2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS Guide

Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS: THE BEST REBEL 1100.

Introducing the 2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS…

Still available Rebel 1100 version in manual transmission, for a broadened cruiser platform capable of delivering myriad riding experiences. All three iterations feature a high-performance, water-cooled parallel-twin engine with plenty of power for the highway and acceleration for spirited riding, along with comfortable ergonomics, a relaxed riding position and sporty handling. All three are also offered at extremely competitive MSRPs, especially when Honda’s legendary quality and reliability are factored into the equation. For those who want to make the Rebel their own, a long list of Honda Accessories are offered.

In just the two short years since its introduction, Honda’s versatile Rebel 1100 has made waves in the cruiser market, with a “new-school” cruiser design that’s equally adept at relaxed Sunday outings, dynamic backroad carving and longer-distance highway touring. For 2023, the platform is even more capable, with a new “T” trim level that offers “bagger” styling and convenience.

A CRUISER FOR TODAY’S RIDER

Our Rebel 1100 ABS is a great bike that offer the low seat heights, the relaxed riding positions, and the easy-to-ride torque that every cruiser rider loves. On the other hand, when you take them down a twisty road and open up the throttle, you’ll find that their modern power and handling leaves most traditional cruisers in the dust. Added bonus: their fresh, clean, contemporary sense of style means you don’t look like you wheeled your grandad’s bike out of the garage. Plus, every Rebel 1100 comes equipped with our anti-lock brake system and cruise control, and a conventional six-speed manual. Finally, because we all like to personalize our rides, we offer an extensive line of Honda accessories for both bikes.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

PERFORMANCE

TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE

The Rebel 1100 sports an engine that redefines what a modern cruiser can and should be. The parallel-twin design is narrow, and delivers torque everywhere from idle to redline. Proven in our Africa Twin, you’ll have plenty of power grunt down low, but the Rebel 1100 cruises easy and revs like nothing else in the class.

ENGINEERING

CRUISE CONTROL

With a bike like the new Rebel 1100, you’re going to want to get out and ride. That’s why we’ve equipped it with cruise control, just like our Gold Wings. Want to kick back and cruise on the open road all weekend long? No problem!

STYLE

BLACKED-OUT STYLE

Our family of Rebels are blank canvases for your self-expression. But unlike the canvas you buy at the art store, they’re not boring white. As is, its blacked-out engine pieces, frame, fork and bodywork elements look great during the day and even better at night. We even black-plated the final-drive chain!

COMFORT

LOW SEAT HEIGHT

When it comes to cruisers and seat heights, almost everyone likes them lower, and the Rebel 1100 has one of the lowest seats in anyone’s lineup. It’s comfortable when you ride, and it makes it easier to flat-foot it at stoplights or in parking lots.

PERFORMANCE

TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE

The Rebel 1100 sports an engine that redefines what a modern cruiser can and should be. The parallel-twin design is narrow, and delivers torque everywhere from idle to redline. Proven in our Africa Twin, you’ll have plenty of power grunt down low, but the Rebel 1100 cruises easy and revs like nothing else in the class.

UNICAM ENGINE DESIGN

Our Honda exclusive Unicam® engine design helps us give the Rebel 1100 a compact cylinder head for optimal engine placement. But the engine also benefits from superior performance, thanks to the entire cylinder-head layout. It’s the best of both worlds!

270-DEGREE-PHASE CRANK

Most twins use a 180-degree crank. By phasing the Rebel 1100’s at 270 degrees, you get a unique, rumbling power delivery that’s easy to modulate, and that produces an awesome exhaust sound.

SPECIAL CAMSHAFT TIMING

We use different camshaft profiles and ignition timing for each of the Rebel 1100’s two cylinders. Why? One cylinder produces slightly more power below 4000 rpm, and the other more above 4000 rpm. Along with the 270-degree crankshaft, the result is a unique power pulse and feel you’re going to love. Plus, the Rebel 1100 makes way more power (nearly 50 percent more) than some of the “traditional” cruisers out there.

CHAIN FINAL DRIVE

Chain final drive is light and efficient. That’s why sportbikes use chains, and that’s why the Rebel 1100 does too—because this is a real performance cruiser.

ENGINEERING

CRUISE CONTROL

With a bike like the new Rebel 1100, you’re going to want to get out and ride. That’s why we’ve equipped it with cruise control, just like our Gold Wings. Want to kick back and cruise on the open road all weekend long? No problem!

