2021 Honda Rebel 1100 vs Honda Rebel 500 Comparison, Review and Specifications 

Wow, thanks! We appreciate that, and will try our best.

Have to agree. We are looking at the 1100 DCT for my wife. This is a very informative video. Thank you. I ride an NC750X. I’ll be jealous.

I try to make it easy for everyone. So glad you liked it!

Thank you!

I didn’t even notice that until you mentioned it. Then I just had to look. Lol.

7:36

Just one suggestion, that reflector around front suspension is ruining the look of bike, remove it if possible.

Good idea!

Thank you!

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@Saul Grayson instablaster =)

@Kingston Kelvin i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

@Kingston Kelvin It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my ass :D

Thank you!

¡Muchas gracias! Thank you so much!

I’m so glad you like it!

Thank you!

Wow! That is way, way too high! Even for California.

Single cylinder vs 2 cylinder engine. You will most likely outgrow both the 300 and 500. I think the 300 & 500 Rebels are a good value and the best beginner bikes. But when you are ready to step up, the Rebel 1100 Manual (not a DCT fan) has so much more to offer with being able to select rider modes, power levels, cruise control, etc.

...And for those that would rather not shift. Honda has made the DCT for many years, in the Goldwing and 700. Honda seems to have a percentage of riders that like the automated shifting. I prefer manual shifting, as does our group, but there are definitely those that prefer the automated shifting so they can ride without thinking about it. I give the rider wave to all two wheelers.

@Mehdi Z You are correct! I research on-line for the specs, but when I saw your comment, I took a tape measure out to the shop and measured the width of the 500's handlebar. Just under 30", as you said. I guess this is like the 500's horsepower. It is listed at 45.9 hp, but was actually tested at 40.8 hp. Thank you!

Good info. Yeah, even though I don’t speed like that, I’m still disappointed in a governor at 100 mph. The 1100 was super stable at 98 mph (I did it by accident) with a windshield on, so don’t understand the governor at 100.

Thank you!

Agreed! I got a lot of negative feedback from DCT lovers after doing my 5 Reasons I Hate The Rebel 1100 DCT video, but your complaints are all valid. I don’t know why all the other reviewers think it’s the best thing since sliced bread. It’s not. But… the Rebel 1100 Manual version is a wonderful bike. I love my Rebel 500, but also love the 1100 Manual version. They are quite a bit alike, but the 1100 is heavier than the 500, and lots more power. I don’t love the DCT. Trade it for the Manual version and you won’t miss your 500 so much.

​@@mcSal That's an interesting feedback. I don't own the 1100 though. That's what I felt during my test ride. I sold my 500 and got gsx-s 1000 and it's really good at its job which is carving corners effortlessly. I may look for a rebel 500 or 1100 as a second bike in a few years as it wouldn't be financially reasonable right now. I'm gonna watch your other video that you mentioned.

'A real shift' one 'et a'lighte'n et has some fun, since I hadn't rode my own, since 1981' and Gaum, USA in thee USAF!

You will Love the Rebel 1100 manual! It feels a lot like the 500, but so much more power.

Congratulations on your new Rebel 500! It’s a great bike. It took me a while to get used to the weight difference in the 1100 when I got it. Then it took me a while to get used to the Indian Chief Dark Horse weight difference a year later. I still sometimes ride the Rebel 500 and appreciate it all over again. It is such a good bike! Spend enough time on the 500, and you will be ready for the weight difference on your next bike. It’s all about practice and comfort level. My daughter loves her 500 and still chooses it as her regular ride.

@@mcSal Thank you so much! I really love my bike and I think I'll have it for awhile. I'm still learning and Honda Rebel is pretty forgiving . I started my riding adventure later than some, in my 40's . So far so good. Be safe out there!

@@kingab6865 Thank you! Ride safe!

It a great bike! It's practically perfect in every way! Congratulations!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Hahaha! The Street Twin is an amazing bike! I’ve got nothing but love for it.

Yes!! You’re absolutely right! I already added the windshield. It’s in the last video I did. 👍

Thank you! I think we'll stick to motorcycles.

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

Did you buy a Rebel 1100 DCT?

Thank you! Yes, the Rebels are built for people under 5'10". And... I added a windshield, saddlebags and a Corbin 2-up seat where I carry a duffle bag, much like your vision for it.

@@mcSal Would you mind disclosing the price for these upgrades? I would put the exact same things on mine if I go with the 1100 manual.

Thank you! Ninja is 5’ 1 1/2” tall (156 cm)

Thank you for the kind words! Ninja enjoys doing these videos with me. Would you like to see individual bike reviews? Or comparisons?

