Honda unveil Africa Twin powered CMX1100 Rebel

Honda are re-entering the big-bore cruiser class in 2021 with this all-new Rebel 1100 – a large-capacity version of their popular Rebel 500.

As predicted by MCN back in April, the new Rebel takes a retuned version of the parallel twin from the current CRF1100 Africa Twin.

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Like the 500, the new CMX1100 Rebel has manageable proportions (seat height is a low 700mm) blended with fat-tyred cruiser styling. The balloon front tyre is a 130-section 18-incher with a fat 180-section 16-incher at the rear.

The 1084cc motor comes with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), making the new Rebel the first cruiser available with the semi-automatic gearbox.

The engine also gets also revised valve timing and ignition settings plus a heavier flywheel – all intended to both give more cruiser character and boost low and midrange performance.

The result is peak power of 86bhp at 7000rpm and torque of 72ft.lb at just 4750rpm, compared to the Africa Twin’s revvier 100bhp at 7500rpm and 78lb.ft at 6250rpm.

The reworked engine also benefits from three default riding modes (Standard, Sport and Rain) plus an extra, customisable ‘User’ mode.

The 1100 Rebel follows the template of its little brother with its tubular steel frame but with fatter tubes. There are conventional telescopic forks and twin rear shocks, although these are beefier than those on the smaller Rebel and preload adjustable.

A single front disc provides the stopping power, although this is a larger 330mm item now gripped by a radial-mount, four-piston caliper. The round headlight features four LED bulbs while instrumentation is via a 120mm reverse-LCD dash.

The Honda CMX1100 Rebel is expected to hit dealers in March 2021 costing £8,999 for the manual and £9,899 for the DCT version.