THROTTLE BY WIRE

Our throttle-by-wire system greatly expands the Rebel 1100’s versatility. First, you get four levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control. Second, you can choose from four power delivery modes: Standard, Rain, Sport, and a fourth that’s user-programmable. First used on our World-Champion RC213V MotoGP bikes, throttle-by-wire is an excellent example of how Honda technology works for you.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

The Rebel 1100 features a conventional smooth shifting manual gearbox with a handlebar-mounted clutch lever. It’s a proven, tough design that makes the bike a little bit lighter, too.

SLIPPER/ASSIST CLUTCH

Developed and perfected in Honda racing machines, the slipper/assist clutch (on the manual-transmission model) means you get a lighter clutch pull at the lever, but a solid lockup when you release the lever and apply power. It’s technology that reduces clutch effort at the bar by about 30 percent.

BIAXIAL COUNTERBALANCE

By using counterbalancing elements on two axes, Honda engineers can cancel and fine-tune both primary and coupling vibrations from the engine. The result: we can mount the engine solidly for superior strength and handling. You get a superior ride, yet the engine still produces a pulsing beat you both hear and feel.

SUPERIOR HANDLING

A lot of today’s motorcycles look great standing still or just cruising along, but disappoint once the road gets twisty. At Honda, we set high standards for the way all our bikes handle and feel, and the Rebel 1100 is a perfect example—we’ve paid just as much attention to the way this bike corners and handles as we have its knockout styling.

LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY, COMPACT MASS

By locating heavy components like the crankshaft low and as close to the bike’s center of gravity as possible, and by using a compact engine design, the Rebel 1100 provides a excellent platform for superior handling.

STEEL FRAME

The Rebel 1100’s frame is not only an important reason why this bike handles so well, it’s also an important styling element. The trellis design describes a bold diagonal theme line from the steering head to the swingarm pivot.

CAST ALUMINUM WHEELS

Sportbikes use cast wheels, and so does the Rebel 1100. They’re light, practical, easy to keep clean, and give the Rebel 1100 a look that tells you this is not built like a retro machine. The wide rims and tires add to the bike’s appearance, too.

POWERFUL DISC BRAKES

The Rebel 1100 features a radially mounted front-brake caliper for powerful stopping performance. The radial-mount design also helps make it stiffer, increasing brake feel and control. Another disc at the rear completes the package.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

Both the automatic DCT and manual-shift Rebel 1100s feature our refined anti-lock braking system. When riding in town, in the rain, or on unfamiliar roads, it’s a great asset that can help you make controlled stops in less-than-ideal conditions. For a bike like this, it’s a feature everyone can appreciate.

WHEELIE CONTROL

Like our high-tech CBR1000RR, the Rebel 1100 features front and rear wheel-speed sensors working with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The system lets you dial in three levels of wheelie control.

UNDER-SEAT USB-C TERMINAL

We know you’re going to want to charge up your personal electronics while you’re out riding, and that’s why we’ve provided a handy under-seat USB-C port.

WIDE FRONT AND REAR TIRES

The Rebel’s low, fat rear tire gives you plenty of grip while helping to lower the bike’s overall seat height and stance. The wide front tire not only gives the bike a great look, but it helps provide superior handling and stopping power. Plus, the wide profile perfectly complements the rear tire’s look.

STYLE

BLACKED-OUT STYLE

Our family of Rebels are blank canvases for your self-expression. But unlike the canvas you buy at the art store, they’re not boring white. As is, its blacked-out engine pieces, frame, fork and bodywork elements look great during the day and even better at night. We even black-plated the final-drive chain!

BLACKED-OUT MUFFLER

Forget about having to polish chrome—the Rebel’s blacked-out exhaust system blends perfectly with the bike’s overall look. And maybe the biggest plus? The awesome sound that’s so important to the riding experience.

MODERN/CLASSIC INSTRUMENT SHAPE

Another iconic element combining traditional and modern, the Rebel’s instruments take a classic shape and fill it with totally up-to-date reverse-image digital LCD information. The instruments include a speedometer, tachometer, gear-position indicator, a fuel-indicator, engine output mode, torque control level, engine braking mode, and much more.

ROUND HEADLIGHT

Another critical item in motorcycle design is the headlight. The Rebel 1100 features a headlight with a round, three-inch nacelle that gives the bike plenty of character.

ALL LED LIGHTING PACKAGE

LED lighting is where it’s at now. LEDs can be lighter, brighter, and require fewer lifetime replacements than incandescent bulbs. That’s why the Rebel 1100 features an all-LED lighting package—headlight, taillight, turn signals, even the license-plate light.

