Worth Considering over a Harley? The Honda Rebel 1100 Review.
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- Опубликовано: 13 дек 2023
- Want the Sons of anarchy look but don’t want to pay the price for a Harley? This could be the answer. A modern take on a cruiser, with mean looks, great performance and an easy ride!
This motorcycle is what I would describe as a muscle bike, it’s got beefy fat tyres, a blacked out look with pretty good performance to match. It’s certainly faster than your traditional Harley-Davidson but not as fast as a sportster s.
I go into detail on how the motorbike feels to ride, the handling, acceleration, suspension and comfort, stopping power and more.
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I've had a 2022 rebel 1100 manual since about May 2022, and I've put a bit over 24,000 km on it. I love this bike; it is gorgeous, speedy, and runs day in and day out.
It does feel much sportier than it looks, and in sport mode, you can easily get that "my arms are gonna be pulled off feel," which is an instant chuckle for me.
I get a lot of comments from regular folk who love the look. Other bikers, not so much. I think many people see Honda as a "safe" choice or something, but whatever. I'd take this over a Harley every day :)
I searched RUclips for "a motorcycle that's a deterrent for theft" and ended up here. I think Honda have come up with the answer!
The Rebel 1100 is calling out to me so much. I love the way it looks,i love the way it sounds. Might get the DCT model
I personally own the DCT model and I have to agree with everything you said Mr. Darcy! It's a sport bike in disguise. Quick and light on its feet. It's an excellent motorcycle for day to day as well. Dead reliable, comfortable, and great in traffic. Slow speed handling is a peach and tight maneuvers are very easy with the balance of the weight so low
If you ever tire of RUclips you would be a shoo-in for the Diplomacy Corps. Honda provides a lot of bike for a fair price. Thank you for your review, always enjoyable and educational. Ride on!
Great VDO as usually, Darcy 👌
Your efforts are extremely useful for people looking for a biker's riding opinion, instead of reading spec sheets provided by the manufacturer's PR Dept.
Thanks 😊
@@MrDarcy-OlMankeep up God's good work, mate 🙏
Ive had the rebel 1100 for a year now , excellent bike
I've owned several Hondas which were all very good bikes. After forty four years of motorcycle riding I bought a Harley Davidson. Comparing a Honda to a Harley is like comparing an apple to an egg. Both are eatable but that is where the comparison ends. If I had to have one bike, it would be the Honda for its reliability but because I can have more than one, the Harley gives an experience the Honda can not give. My advice? Do what it takes to own both.
Yep... I have a R18 classic for the majesty of rolling art and the 1100 for running around, lane splitting and trying not to lose my licence.
Arrrrgh!, my eyes!, my eyes! 😱
Nice review on a rather nice machine. Seems like many don't really care for it. I like a reliable, powerful, smooth riding machine. Over my riding life, I've had 3 Hondas that, in total, added up to less than any Harley. I'm looking forward to the next video...
I love how sharp this bike looks.
Glad you keep giving the rebel 1100 some love. People like to hate on it too much I feel
Its definitely a good bike, not my cup of tea but I can appreciate it!
Full of „ugly bike” in the comments. I don’t get it. Everywhere I go, people turning heads and say this bike looks AWSOME. Exaust is shit, so people change it, like I did, cool faring (Puig is great) and that’s it. Great bike, plenty of power.
Had a ‘22 in manual. I put just under 25,000 miles on it before trading it recently. Didn’t have a single issue! Did long distance, 2 day tours on it and rode it like it was a naked bike through twisties. I do plan to get another one, probably the touring model, in the future once I get bored of riding my new bike.
I’ve seen a few of them up close and they look really nice in the flesh so to speak. They have a presence and they certainly turn heads. It’s funny because I don’t think they look good in photos and videos. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! 🙂🙏🏻😮
Yeah I’m the same way. In pictures I thought they looked weird but in person it looks a lot better. It’s really weird lol
@@Ythari82 Guess life is weird in general. 😁
Nailed it.❤
I agree, initially I agreed with the comments about it looking like it had a broken back, but when I saw it at the dealers, wow it looks fantastic. The one with the batwing fairing looks great also.
Mr Darcy. I’ve a huge fan of you and your ol man. But you would not catch me dead on that goof looking machine! I own a Triumph Street Twin, 2 Royal Enfield, Harley SuperGlide Custom and a Honda CRF125 Dirt Bike. I can’t even fit my cars in the garage! You couldn’t give me the ridiculous looking Honda to me for free!!! Love you guys…keep the great videos coming, just cracked up with this one !!
