2021 Honda Rebel 1100 Review | MC Commute

Big Red’s Rebel cruiser line grows this season with the addition of the 2021 Rebel 1100 ($9,999 as tested, with optional Dual Clutch Transmission). Honda’s latest cruiser builds upon the Rebel’s lovable character by adding power and high-end electronic rider aids, including Honda’s exclusive DCT.

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Rebels are renowned for their friendly demeanor and ease of use by virtually any sized rider, short or tall. And the 1100 continues the format. Mid-foot controls, a low seat, and slim powertrain make for a bike that’s easy to straddle, especially for smaller riders. Although a tad narrow, the handlebar has a pleasing upright bend, that will work well for most. Overall the controls are well-proportioned but a tad cramped for a 6-foot-tall rider.

Honda’s optional $700 DCT is a game changer for novice and more experienced riders alike. It takes the worry out of synchronized clutch and gear-shifting action replacing it with a fully automated experience, much like a scooter. Still, riders can select each of the six gears, manually via paddle-like buttons on the left-hand-side switch gear. A monochrome round-face dash display keeps tabs on vehicle vitals and is easy to read at a glance.

Steadily refined over the last 11 years, Honda’s DCT programming is so intuitive to control input and so fast in operation (we’re especially fond of its racebike-like auto-blip downshift feature) that it will make you think twice about riding a manual-transmission-equipped motorcycle. Another plus: the system is virtually maintenance-free. Our only gripe is that the gearbox doesn’t offer the Africa Twin adventure bike’s “G switch,” enabling faster (and more sporty feeling) clutch engagement.

With around 80 hp available at the 16-inch Dunlop rear tire, the Rebel 1100 zips around town with enough oomph to lift the front wheel in first gear. Although to be fair, it feels less punchy than the Africa Twin’s engine (read the report in the 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport ES DCT MC Commute Review) from which it is borrowed.

The 1,084cc (66-cubic-inch) parallel twin employs an uneven firing order designed to mimic the firing pulses of a V-twin. Since its Honda, the character of the engine is smoother and less rowdy as compared to other 270/540-degree firing interval parallel twins we’ve ridden (i.e., Aprilia’s 660, KTM’s LC8c, and Yamaha’s CP2 power units). Still, it’s rambunctious enough to put a smile on your face, and we appreciate its calculated level of engine vibration that doesn’t become annoying after a couple of hours in the saddle. Adjustable engine power, traction, and engine-brake control make for a tailored riding experience. With a push of a button the Rebel can go from mild to wild. Cruise control is also standard.

In spite of its 509-pound curb weight (claimed), in typical Rebel fashion it impresses with how light and maneuverable it feels in motion. It hugs turns well and offers a surprisingly lean angle before the footpegs kiss asphalt. The calibration of the suspension is equally pleasing and overall ride quality is astounding, even over rough, broken pavement despite having less than 4 inches of rear suspension travel. The Rebel 1100 is the most versatile riding mid-control cruiser we’ve ever ridden. Well done, Big Red.

Twin hydraulic disc brakes do a fine job of slowing down the Rebel and include IMU-powered ABS. Although styling-wise we wished the Rebel used a twin front disc setup, we can’t knock the performance of the solo setup. We also appreciated the power and response of the rear brake.

Aside from its exemplary performance, the Rebel offers a high level of build quality. Though we wish it would have done a better job of hiding the instrument and switch gear wiring. Designed with customization in mind, a wide range of OE accessories are available and Honda says the Rebel can be stripped easily. Aftermarket companies like Burly and Vance & Hines also offer a variety of bolt-on accessories to make the Rebel yours.

Photography: Drew Ruiz

Video/edit: @AdamWaheed

[devonnobles]

I love how casually Waheed talks about doing hooligan stuff. "Of course we have disabled traction control, so as to avoid any interference with our obligatory dank wheelies"

[msims]

As a shorter rider who favors mid controls rather than the typical foot-forward controls of most cruisers, this could just be the bike for me. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing one in person very soon. Thanks for the review.

[Rodiariega]

Good job Honda!

PS : Could the side mounted camera please go away. Chin mounted shows us what you see more clearly

[lorettak]

Thanks for the great review 👏👌👍 I currently have a 500 with my 1100 arriving ANY day now. I'm 5'4", the height & narrow body is perfect for me. I'm SO excited & can't wait!!! Thanks

[MrSang-pydd]

I like how nimble, agile and torquey this bike is. Probably the best commuter bike for not so tall people.

[carplay]

Im happy that Honda made this bike. When I was shopping around in 2018 for a small cruiser with mid controls, there were only 4 bikes for me to choose from; Kawasaki Vulcan 650, HD 883 & 1200, and Yamaha Bolt. I liked the HD 1200 so I bought it. But, after the excitement of a new bike wore off, it really was an underpowered bike for a 1200cc motor. The suspension was bad too. For 10k, i felt like i bought a new bike that was built in the 90s. After learning the history of Sportsters, i realized i did buy a bike from the 90's. But that Evo motor still brings a smile to my face. Even though the Honda 1100 isnt a v-twin, it could be what the Sportster should've been for 2021 in terms of power, electronics and suspension.

[scaperBill]

I love your reviews. You certainly do your homework. I watch every new vlog
. Thank you!

[shashanksunnyshekhar]

Been waiting for this for so long..thank you MC USA N
Mr.Waheed..big fan of you since your 2009 shootout of Aprilia Shiver Vs Duc Monster 696 !!!!

[mrvwbug]

This feels like a bike where you can just toss a set of saddle bags on the back and tour better than most cruisers on the market (that aren't actual baggers).

[EdSanchezSports]

Been waiting for this review, thanks Adam!

[MotoMengy]

I have a feeling Honda is going to sell a ton of these. I also think it's going to eat away at Harley Sportster sales like candy.

[ecrusch]

I'm picking mine up in two days!!!
So excited!
(Just like the one he's riding!)

[ecrusch]

Adam, you forgot to thank Honda for a "Keyed ignition"...lol

[brianhofmeister]

Glad to see an initial review so soon. I hope you get a chance to do a regular MC Commute on a manual version as that bike is on my short list for my next purchase in 4 years or so! It would be really awesome if it also had the touring fairing and saddlebags.

[Flyhi]

Been waiting for this knowing I won’t buy one, but knew I’d love to see you guys check it out! 🙌

[akshaymahesan]

Can't wait to hear it's sound with aftermarket exhoust

[briansoule]

This is one of the most thorough and informative reviews I’ve ever seen. Nice job.

[BludBeetle]

I love the position of the camera and the other rider. We get to see two angles in one shot

[andregrastyan]

Excellent and informative video.
I got 12, 000 miles on my Rebel 1100cc DCT and still love it. Most of the time I am using the manual custom mode. It's a lot of fun on the Jersey shore with some flamenco guitar music in my helmet.

[mehdibb]

Waheed is the best moto journalist - his review are always detailed and spot on . I also appreciate his subjective views of the bikes . He ll let you know if and why the bike is or is not for him .