Honda Rebel 1100 goes long haul cruising

Honda has added a touring version of its Rebel 1100 cruiser, featuring an aerodynamic half fairing and hard cases. The rest is as for the regular Rebel 1100 cruiser which, for 2023, gains a new colour, iridium grey.

In 2021, Honda expanded its Rebel range with the CMX1100, utilising the Africa Twin IL2 engine. For 2023, the range expands with the addition of the CMX1100T or the Rebel Touring variant.

Rebel 1100 is a cruiser that has proper street cred, in that it is able to actually corner, Honda measuring 35 degree lean angles. With a seat height of 700mm it is also accessible to a wide variety of rider body types.

In Rebel 1100 format, the 1084cc parallel twin-cylinder engine is retuned for bottom end and midrange punch, together with an alluring exhaust note.

Rebel has a by-wire throttle and features three riding modes (Standard, Rain, Sport) that vary not only power but also engine braking, TC (with integrated Wheelie Control), and the shift schedule of the optional Dual Clutch Transmission. There’s also an individual or User mode. Cruise control comes as standard.

Both 1100 models feature steel mudguards, fat tyres, a circular headlight with LED bulbs and an LCD instrument display. There’s also a USB-C charger under the seat.

The new Touring version comes in a gunmetal black metallic finish while the fairing and hard panniers are standard for comfortable long-distance adventures. 

The fork-mounted half-fairing with its stubby screen is said to offer good wind deflection. Hard rear panniers feature hinged top lids, and offer 35L of luggage capacity.

Powering the Rebel 1100 Touring is a SOHC eight-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine with a 270 degree crank. It produces 64kW of power (7000rpm) and 98Nm of torque at 4750rpm. The added inertia of a heavy flywheel mass means robust low-rev response.

The exhaust aims for a deep, low-frequency pulse below 4000rpm and a more powerful high frequency note as revs rise. Balancer shafts keep vibes to a minimum. The engine complies with EU 5 legislation.

Honda offers both manual and dual clutch shifting, the latter offering fast and seamless gear changes, with minimal shift shock. This can be set to Automatic or Manual shifting, the latter with paddle style triggers on the left handlebar.

Rebel uses a tubular steel frame and steering geometry is set for a mix of stability and easy handling. Forks and piggyback rear shocks are both spring preload adjustable. Up front is a radial-mount four-piston caliper operating on a 330mm floating disc. Rims are 18 inches up front and 16 inches at the rear.

The new Rebel Touring weighs in at 238kg for the manual and 248kg in DCT form. Accessories include a Street pack (black or brown seat, tank pads, headlight cowl, short front fender and wheel stripes) and Touring pack. The latter comprises nylon saddlebags and supports, a pillion backrest, and a luggage carrier. 

Other accessories for the Tourer include a windshield, heated grips, brown pillion seat, screen cowl, and solo carrier.