Love your reviews Darcy for content and delivery.. But rarely in my 50ys motorcycling, do I wince at the looks of a bike...😕 And I'm a big Honda fan.
That scenery behind you is... incredible. You make me want to move to England.
Beautiful isn’t it! What country are you from?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Flat sandy plains of Qatar!
Hey Mr Darcy, spot on review. I recently pickup this bike, as compared to the Harley’s Sportster line up, it is a more daily useable bike. It’s smooth gearing and riding position is good except for the horrible seat, very uncomfortable. It’s a non threatening beginner bike also as a DCT where a rider can gain their confidence. Headlight is an issue as for night riding you will need to add additional for more viewing.
Many thanks and it is also great to hear existing owners comments 👍🏼
Interesting style, fell in love with the Rebel 500, so agile and responsive. I wish Honda would put the 1100 from the fury in the new shadow.
I love the Rebel 1100, almost bought one. Went with a Ninja 650 instead.
If that engine design was more beautiful, I'd definitely have bought that.
I have the 2023 DCT, if youre debating on one of these, debate no longer. Its the perfect cruising machine. Although i wish my touring model came with slightly bigger saddlebags
I like your new castle !
Have the same Bike, love it! Enjoying every mile with it.
Awesome 👍🏼
is it okay as a long drive mileage wise???
Love this bike. Hopefully I'll have one shortly
Myself too... FOR THE PRICE POINT ....HONDA AIN'T BAD
If anything, I think the rusting is caused by the insufficient length of the mudguard, causing debris to hit the exhaust pipe, which causes the coating to be 'rubbed' away
Love them, but that sounded a bit rough on, and just after start...never heard one sound like that before. Mean looking thing though, and quick.
thank you
I have 3 motorcycle s, 22 rebel 1100 dct nice bike ,22 streetbob 114,2007 triumph America,
I want get one as an alt but the DCT because my partner who currently rides CAN-AM gets a bit stressed about clutch and gears on two wheels.
Mirror extensions are readily available to widen them and I'm sure that someone makes an aftermarket stainless steel exhaust system.
I wonder if they'll do a CL1100. That would be some bike. As far as cruisers go, I like the Rebel, and I considered buying one for a while. The seat would need building up for me, making the riding position higer as well as more comfortable. The front mudguard needs a flap. Nick
LOL the way you cut the edit at 15:04 , it seemed like the little red car caught you filming in their driveway, and you bolted!
I noticed that too. He was blocking the whole driveway when that car appeared
Bring back the Honda Magna!
You had me this time. When I hear Rebel I think of the 250 or 500.
Looks great, why not, id ride it
I happen to own the ’22 Rebel 1100 DCT and the machine is a beast in sport mode!! I did swap out the muffler, installed bar end mirrors and a new seat, plus I added a Batwing Fairing to keep the wind at bay. No, this bike isn’t aesthetically pleasing like a Harley or Indian, but it does turn heads! Besides, I like that Honda thought “outside of the box” with the design of this bike. Outstanding review, thank you! 👏👍
Many thanks 😊
Hey! Nice bike. I thinking of maybe going dct. Question if you are in automatic can you still downshift and upshift with the paddle or can you only do that if your press the manual button?
@@MKBENTOT Yes, you can up or down shift while in automatic mode.
@@RollWithSoul317 nice thanks for the reply 👍. Is there any big negative in your opinion with the dct or you pretty happy with it?
@@MKBENTOT Overall it is a great bike with no problems thus far. If you’re a rider over 6ft tall, then the riding position might feel a little cramped. I am 6ft and I find it tolerable even on longer rides. The gears shift seamlessly in Automatic Mode and there’s very little vibration in the handlebars at highway speeds. My only complaint would be having to use my left hand to cross over to the right in order to engage the cruise control while at speed. But over time, that becomes tolerable as well. Otherwise, this bike is absolutely amazing to ride, even for a beginner in Rain Mode! At only 509 lbs, the bike is very nimble and the suspension (preload) is adjustable depending on a rider’s weight or if carrying a passenger. The bike is easily customizable with a lot of OEM and aftermarket products out there. Bottom line: Awesome Bike and I highly recommend it. 👍
I would take one!
