OpenTube

The Easiest Big Cruiser Bike to Ride – Honda Rebel 1100 DCT Review

Bike Riding Adam

25,231 views

I went into this ride expecting to like the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT. I did not expect to love it.

The engine is straight out of the Africa Twin, which has always impressed me, but dropping it into a cruiser chassis just makes sense.

Honda have mounted it so low in the frame that this bike ends up being perfect for shorter riders, and despite being a full-power 1100cc cruiser, it feels genuinely lightweight and nimble underneath you.

I rode it comfortably through traffic in Manchester city centre and it never once felt like a handful, honestly, this is the easiest big bike I've ever ridden.

This is also the perfect bike to be fitted with Honda's DCT. A cruiser that's automatic just makes sense, no clutch, no fuss, just smooth, relaxed riding that suits the whole character of the bike.

Now, coming from a 6'1", 16 stone rider, "lightweight" and "easy" are a bit relative, so to get a proper second opinion, I roped in a 5'2" glamorous assistant for a special guest appearance: my gorgeous wife.

Watch to hear her honest thoughts on the Rebel 1100 DCT.

In this video:
🏍️ First impressions of the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT
⚙️ Why the Africa Twin engine works so well in a cruiser
🔄 Why DCT makes so much sense on a cruiser like this
🏙️ Riding through Manchester city centre traffic
👩 My wife's take on the Rebel as a shorter rider

If you're considering the Rebel 1100, especially if you're a shorter or newer rider wondering if a big cruiser is manageable, this one's for you.

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it
🔔 Subscribe for more honest motorcycle reviews
💬 Let me know in the comments if you've ridden the Rebel 1100 DCT

#HondaRebel1100 #HondaRebelDCT #MotorcycleReview #CruiserMotorcycle #AfricaTwin #MotoVlog #Manchester #DCT

I'm Bike Riding Adam, I am a Manchester based Biker who posts daily to social media, the mishaps and often unintentionally funny musings of commuting on my Motorbike around Manchester. I also post longer videos to YouTube, including motorbike reviews, rides, and mini adventures with my son George.

I have a regular YouTube series, Questions for Bikers which highlights the amazing people within the motorbike community, And I also help to promote and organise final rides, or funeral escorts for fellow bikers and often children or people who had a love of motorbikes.

Check out my website for discounts on all the kit I use and also link to rides, bike meets and events all over the UK.

https://www.bikeridingadam.com

Litelok
https://www.litelok.com/BIKERIDINGADAM
USE Discount Code : BIKERIDINGADAM

RideIron
https://rideiron.com/?ref=BIKERIDINGADAM
USE Discount code : BIKERIDINGADAM

Cardo
https://cardosystems.com/discount/RBADAM

If you have a venue, destination or event you would like to feature in one of my videos, get in touch to discuss options.

20 Comments

@mgician23 3 months ago

A month ago, I had never even sat on a motorcycle. I found a 25 1100 dct online and bought it, it got delivered to my house in two days and the next weekend I took the Motorcycle course here in California. I started riding my 1100 late at night in parking lots and on the road to get use to it. A week after that I’ve been taking it to work and it’s been really fun to learn on. I’ve put a few hundred miles on it now and I can’t imagine learning on something else. The DCT has been really nice to learn on

@Ryy_Ryy 3 months ago (edited)

Got to agree. Rebel 1100 was the first motorcycle I attempted to ride. Taught myself. The thing drives itself. Great bike to ride around locally and in a city. Spent a week riding within a few miles from my home to get the hang of it all....now i got 6000 miles on it and going on my first 1000 mile journey soon! Love the bike to death. Every time I ride it I feel like Arnold in T2 🤣

@AxiomXy 2 weeks ago

"Choppers" are custom bikes where the weight was reduced (or chopped) custom frames, and the forks extended to give them a better interstate ride (and they were faster on track days). People can, and do, 'chop' anything. I saw one where someone made a chopper out of a Hayabusa. Anyway, in the US we call the style of bike that you're on a cruiser.

@BikerTaylor 3 months ago

I have the 500 and its my first bike would love it to have DCT

@SharonPickering-j5o 1 month ago

I just bought one based on your review. Cheers Adam

@TheHoodedGengar 3 months ago

Fantastic video, been waiting on this one for a while. Got an assessment in two weeks to determine what DAS course i should do. Going from a 125 id love to jump to a 1100 but It'll be the 500 rebel ill be picking up. This has defo helped

@michelevolz7769 3 months ago

I have this bike so great!

@thetinslebiker 3 months ago

Cracking vlog Adam, I've never considered a cruiser, but as I'm getting a little older and like to be more comfortable, this bike looks very nice. I think I will have to take a test ride on one. Take care, stay safe 🏍👍👌

@phil4188 3 months ago

Great video bud Ty.😊

@NHodge-j4v 13 days ago

Im from the US, 55 yr old woman, 5'4" and I've got the 2023 Rebel 1100 dct...I rode a Honda shadow 750, but I absolutely looooove my 1100 dct!!!
I ride in user mode with full power lowest eb, and medium D...sooooo much power, sooooo nimble!!!
I loved my shadow, but I have terrible arthritis in my left thumb base knuckle...excruciating, so getting this wonderful, beautiful, extremely fun, fast as you please (or not) bike is my dream bike regardless of the arthritis!!! I love leaving everyone behind off the stop!!!
Anyway, she's a wolf in sheep's clothing!!! You can change the gear ratio!
I live in the country in South Carolina, so I only take my car if I absolutely have to!🏍💨❤️

@mladen2008 4 days ago

14:33 😂😂😂💪🏼❤️‍🔥

@whatevertrev1416 2 months ago

That exhaust is shocking.

@MrBenlynch 1 month ago

Got my DAS next month Adam, why the F have you got me now looking at 1100's! I'm off to have a butchers now!

@adelmohr8592 2 months ago

I have the same bike but 2025 SE its amazing , I consider it the King of city , especially with the DCT system . I installed the miller exhaust withe dual pipes and the sound and look are absolutely stunning I really enjoy every ride on it .

@Jennoten 2 months ago

It’s taken me ages to work out who your wife’s is. I was thinking I know that face. Went round all the shows. Grange Hill, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Corrie. Then remembered Hollyoaks. Oh and nice video, enjoy watching your honest Motorcycle content. 😂

@FrankValiente-ng4mk 1 month ago (edited)

I got one and is such a good job honda. I have 3 other bikes and this one I have to ride it every week sometimes formdays.for days. I ride it on sport mode all the time.

@PaddyONeill-w8c 1 month ago

Been riding bikes for 50 years. Wrecked my left knee in 1978 so always had to ride a bike with forward controls. Built a couple of chops in the 80s and then Harleys. Currently have a 1200 Sportster but due to increasing arthritis and pain finding the clutch almost impossible to use so really not planning on giving up bikes if possible so been looking at one of these. And you can get a forward controls kit to fit. Watching this video has pretty much made me decide to go for one
Cheers
Paddy

@danielotoole5544 3 months ago

Great vid as usual. Any plans to review the Honda GB350S? Would be interested to see how the little bike does around Manchester and maybe even Rivington for a laugh.