I'm not a cruiser guy, but this thing has had my attention for a long while now. I'm in the US, and cannot think of a more value oriented way to ride across the North American continent. It has all the power, comfort, and features that a coast to coast (and back) trip would need. Here in the US, I could buy this bike AND a crf300L dual sport, brand new, for the price of an Africa Twin.
I took delivery of my manual Rebel yesterday, bolted on a Miller exhaust, swapped the seat for a Mustang and took her for her first 300km ride through the Ardennes today. What a bike. Loved my 500 but she was a little tight for me at 182cm. Have been riding for 32 years, I don't think I'll ever need to buy another full size bike again.
What made u chose the manual over the dct? im considering this bike and test drove a DCT but i cant decide wether its worth the extra cost. And i might end up missing being able to manually shift..
I'm the same height as you, 182 cm, and I've also been considering a Mustang seat for my Rebel 1100 after a year with the stock seat. What's your experience with it? Does the Mustang seat push you forward, or is that not really noticeable?
@@sourmugster It does push you forward some, yes. Depends on how tight you already are on the stock seat, assume you'll be forced forwards a couple inches, to me it's just below the cramped-uncomfortable point. I guess it all depends on the length of your legs.
Just bought this bike with dct,took it for a test ride and absolutely loved it..I got the non tour model..loads of power and the dct just makes it effortless to ride and coming from a vstrom it's nice to be able to flat foot the bike as well..
My wife has exactly the same bike and absolutely loves it. She's just 5ft 4 and finds it easy to handle and manoeuvre with all day riding comfort. For me at 6ft 2 I find it gets uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Great review...
I think the rebel range is great for shorter riders. That's something that for me I found the 500 rebel too short and small, and that would suit many 👍
I just purchased the Rebel 1100T DCT and it’s been great. The ergonomics, handling and overall performance is everything that I was looking for in a cruiser. Great review!
I shouldn't have watched this, it's made me want one again. I've ridden both the naked and the Bagger Version (video on RU-vid) and deffo agree that the DCT is the one to go for. Also, it IS a quick bike, no doubt about it, so it's a bit of a Street Sleeper and more than capable of touring. I personally would have the soft luggage rather than the hard bags, but I would have the screen. It does have Wheelie control 😉
Yes wheelie control, kicks in when the horse has just bolted🐴😂 I think I feel the same, soft luggage is the easy to go here, but I too like the screen.
Hi ER tested one of these couple years ago. Not for me but next test rider was an 80 yr old who was struggling with body. I went out on another bike. When we came back he bought it. I liked the engineering but not the looks and all black. Great review as always buddy
Quite a nice looking thing, A bit too much "Black Widows" for my taste though....... I'm intrigued as to who the phantom gate opener was at 1.44? 😛 Another polished review..... (except for the gate) 👌👍
As an ex HD owner I can’t get excited about these. No V Twin, no chrome or colour ( we need to be able to check our coolness in shop window reflections while not filtering). Part of the appeal for me is the tart value. I’m happy to ride a circus act if I’m on a cruiser. I bet it leans more than 30 degrees before sparking up footboards too! It just misses the all important drama that on the HD sits alongside the “ cruisability “. I was partial to the old Shadow but this is too sanitised and …er…well…er…nice. Mind you it’s a lot cheaper than a Harley!!!! Cracking review mind.
@@stever6542 I think so many aren’t standard it’s a difficult call. In my experience I couldn’t separate them. Both have been good to me. But I appreciate others will have their own thoughts.
I test ride this bike, and llet me tell you, that after all the goodies that Honda has added into it, it is still a Rebel. I live in the US, and to get in the interstate, for about an hour, I need a bike that will go at a minimum of 75 miles/hr. The engine works very hard at 60 miles. The seat is just something to use in 10 minute rides. You will need a much better seat for longer rides. But the worse thing, is the suspension system. It felt like riding a bycicle, you can feel even the small rocks on the pavement. So, it is an improvement by honda, but I will wait until they realize that if they call it a touring, it has to have the suspension of a touring bike. By the way, i had several hondas and harleys. I believe hondas are for the real touring riders, but this bike is still a rebel.
The Rebel is am intriguing option, but alas, two features makes this one a no-go for me. 1) That muffler looks like it came off of something really big from Caterpillar. 2) Digital dash is a deal-killer.
A good, honest appraisal of a fine bike. I had a similar CMX1100 DCT for about a year. Minus fairing and panniers. Howeversomuch I tried, I could not get used to the DCT, even though it performed faultlessly. At low speeds in particular, I control a torquey, biggish bike through the clutch bite. And there ain't one! A few other things: the small (13 litre) fuel tank is a severe limitation on range, especially in countries where fuel depots are infrequent. At 233kg it's somewhat portly, though with a low C of G it's tolerable. And finally, there is a scary wobble at 170 kmh (105 mph) that threatens to turn into a tank-slapper. I believe this to be endemic to the model. I didn't have the couilles to accelerate through it. As a relaxed, easy to ride, short range, reliable device it's very hard to beat. Maybe you could convert a pannier into an extra fuel reservoir?
