cruiser motorcycles

Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout: A Detailed Comparison

Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout: A Detailed Comparison

Indian Motorcycle and Honda are two diverse motorcycle manufacturers with completely dissimilar branding and production strategies. Honda thinks out of the box and extends its full support to the research & development sector to focus on future trends. Meanwhile, Indian Motorcycle, even in 2024 is sticking to the vintage nostalgia which is quite evident from its cruiser lineup.


One such example by Honda which depicts its transformational engineering processes and modern performance is the Rebel 1100. This bike is Honda’s contemporary take on a cruiser which turned out to be successful and people have accepted it wholeheartedly. Meanwhile, the Indian Motorcycle, to compete with Harley Davidson and to stay strong in the U.S. cruiser market, is still keeping the Scout alive with the same retro styling and conventional cruiser attitude. Continue reading this article to learn about the detailed comparison between the Honda Rebel 1100 and the Indian Scout.

2024 Honda Rebel 1100
Photo credit: @Honda Powersports
2024 Indian Scout
Photo credit: @Indian Motorcycle

1. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout
2024 Honda Rebel 1100 2024 Indian Scout
General Info
Manufacturer Honda Indian Motorcycle
Model Rebel 1100 Scout
Model ID Non-DCT: CMX1100
DCT: CMX1100D
N/A
Motorcycle Type Sports-Style Cruiser Cruiser
Introduced in 2021 1919
Current Production Status Still Produced Currently in Production
Warranty One Year Limited Warranty with Unlimited Mileage Two Year Limited Warranty with Unlimited Mileage
Base MSRP Non-DCT: $9,549
DCT: $10,149
$13,249
Engine
Displacement 1,083 cc 69 cu in / 1,133 cc
Engine Type 22.5° Parallel-Twin; Four-Stroke Engine 60° V-Twin Engine
No. of Cylinders Two Two
Valve Train Four-Valves Per Cylinder; Unicam SOHC OHV – Pushrod; Two Valves Per Cylinder
Engine Cooling System Liquid-Cooled Liquid-Cooled
Stroke 81.5 mm 73.6 mm
Bore 92 mm 99 mm
Compression Ratio 10.1:1 10.7:1
Fuel Delivery System Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with 46 mm Throttle Body Electronic Closed Loop Fuel Injection with 60 mm Bore
Engine Management System (EMS) Throttle-By-Wire System No
Exhaust Two-Into-One Blacked-Out Exhaust Split Dual Exhaust with Cross-over
Starter Electric Electric
Performance
Peak Power Output 85.8 hp / 64 kW at 7,000 rpm 100 hp at 8,100 rpm
Peak Torque 98 Nm / 72.28 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm 97.7 Nm / 72 lb-ft at 5,900 rpm
Fuel Economy 48 mpg N/A
Top Speed Electronically Restricted to 99 mph
Without Speed Limiter: 128 mph
128 mph
Transmission
Gearbox Non-DCT: Six-Speed
DCT: Six-Speed Automatic DCT with Reverse
Six-Speed Manual
Final Drive O-Ring-Sealed Chain Belt Drive
Clutch Multi-Plate Wet; Slipper & Assist Clutch Wet, Multi-Plate Clutch
Chassis
Frame Steel Trellis Frame Cast Aluminum Frame
Suspensions
Front 43 mm Conventional Telescopic Front Fork with Dark Titanium Oxide Coating 41 mm Telescopic Front Fork
Adjustability (Front) Preload Adjustable No
Front Wheel Travel 4.8 in / 121.9 mm 4.7 in / 120 mm
Rear Dual Showa Rear Shocks with 12.5 mm Shafts and Piggyback Pressurized Reservoirs Dual Rear Shocks
Adjustability (Rear) Preload Adjustable No
Rear Wheel Travel 3.7 in / 93.98 mm 3 in / 76 mm
Brakes
Front 330 mm Single-Disc Brake with Radial-Mount Four-Piston Caliper, ABS 298 mm Single Rotor with Twin-Piston Caliper
Rear 256 mm Single-Disc Brake, ABS 298 mm Single Rotor with Single-Piston Caliper
Wheels & Tires
Wheel Type Cast Aluminum 10-Spoke Wheels with Blacked-Out Rims Aluminum Contrast Cut 16 in x 3.5 in Wheels
Front Wheel (Size) 18 in 16 in
Rear Wheel (Size) 16 in 16 in
Front Tire 130/70-18 Pirelli Night Dragon 130/90B16 67H
Rear Tire 180/65-16 Pirelli Night Dragon 150/80B16 77H
Dimensions & Measurements
Seat Height 27.5 in / 698.5 mm 25.6 in / 649 mm
Dry Weight N/A 541 lbs / 245 kg
Wet Weight Non-DCT: 487 lbs
DCT: 509 lbs
561 lbs / 254 kg
Wheelbase 59.8 in / 1,518.92 mm 62 in / 1,575 mm
Ground Clearance 4.7 in / 119.38 mm 5.7 in / 146 mm
Fuel Tank Size 3.6 gal 3.3 gal
Rake 28° 29°
Trail 4.3 in / 109.22 mm 4.7 in / 120 mm
Height 43.9 in / 1,115 mm 42 in / 1,068 mm
Length 88.3 in / 2,242.82 mm 91.5 in / 2,324 mm
Width Non-DCT: 33.6 in / 853.44 mm
DCT: 32.8 in / 833.12 mm
36.1 in / 916 mm
Instrument Features
Speedometer
Fuel Gauge
Tachometer
Odometer
Trip Meter
Clock
Engine Kill Switch
Tech Features
ABS Standard Optional
Slipper & Assist Clutch Standard No
Cruise Control Standard No
Throttle-By-Wire Standard No
Torque Control Standard No
Riding Modes Four Riding Modes:
Standard
Sport
Rain
User-Customizable
No
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Standard No
Wheelie Control Standard No
USB Charging Port Standard Standard
All-LED Lighting Standard No

