2021 Honda Rebel 1100 unveiled

Honda has taken the wraps off of the new Rebel 1100, and it sits above the Honda Rebel 500 and Rebel 300, in international markets.

• 1084cc engine features a different cam profile and ignition timing 

• Gets four-level traction control 

• Four riding modes including a custom setting 

2021 Honda Rebel 1100: Engine

The biggest talking point about the Rebel 1100 is undoubtedly its engine. The 1084cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine is the same unit that powers the Africa Twin, Honda's flagship Adventure tourer. This engine, however, has been retuned in the Rebel to suit its cruiser character. The company has used different camshaft profiles and ignition timing for each of the Rebel 1100’s two cylinders. So, one cylinder produces slightly more power below 4000 rpm, and the other above 4000 rpm. This along with the 270-degree crankshaft, results in a unique power pulse. 

Honda claims the engine provides a wide torque band, with plenty of grunt at the lower end to enable that typical cruiser-like relaxed riding experience. 

Since the engine is taken from the Africa Twin, it is only obvious that the transmission has been taken off the ADV too. The Rebel 1100 is available with the choice of either a six-speed transmission or a DCT automatic. Riders can choose to ride the DCT model in full-automatic mode or shift gears using buttons on the handlebar.

2021 Honda Rebel 1100: Electronics

Honda has incorporated a throttle-by-wire system on the Rebel 1100 along with four levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) or traction control in layman's terms. In addition, the bike has four riding modes- Standard, Rain, Sport, while the fourth is customisable. The Rebel 1100 is also equipped with Wheelie control and cruise control as standard.

2021 Honda Rebel 1100: Chassis

The Rebel 1100 has a tubular steel frame underneath the familiar bodywork. There's a 43mm cartridge fork and  gas-charged twin shocks at the rear, both adjustable for preload. The bike rides on 18-inch wheels at the front and a 16-inch wheel at the rear. The wheelbase, meanwhile, at 1,520mm is longer than the Rebel 500's and it gets a beefier swingarm as well.

Braking duties are taken care of by a massive 330mm single disc, four-piston radial caliper setup at the front and a 256mm disc at the rear with a single caliper. Dual channel ABS is standard.

2021 Honda Rebel 1100: Design 

The most familiar bit about the new Rebel 1100 is its design. It looks similar to the Rebel 500, with its Bobber like appearance, although it is bigger in terms of dimensions. In terms of ergonomics, the riding position is similar to the other Rebel's while the seat height is set at an accessible 698mm. The manual transmission equipped variant tips the scales at 220kg while the DCT weighs an additional 10kg.

2021 Honda Rebel 1100: Colours, accessories and availability 

Honda has introduced the Rebel 1100 in two colours- Metallic Black and Bordeaux Red. 

The list of accessories includes a fairing, pillion seat, saddlebags and more.

The Rebel 1100 will go on sale in international markets soon. Whether Honda India brings it to our shores and sells it via the Big Wing showroom network, remains to be seen.