Nice review Steve. This be my up grade from my 500, I guess. Be the manual and non touring model.Was kinda hoping Honda would bring out a model between the 500 and 1100. Not sure how I get on, moving it about, as it must be 40kg or so heavier than, the 500. People I have spoken to like the DCT, for me, I think I would find it strange, but, as you say, you get used to it. Best wishes Steve.😊
Yes see how you get on, perhaps it's not for you. I have met a few that couldn't get on with it tbh. You certainly feel the weight difference that's for sure 👍
I hate people who likes manual things but gives no arguments on why it is better.. with how the technology advances, it's all about finding your comfort now.. but hearing them saying its not a real bike just because you don't have the clutch is just insane - it shows small dik complex.. not all riders ride for speed, for the thrill or what have you.. some just like to cruise
The front cowl really makes this look like batman's cruiser for the people. I've been looking a lot at various modern classics recently, particularly the Bonneville range and the BSA Gold Star. The British modern retros are doing their best to look like the old bikes. It's only the radiator that gives them away. Although I do really like that, and they'll probably have a higher resale value later on... there's a different type of cool to the Rebel. I'd be struggling to choose between this and the Speedmaster.
@exeterrider the Rebel is definitely a fully modern light-middleweight cruiser, and not trying to be a retro. But it's in the mix of cruisers roughly around the capacity of the Speedmaster and some smaller Harleys. The Honda is a full 40kg less weight than the Speedmaster, which might sway some buyers comparing the two. I'd like to see a video of them head to head.
@exeterrider I've no idea what to make of it. Triumph really want to town on the Rocket 3, and reduced the weight of the 2.5ltr to about 45kg less than the outgoing 2.3ltr model... if the Speedmaster received that level of attention, they could surely reduce the weight by at least 20kg, maybe about 30kg. I realise that the low seat height and centre of gravity all help manage that weight. Many riders of this cruiser style are used to even heavier bikes and say the weight helps make them feel more planted. Really want to see a Rebel vs Speedmaster video now. I have searched before but not deeply.
Great review.. They are a great and underestimated bike.. As a owner of the non tour, I would question the seat.. I find it uncomfortable after a short while.. So I have upgraded mine.. I do like the tour.. But unsure as the unattachable panniers.. I also wish a centre stand is a option. So I am waiting for the revised 2025 version which are remured.. Would I recommend one.. Definitely yes..
Thanks Nick, I rewatched half of your recent one, I'm in cypress and WiFi is in and out. I'll catch up though. I got to some funny bit, went to comment and WiFi dropped 🤣😭
@@exeterrider Morning mate, I'm sure there must be better things to do in Cypress 🤩😁- Have a great and well earned holiday. I hope it's not 45'c over there!
Good video and a nice review, cruisers aren't really my thing but what you said made sense, You were a real Gent when that geezer pulled out on ya, well done. Who was the cameraman for the following shots? Take care and ride safe.
You got lucky there at 4:04 Exmouth, you ran into the Exmouth Angels and they were out, clearly looking for trouble. You could quite easily have ended up with a motorcycle chain wrapped around your neck ! Good job you were heading the other way and probably just about had the power to outrun them ! I'd very much like one of these Rebel 1100s, would almost certainly be a bike for life if I ever managed to save up enough to go out and buy one. I'm sure I'd love it ! Still, I have Buddy and I could probably buy three Buddys for the price of one of these, so I think I'd rather do that. Seems like the more economical option. Cheers Steve. Love to the Exmouth posse ! Charles and Maureen in France 🐕
The Exmouth Angels are quite a bunch. If they don't have their motioning cup of tea then TVs start flying out windows and bus passes are used as blades, awful. Yes Buddy wins mate, but this is something different. Al paca Stephen
@@exeterrider 😂👍🏻 Glad you managed to shake 'em off there mate, could have turned nasty ! Be careful out there. Ever considered moving to Exeter ? It's not far from Exmouth but I hear that it's a fair bit safer ! Just a thought ! Mind you, then you'd have to change your channel name to something like Exeter Rider, so maybe not......🤷♂
I’m worried that if I tried one I’d want one 😂 your description about this bike (chill and enjoy the ride) is how I see my X-ADV. I’ve never liked the cruiser design but the 1100 motor with DCT and cruise is a big draw for me 🙈
I like it a lot but probably too heavy for me. I'd like to try the power of it tho. You could do a short of the chap in the black car that might get a lot of views and reach new viewers. You handled that very well. Bear in mind tho if it was an Audi, BMW or Skoda it was actually his right of way as stated in the cars handbook.🤗
I thought you were gonna say this is a bike suited to midgets! Do like the idea of the DCT, but with this one I think I'd sooner have one of those mobility scooters you passed Steve🤣🤣 Reading the comments though, owners seem to love em. Nice review mate