2. Design & Looks: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

2.1 Design & Looks: Honda Rebel 1100

The Honda Rebel 1100 is a modern option between the two with a trendy and unconventional cruiser design and dark-themed finish. What makes the Rebel 1100 stand out from the rest is its uniquely designed chassis and frame. This bike has a slanted backbone with a top-mounted wide gas tank installed diagonally. The Rebel 1100 can also be referred to as a naked bike due to its stripped-down and exposed engine, machinery, and frame. The conventional telescopic front fork looks incredibly stylish with a dark titanium oxide coating and premium-style round punched-face headlamp with four LED bulbs in the front.


The Rebel 1100 has a lightweight bobber-style front fender and a mid-size broad chopped rear fender with a streamlined tail light, enclosed in a transparent cover. The engine and machinery are completely blacked out, giving this bike a dark-themed look.


The Rebel 1100 also features a uniquely designed 10-spoke 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels with road-biased smooth tires. To enhance its bobber look, this bike also boasts a simple solo rider seat.

2.2 Design & Looks: Indian Scout

The Indian Scout is the simplest vintage-looking cruiser with no fancy or additional parts. It boasts a classic style and elements, taking inspiration from the original Scout. The Indian Scout, as you see it from the side profile, is one of the most planted bikes on the market with a 25.6-inch low seat height and a low center of gravity.


Towards the front, the Indian Scout features an eye-brow-style front fender and a small round-shaped head lamp enclosed in a blacked-out cover with a chrome bezel. The rear mudguard is heavy, extended, and chopped to ensure a full view of the rear wheel. The two-up saddle is nicely fixed with the frame and the rear mudguard. The frame and engine are mostly blacked out with dull chrome cylinder heads. The separate dual exhaust pipes and front forks have received a sleek chrome finish.


On top of retro vintage styling, the 16-inch aluminum contrast cut 15-spoke front and rear wheels wrapped under the Pirelli Night Dragon tires provide an unconventional look to this bike.

3. Engine & Performance: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

The Honda Rebel 1100 vs the Indian Scout is more of a parallel-twin vs V-Twin comparison. The parallel-twin engine is undoubtedly punchier, responsive, and abrupt when it comes to delivering power to the rear wheel. Meanwhile, the V-Twin engine installed on the Indian Scout starts slower compared to the Rebel’s 1,083 cc parallel-twin engine but it does not run out of power even at higher rpms and as you keep rolling, the ride becomes more exciting.


If you talk about pure cruisers with V-Twin engines, they are programmed to distribute the power band smoothly throughout the rpm range. Meanwhile, the parallel-twin engine is more common in sports, adventure, and naked bikes for a better power-to-weight ratio and abrupt power delivery.

3.1 Engine & Performance: Honda Rebel 1100

The Honda Rebel 1100 is the most powerful variant in the Rebel family with the ability to cruise smoothly on open roads and highways. What makes this bike extraordinary in the cruiser segment is its modern performance thanks to the unconventional parallel-twin powerplant. If you have ever ridden a motorcycle with a parallel-twin engine, you would know how sporty they are. Similarly, the 1,083 cc water-cooled, parallel-twin engine installed in the Rebel 1100 makes this bike perform faster, ensuring a quick throttle response and rapid acceleration. The power produced by the engine is readily available with even a little pull of the throttle.


