However, HDs are expensive motorcycles, making them difficult to recommend to riders on a budget. These are mainly riders looking to upgrade to their first big bike or experienced riders looking to add another motorcycle to their collection. Fortunately, the cruiser segment is huge and competitive, meaning there are motorcycles for every budget that come across as a better alternative to Harleys. A nice budget-friendly example is the Honda Rebel 1100.
To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article comes from official sources such as Honda Powersports USA.
Retro style combined with modern technology
Neo-retro styling in modern motorcycles has been a trend for a while, and for good reason. These motorcycles are based on timeless style elements from old school motorcycles and incorporate modern trends, making the design future-proof. A neo-retro style kills two birds with one stone. It attracts the older generation of riders looking for a sense of nostalgia in their rides, and newer riders looking for a modern and stylish motorcycle.
The Honda Rebel 1100 is a fantastic example of retro-style motorcycles. The curved lines flow seamlessly into the exposed tubular frame, while the vintage-style round headlight houses LED turn signals and LED headlights. The overall styling mimics that of a Bobber, giving it a low-slung and muscular rebellious stance. The retro style is neatly balanced with modern technical features. From all-LED lighting to a TFT instrument cluster, the Rebel 1100 offers everything you need for everyday driving. Here is a list of notable features that the Rebel 1100 comes with:
LED headlight
LED tail light
LED turn signals
USB-C charging port
5-inch TFT instrument cluster
Bluetooth connectivity with Honda RoadSync
Accelerator pedal by wire
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
Four driving modes (standard, rain, sport and custom)
Wheelie control
Cruise control
Dual-channel ABS
Prices that undermine competition
At $9,699, the Honda Rebel 1100 not only undercuts its competition, it also surpasses them when it comes to value for money. Add another $700 and you get the Rebel 1100 DCT variant, which gets an automatic gearbox. In fact, it is one of the most affordable motorcycles you can buy with an automatic transmission.
Add another $800, and you can have the Rebel 1100 DCT SE, which adds cosmetic touches such as an exclusive Flare Orange Metallic paint, a color-matched headlight cover, bronze-painted wheels, a short front fender, fork guards, bar-end mirrors and a custom saddle. The Rebel 1100 range also has a touring model called the Rebel 1100T. It costs $10,799 and is styled as a custom bagger with black styling, a batwing fairing and two hardshell cases.
A 1,083 cc engine powers the Rebel 1100
The Honda Rebel 1100 shares its engine with the latest version of the legendary Africa Twin adventure motorcycle. The 1083 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine has a 32 percent heavier flywheel for better torque at low revs. The engine also features a 270-degree crankshaft for V-twin-like power delivery without the associated vibration and a stronger midrange. The engine is originally ADV and is quite compact, allowing a more comfortable driving position because there is a narrow engine between your legs.
The DCT automatic transmission option is more than an option for the six-speed manual gearbox. The six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is a technologically advanced unit that enables quick and seamless gear changes. It is a dual clutch gearbox that selects the gears without jerking or jerking and makes stalling the motorcycle almost impossible. It also has a manual mode where you can switch manually via buttons on the switchgear on the left.
A cruiser that rides as well as a naked motorcycle
The Honda Rebel 1100 offers an impressive balance between ride and handling thanks to its frame. Unlike traditional cruisers, which feature heavy frames, the Rebel 1100 sits on a frame derived from street bikes. It has a lighter tubular construction and uses the engine as a loaded member, eliminating the need for heavy frame reinforcements at critical joints. So you get a low-slung motorcycle that rides just as well as a street bike. The sharp 28-degree rake and 4-inch track provide an eager front-end feel without sacrificing straight-line stability.
Showa suspension smooths out the bumps
The frame is completed with conventional Showa telescopic forks using cartridge dampers, and Showa twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The suspension is adjustable for preload at both ends. The rest of the bike components feature high-end kit, such as a 330mm front disc brake clamped to four-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers and a 256mm rear disc brake, both backed by dual-channel ABS. Finally, the seat height is a low 27.9 centimeters and despite this the ground clearance is 4.7 centimeters.
There’s no shortage of American rivals for the Rebel 1100
While the Honda Rebel 1100 is a fantastic cruising alternative, if your heart desires a thoroughbred American V-twin, you can choose between the Harley-Davidson Nightster and the Indian Scout Sixty Bobber. Both are priced slightly higher at $9,999 and feature liquid-cooled V-twin engines. However, expect to pay more in maintenance for these bikes.
Another Japanese V-twin option is the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec. It offers an old-school cruiser experience, but lacks performance and lacks modern safety features like ABS. Compared to the competition, the Honda Rebel 1100 comes across as a price-quality all-rounder that you would like to spend more time with.
Honda Rebel 1100 vs competition
Specifications | Honda rebel 1100 | Harley Davidson Nightster | Indian Scout Sixty Bobber | Yamaha Bolt R-Spec |
Starting price | $9,599 | $9,999 | $9,999 | $8,999 |
Engine | Parallel twin of 1,086 cc | 975 cc V-twin, intake VVT | 999cc 60 degree V-twin | 942 cc V-twin, air-cooled |
Current | 87 hp | 91 hp | 85 hp | 65 hp |
Couple | 72.2 LB-FT | 72 LB-FT | 65 LB-FT | 59.3 LB-FT |
Transfer | Six-speed manual/DCT | Six-speed manual transmission | Six-speed manual transmission | Six-speed manual transmission |
Weight | 487 pounds (540 pounds) | 481 pounds | 536 pounds | 545 pounds |
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