SEAMLESS FUEL TANK

Can you see the flange on the bottom of the Rebel 1100’s fuel tank? Trick question! That’s because there isn’t one. Like the best custom-built bikes, we’ve fabricated the fuel tank without a flange to clean up the bike’s lines and give it a more refined look.

FUEL TANK

One of the key items in motorcycle design is the fuel tank. The Rebel 1100’s iconic fuel-tank shape is timeless, but functionally it also teams up with the bike’s great fuel efficiency to give you plenty of range.

LEFT-SIDE IGNITION SWITCH/STORAGE ACCESS

Moving the ignition switch to the left side keeps the Rebel 1100’s instrument area clean. It also lets the same switch unlock the three-liter underseat storage compartment for extra convenience.

COLOR CHOICES

Ready for some awesome color choices for 2023? Check out what you can be riding: Iridium Gray Metallic or Green Metallic.

STEEL FRONT AND REAR FENDERS

The Rebel 1100 has steel fenders front and rear. There’s even an optional shorty front fender available.

WIDE FRONT FORK

It’s what’s up front that counts most in style, and the Rebel 1100 knocks it out of the park. Of course the front suspension offers more precise steering and a plush ride, but the fat fork tubes give the bike a substantial presence too, and a special titanium oxide finish on the fork tubes maintain the rich blackout look.

PREMIUM REAR SUSPENSION

Because we build the Rebel 1100 for serious canyon rides as well as laid-back cruising, we gave it a pair of nitrogen-filled remote-reservoir shocks and equipped them with a special spring rate too. Just like the front suspension, it’s about adding both comfort and performance to your riding experience.

OPTIONAL Honda ACCESSORIES

Want to give your Rebel 1100 some individual touches? We have an extensive selection of Honda accessories. For example, there are several seat options, including two with brown upholstery. Carrying a passenger? Then you’ll want our passenger seat, backrest, and more. Other popular items include saddlebags, rear carrier, and windscreen—almost 30 items in all.

COMFORT

LOW SEAT HEIGHT

When it comes to cruisers and seat heights, almost everyone likes them lower, and the Rebel 1100 has one of the lowest seats in anyone’s lineup. It’s comfortable when you ride, and it makes it easier to flat-foot it at stoplights or in parking lots.

LIGHT OVERALL WEIGHT

The Rebel 1100 is a lot lighter than some of its competition. That makes it easier to handle and a lot more fun and friendly to ride than some heavier machines. The light overall weight and a low center of gravity help performance, too.

NARROW OVERALL WIDTH

Super-narrow, especially at the critical tank/seat junction, the Rebel 1100 makes it easier to get on and off the bike, and to put your feet down at stops. Plus, the Rebel fits a wide variety of riders.

ROOMY RIDER TRIANGLE

A rider makes contact with the bike at three points: the seat, the handlebar, and the footpegs. The Rebel 1100’s rider triangle strikes the perfect balance between laid-back cruiser and more active sport riding. You ride with a commanding presence, and the minute you sit on a Rebel in your local Honda dealership, you’ll know it.

SOLO SEAT WITH OPTIONAL PASSENGER SEAT AND FOOTPEG KIT

With the Rebel 1100 you can easily set your bike up for riding solo, or take a passenger along in style: the removable seat rails, optional passenger seat, passenger footpegs and footpeg hangers are all simple, bolt-on parts.

Honda Reveals New “Bagger” Rebel and Returning Motorcycle Models for 2023

• New Rebel 1100T DCT offers “bagger” cruiser styling and convenience
• Announcement includes on-road models from five categories
• For the 2023 model year, American Honda announces the return of 11 on-road motorcycle models. From cruisers to miniMOTOs, scooters and sport bikes, the announcement includes a diverse range of motorcycles that showcase the breadth of Honda’s lineup.

The highlight of the announcement is the new “T” trim level of the Rebel 1100 platform. The Rebel 1100T DCT builds on the success of Honda’s “new-school” cruiser platform with “bagger” styling (including wind protection and substantial cargo space), as well as Honda’s advanced dual clutch transmission (DCT). In addition to this new version, the standard Rebel 1100 is back in both manual-transmission and DCT iterations. Other confirmed returning 2023 cruisers include the Rebel 500 and 300—offered in several trim levels and new colors for 2023—as well as the classic Shadow Aero and bobber-inspired Shadow Phantom.

