Rebel with a cause

The new Rebel 1100 is set to sell alongside its LAMS-approved sibling, writes Nile Bijoux.

Honda has, after much speculation, revealed its new big cruiser, the Rebel 1100. As the name suggests, it uses the 1100cc parallel twin engine from the dual-sport Africa Twin, which generates 64kW and 98Nm of output in this guise. Like the Africa, the Rebel 1100 gets a ride-by-wire throttle, allowing for three ride modes, Standard, Sport and Rain.

Those modes are supplemented by Honda’s electronics package, which includes Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control and cruise control. And, like the Africa, two transmissions will be available – a conventional six-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic.

Honda New Zealand hasn’t confirmed whatwewill be getting but there’s a decent chancewe’ll have both options.

Suspension at the front is handled by 43 millimetre cartridgestyle forks, with ‘‘piggyback’’ rear shock absorbers. The front brake disc is a 330mm unit, clamped by a four-piston caliper while the rear has a 256mm disc and a singlepiston caliper. ABS is standard.

All lighting is LED but the Rebel gets a roundwhite-on-black LCD instrument display instead of the flashier 6.5-inch TFT display on the Africa Twin.

Styling is minimal, like the LAMS-approved (learner approved motorcycle scheme) Rebel 500 already in the market, with a lowsling seat, trellis frame and fat wheels. Honda also offers a bunch of accessories, like saddlebags, a batwing fairing and quilted saddles.

Local pricing and availability is yet to be announced.

This is what Honda is hoping will steal a few would-be Harley buyers, the Rebel 1100.

It has the looks and the name going for it but time will tell if a post-Covid world is ready for another big Honda cruiser.