutch and shifting gears can be tiring, especially in traffic. With DCT, you can relax and let the bike handle gear changes smoothly.
If you prefer traditional manual control, the Rebel 1100 also comes in a 6-speed manual version. Both options are reliable, but the DCT makes this bike stand out in the cruiser segment.
3. Comfortable Riding Position
Comfort is one of the most important aspects of a touring motorcycle, and the Rebel 1100 does not disappoint. The seat is low (around 27.5 inches), making it easy for most riders to place their feet on the ground. The handlebars are slightly pulled back, and the footpegs are in a mid-mounted position, giving a relaxed riding posture.
This riding position reduces strain on your back and shoulders during long rides. Unlike some cruiser bikes where your legs are stretched far forward (which can be uncomfortable over time), the Rebel 1100 keeps you in a natural position.
The seat is also well-padded, suitable for long hours of riding. You can add a passenger seat and backrest if you plan to take someone along on your journeys.
4. Suspension and Handling
Many people think cruisers are heavy and difficult to handle. The Honda Rebel 1100 proves that wrong. It comes with 41mm front forks and a rear twin-shock setup with adjustable preload. This means the suspension can be adjusted based on your weight and luggage.
On highways, the bike feels stable and smooth. On city roads, it handles bumps well without making you feel uncomfortable. For a large bike, it feels surprisingly nimble. Honda has kept the weight balanced, so you can take turns with confidence.
This is an important factor for touring because you might encounter different types of roads – smooth highways, rough patches, or even hilly roads. The Rebel 1100 can handle all of them without trouble.
5. Braking and Safety Features
Safety is a top priority, and Honda has equipped the Rebel 1100 with dual disc brakes (front and rear) with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.
In addition, the bike comes with Traction Control and Riding Modes. Traction Control prevents wheel spin, giving you better grip, especially on poor road conditions. The Riding Modes allow you to choose between Standard, Sport, and Rain modes.
Standard Mode: Balanced performance for everyday riding.
Sport Mode: Sharper throttle response for a more exciting ride.
Rain Mode: Softer power delivery for wet roads, ensuring safety.
These electronic aids make the Rebel 1100 a modern cruiser that gives you confidence in all conditions.
6. Technology and Features
Honda has added modern features to the Rebel 1100 to make touring more convenient. It comes with a full digital display that shows speed, RPM, fuel level, riding mode, and gear position. The bike also has cruise control, which allows you to maintain a steady speed on highways without holding the throttle continuously.
This is a big advantage on long rides as it reduces hand fatigue. The bike also has a USB charging port, allowing you to charge your phone or GPS device while riding.
These small features might not seem important at first, but when you are riding hundreds of kilometers, they make a huge difference.
7. Build Quality and Reliability
Finally, we have to talk about Honda’s build quality. The Rebel 1100 feels solid and premium. The paint finish, welds, and overall construction are top-class. This is a bike built to last for years with proper maintenance.
Japanese motorcycles, especially Honda, are known for their reliability. You can ride this bike for thousands of kilometers without major issues. Spare parts and service are generally easy to find because Honda has a wide service network.
For touring riders, reliability is peace of mind. You don’t want your bike to break down in the middle of nowhere, and with the Rebel 1100, that worry is minimal.