Returning sport bike models include the value-driven CBR1000RR, the agile CBR600RR and the entry-level sport-naked CB300R. The touring-focused NC750X continues to deliver incredible versatility for 2023, and it’s available with DCT or a manual transmission. A pair of miniMOTO models—the best-selling Super Cub and the nostalgic Monkey—both feature available ABS and receive new colors for the new model year. The adventure-inspired ADV150 scooter is back for 2023 as well.

“This announcement covers nearly every category of on-road motorcycle, which is a testament to how deep our product offering is,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Sports and Experiential at American Honda. “While each model has a distinct goal in mind, they all benefit from Honda’s renowned premium build quality and reliability. Whether it’s for the first-time rider or the weekend warrior, we’re committed to delivering the best possible ownership and riding experiences to all of our passionate two-wheel customers.”

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
At the heart of the Rebel 1100 is a torquey, liquid-cooled parallel-twin 1,083cc engine, made popular in the legendary Africa Twin adventure platform and adopted in order to achieve dynamic performance in a cruiser application. The engine’s powerful torque and output are adjusted for easy handling, enabling both exciting rides and pressure-free, relaxed touring. .

The parallel-twin design aids vehicle packaging, making it possible to locate heavy parts on the rear of the engine, enhancing mass centralization and a low center of gravity. Further contributing to the tidy engine layout is the Unicam® single-overhead-camshaft valvetrain design. Also found on Honda’s high-performance CRF450R motocrosser, the design lowers the engine’s cylinder head, contributing to the mill’s compact size. In addition, a dry-sump lubrication system places the oil tank inside the crankcase, allowing a thinner oil pan and low CG.

Together, these features contribute to the Rebel 1100’s excellent handling and a deep lean angle for aggressive cornering, while still allowing the squat styling and low seat height (27.5 inches) that are intrinsic to cruisers, and that enable riders to easily place both feet on the ground at stops or during parking-lot maneuvers.

The uneven firing interval provided by the 270-degree crankshaft design animates a pulsing, rhythmic feel at idle and low engine speeds. A two-axis primary balancer minimizes unpleasant vibrations by canceling primary inertia, resulting in a smooth-running engine that still produces substantial power.

Sophisticated electronic ignition timing and fuel-delivery maps give the Rebel 1100 engine a character all its own. Compared to the Africa Twin, the flywheel is 20 percent heavier, increasing the moment of inertia for a torquey characteristic, and the air-filter and exhaust-system designs are unique. The combined result is enhanced cylinder “pulsing” at low rpm, while power at higher engine speeds is maximized. The muscular engine signature is unlike that of any other cruiser on the market, delivering both relaxed and exciting riding experiences.

ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
In keeping with—and contributing to—its surprising sporting capabilities, the Rebel 1100 touts electronic rider aids not typically associated with the cruiser segment. Throttle-by-wire allows features including Honda Selectable Torque Control (which incorporates Wheelie Control) and riding modes, as well as cruise control.

HSTC / Wheelie Control
By controlling the throttle opening (and thus engine torque), Honda Selectable Torque Control inhibits rear-tire slip during acceleration and cornering, increasing rider confidence. When the level setting is switched on, the system detects differences between front- and rear-wheel speeds (suggesting that the rear tire is spinning). As the calculated slip ratio goes beyond a specific level set by the rider, the ECU controls fuel injection, and optimized engine torque controls rear-wheel drive. An indicator light on the meter panel illuminates when the system is in operation.

HSTC also incorporates Wheelie Control, which limits front-end rise during acceleration. When the system detects that the front wheel is decelerating while the rear wheel is accelerating, it infers that a wheelie is occurring and intervenes. Again, the result is an increase in rider confidence.

Riding Modes
These electronic rider aids are controlled and utilized through different ride modes, each of which provides a distinct riding experience, enhancing the Rebel 1100’s “Relax and Excite” ethos.

Three preset ride modes give the rider distinct options that result in different experiences for varying riding conditions, including commuting, long-distance trips, slippery road surfaces and carrying a passenger. Each ride mode is comprised of carefully balanced settings for power, HSTC (including Wheelie Control), engine braking and DCT shift timing.

