cruiser motorcycles

The Most Versatile Cruiser Motorcycle You Can Buy in 2025

The Most Versatile Cruiser Motorcycle You Can Buy in 2025

Innovation in design and build is taking over the motorcycle industry. The traditional production norms and classic motorcycle designs are becoming things of the past, not at least when it comes to Honda.


Honda is known to revolutionize the motorcycle industry. With most of its best-selling, popular bike models, it has always remained in the mainstream. There is a reason why Honda sells the most motorcycles in the world, and the numbers are still growing.


One such great example produced by Honda is the Honda Rebel 1100. It is known to be the most versatile, ultimate all-rounder bike. The Rebel 1100 is at the peak of the modern cruiser bike industry. Above all, it is affordable too.


We are here in 2025, and everyone wants a motorbike that can do it all. Unlike conventional cruisers and touring bikes that remain dedicated to a particular niche, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a revolutionary bike. Though it is known to be a cruiser, it is much more than that.


Continue reading this article to learn about the most versatile cruiser motorcycle you can buy in 2025, which is none other than the Rebel 1100. Being available in both Automatic DCT and manual transmission variants, this bike seems to have no competitor.

1. 2025 Honda Rebel 1100: The Most Versatile Modern Cruiser Bike

1.1 The Very Popular Rebel 1100’s Smaller Siblings

The Honda Rebel 1100 has been in the arena since 2021. The idea behind launching this bike came after the success of its smaller sibling, the Rebel 500. The Rebel 300 is known to be one of the best beginner bikes for riders with no prior riding experience.


Meanwhile, the Rebel 500 is a slightly bigger and better version that is ideal for both novice riders and intermediate riders as well. The Rebel 500 is also known to be highly versatile thanks to its all-round abilities.

1.2 What Makes the Honda Rebel 1100 Different

However, the Rebel 1100 is a bigger, better, refined, and more capable modern cruiser bike. Though it falls under the category of ‘cruiser’ motorcycles, it is way different from an old-school cruiser. It is more like a sporty cruiser version with a modern vibe. Despite having a sporty touch, the Rebel 1100 is still quite comfortable for all sorts of riding adventures.

1.3 Honda Rebel 1100: Design and Purpose

Honda Rebel 1100: Design and Purpose
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

From the look of the Honda Rebel 1100, it looks like a perfect urban commuter, a bike that ensures easy handling and maneuvering within the city. However, considering the engine size and power, this bike delivers a more than decent performance on highways and open roads.

1.4 Rebel 1100T: Touring Capability

Rebel 1100T: Touring Capability
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

The Rebel 1100 is comfortable enough to also take riders on long rides. The Rebel 1100T variant that comes with an additional fairing, small windscreen, and stock saddlebags is an ideal candidate for motorcycle touring.

1.5 Rebel 1100’s Sporty Nature

Considering the sporty nature, the Rebel 1100 feels faster than one can expect. It accelerates pretty quickly, making it suitable for high-speed overtaking.

1.6 Honda Rebel 1100’s Engine Specs

The 1,083 cc liquid-cooled, 22.5° parallel-twin four-stroke engine is the same unit that powers the iconic Honda Africa Twin. The parallel-twin engine technology on a cruiser bike makes most of the difference.

1.7 Rebel 1100’s Power Output

The 1,083 cc inline-twin engine delivers 87 hp of horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 98 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. These power figures, along with the type of motorcycle it is, make it a perfect motorbike for an all-round performance.

1.8 Honda Rebel 1100’s Top-Tier Features

On top of its refined engine tech, the Rebel 1100 also features a load of top-tier electronics and a tech package. This bike not only looks modern, but it performs even better. 

1.8.1 Rebel 1100 DCT Variant

On top, we have the DCT variant available, which makes riding smooth, easy, and seamless.


If you are comparatively new to the motorcycling world, you should opt for the Rebel 1100 DCT. It allows riders to just sit and relax, and let the DCT system handle the clutch operation and gear shifting for them. All you need to do is focus on the road, twist the throttle, and have fun riding the Rebel 1100 DCT.

1.8.2 Versatile Riding Modes

The ride-by-wire throttle in the Rebel 1100 allows riders to have access to multiple riding modes. These include Sport, Rain, Standard, and a customizable one for different riding conditions, making it more versatile.

1.8.3 Safety Features

Other than that, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), standard cruise control, ABS, and wheelie control, along with speed sensors, ensure top-level safety and ride stability.