Looking at the design, especially the fuel tank my response is this Rebel is a modern day version of the old SL models.
Thank you
😊😊 its a nice bike i would would av one in my garage cant fault honda .lovely review again sir
thanks 😊
Careful how you sit on it, I think it’s starting to fold in the middle!
Love the Honda rebel 👌
Right on!
I really WISH Honda would bump up the shadow to a 1600...I can dream. I just up graded my 2023 FXST from the 107 C.I. to 119 Screamin Eagle stage 3. I was suppose to go in the the DYNO and got a call that the transmission blew. this bike only has 600 miles. she was in for warranty work for third time because of a rocker box leak that started at 280 miles. she was in for the third time for the leak so I got a deal on the stage 3 package so I told them to do it because they would working on the top and bottom rocker box and it was the only way my dealer would do the dyno test, i had been telling them that there was a howling sound when engine breaking between 3rd to 2nd. they did not seem to believe me all the times I had asked. well they finally know it now and the knew trans has been ordered all under the warrenty.. hoping for a Feb. finish... meanwhile I am still riding my 2018 Kawasaki Zed 900 naked sport. I am looking at the Triumph 120 Bobber and the new BMW BOBBER STYLE R12. I will consider this Honda, too. I may take a loss on this FXST I HAVE 26,000 CASH IN HER AND WE WILL SEE AFTER ALL THIS WORK IF SHE CAN BE BUTTONED UP proper. thanks for the review.👍👍👍
The angle of the exhaust just looks wrong. Easily rectified. A shorter rear fender would also look better
Definitely!
Next time please ask before filming at my cottage . 👍 Good looking bike
Will do next time 😖
As always, I've enjoyed watching the video, but this bike would not be for me. However, I am curious as to what the building in the background is? It made a very neat backdrop for the video.
Thanks 😊
It is Launde Abbey 👍🏼
I'd like to see a drag race between this Rebel and the Softail standard.
I think the rebel would probably win tbh
Nice bike 👍
Just looking at the bike from the exhaust side it looks to me a bunch of pieces haphazardly stuck on a frame with a cheap exhaust. I think calling it ugly is too harsh but the styling is one that probably divide people who will love it or hate it.
Honda (Japan only) made a 400VRX in the mid 1990s with was very pleasing to the eye and would be lovely bike today around 1100ccs.
I'm sure if I was the onwer of this 1100 Rebel I would soon grow to love it but probably wouldn't look back at it after parking it.
I really enjoyed riding this bike, the engine is sweet. But the fuel range is to low for me
I have sit on one it's way to small for me 😂 I think for most Guys it's to small for longer distances
I want a new magna.
my 95 750 got 88hp and a incredibly satisfying engine.
Thats the v4 no?
@@acvn-hg9gy yea
As a 95 Magna rider, it might be the greatest cruiser ever made. Truly blows my mind they picked the Shadow over it. God imagine if they made a modern version and kept the V4.
Really great video, its a nice looking bike but could have a better looking exhaust 👍🏼
Yeah I agree!
With a better looking as well as *BETTER SOUNDING* exhaust it's definitely a good bike for the vertically challenged.
Probably just not quite enough...perhaps make it also also a 750..?
Darcy your review is thorough and entertaining thank you… but I have to disagree on the looks of this bike.. 😬
What kinda rpm does this bike sit at once up to 70mph? Thanks
4000
@@PasquiDente cheers dude
The SWM 1200 V-twin will probably be a grand cheaper when it gets to the UK and it looks much more like a Harley
I like em.
Also, cute little cottage ya got there....
Looks like a bike would have loved to own 20 years ago, my late 20s. Wonderful type of laid back cruiser to step up too when done with a 500 or 650 one. I just found riding with my legs and feet under me rather then in front. And someone's back is getting smashed with each bump. But it does look like a nice bike
I hate the tank on them, level the tank and stick a v twin in then I'd defo have one!
Wish they start using shaft driven for these heavy bikes. How does it sit for tall people? 6'37
I do go over how it is in the video. I am 6ft 1" 👍🏼
Heavy?
You know objectively for a Cruiser style bike this is a good bike with a potent ultra reliable motor and with the right exhaust it can even sound decent... but objectively also character is lacking and aesthetically it's just not cool lol
Honda with the VTX series had a cool sounding, good looking cruiser all of those older metric bikes that were doing the Harley style bike were on point.
