Not my thing, but you know why motorcycling is awesome? There is something for everyone. As long as you get out there on two wheels... who cares what you are on. We all have different preferences, and there are so many types of bikes out there... pick the one you want, and be happy with it!
I’m a Honda fan boy. Currently have a 2017 Africa Twin, 2019 CB1000R and a 2014 CB500L that my kids ride. This Rebel is a great second bike that a person could own for a long long time. It’s good when a brand gives a new rider the ability to step up in displacement while staying with their chosen style of bike.
Torsti ... Honda apparently recognized that when a lot of 500 owners wanted to move to a second bike and stay in the cruiser segment, they were then buying Indians and Harleys. So, to keep them in the family ...
I've spent some quality time with an Africa twin DCT and it's like trying sushi for the first time...not what you expected but unexpectedly good. I really liked it. Biggest plus to the rebel is cruise control, that's something you don't know you want until you tried it! MASSIVE increase in rider comfort!
You are very correct... its even very, very good compared to simular bike types!! (None of all harley models comes close to that lean angle) To compare it to a sportbike is like comparing apples and pears
@@patrikpatrik4403 And yet some reviewers mention it every time and I find it so annoying. It's like saying the only problem with this cruiser it's that it's a cruiser. Are people watching a review of a cruiser to hear about how you don't like cruisers? The smart thing to do would be to actually mention the angle available and leave it at that. You might as well just tell me the problem with this cruiser is that it doesn't have a fairing and rearsets ffs.
Back in late 2020 or early 2021 my 5'1" wife decided it was time to start riding, which she had wanted to do for years, and she wanted a bike she didnt have to worry about shifting if at all possible. We were looking at some of the NC7xx DCT bikes, but at the time even used ones that were 8-9 years old were in the $6-7k range and she really didnt like the look of those bikes or the seat height. We found a Rebel 1100 DCT and drove a few hours away to look at one and she loved it after sitting on it so we bought it then and there. Since it was basically her first motorcycle outside the MSF class and a few short rides on a 250cc scooter we got her some crash bars from TRex, set the ride mode to "Rain", and off she went. The TRex drop bars are more practical than stylish, as they stick out quite a ways, but they are excellent at their job. She has dropped the bike a couple times at parking lot speeds, as any new rider can expect to do at least a few times, but there is no damage at all to anything but the replaceable scuff plates on the drop bars. At this point she likes the bike in "standard" ride mode, we got her the Honda soft bags, a top box mount from TRex and a top box off Amazon, some Kuryakyn mini floorboards I had (Although TRex again has some nice looking ones), some ROX 3" risers, and are testing windscreens to see what she likes best. At this point she loves her bike and can't see any reason to ever change, although we might add a few more things like a center stand (TRex again most likely) and we are going to check out the self canceling turn signals from ST2-Systems. This has been a fantastic bike for her, and honestly the fact that it is capable of being a first, middle, and final bike for a responsible rider is frankly outstanding. I would like to state that I am not in any way associated with TRex and have never received anything from them for free, I am just a happy customer of theirs.
I'm not sure everyone understands the DCT. It's not just an automatic transmission. It will function as an automatic if you tell it to, or you can use the paddles to shift manually. You can fit a foot lever if you want. So you get to ride how you want, but when stuck in traffic you get an easy mode, if you choose. Not a lot to hate there!
As much as cruisers aren't my thing, and I don't see myself buying a DCT until my hands are to arthritic to hold the lever, this bike does excited me for one reason. - NEW RIDERS! Having a light weight, low seat, automatic, bike with traction control, abs, and enough power to keep even experienced riders entertained without being scary to newer folks. All in a brand that the even non rider's feel they can trust to get a quality product from. Kind of erases a ton of those barriers to entry for those contemplating getting into riding. I'm not a big honda head but personally but I could see this thing attracting a lot future enthusiasts.
Im going with a dct because it simply frees up your mind to enjoy the cruise and I feel it is a little safer. Just one less thing to have to think about, even if it lessens the connection you have to the bike. Its also actually more difficult to do low speed maneuvers with the dct. No clutch to control your power on the bite. Only thing you have is dragging the rear brake.
Wow I neglected to consider this. Good observation, this will assuredly play a part in my future decision making about upgrading to a bike with optional dct.
Why are so many people pro-electric bikes but anti-DCT?? Makes no sense. I welcome the DCT bikes and will get one soon as they release a naked standard/sport version.