I'll see if I can get hold of some of those scoots just for you 😂👍 That's one of the bonuses with these bikes tbh is that they are so low which helps shorter riders get on the road 👍
I like cruisers. In fact, I like most bikes except tall ones. A big ole cruiser that's more or less twist and go will be a lot of fun but I wouldn't want to drop it 😂 And yes I have dropped a 125 cruiser, wet leaves 😉 not at all because I panicked and grabbed the front brake 🤐
@@lilynorthover8378 moving my Harley in the garage I slipped and it nearly went. I still don’t know how weedy little me kept it from falling completely. Dropped a BMW RT1250 in the same way. It was up sooo fast. I wasn’t letting anyone laugh at my misfortune 😂😂. You’ll be surprised what you can do when you really need to😂😂
in my school days - that gear style was called pre-select on the school bus ;;; if you look at that bike compared to a harley it looks cluttered , harley have it sussed after 120 years ;;;
I have never been a fan of the Honda Rebel range mainly that odd hump back fuel tank and awful dustbin of a silencer stuck in the side. This version is clearly a Harley Davidson sport glide copy with the panniers and bat wing fairing but without the style 🙄 As for DCT gearbox I can see the appeal on a long distance bike like the Goldwing and Africa twin but on a cruiser?? If I wanted an automatic bike I would buy a maxi scooter! Half the pleasure of riding a bike is changing gear manually in my opinion 😊😊
Hi Mike, yes I used to think the same regarding DCT until I tried a NC750X and ended up buying one. I like changing gears on bikes too but also it's a nice change not having too for me. I'll take either 👍thanks for watching and your good input there 👍
Nice video but that bike’s not for me. I’m not a fan of cruisers at all. DCT however….. well I thought I’d hate it, tried it and bought a NC750X DCT as a result!
Do you have any 2 up experience on this bike? Im a short guy tryna find a 2 up motorcycle i can flat foot without making modification to the ride height. Been looking at this one for a while, im just concerned my passenger wont be particularly comfortable on a bike this size even if i got a wider passenger sest and sissy bar. I own a fjr 1300 but had to lower it to fit and still only tip toe.
Yes , 2 of my sons went on the back....They found the seat too small, and felt like they were going to fall off the back sadly so it wasn't a win for us on pillion carrying...Maybe your pillions will like it though!?!?
@exeterrider thank you. I still do really like this bike and have seen some promising bulky 2 up seats plus the back rest. The bmw r1250rt was promising with a low 30 inch seat, but it's too expensive and too quirky/ problematic. Wish honda made a new st1300 with a 30 inch low seat option.
@@county_bear9509 so much to weigh up. I think they're is a low option for the st1300. They are really nice bikes although heavy lumps, even more so for 2 up riding. Let me know what you decide👍
19:17 right there is an 'amber stage' situation as dandanthefireman would say, which you handle very well prevented it from turning into a 'red stage' or worse still the never wanted 'brown stage' a little poo poo in da pantaloons😂
I'm definitely a fan of cruisers. I don't hate the fairing and I like the boxes, they'd look nice on my Harley. The rest of the bike is absolutely vile. I don't care how competent a machine it is, there is no way I could bring myself to have one.
+1 it looks bad. I sort of understand the styling or the lack of it with 500. But in big bike it is just wrong. But some new people seem to like it. I don't understand what they see. It just looks cheap to me.
Mmm that steering lock looks just like my honda cb 125 back in 1975 and the manufacturer's have literally made zero improvement in all that time, they are worse than useless 😮
@@exeterrider all standard steering locks are basically useless and are more likely to damage the ignition barrel on modern intergrated ones and or cause frame damage which leads to the insurance writing it off 🙄
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOOOOOO! NOOO! NO! NO. GOD NO! No DCT for me. If I happen to need it due to injury or to old, I will look into it. I can see an automatic 4 wheel vehicle. I like that bike but I would not buy a motorcycle with an automatic. But you might see me get the Honda Trail125 this year possibly, that will be the closest I will get to one at this time. I just want a beach cruiser with an egg carton on the back for groceries. I think I like the look of this bike because of the black out look. Little to no cleaning! 😂
@@exeterrider only sold in the states in 2019 and its about the same price as the honda trail 125, i just like the trail as it has a flat area that you can bungie anything too!
And it peaks at 170 Kmh. It's garbage, I had one. Honda overdid it here because the bike has sporty qualities they could have limited the top speed to 195 and that would have been fine but no they limited it to 170. I also had the Rebel 500 which tops at 177 Kmh, it has more top speed than the 1100 what a joke.
When does anyone need to do over 130...its a licence ban here if you get caught doing over 100mph as it is.... I liked the way it cruised tbh, it's not really about speed for me though I guess. Thanks 👍
