It’s not often we find the internet rumour mill is correct, especially when it involves Honda, but it turns out when it comes to the Japanese brand’s latest cruiser the internet was spot on. Meet the 2021 CMX1100 Rebel.
Joining the well established CMX500 Rebel, as the name suggests the CMX1100 is powered by a 1084cc parallel twin derived from the heart of the 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin. Honda says the engine has been retuned for even more low and mid-range power than the Africa Twin.
Peak power is therefore down on the original incarnation of the engine at 86hp (64kW) @ 7,000rpm with 98Nm @ 4,750rpm peak torque but those are still healthy numbers in this segment of the market, and a trade off of shifting the meat of the power lower in the rev range.
Increased inertia from 32% extra flywheel mass means the low-rpm response is not only extremely strong, but is delivered with real character according to Honda.
Just like the Africa Twin the engine is developed from the electronics package includes Honda Selectable Torque Control, Wheelie Control, Cruise Control and 3 default riding modes all working through Throttle by Wire to make up a comprehensive package of supporting electronics for the Rebel 1100.
Suspension comes in the form of 43mm cartridge-style front forks, ‘piggyback’ rear shock absorbers and four-piston, radial-mount front brake caliper.
All lighting is LED, but unlike the cutting-edge Africa Twin the Rebel keeps grounded in its cruiser roots with a negative LCD instrument display.
Interestingly, Honda says they will also offer a Dual Clutch Transmission option for the Rebel 1100, which could see more uptake from cruiser riders than the ADV community here in NZ.
The Rebel 1100’s stripped-back style speaks volumes with its minimalism. It is a factory bobber after all, but that doesn’t mean Honda has cut corners.
Steel mudguards front and rear sit atop fat tyres; the circular headlight mixes old school looks with new school LED bulbs and mirrors the round, negative LCD instrument display.
For modern day convenience, Honda has included a USB-C charger in the underseat storage space. Other factory options appear to include windscreens, panniers and a range of seat and pillion accessories.
The CMX1100 Rebel will debut in two colour options - Bordeaux Red Metallic and Gunmetal Black Metallic - with New Zealand pricing and arrival yet to be announced by local distributor Blue Wing Honda.