The Mid-Size Cruiser That Beats Big Names Without The Big Price

Cruisers are big, chrome-laden beasts that require a certain skill set – and muscle power – to operate. This has changed over the decades, though, with cruisers now catering to all kinds of riders, including beginners. All the brands want a slice of the cruiser pie, because it is a profitable one, so it can get overwhelming, choosing the right cruiser for you.

The sweet spot, then, is in the middle. Middleweight cruisers aren’t so slow that you’ll outgrow them real quick. They also aren’t thirsty, heavy lumps of metal, so their running and ownership costs are reasonable, they’re fun around a corner, and they’re not a pain in the legs in a parking lot. There is one mid-size cruiser that goes above and beyond its brief and beats big names without the high price. Here it is.

The Honda Rebel 1100 Is The Mid-Size Cruiser That Beats Big Names Without The Big Price

Honda might not be the first name that springs to mind when you want a cruiser, but it has always been a force to reckon with, even in this segment. It had products like the Magna and Valkyrie Rune in its history, and only now has it preferred to opt for logical products that tug at your logic equally. The Rebel series is a prime example with displacements that start at 300 cc, and the Rebel 1100 is the range topper.

The Prices Start From $9,699

Despite being a flagship product, the Rebel 1100 doesn’t have a very premium price. Honda has managed this by smartly utilizing components that were otherwise available in its portfolio anyway. This has enabled the Rebel 1100 to be one of the price champions of the two-wheeled world. This is why it is the mid-size cruiser that beats big names without the high price.

Honda Rebel 1100 Engine

The Rebel 1100 driveline was first seen in the Africa Twin. Since then, it has made its way to the Rebel 1100 and the NT1100 as well. This is a parallel twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft and Honda’s signature Unicam SOHC head that makes the engine shorter. This helps lower the seat height and gives it better ground clearance. In the Rebel 1100, it is detuned for a better torque figure, ensuring reliability is top-notch.

There’s Even An Automatic Option

The Rebel 1100 is available with a choice of two gearboxes: one is a six-speed manual, and the other is a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. This automatic gearbox is the only one of its kind available in the Rebel’s segment, and is available for an extra $700. You get manual control over the shifting as well via buttons on the handlebars, should you want it. Both gearboxes use a chain as a final drive.

Honda Rebel 1100 Chassis

The Rebel 1100 has a trellis frame, which reduces weight but isn’t a traditional cruiser setup. This makes the Rebel light and a good handler. The front forks are cartridge forks, while the twin rear shocks have piggyback reservoirs. The suspension has preload adjustment at both ends. There is only one front disc brake, but it has a monobloc four-piston caliper, so braking is adequate. The rear disc has a single piston caliper, and ABS is standard but not switchable. Wheel sizes sit at 18/16 inches, and these are alloys.

Honda Rebel 1100 Dimensions

The Rebel 1100’s fuel tank is relatively small compared to its engine displacement, but it is a very efficient powertrain, especially with the automatic gearbox. It also has a very low curb weight, which helps with not just the fuel efficiency, but also handling. Finally, the good ground clearance, low seat height, and reasonable weight all offer confidence to the rider, especially those who aren’t tall or experienced.

Honda Rebel 1100 Features

A recent update has given the Rebel 1100 some much-needed features that make it a far more usable product. The biggest visual change is the addition of the 5-inch TFT color display. This is a display that is familiar, being present on other Hondas. This component-sharing also means it will be reliable and easy to source. It is equipped with Bluetooth and navigation. Despite the low seat, it also has an underseat storage space. We also should mention that the Rebel 1100 has an ‘SE’ variant, which has bright, attractive colors and a few cosmetic enhancements that make it stand out from the other Rebel 1100s.

Honda Rebel 1100 Competition

Before we dive into the big names that the Rebel 1100 beats, we need to briefly touch on the other Japanese cruisers that exist in the Rebel 1100’s price range. The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec ($8,999) is a Sportster throwback, but with Japanese reliability thrown in. It is a similar story with the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic ($9,599) and Suzuki Boulevard C50 ($9,299), both of which are midsize cruisers that have been built to compete with a traditional Harley-Davidson. None of these have modern amenities like ABS and TFT displays.

The big names that the Rebel 1100 competes with are the Harley-Davidson Nightster and Indian Scout Sixty Bobber, both of which are priced at $9,999. The Harley-Davidson offers a decent feature set, with ABS, traction control, and drag torque slip control, and the Revolution Max engine has variable valve timing on the intake valves.

The Scout Sixty Bobber has a traditional cradle frame and a five-speed gearbox, but has only ABS among its features. You can also opt for the Limited trim, which will give you a great feature set, but the price pits it squarely against the Harley-Davidson Nightster Special, and a few thousand dollars beyond the Rebel 1100.

Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Rivals

Sources: Honda Powersports