Hi, had the CMX1100 one for almost two years. Definitely not a muscle bike. I have a Ducati XDiavel S, that’s a muscle bike! My Honda had mini batwing fairing, heated grips, comfort seat and soft panniers. Comfy ride and plenty of grunt.
Why did you sell it, michael?
Your comparing it to the Harley sportster s which is how much more?
A lot! About 5k, just goes to show how good the Honda is
Sorry but this Honda is not for regular size guys, is extremely short.
Short in height or length?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan height doesn't matter when length is right..... 😆 it's short in length.
The Honda Shadow has a much longer wheelbase.
@@ytr8989 I'm from Barcelona i don't want to offend nobody, but for as is a girl bike.....
@@csl5208dijeron lo mismo sobre el sportster pero mira la cantidad de hombres quien lo aman y montan. El rebel
Es diferente pero anda super bien. You tenía un 1200 sportster y mi ex novia un 500 rebel. El sonido y estilo del Harley me mola más pero ay q ver como el rebel toma las curvas. Y este con el mismo motor de la África twin…ufff que pedaso de moto hombre!!
How would you rate the ride versus the 120 Triumph Bobber?
The Rebel is more comfortable to be honest 👍🏼
THANKS FOR THAT ...WILL CONSIDER@@MrDarcy-OlMan
OR just wait for the Shotgun to arrive!! 💙💙
Oh yes!
As a HD owner its good to see some Honda competition to keep them on there toes , but the styling of the Rebel does not do much for me . I think it competes more with the HD nightster which does not seem to be much of a seller for HD
It looks like another bug from China.
I have riddem DCT version and normal version, and i just didn’t like it as all other Honda cruisers i’ve ever ridden. It doesn’t have the cruiser characteristics. It’s a streetfighter called cruiser.
The DCT gearbox is way to lumby for my taste and slow acting when you act fast on the throttle. I’d go with the manual version all day long…
is it okay as a long drive mileage wise???
Yeah it would be alright 👍🏼
It's a Honda!
@@krasky honda aint no proof to breaking down too bro, ive seem tons of em. Am askin a diff Q.
Yes. I put just under 25,000 miles on my manual version and did a lot of 2 day tours on it. Would also just ride it all day some weekends. Didn’t have a single issue. Followed its regular maintenance on the schedule and replaced all the wear and tear parts like brake pads, change, brackets, tires when it came time.
The throttle mapping is like most modern bikes, fuel cut off systems are mainly to blame for this feeling. The Kawasaki z900rs is one of the worst I have ever ridden for poor throttle response.
It’s a real pet peeve of mine! Recently picked up the Honda CB650R and it doesn’t suffer the same issues
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I looked at buying the Kawasaki z900rs, until I rode it. When I went back after a test ride, the salesman said "its easily sorted with a re-map". Which is true, but why should I buy a new bike, then because their engineers cannot sort the engine mapping, I why should have to stump up another 3 to 400 quid, on top of buying the bike ! Just sort it in the first place. Hondas seem to fall into the categories of, the mapping is either brilliant, or not so.
The rider modes really aren't worth sacrificing a good cable throttle 😒
I’d rather buy a used air cooled Sportster than this. I do like the older V twins with drag pipes.
Considered the DCT but it's trying to be all things to all riders with too many compromises. Got a RE instead, round clocks 'n all....
PSA: this bike often wobbles at higher speeds. Changing OEM tires seems to fix it so don't hurry to condemn it to being sold.
Like this bike but found it way too small for me
Fair enough!
I want the roctane. Old man promised me
It’s coming
For me, it ticks the boxes on a spreadsheet, but it's like buying a Gibson Les Paul at the market for £100. Looks the business undoubtedly, but for me, it's all about the sound....
Yeah I get that!
I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder
If Honda built a bigger version of this bike for us 6+ foot dudes - and say 1600 or 1800 - for the open road and longer rides, I'd consider it as a viable update to my '98 Honda Shadow. But I guess that's what the horribly ugly Goldwing is for....please don't get me started about the silly 1300 Honda Fury. Otherwise it's quite a nice competitor to a Sportster.
Had a test ride too low for me and really hate all that black on all motorcycles. Lovely engine etc but cleaning it
Easier to clean than chrome
It’s as though Honda asked their designers to think up the most ugly bike they could imagine. Well done guys, you did a top job!! Mind you, I ride an X11, some would say they did it then too..Ha!