One thing that perfectly compliments its fast performance, along with the parallel-twin engine is its low weight. The Rebel 1100 feels extremely lightweight as you are riding this bike. Talking about the power figures, the Rebel 1100’s engine makes an incredible horsepower of 85.8 hp at 8,100 rpm and a torque of 98 Nm at 4,750 rpm.


Being modern equipment, the Honda Rebel 1100’s powerplant is coupled with a throttle-by-wire engine management system to ensure that the riders also enjoy a customizable riding experience. Regardless of its quick nature and sporty attitude, the Rebel 1100’s engine is tweaked by the factory to not go above 100 mph. The electronic speed limiter ensures that the engine cuts off the throttle so the bike does not go above a certain speed limit. However, the speed limiter can be removed if you want to enjoy the feel of the Rebel 1100 at its full potential.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

The availability of the DCT variant provides a great opportunity for new riders and those who want to restart motorcycling after a very long time. If you are unsure about the quality of the automatic transmission system, the Honda DCT technology has a proven track record. This feature allows riders to choose between both automatic and manual modes. However, the Rebel 1100 DCT has no clutch and foot-controlled gear shifter. Instead, there is a small pedal shifter installed on the handlebars for riders to shift gears with ease in the manual mode. The rider can easily switch between the automatic and manual modes even during the ride with the single push of a button present on the right side of the handlebars.

3.2 Engine & Performance: Indian Scout

The Indian Scout is a classic, easy-to-ride cruiser with plenty of power and torque-producing ability. Though this bike produces more power and torque than the Rebel 1100, the powerband is spread equally throughout the rev range due to being a perfect cruiser. As you hop on this bike and start riding it, it may initially not feel as responsive as a bike with a parallel twin. However, as you speed up, the bike does not hesitate to keep going. Whether you are riding at low-rev or high-rev speeds, the engine does not feel asthmatic and runs out of power.


The Indian Scout houses a 1,133 cc 60° V-Twin engine which delivers 100 hp of horsepower at 8,100 rpm and 97.7 Nm of torque at 5,900 rpm. The Indian Scout was the company’s response to the Harley Sportster series. Regardless of being very basic in terms of tech, it carries a phenomenal engine and a metal body which makes it a reputable American cruiser. On a bike like the Indian Scout which has not much to offer to young and new riders who want a more innovative and interactive machine, the engine plays a good role.


If you want to experience the full power and throttle of the 1,133 cc V-Twin engine installed on the Indian Scout, make sure to take this bike to a straight road. This bike can comfortably attain a top speed of 128 mph.

4. Handling: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

4.1 Handling: Honda Rebel 1100

As discussed already, the Rebel 1100 feels extremely lightweight thanks to its low seat height and lower-to-the-ground build. Regardless of its high-powered nature and premium class, the Rebel 1100 is one of the smoothest-running bikes with light handling. This bike makes cornering easier for riders who are not scared of riding a 1,100 cc bike. The Honda Rebel 1100 makes use of its sportier nature to provide riders with a better and more aggressive steering and cornering performance. You can enter a curve confidently at moderate speeds on this bike which is usually not expected from a conventional-style cruiser. Considering the quality of suspensions installed on the Honda Rebel 1100, this bike is good for paved roads only. The ride can get uncomfortable if you plan to take this bike on unpaved or bumpy roads.

4.2 Handling: Indian Scout

Due to being planted, the Indian Scout is closer to the ground and has a longer wheelbase which ultimately influences its handling capabilities. This bike performs reasonably while turning corners and on twisty roads. Despite its wider rear tire, the bike stays planted and stable while entering curves. As you expect from a classic cruiser like the Indian Scout, it offers an extraordinary linear performance on straight roads. The bike handles well but you must not expect it to enter a curve at the same pace it runs on straight roads as it is not programmed for it. You eventually need to slow down before you enter a curve. You cannot compete or chase a sports-style bike while riding the Indian Scout on a track that contains several twists and turns.


Also, the Indian Scout is more than 50 lbs heavier than the Rebel 1100 which is why it does not support relatively new riders to handle this bike with ease. Above all, this bike also has low cornering clearance which takes the confidence away. The suspensions on the Indian Scout are quite stiffer and only capable of maneuvering on smooth roads. Your back will start to hurt if you experience riding this motorcycle on a bumpy road.

5. Ergonomics: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

5.1 Ergonomics: Honda Rebel 1100

Ergonomics: Honda Rebel 1100
Photo credit: @Ultimate Motorcycling

The Rebel 1100 does not precisely fall under the cruiser category but it is still a cruiser and is quite comfortable. It may not be the most comfortable bike in the cruiser category, but regardless of its sporty nature, this bike still offers an easily approachable seat position and overall comfortable ergonomics for riders of almost all sizes. The foot controls are not forward mounted but are a little forward than the mid-mounted controls, offering a reasonable legroom for riders to adjust their legs comfortably.