• Standard: This mode has middle-of-the-road settings for all parameters, resulting in a riding experience that can be relaxed for city riding or cruising, yet exciting when the throttle is opened. Power is brisk but manageable, shift-timing is appropriate for a wide range of situations, engine braking is natural-feeling and HSTC suppresses unexpected slip.
• Sport: Programmed for exciting, spirited riding, this mode is great for exhilarating outings, on winding roads for example. It has an aggressive, strong power delivery and low intervention for HSTC. Engine braking is natural-feeling, and gear-changes up and down occur at higher rpm, with vigorous blipping on downshifts to emphasize aggressiveness.
• Rain: Not just for wet conditions, this mode is ideal for situations when traction is limited, but also when a relaxed, enjoyable, comfortable, energy-conserving riding experience is desired. Throttle response and engine braking are both mild, and gear changes occur at lower rpm, for minimum shift shock and vehicle pitching. HSTC has high levels of intervention.

In addition, a customizable User mode can be set up to the rider’s exact preferences. When the bike’s ignition is turned on, the ECU remembers the previously selected mode.

The Rebel 1100 is the only model in its class to come standard with cruise control.

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Geometry
With a 59.8-inch wheelbase and a 30-degree fork angle, the Rebel 1100 achieves a cruiser style that belies its sporting capabilities. This is possible because the caster angle is actually 28 degrees and the trail length 4.3 inches, achieving both straight-line stability and neutral handling. Spirited riding is also facilitated by the aforementioned 27.5-inch seat height, the middle positioning of the foot pegs and foot controls, the neutral location and bend of the handlebar, the 35-degree bank angle (much more than most cruisers—similar to naked-bike), 4.7 inches of ground clearance and the 509-pound curb weight for the DCT version (542 pounds on the 1100T version).

The tubular swingarm has a 50.8mm diameter.

Suspension
Also contributing to the sporting potential are high-performance suspension components. Consistent with the bike’s blacked-out styling, the 43mm conventional telescopic fork has stanchions that are coated with dark navy titanium oxide, while the two-part sliders are wrought and die-cast aluminum. A cartridge-type damper and 5.5 inches of wheel travel contribute to the machine’s sporty performance.

Rear suspension comprises dual Showa shocks with 12.5mm shafts and pressurized piggyback reservoirs for tough looks, good road-holding performance and consistent damping force. Rear-wheel travel is 3.7 inches.

At both ends, preload can be adjusted to tailor the ride to load and passenger conditions. The rear preload-adjustment range is particularly broad, allowing appropriate setup for a wide range of rider weights and preferences.

Brakes
Slowing and stopping the Rebel 1100 is accomplished with high-quality braking components similar to those found on sport bikes, resulting in high-level vehicle control in a broad range of riding conditions. The single front caliper has a monobloc, four-piston, radial-mount design and squeezes a floating 330mm rotor. The rear caliper has a single piston and works a 256mm rotor. ABS is standard.

Wheels
Attractive, sporty, cast wheels with five Y-shaped spokes are used both front and rear, providing optimum rigidity and contributing to the bike’s neutral handling character. The radial tires are size 130/70-18 (front) and 180/65-16 (rear), for a voluminous look and powerful styling.

ACCESSORIES
More than any category, cruisers are about customization—for performance, appearance and convenience—and Honda makes that possible with a long list of Rebel 1100 accessories, from minimalist to tour-focused. Examples include cowls, bags, seats, backrests, short fenders and tank pads, heated grips, alarms and more.

Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan.

• Meets current EPA standards.
• Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $13,299 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
Specifications subject to change

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type Liquid-cooled parallel twin with 270° phased crankshaft
Displacement 1084 cc
Bore & Stroke 92 mm x 81.5 mm
Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Valve Train SOHC, Unicam, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 46 mm throttle bodies
Transmission Standard model: Six-speed manual
DCT model: Six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three automatic shift modes and a manual mode
Final Drive #525 chain; 16T/42T
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension 43 mm telescopic fork; 121 mm (4.8 in) travel
Rear Suspension Dual Showa shocks w/ 12.5mm shafts & adj. preload, piggyback pressurized reservoirs; 95 mm (3.7 in) travel
Additional Information
Tires Front: 130/70R-18
Rear: 180/65R-18
Brakes Front: Single radial-mounted four-piston caliper with full-floating 330mm disc
Rear: 256mm disc
ABS 2 channel ABS
Seat Height 700 mm (27.6 in)
Wheelbase 1520 mm (59.8 in)
Curb Weight Standard model: 223 kg (491 lb)
DCT model: 233 kg (514 lb)
Fuel Capacity 13.6 litres
Colour Iridium Grey Metallic, Gunmetal Black Metallic
Warranty 12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).