@@portlandshomlessproblem1728 nobody cares that you need to ride a manual what are you some wannabe son’s of anarchy guy that rides a Harley give me a break man
Exactly bro it makes absolutely no sense man these people are wannabe hell’s angels on their Harley’s they must of watched to many episodes of Son’s of Anarchy “A motorcycle cannot be automatic” blah blah blah lol 😆
@@hammernightwolf5225 if you are worried about being too tall, my fiancé is 6’2 and has the rebel 500. He is looking to upgrade to the 1100. He says it’s pretty comfortable overall, only feeling ever so slightly cramped. He still does 3 hour rides without any issue.
@@ccrimewave tnx. He should use Goldwing DCT like mine. I make in 1 day Moscow-Berlin easier then in a car. In 1 day. Just stop for gas and no rest. My first bike EVER. Rebel I would use in hot summer days in the city. Tnx for the answer. I would like to know is the size the same or 1100 is bigger.
I was looking to buy a cruiser last year but cruise control was a requirement for me, and all the cruisers with it were stupid expensive. I ended up getting a yamaha MT-10, which ended up being an incredible decision. That said seeing a cruiser of this price with cruise control is great... now hopefully more companies will add it to their cruisers and I'll add a cruiser to my garage to sit by my MT-10.
@@donaldduck2756 I have a 500. It’s a good starter bike. It’s good for long distance cruise’s obviously. It handles great, it’s lightweight, is an eye catcher, but if you like to get wild I’d say get the 1100 if your looking to go specifically with this bike. I like to get on the highway a lot and it handles 50 okay you can push 60 and 70 but 1100 is the way to go for that extra power. I’m thinking about trading my 500 for that 1100. Most I’ve done on my 500 is 90
@@christiancontreras3884 If you want fast, nimble, agile, 1100 is the way to go. If you do long miles specially on the freeway, Sportster 1200 would probably be better for the extra weight and better suspension. For the price, the 1100 has ABS, traction control, liquid cooling, and different ride modes unlike the Harley. Only Harley I would (personally) trade my 1100 for is the new Low Rider S.
This is exactly my plan. I've always loved the look of the rebel but wanted more juice. I'm in between bikes now so this will probably be my go to when i start looking next year.
@@binoyvaliyaparambath5759 word. Between COVID supply chain shortages, how good the bike is, and how good the aftermarket exhausts sound, I expect the wait for used bikes in the $6-8k range will be ~5 years.
I actually thinks it's going to go the opposite way actually. The wait right now isn't a result of everyone clamoring to get one, it's a result of the market that wants one, having to deal with supply chain problems, and creating an artificial shortage. The moment supply evens out and production and delivery gets ironed out, and people aren't fighting to get one, the price will drop fairly quickly on the used market.
I'm a super-sport guy, been riding for about 4 years now. But I think the Rebel is a beautiful bike. I told myself like a year ago if they ever made anything above a 500 I might consider getting it, and really on the fence right now. Maybe I will wait until Sep/Oct but idk.
It was almost like when Honda was designing this they said "we know Harley riders wont like this bike but how can we REALLY make them despise it?" Then someone said "you wanna throw in a DCT?"
Yeah, because that’s what people are concerned with when shopping for a bike. I know when I bought my bike last year, my foremost thought was what a bunch of arrogant old pricks who ride once a month would think about my bike.
Yes mate..!! I’ve been dropping hints like this all over RU-vid hoping Triumph take notice. Would be amazing; somewhere between Bobber Black and Rocket 3, but with good fuel range 👌
@@dustinfritts3596 it was axed because of emissions....there was an article a while back saying they were working on a new Thunderbird along with the speed triple. The speed triple came out but no word on the Thunderbird :(
Would much rather watch Ari review a bike that I have zero interest in instead of watching Adam the Dweeb Waheed review my dream bike. It had to be said
You know, there was once a rebel 125, would be fun to see that back, although it wouldn't sell that well. I actually owned a 1999 shadow 125 unti last year when a car rear ended me. That thing was fun, a 125cc v-twin that revved to 12,5k rpm and sounded really weird. Was fun as hell peeling away from motorcycle meets and just revving it out, got a lot of looks, as it sounded so weird. Looked like a 750 as well, with aluminum shells on the engine. Slow as hell, but really fun. Was a pain in the ass to wrench on, the carbs were like 8 hours to take out, clean and put back in. Slow, but fun, and would love to see something like it return, but it probably will never return. Ah i miss that bike.