1.8.4 Fresh Look with Improved Display Screen

The new 5-inch TFT screen display in the 2025 Rebel 1100 gives a fresh look to the bike, along with better visibility of useful information. On top of the useful info, the display now comes integrated with the Honda RoadSync app, which allows riders to turn on navigation, use their phone, and play music.

1.8.5 All-LED Lights and Repositioned Charging Port

The bike also features an all-LED light package, ensuring a more premium vibe. The 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 model also comes with a repositioned USCB-C charging terminal besides the new display screen. This allows riders to integrate the phone with the display while charging.

1.9 Honda Rebel 1100 Is Primarily Built for Solo Riding

The Honda Rebel 1100 is ideally designed for solo, versatile riding. In its stock form, it features a bobber-style solo rider seat. However, if you prefer a two-up riding experience with your ride partner, you will have to opt for the optional accessory.

1.10 Rebel 1100’s User-Friendly Nature

The tech features alone do not make the Rebel 1100 an exceptional modern and versatile cruiser bike option. The best thing about this bike is its user-friendly build, which makes it an approachable bike.

1.11 Rebel 1100’s Comfortable Riding Experience

Rebel 1100’s Comfortable Riding Experience
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

The seat height feels quite low. The seating position allows riders to have more confidence while riding.


The foot controls are though mid-mounted, they offer decent legroom to riders to sit in a commanding position. Depending on riders’ height, you may have to sit a bit forward to grab the bars. But overall, the Rebel 1100 is very comfortable.


You will not feel uncomfortable at any point during the ride. In fact, the Rebel 1100 will make you ride it more.

1.12 Rebel 1100 Offers Easy Handling and Maneuverability

The compact build, along with the low center of gravity, makes the Rebel 1100 a very easy-to-handle and highly maneuverable bike. Considering the quick throttle response and good acceleration, it feels quite agile too. Overall, the Rebel 1100 is a very fun and interesting bike to ride.


Whether you are riding on busy roads, swerving through long traffic queues, or riding on twisty roads, the Rebel 1100 will not disappoint you. It takes all the challenges that come its way.

1.13 Honda Rebel 1100’s Diversified Lineup

1.13.1 Honda Rebel 1100 and Rebel 1100 DCT

If you look at the offerings, you will see a highly diversified and versatile lineup. The 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 series includes a simple urban cruiser bike with a stripped-down bobber look. This is the base model. Then we have the Rebel 1100 DCT version.

1.13.2 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE

The Rebel 1100 DCT SE is a custom-style cruiser bike with additional styling elements, including a glossy flare orange metallic paint job and a small nose fairing. The wheels on this variant have also received a bronze finish.

1.13.3 Honda Rebel 1100T

Finally, we have the Honda Rebel 1100T, which is a bagger-style cruiser for those who love touring on a motorcycle. This bike also comes with an optional DCT version. Overall, we have everything available in the Rebel 1100 series, whichever style of bike suits you the most.

1.14 Honda Rebel 1100 Features Modern and Agile Chassis

The chassis installed in the Rebel 1100 by Honda is what makes the most difference. Unlike the traditional-style chassis, the Rebel 1100 features a highly agile and modern chassis. It makes this bike a modern urban cruiser with the comfort of a cruiser and the performance of a sports-oriented bike. The engine is the stressed member on this diamond steel frame that helps in reducing the weight a great deal.


The suspension installed on the Rebel 1100 may not be the most premium type, but overall, it offers a smooth ride. The 43 mm front fork, along with the dual Showa rear shocks, offers a great deal of balance when it comes to overcoming road bumps and imperfections.


Single discs are installed towards both front and rear, along with the standard ABS, offering adequate stopping power.

1.15 Honda Rebel 1100 - The Very Affordable Versatile Cruiser Bike

The Honda Rebel series is not only versatile, unique, and popular, but it is also a very affordable cruiser range in the market. Despite the top-end features and ideal performance, the Rebel series seems so ideally priced. You can have one of the best modern cruiser bikes without having to spend a huge amount of money.


Considering its competitors, the blend of performance and features the Rebel 1100 offers is unmatched. It is completely worth the price. The price of the different variants of the 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 is as follows:


2025 Honda Rebel 1100 Price
Model Price
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 Base Model $9,599
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT $10,299
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE $11,099
2025 Honda Rebel 1100T $10,799
2025 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT $11,499

1.16 Honda Rebel 1100 Has Competition?

The Rebel has become a separate brand name in the field of motorcycling. It offers one of the best values for the money in the market. When it comes to the Rebel 1100, there seems to be no competition in this category. It is mainly because no competitor offers the automatic DCT feature yet. Unlike other cruiser bikes, the Rebel 1100 also sets its own class and individuality like no one else. It is different and unconventional.


