Is Honda’s 2021 Rebel 1100 DCT Cruiser a Modern Sportster?

This year Honda commemorates 36 years of its Rebel line of entry-level cruisers. To celebrate, it introduces its largest-capacity and still parallel-twin-powered Rebel 1100 ($9,999 as tested with optional Dual Clutch Transmission). Loaded with modern electronic rider aids but still easy to ride, customize, and own, has Big Red engineered a modern Sportster?

Editor’s note: We’ve reported on the Rebel 1100 during the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 MC Commute Review and 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 First Look Preview articles and video. We encourage folks to take a peek at this content before digging into this article.

While some may be intimidated by its engine displacement, you shouldn’t be. In typical Rebel spirit it’s a manageable and well-rounded motorcycle. It has a low, asphalt-hugging stance with a narrow and well-proportioned cockpit. It’s a tad cramped for riders taller than 6 feet, but a simple handlebar swap could help that. Mid-foot controls make for an easy seating position, yet offer a respectable level of cornering clearance for more sport-oriented riders.

Related: 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS MC Commute Review

The optional six-speed DCT makes it easy to get rolling by eliminating the traditional clutch and gear-shift levers. These controls are replaced with a pair of handlebar-mounted trigger shifters. Riders can also opt for a fully automated experience. Just twist the throttle and go—the Rebel is as easy to operate as a scooter. A handlebar-mounted parking brake lever keeps it from rolling when parked.

Related: New Sportster Motorcycles

Even at parking lot speeds, this cruiser impresses with its agility in spite of its 509-pound fueled curb weight. It offers a wide steering radius which aids maneuvering in and out of tight spots. Dual ABS-enabled disc brakes shed speed with ease and afford pleasing response. Though we wish the Rebel 1100 had a twin disc front brake setup for aesthetic reasons.

Handling is equally as impressive at speed. Highlights include pleasing ride quality over bumps and pavement imperfections, plus suspension damping settings are neither too fast, nor too slow. When the road gets twisty, the Rebel offers a surprising level of sport aptitude, especially for a cruiser. It’s fun and easy to wield through bends. Miles melt away with ease.

Even in its highest power setting (three power modes are available), the 1,084cc twin is more sedate compared to the more punchy 2020 Africa Twin version it’s based from. Honda says the power unit is rated for 87 hp at 7,000 rpm and 72 pound-feet torque at 4,750 rpm. And with its fast-shifting gearbox, the Rebel is capable of lifting the front 18-inch wheel in first gear during hard launches. It rifles through the remaining five cogs faster than any other cruiser we’ve ridden.

The water-cooled twin emits virtually no engine heat and has minimal vibration through the controls. Even with an uneven firing order, the engine character is a tad muted for our taste. But we love the sound of the auto-blip feature as the transmission downshifts in rapid succession when braking from speed.

IMU-powered (electronic chip that combines gyro and accelerometer functions affording six degrees of vehicle positional awareness) ABS, traction/wheelie, and engine-brake control are integrated, and the rider can also tweak (in three levels) the rpm range at which the transmission upshifts.

A bright and crisp-looking round-face digital display keeps tabs on vehicle settings and is easy to read a glance. Our only complaint is that the menu system could be more intuitive. Cruise control is another nice plus as is the underseat storage compartment and USB charging port.

We love the tough-looking appearance of the quad chamber headlamp and tasteful round turn signals. The LED lighting package appears like it was sourced from a high-end aftermarket catalog. Yet it employs the legendary function, fit, and finish only Big Red can deliver.

For decades, Japanese motorcycle factories have out-engineered the Bar & Shield brand. But with the introduction of the Rebel 1100, Honda alters the trajectory of the cruiser segment through inclusive design, tasteful styling, and infusion of proven high-end riding tech.

Helmet: Arai Signet-X

Jacket: Alpinestars Oscar Charlie

Pant: Alpinestars Copper V2 Denim

Gloves: Alpinestars T-SP W Drystar

Boots: Alpinestars Faster-3