OpenTube

The Honda Rebel 1100. Proof Common Sense Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

Freddie Dobbs

417,179 views

I was delighted to test the first Japanese motorcycle on the channel.

This, the Honda Rebel 1100, or Honda CMX1100, is Honda’s answer to the Indian Scout, Triumph Bobber and Harley Davidson Sportster. I couldn’t wait to find out how it compared!

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Quad Lock setup on the Rebel:

Handlebar Mount Pro
Vibration Dampener
Phone Case

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Partners:

https://www.quadlockcase.net
My Usual Bonneville Quad Lock setup: Wireless Charger, Vibration Dampener, iPhone Case, USB Charger

https://sizzapp.com
(Motorcycle tracker and rider's mate)

https://www.xlmoto.eu
(Your one stop motorcycle shop- from biking gear to tools and everything else)

https://www.easyridertenerife.com
(Tenerife’s classic motorcycle rental company)

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Timeline:

0:00: Intro
7:14: Quad Lock Handlebar Mount Pro
8:15: Ride Review
15:10: Comparing to the Indian Scout, Triumph Bobber and Harley Davidson Sportster
18:48: Wrap Up

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Locations:

Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
Starbucks, W End Rd, Ipswich IP1 2DZ

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My bike: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (it’s the base version so no fancy stuff at all)
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Gear For the Day:

Barbour International Slim Jacket
Exklusiv Rage Shiny Black Helmet
Styl Martin Yu'Rok Boots
Racer 1927 Gridder 2 GTX Gloves

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Buy us a coffee:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fdobbs

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Find me on:

INSTAGRAM: Instagram: dob.bs
GEAR AND EVERYTHING ELSE: https://www.freddiedobbs.com
PODCAST: Freedom Machines With Freddie Dobbs
FACEBOOK: Facebook: freddiecmdobbs
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Filming and editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)

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Music:

Par: You Shine on Me
Lars Eriksson: Who Are You Counting On?
Staffan Carlen: Pins and Needles (Just Like Voodoo)
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#hondarebel1100 #hondacmx1100 #hondarebel

20 Comments

@adamwong246 4 years ago

I love how Honda doesn't try to imitate HD, Triumph, or Indian too closely. Honda knows that they can't replicate other brands, so they just focus on making it as fun, cheap and reliable as possible.

@dftweedie3021 4 years ago

I hadn't ridden in nearly 50 years. I got a Honda Shadow. Living in Southern California with access to anywhere freeway/ interstate highway dependent I had no confidence in the Shadow at 55 mph. No grunt to pull away and a general head bobbing, jittery ride.

6 Months later in March 2021 I traded for a manual Rebel 1100. What a difference! At 80 to 85 mph on the freeways with the fast lane traffic it feels like a slot car. In sport mode I never have to touch the brakes and use engine braking ... except to cancel the cruise control. Setting the cruise control 5 mph or so slower than traffic is amazing. You have some instant 'slow down' when you then throttle up to traffic speed ... and a quick twist and you are shooting past any potential danger ahead.

I now have 7500 miles and a 2500 mile tour through the Eastern Sierras and up the coast from Northern California to central Oregon and back. I should also mention I live on 40 mile mountain highway in a town over a mile high where all manner of recreational motorcyclists come on the weekends to test the twisties and views. I stay off the road till they all go home. Lucky me with it almost all to myself weekdays. As much as you can love an inanimate object, I love my Rebel.

@domgatrell 2 months ago

One of the coolest
bikes Honda have ever made excepting the sports bikes. A future classic.

@garynicholls6964 4 years ago

Hi I have done 5,000 miles on my red manual 1100 rebel. So you can say I've got to know the bike. Its a very capable bike as a tourer, back lane scacher. Comuter. It's a street bike that looks like a cruiser. I was very surprised how brilliant it is.

@NickWhitfieldnw 4 years ago

Something had always looked "not quite right" about the Rebel to me that I hadn't been able to put my finger on - but you solved it instantly. It's the look of the engine. Interestingly, now I've accepted that it's the engine that doesn't quite 100% fit the cruiser / bobber aesthetic I can look past it without that lingering feeling. It's a really interesting bike. People who really want an Indian or a Harley will always go in that direction, but this is a fantastic modern take for a good price and with that Honda build quality and reliability.

@brettsutherland4194 4 years ago

50,000km on the cmx500 47 hp of pure joy. Looking forward to owning the 1100.

@Ran013-ku 4 years ago

I've already got the 500 and I'm switching to the 1100 next year. I'm already convinced of getting the 1100, but videos like this convince me even more and more.

@aviatorz2fretz 4 years ago

This bike is beautiful. I’m actually 5’11 and 6’ with boots which I always use for riding and I was told the bike looked too small for me. But I felt 100% comfortable. This bike is awesome.

@nicofabricius2585 3 years ago

I think you are one of the best reviewers. You are always very pessionate about motorcycles and you focus on the emotion of riding. Greetings from Holland.

@marcoamora1121 4 years ago (edited)

I discovered you two just recently and I've binged a ton of your videos. The production, editing, music, scenery, and commentary are all just sublime! Thanks for another banger, the enthusiasm is electric.

@win4400 4 years ago (edited)

I even still remember the first time I tried sitting on Rebel 500 and my gosh it feels so much comfortable and fun for that low center of gravity and beautiful geometry this bike has. Meanwhile the looks is genuine like no others and it has its own stylish stance. It put biggest smile on my face

@reclaimer3439 4 years ago (edited)

I love the look. There is elegance in simplicity. I'm in love with the lack of chrome.

@123edwardzpad 1 year ago

Thank you Freddie and Monica. I like the Honda Rebel 1100, especially new T, the touring option. Honda builds exciting and reliable motorcycles.

@Foodgeek 4 years ago

I am considering upgrading my rebel 500 for an 1100. Had the 1100 been out when I bought my rebel, it would have been a no-brainer choice :)

@misterboodarie 2 weeks ago

Just bought one to tour Thailand, Laos and Malaysia one. Very impressed with this bike.

@eddyrey4875 4 years ago

Bro you are the most entertaining person that I have seen review a motorcycle. Love your style, the music... kept me interested and engaged thru out the whole video. I normally get bored and x out of other reviewers. Great job 👏 👍

@syazwan_ruslaine 2 years ago (edited)

I immediately thought it was Paul Bettany reviewing the Rebel 1100. I can't unsee it. Best review of this bike yet! Really love the "feel" you put into this review.