I really like the Comparisons bcz they feature two Motos. My favorite aspect is how to type-up all the statistics I Love how detailed you are with the stats.! I also like how your are the Lead Member, but feature different Members of your Family to sit on the Bikes and give their opinion or ask you questions. Plz keep this format Sal.

@@AngelFaceMotoRider 👍 Got it. Thank you!

No, THANK YOU for making such Great Videos that always Teach me something new about Motorcycles which are my Passion.! I too have bought and owned many models, but I am shy and never wanted to do reviews on them. If you lived closer to me I would offer you ALL of my Past Motorcycles to do Reviews on them.

Thank you! The DCT is not my favorite, either. I purchased the Rebel 1100 Manual later and really like that one.

I appreciate that! Thank you!

Thank you! Ninja is 5'2" tall. You can absolutely handle the Rebel 1100! You will notice the weight difference initially, but after that it will not be noticeable.

@@mcSal thank you

You're right. I really want to do a headlight comparison, too. The 1100 does have a thin arc of light around the left and right side of the headlight, which the 500 doesn't have. I know the 500's headlight is very bright, but only for a short distance, and you can't see what's on either side of you. I did that 'test headlight' video a year ago, and was stunned at the 500's headlight limitations. I am anxious to do another test with the 500, 1100, the 500 modified with accessory headlights down low, and my other bikes. Thank you for your comments.

Thank you!

Yes! That would be fun.

I would absolutely take the Rebel 1100 for a variety of reasons. I Love cruise control, and it’s always great to have a variety of rider modes. Also, the power and torque of the Rebel 1100 makes it a winner.

I believe the 1100 is very similar in design to the 500, just a little bigger all around and with a lot more power. The 1100 Manual seems pretty true to being a Rebel, including the rider triangle, riding style, seat and basic feel of the bike. The Rebel 1100 Manual is good, but it is not as 'perfect' for what it is as the Rebel 500. The 1100 DCT is very different in how it gets ridden vs the Rebel 1100 Manual and the Rebel 500. That's my thought. I bet a Rebel 650 or 675 would be popular.

Thank you!

Definitely would get the manual with the 1100.

The 1100 does have a little bigger and thicker seat, but… I would trade it out for a custom seat. I traded my 1100 seat out to a Corbin and Love it!!

No, neither one has a reserve tank. I just went out and inspected them on both sides. But... both the 1100 and 500 have fuel gauges and will display a bright orange low fuel light on the display. That gives you quite a few miles to get to a gas station. Of course, the 500 is more fuel efficient when compared to all my other bikes (except the Grom!)

Thank you! I love my Rebel 500, too! I posted an Amazon link to the Slip Streamer Hellfire SS-24-C windshield in the video's description.

There is no single answer to your question. I think a lot depends on the individual, their experience riding other types of bikes (like 150 cc, dirt bikes, etc.), riding style and preferences, their height / length of legs, the riding environment in their area, etc. What type of riding do you want to do? I'm happy to have had the Rebel 500, because it's such a perfect bike. But after getting bigger bikes, I now know the Rebel 500 has to work harder than the bigger bikes to do the same thing. But it still does everything without complaint. For me, it was the right decision to have the Grom 125, then the KTM 390 Duke and the Rebel 500, then moved up to the much higher cc's. The last thing you want to do is get a bike that's too much for you to handle, which will scare you either into not riding or into doing something beyond your skill level that will cause harm. Can you afford to trade a Rebel 500 in after a year or so for a bigger bike? If you want to start with the Rebel 1100 (there are a lot of great bikes in this cc range), I would suggest test riding it in Rain mode so it's not so snappy. Let me know what you do, please. It's fun to see how things turn out.

​@@mcSal actually I have 2 things in mind, one is the bristol bobber 650 and the rebel 1100. this is going to be my first ever and probably my last bike, haha, don't have that much money to buy more, anyway, thanks a lot for you feedback, it helps me to decide which one to go for.

@@rechiecebreros2350 This is my first time hearing about the Bristol Bobber 650. We don't have it in the USA, so I looked it up. It looks like a great bike! But... it does not have the power, technology or rider modes of the Rebel 1100. You can grow into the Rebel 1100 (I would look at the Manual) by using different rider modes, which means it should keep you entertained longer as you improve your skills on a bigger bike. I say Rebel 1100 Manual, because the Rebel 1100 DCT has no clutch so no friction zone for lower speed riding, has a different learning curve, and isn't as enjoyable for my group to ride as the 1100 Manual. Good luck with whatever bike you choose! Which bike feels best to sit on and ride? Follow your heart.

@@mcSal I kinda agree, likely gonna be the 1100, cant wait to go back in Philippines. lol. thank you

Yes, both are the same diameter at just about 7".

That's a really hard question. I don't know. I love them all for different reasons. Each one has qualities that make me happy, and I'm all about the 'happy factor' when I ride. Do you have a favorite?

