The Super Rebel is here.
After waiting for just about every other OEM to announce their 2021 models, Honda’s finally taken the wraps off the CMX1100 Rebel cruiser. Just like we predicted, this bike’s engine is based on the parallel twin form Honda’s Africa Twin.
Honda made some changes to the SOHC 1089cc liquid-cooled parallel twin for the Rebel application, aimed at giving a classic, torquey cruiser experience. Most notably, there’s 32 percent more flywheel mass, and the exhaust system and valve train are designed to give “an even stronger ‘pulse’ feel … the engine pulse changes from one that responds harmoniously at low revs to all throttle inputs, to a more boisterous, sensation-heightening ‘throb’ as the RPM rises.” Honda kept the Africa Twin’s 270-degree crank, which it says delivers feeling similar to a V-twin engine.
A throttle-by-wire arrangement means Honda was able to program in three default riding modes (Standard, Rain, Sport) and a user-customizable mode. Honda uses a six-speed gearbox as standard, just like the Africa Twin, but also offers a DCT.
Classic cruiser lines. Looks like an easy bob-job arrangement, too. Photo: Honda
Supposedly, the CMX1100 engine makes 87 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, with 72 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm.
On to the rest of the bike. The frame is your basic steel diamond arrangement; front forks are 43mm telescopic forks with preload adjustment. The dual rear shocks come from Showa, with piggyback reservoirs. They’re also preload-adjustable. Suspension travel is 121mm up front, 95mm in back. The CMX1100 Rebel has an 18-inch cast wheel up front, and a 16-inch cast wheel in rear. There’s a single 330mm disc brake up front, with radial-mounted four-pot caliper. In back, there’s a 256mm disc brake, with single-piston caliper.
The new Rebel comes with two-channel ABS, three-level traction control and wheelie control. LED lighting comes standard. There’s a USB charger under the seat, for your phone or other electronics. Instead of a TFT dash, Honda went with an LCD. The new bike doesn’t seem to have an IMU, and the electronics package doesn’t appear to factor in the bike’s lean angle. Curb weight is 492 pounds for the six-speed model, 514 pounds for the DCT model.
The new CMX1100L should be in the US for the 2021 selling season, with a $9,299 MSRP. It’s slated for the Canadian market, too, but there’s no MSRP listed there yet.