On top of offering one of the best features, the Rebel 1100 is also quite affordable. Being made by Honda, it is among the most reliable cruiser bikes. You can totally depend on the Rebel 1100 and its engine to last longer than one can expect. The Rebel is for everyone. If you find the Rebel 1100 out of your league, you have the Rebel 500 and the Rebel 300 to choose from.

2. 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 Specs

2025 Honda Rebel 1100 Specs
Maker Honda - Japanese
Series Rebel
Model Honda Rebel 1100
Model Code CMX1100
Introduced in 2021 (Rebel 1100) 2022 (Rebel 1100T)
Motorcycle Category Cruiser Bike
Engine & Performance
Engine Displacement Size 1,083 cc
Engine Type 22.5° Parallel-Twin, Four-Stroke Engine
Valve Train Unicam SOHC; Four Valves Per Cylinder
Engine Cooling Liquid-Cooling
Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Stroke 81.5 mm
Bore 92 mm
Peak Horsepower 87 hp at 7,250 rpm
Peak Torque 98 Nm at 4,750 rpm
Fuel Delivery System PGM-FI (Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection); 46 mm Throttle Body
Engine Management System (EMS) Throttle-By-Wire
Fuel Mileage 48 mpg (Estimated)
Transmission
Gearbox Six-Speed Manual Transmission: Non-DCT Variants Six-Speed Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): DCT Variants
Clutch Type Multiplate Wet Clutch: Non-DCT Variants (2) Multiplate Wet Clutch: DCT Variants
Final Drive #525 O-Ring-Sealed Chain; 16T/42T
Chassis
Frame Diamond Steel Frame
Suspension
Front Suspension 43 mm Front Fork
Front Wheel Travel 5.5 in
Rear Suspension Dual Showa Rear Shocks; Adjustable Preload
Rear Wheel Travel 3.7 in
Brakes
Front Brake Single 330 mm Disc with Radial-Mount Four-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Single 256 mm Disc
ABS Standard
Wheels & Tires
Front Wheel 18-inch Cast Aluminum 10-Spoke Wheel
Rear Wheel 16-inch Cast Aluminum 10-Spoke Wheel
Front Tire 130/70-18
Front Tire 180/65-16
Dimensions & Measurements
Seat Height 27.5 in
Wet Weight 509 lbs: Rebel 1100 DCT SE, Rebel 1100 DCT 487 lbs: Rebel 1100 542 lbs: Rebel 1100 T DCT 520 lbs: Rebel 1100 T
Ground Clearance 4.7 in
Wheelbase 59.8 in
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.6 gals
Trail / Rake 4.3 in / 28°
Length 88.3 in
Height 43.9 in: Rebel 1100 DCT SE, Rebel 1100 DCT, Rebel 1100 46.5 in: Rebel 1100T DCT, Rebel 1100T
Width 32.8 in: Rebel 1100 DCT SE, Rebel 1100 DCT 33.6 in: Rebel 1100 33.4 in: Rebel 1100 T DCT 33.6 in: Rebel 1100 T
Standard Features and Tech Package
Engine Management System (EMS) Ride-By-Wire Throttle
Traction Control / Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) Standard
Ride Modes Four Ride Modes: Rain Standard Sport Rider Customizable
ABS Standard
Cruise Control Standard
Wheelie Control Standard
Lights All-LED
Instruments Cluster 5-inch TFT Screen Display Integrated with Honda RoadSync App
USB-C Charging Port Standard
Saddlebags Standard Hard Saddlebags on the Rebel 1100 T and 1100 T DDT
Front Fairing with Integrated Windscreen Standard on the Rebel 1100 T and 1100 T DDT
Other
Emission Standards Meets Current EPA Standards. California Version Meets Current Carb Standards And May Differ Slightly Due To Emissions Equipment.
Warranty One-Year Limited Factory Warranty with Unlimited Mileage
Colors Available 2025 Rebel 1100 DCT SE (Flare Orange Metallic) 2025 Rebel 1100 and 2025 Rebel 1100 DCT (Matte Black Metallic, Pearl Hawkeye Blue) 2025 Rebel 1100 T and Rebel 1100 T DCT (Gray Metallic)

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