@@PavelShevchuk Well, the Shadow was not that fun to ride alone, it was slow and noisy, but man was it comfy. Most of the fun was had while goofing off with friends and in meets. Also it was fun that it looked like a big bike, one guy tried to buy it from me as a 600 before i told him it was a 125.
What's needed is someone on the bike and giving a dynamic review. We already know the features and what the bike looks like. Unfortunately, no one seems to want to report anything about the experience of actually riding.
More than a couple curmudgeons in this thread. This style of motorcycle is not my thing, but this 1100 looks like a practical metric cruiser. Pretty cool that the standard transmission model weighs less than 500 lbs. wet.
As for the seat comfort that is something easily fixed with a good upholsterer. Without any gel or add-ons you could have a seat made just for your and to your firmness/thickness preference for around $200. Compared to what people spend on silly aftermarket levers and Akrapovič systems for that 1.3% increase in torque they won't feel or use it's one of the first things you can do to make your bike much more comfortable for all rides you do. Applies to cruisers and sportbikes.
Thanks for the honest reiview, Ari. I've been watching Ari and Zack for years and have stuck with them through multiple channels. Keep up the good work fellas. You're one of my staples for motorcycle content. RevZilla scored some good talent with you two!
If i were 25 - 30 years older and too old to ride sport or sport touring bikes, this would be the exact kind of bike i'd buy. Looks great, works great and is a comfy classic kind of riding style.
You worry too much. HD is going to continue to sell clothings. Sure, their motorcycle department might suffer, but that's not really their business model anyway.
I hope this wakes HD up. All of the previous comments are true. Just in case HD is missing the point I will advise them(for free). Lightweight, reliable, inexpensive bikes please. You're welcome.
I know Hondas are bulletproof and the Rebel is a fixture in motorcycling, hell I learned on a rebel as well, but I am not a fan of the styling. The (I'm guessing) 2up tank is Honda trying to be a production chopper, and didn't that work so well for them in the past (Fury). While I agree they need a bigger displacement Rebel for line Honda needs to be told they don't have to look like they hit the enlarge button on their copy machine.
honda did it right by using 12.5" rear shocks instead of an 11". i already have a sportster but if i didnt have it already, i would choose the rebel 1100.
I could be wrong, but I'll bet most people under 25 years old can't operate a clutch (of course, there are exceptions and I'm speaking generally). Honda may have cracked the code to selling to new riders by offering an automatic transmission in a bike that is visibly appealing AND has more than 32 horsepower. I'm excited to see more young riders, and this might just do it.
Needs a big fatbob gas tank to rid itself of the odd tank incline. Blow out the sides, cover the frame add gas to use the cruise control 300 mile per tank . I think it would look really good and stand out like the new indian chief tank.
Just test drove one (upgrading from my 500) and it was a blast. Felt just as light as my 500 but sooooo much faster. Woohoo speeds and acceleration. I’m personally not a fan of DCT over manual as I get that satisfactinn on doing shifts and being connected to the bike but you won’t go wrong with ether
Excellent review, very clear, intelligent and fair. Like you I look for cornering clearance so I'm disappointed it doesn't have enough. Also, it could do with belt drive. Is that so much more expensive to fit? Otherwise it seems like a good bike. The engine is just the right size and power to suit most people.
The all black out design makes this new bike looks like an old used bike. I wish that Honda can also provide an all chromed out brighter color version of Rebel like Indian and HD did.
I'm curious why they didn't go with a belt or shaft drive. I'm not a fan of chains at all. Chains are high maintenance for a new rider and need adjusting often. Which is prob why they did it. It certainly doesn't look good but it'll be a good bike.
@@Limewire1984 couldnt agree more, im sure the chain was so they can make money on service. a bigger tank would have been awesome. i have a sportster 1200c with a 4.5 gal tank and belt drive. they really messed up with choosing a chain and a smaller tank.
@@sagheer.a4988 Cruisers can have shaft-drives; it's not limited to ADV. It's the lack of maintenance making it desirable as opposed to chain-drive. I like belts for weight saving. Not to mention torque steer. People complaint that belts cannot be re-geared easily like chains, for example 1 up 1 down on some Groms. But I think the lack of maintenance more than make up for it.
Great video, short and informative. Bike sounds perfect. Only thing I would ask for is.....belt drive instead of chain. To me this would make it perfect.