@@mcSal For me: also hard to decide, but - still the Rebel 500, because this bike is extraordinarily nimble and really simple (minimalistic). I must agree that all bikes make man happy. (I am also attracted to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.)

Awesome! Wow! That’s a long wait! At least you have your order in. Hope it surprises you and gets here soon!

Yes, we can! I've got other videos lined up just waiting to be edited, but I'll see about that comparison. Thanks.

Sorry. I'll try to be better. I get excited talking about the bikes.

Yeah, the foot pegs are kind of high, so your knees would probably be in your face. Lol

The Rebel 1100 has a little taller and slightly better seat than the 500, both with slightly forward of mid pegs. Sit on an 1100 to see how it feels and fits. It definitely sits a bit wider than the 500. The Vulcan S is the lowest seat height of the 3, but is also stiffer in rear suspension and has forward pegs. But, with Kawasaki's ErgoFit, the dealership can fit the Vulcan S to you. The Vulcan S has two different seats. My Vulcan S had the big seat on it when I got it, and never really fit me well. When the more forward seat was put on it, wow, what a big difference! It fits me so much better! I'm 5'4" (162.5 cm). The forward pegs can also be adjusted back more. All of these bikes are good for those wanting a lower seat height. If it were me, having had all 3 bikes, I would take the Honda Rebel 1100 Manual. It is loaded with power, has plenty of torque, and comes with multiple rider modes so you can adjust it as desired.

The Rebel 500 vs 1100 is like comparing a really good 4 cylinder car to an 8 cylinder car. The 4 cylinder car will get you there, but just not as fast and powerful as the bigger one. You should get whichever bike makes you happiest.

The 1100 is way more fun and exhilarating! The 1100 has great power and lots of torque. But… when I take out the 500, it reminds me what an excellent and solid bike it is for 500 cc.

I should add that the 1100 Manual is fun and exhilarating. I am not a fan of the 1100 DCT. It’s not just how/when the DCT auto-shifts, but also the bike is kind of boring while moving when you just sit there and let it do all the shifting. You can take a more active part with the 1100 DCT by button shifting, but then might as well have a Manual. Some people love the DCT. I’m not a fan. I have both Rebel 1100’s, DCT and Manual, as well as the Rebel 500.

The Rebel 500 bags are made by VikingBags.com. They lock and have lots of space inside.

She is 5’1 1/2” (156 cm)

That would be funny. I can envision that

Yes. The Honda Rebel 500, 2020+ on, has a gear indicator on the display. The Honda Rebel 1100 has a gear display, as well.

The 500 is a great bike! Can’t go wrong. It just doesn’t have the crazy power of the 1100.

I agree. The main thing I don't like is the glossy paint job they gave the 1100. If they release new versions with the same matte colors like the other Rebels it would help a lot with the looks. Still, the tank on the 1100 looks a little funky.

Yay! What do you ride and where?

I think Canada has passenger seats & foot pegs as stock, also. Not here in the USA.

I don’t know, because I don’t have a cowl on either of them to compare. Sorry.

Thank you! But... you will want to watch the new video out this morning.

The Rebel 1100's seem to be really hard to get right now. Hopefully, you can find one so you can take it for a test ride and determine if it is a good fit for you.

You must be tall. The Rebels are not designed for taller riders. Your knees will be in your face. But they're great for riders maybe 5'9" or less.

Hahaha! A gallon is a gallon, and a liter is a liter, right?

Right?

You're right! I love the 1100's torque and pure power at all speeds. The VTX1300 looks like a cool bike, too.

My next bike is going Honda Rebel 1100 😁

@@NandoWasabi Which one? The 1100 DCT or manual?

DTC

Sorry. I get excited about the bikes.

Amen and abrupt correction

Estoy de acuerdo. ¡Gracias! I agree. Thank you!

Ninja is 5’ 1 1/2” (156 cm).

@@mcSal thank you!, im 5”5 and i was afraid if the bike would be to tall or uncomfortable for me

@@UltraBoyII I’m 5’4”. There are a lot of good bikes you would fit well. Any of my bikes would work well for you.

@@mcSal thank you, i will check all of your bike and see which best for me

@@UltraBoyII My grandson Sam is also 5'4" like me. So, including his bike, we have had the following great bikes that fit us well: Honda Rebels (500 & 1100), Kawasaki Vulcan S 650, Kawasaki Ninja 650 (taller & sporty, but fits ok), Triumph Street Twin (Speed Twin 900), Zero SR/S, and 2022 Indian Chief. Two other amazing bikes I test rode that fit well: Indian Scout Bobber (mid pegs) and the new Harley-Davidson Nightster.

Agreed. Happy 2022!