The rider is expected to lean a bit forward in a slightly sportier stance to grab the handlebars. Overall, the ergonomics may not be too spacious and relaxed but they are adequately wide to keep the rider happy for city traveling, daily commuting, and light cruising.

5.2 Ergonomics: Indian Scout

Ergonomics: Indian Scout
Photo credit: @Motorcycle Daily

Like most cruisers, Indian Scout offers relaxed riding ergonomics for continuous long-distance rides. Though the Indian Scout models were made to imitate the Harley Sportster series, this particular variant offers spacious legroom and a roomy rider triangle. The handlebars are though quite low mounted but are sufficiently swept back to fall within an easily approachable position of the rider so he/she can sit with an upright back. If you are a taller rider, you will have to resist the urge to sit in a slouched riding position which can cause back pain on long-distance rides.

6. Pros & Cons: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

6.1 Pros & Cons: Honda Rebel 1100

Honda Rebel 1100 Pros Honda Rebel 1100 Cons
Powerful Not an ideal cruiser design
Quick throttle response Not ideal for touring
Responsive engine Doesn’t offer spacious legroom
Accelerates quickly Stiffer suspensions
Fun-to-ride motorbike Comes with an electronic speed limiter
Sporty and aggressive
Modern and trendy
Technologically advanced bike
Available in optional DCT variant
Versatile nature
Perfect choice for city traveling and cruising
Smooth and comfortable
Aesthetically pleasing
Feels light
Makes cornering easier
Offers light handling

6.2 Pros & Cons: Indian Scout

Indian Scout Pros Indian Scout Cons
Powerful and torquey engine Low-quality suspensions
Smooth acceleration The ride becomes extremely uncomfortable on bumpy roads
Smooth power distribution across the whole rev range Heavyweight
Vintage appeal Low cornering clearance
Planted design Difficult to maneuver on twisty roads
Low seat height Difficult to turn corners at even moderate speeds
Perfect linear performance Overpriced
Good for comfortable long-distance riding No modern tech feature except the optional ABS
Ideal cruiser

7. 2024 Color Options: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

2024 Honda Rebel 1100 Color Options
Color Options Model Availability
Gray Metallic Available for DCT & Non-DCT Trims
Metallic Blue Available for DCT & Non-DCT Trims
2024 Indian Scout Color Options
Color Options Model Cost
Black Metallic (Available For Both Non-ABS And ABS) Non-ABS: $13,249
ABS: $14,149
Silver Quartz Metallic ABS: $14,649
Spirit Blue Metallic / Black Metallic ABS: $15,149
Maroon Metallic ABS: $14,649
Copper Metallic / Black Metallic [Icon] ABS: $15,649
Black Metallic with Graphics [Icon] ABS: $15,649

8. Final Verdict: Honda Rebel 1100 Vs Indian Scout

Technically speaking, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a far better bike in terms of performance, price, tech package, and value for the money. It is a modern bike and an unconventional take on a cruiser design with a bold and sportier look and stance. It can attract more young and new riders with its thrilling performance and ride customizability options. It has ride modes, traction control, torque control, cruise control, ABS, and whatnot. The only thing it misses is the traditional cruiser vibe and feel, like the Indian Scout. However, this is not seen as a disadvantage by most riders looking for a modern-day bike.


On the contrary, if you consider the Rebel 1100 vs Indian Scout as a cruiser comparison, the Indian Scout is a clear winner with a powerful V-Twin engine and top-end torque delivery. This bike is usually preferred by old and experienced riders who prefer the vintage looks of cruisers and their torquey linear performance. The 1,133 cc V-Twin engine can make your cruising experience thrilling and can make you in awe with its throaty and typical V-Twin exhaust note. However, a price tag of  $13,249 can make potential buyers think twice before they buy the 2024 Indian Scout.

9. Luggage Bag Options

In their stock forms, the Honda Rebel 1100 and the Indian Scout are highly suitable for highway cruising but to take them farther on a motorcycle tour, Viking Bags can assist you in transforming these bikes. Visit the website to find out the range of motorcycle luggage bags, parts, and accessories for your specific make and model. Check out the supreme-quality neatly-stitched saddlebags exclusively designed for your Honda Rebel 1100 and the Indian Scout. The brand specializes in manufacturing practical storage options for cruisers, including solo bags, roll bags, tail bags, handlebar bags, backpacks, and tank bags.

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