Cool bike, single disk brake doesn't bother me ,works fine on that bike . ride modes, auto trans option is great! But a chain drive, no way, too much maintenance
@@Scottish_Viking84 not even close. I put 160,000 miles on a 95 Honda Magna . The chain was a PIA to maintain and I stayed on top of it, the closer to the end of its reasonable service life , the worse it is and sprockets must be swapped out with the chain, average 20K life span. If the bike is your primary vehicle which mine always has been, it's much more expensive and if your work schedule and life leaves you little time for drivetrain maint., in my experience , belt is much better, last longer , zero maint. I have a 2008 Victory Vision with 175,800 miles on it (also was primary ride after the Magna, I don't own a car) on the ORIGINAL DRIVE BELT. No maintenance , no adjustment. Just ride. Never touched it. Only occasional visual inspections.
Genuinely happy that Honda is following Kawasaki by releasing a cruiser with a liquid cooled p-twin over the ancient air cooled v-twin. Yeah yeah "american rumble" but like, I'm trying to enjoy my ride & my hearing while keeping on friendly terms with my neighbors. Also gives me something to look forward to for going bigger after my Vulcan S.
The reality of the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT ***BIG SCOOTER W/FEW GEARS***. For people with Arthritis and disabilities. Right to the point. God bless USA 🇺🇸.
Honda really needs to boost the shadows up to the 1100-1200 mark. They'd sell those things like hot cakes. Alot of people still want a nice classic looking cruiser but the 750 just needs a little boost. This rebel is cool looking for sure but it doesn't have that classic cruiser soul, it's a sport bike cruiser hybrid with a heavy sport bias.
I have a CB500F and I've been thinking about getting into a 500R or an FZ-07 before retiring from sport and moving to cruisers... But this bike is seriously making me consider early retirement...
@@1969cmp I dunno about a 650R. Trying to find the right balance between performance/fun, insurance and seating position heh. I find the 500F to be very comfortable, and I like the 500R's seating position but it's not much of a step from the 500F, which is why I mentioned the FZ-07. Though I imagine the insurance for that one would be on par with the 650R. Haven't had the chance to throw my leg over a 650R but it looks neat. There's a lot to consider!
It really isn't the labor. Its their competitive advantage. Harley is a lifestyle company that also sells motorcycles. That will be the case until enough of their market dies off and they're forced to produce competitive products. Some defense for my case: Japanese labor is expensive as fuck, yet they represent pretty much the best bang for your buck in all of their biggest industry contributions.
Margin and volume. Honda makes so many freaking bikes, there is an economy of scale that comes with selling 100 hondas for every harley and harley is unwilling to reduce price or add features and cut into their per bike margin.
If they haven't done something to this seat their crazy... the seat is as hard as a rock you can stand it for about an hour. I've got a 500 and I love it I have an air cushion for the seat
Honda! Its 2021! Get rid of the chains already! Go back to shaft drive or switch to belt. Chains suck! Bicycles are even belt driven now and Harley has been doing the belt for decades at this point. Chain drive keeps me away from Hondas which is sad because I actually want one but won't do it with a chain. Come on guys!
I just sat on one and it felt so good. I’m really short so a full size cruiser with mid controls gets my attention. So many great bikes and so little 💵😅
Tonyj13b, go to SRK Cycles and see their "roll on" runs with the Vulcan S against bikes like the Rocket III with its 2300 cc motor and other large motored bikes. The Vulcan S wins!!!! So, don't jump to a conclusion that the 1100cc Rebel will beat that Vulcan S.... I think you have a winner with the Vulcan S, but what do I know, I only have been riding since Feb 1974 and have only owned 40 plus motorcycles, all of which have been larger street bikes (cruisers, tourers, sport bikes). You own a winner brother. Take care.
@@ababbit7461 You can also think about buying a Kawasaki Z900RS with a dead smooth inline 4 cylinder engine and better retro looks for about the same price as Rebel 1100.
@@pjeng1 When I came off the DMZ of Korea, in 1976, I got back to the states and bought a 1976 Kawasaki KZ900... New. My first ride was from my home town of Napa, CA to Yosemite National Park. Slept on the side of the road in a sleeping bag. It was more comfortable than sleeping in the Hills of Korea, on the ground, in minus 20 degree weather. Yosemite was 90 degrees that day! Great bike. It was my "virgin" first new big bike. My first was a Honda 305 Super Hawk...
@@jimmyjames2549 Lol man it’s not a huge deal tbh, non-japanese hondas are still really good *although if i were spending big bucks on a motorcycle i would want a japanese made machine too
That much bike for that little money? I have a feeling Honda's going to sell these by truckload. If I were Indian I would be at least mildly concerned, but if I were HD I'd be terrified.