I wondered if an X11 was a bit like an X!, so had to look it up....
it's probably a great bike which I'd consider buying for all the positive traits that come usually with a Honda - but the design keeps me from thinking about it for longer than a second. It's plain ugly, with no proportions whatsoever. The engine looks like taken from an emergency generator and the sloped tank is awkwardly clinging not to fall off
Bit of an acquired taste, looks-wise. I'd love to see a fairing on this, like the SoA Harleys had. The Speedometer looks a bit questionable to me, being honest. I wouldn't want to look at this thing all day. I'd rather save my pennies and get a Bonneville Speedmaster instead, if it hadn't to be a Harley (Which is what i did)
I'd have this over the new Sportster range any day but I'd have the Indian Chief or Triumph Speedster over either.
Yes defo 👍🏻
Have to agree with what seems like the majority of comments. I just don't like the way it looks at all! Sells well though apparently?!?
A cruiser should have the “look back factor” this does not.
In the USA the Harley Sportster is twice as much as the Honda once you add all the extra fee's the Dealers charge for. And I would still buy the Harley over this Honda. I would just buy a used one with low miles. The Harley scratches the senses I want scratched more. The days of riding with my hair on fire are in my rear view mirror.
I like the older sportster look but they were not comfortable at all to me.
I always liked the look of the Honda Rebel. But I think the price is a little too high for what it is. There are better bikes you can get for 9k.
half the bike too
Isn’t it annoying when someone comes up with a new idea, just for the sake of change, and then everyone feels they need to copy it, despite the change having no merit. I’m talking about the upper frame rail which rises diagonally… this shrinks the size of the tank, and the reduced space makes the tank look like a soft blob of a tank, plonked on top. I think I blame Yamaha for the XSR range…?
The designers then added insult to injury by bailing out on bothering with any aesthetics for the engine, believing it can all be covered up with black paint. In reality, the whole mechanical area could be from an industrial boiler or maybe a diesel generator - absolutely nothing to look at.. what a disappointment.
It’s almost as if the brief was ‘make it look different, and if nothing else it must certainly not look like a motorcycle’.
However, I like the engine sound and the bars and hand controls - so, better than nothing I guess!
All you guys calling it ugly , I get it , but that’s the point of aftermarket mods and upgrades. I wish I could post a picture of my 1100. Some of you Harley guys would shit your pants. It looks and sounds like a Harley dyna. I’ve had numerous Harley guys think it’s a dyna and when I tell them it’s a Honda they look like they’ve seen a ghost lol
Have you tried a Indian.
Why would you buy a Honda only to make it so that it "looks and sounds like a Harley Dyna"? That is just ridiculous. @@davidforsdike4343
@@davidforsdike4343 I’ve owned a scout bobber , yes.
Straight away the exhaust is a big No No for me,the seat look weedy! Tho am sure it’s pretty good to ride it’s Not for me!
This actual Honda rebel style should deserve to be called rebel..Even quite old ,Chrome and black contrast colours and v twin motor equipped honda shadow would be my cup of tea rather than brand new honda rebel.
More like The Sons of Pikachu 😂. Honda reliable and sub 10k in the States no doubt but feeble next to my 117 FXLRS, the West Coast Club style real SOA machine.
😂fair enough
I don’t like the shape of the tank, the exhaust is , in my opinion, ugly, the mudguard is too short and the instrument doesn’t do it for me. But that’s just me. This bike is not for me. Good video though !
It looks like an egg plant.
Have you ridden it though?
Most people change the exhaust anyways
@@alexandercoll4863 no, to be honest. But the way it looks just doesn’t do it for me. May be a good bike to ride. It’s a Honda after all
@@manuelhaug4053 looks are super important, bikes are just practical but also emotional purchases. I like classic looks better but I’ll say haven’t ridden one it’s super fun and agile. That said I wish they upped the shadow motor power to the low-mid 70’s.
Looks like it was designed by a committee. On the other hand, they've managed to design a bike that makes the Harley Sportster look stylish, which is a no mean achievement.
By the way, could you and the Ol' Man give torque figures in ft/lb as well as metric? NM mean absolutely nothing to me.
Learn
No not interested. If it's under 100 it's nowhere near enough anyway.@@Harpy-Mark-Tomlinson
I'm sure it has good performance and a very good engine, but design wise its like a Parts Bin Bike, seriously Honda, start hiring some Italian or other European designers.