HONDA CMX1100 REBEL (2021 - on) Review

Its a bit stiff for our potholed roads and it is a bit of a heavy lump. But its so easy to ride, predictable, well behaved and rock solid. The single front caliper seems to be up to the job. The rear shocks are the biggest let down - especially the absolutely ludicrous 'fake' gas cartridge on each. Just why?? So only preload adjustment and nothing else. The seat is terrible. Even worse than the Rebel 500. Solution again was to remove and have reworked with proper foam. Transformed.

Engine is a peach. Zero drama. Just hoons you along effortlessly.

Honda's bullet-proof reputation is tested with these budget bikes. However only minor niggles have occured, other than an oil leak from the generator cover after only 18 months (apparently very common). Repaired with threebond rather than the dealer proposed replacement OEM gasket. Have now done around 11k miles and its faultless bar that.

Cheap to run. Great on fuel and tyres. OEM front tyre lasted me 11000 miles. Rear about half of that. Servicing is rudimentary with not much more needed other than oil and filters for most.

Rear shocks are terrible, genuine rear rack is expensive and can't carry much. Made my own custom rack to fit top box. Bar risers have helped reach to the bars. Exhaust end can weighs about a ton. Swiftly despatched in favour of a UK made SP Engineering version. Bonus of being able to reach swingarm as well now for paddock stand. Heated grips were an expensive option but function beautifully. Genuine tank pad set has suffered UV damage and discoloured already. OEM tyres get a hard time on other reviews but i've actually went back to them after trying various others. Not a lot of choice due to niche wheel sizes.

As metioned change that seat. After an hour you will realise it is like riding on a brick. Brakes are fine. Tyres are horrendous with zero grip when you want it. Due to the weight it is a doddle to move around which is great compared to my Versys 1000. As easy to ride through town as my Mt09 was. Mirrors could do with a bit more length as most of my view from them is of my arm and elbow. I had a Corbin seat made and what a difference to the ride. I have a knackered back and now a 3 hr ride is easy. Fuel tank could be a bit bigger as fuel doesnt last that long. 100-150 miles on a tank the latter being the exception. Forget top end that is not an option. Getting there is very quick and open the throttle and yes the front wheel will find some air rather than tarmac. Change the exhaust and fit a Vance and Haines and it is music to the ears. Plugs required though. You would be surprised what it will do in the bends with a decent set of tyres fitted.

Zero top end but gets there very quickly for this type of bike. Sports mode is fun but can drain that small tank. If you want fuel economy and a cruiser then put it in rain mode!

Had it for 3 years. Garaged overnight rarely ridden in the rain. Rusts like the Titanic. My Mt09 was 18 plate and only sold it this year and zero rust and that was ridden in all weathers. My Honda has only just done 2200 miles. Digusting quality of paintwork. Engine bolts frame all have rust. CMX side panels with 1100 written on them came off both have had to be replaced. Honda dealership said this is a known fault as plastic is cheap and soft. At £140 a panel plus vat it works out expensive. Otherwise reliabilty has been fine. But at 2200 miles i would expect it to be. Tyres are rubbish in any condition with white lines and tarmac track a pain. Change the tyres,

Speedo, rev counter fuel gauge and a clock. What more do you want.

Yes it's 5 as they are good compared to any Harley or Triumph in its class (there is more travel and adjustability on all shocks). Though they could be a little better if upgraded. For the money they are excellent so 5.

Lovely sound with an aftermarket exhaust from ixrace. Linear smooth power delivery. Surprising in sport mode when you give it the beans - you are suddenly on a sporty-ish naked as opposed to a cruiser. It cruises very nicely and is very satisfying trundling along.

Everything you touch is solid

So far doing mid 40s to the gallon - the cost of the bike is amazing when stacked against its competitors.

Ive put a better seat on mine, and also added oem heated grips. The tyres are okay but after doing 8K miles or so I will change them for something better.

For the money the ride is excellent and I gave it 5 out of 5 but the seat doesn’t suit everyone.

Marvellous 1100 Africa twin motor, the DCT can be a bit clunky in the low gears and the throttle a bit snatchy but overall it’s great.

It’s a Honda, doesn’t go wrong.

It is what it is. A budget cruiser.

Great ride but the hugely expensive ABS modulator issue is a worry

The star of the show

Had the bike 14 months, just after the 4,000 mile service the ‘ABS’ light started flashing, great service team at dobles told me it was the ABS modulator packed up, that’s £1,600 to buy in, the warranty dealt with that but so much for Honda bombproof reliability, only issue I’ve had so far but heard others talking about cruise control faults among others

Average servicing costs for this type of Honda

It’s a cruiser, they are great for what it is.

Goes great.

3500 miles in, so far no complaints

Dct gearbox but, you don’t need any extras, but they are available if you need them.

Front brake is good, rear brake works well for making the DCT gearbox change down, seat could be more luxurious but is adequate up to about a hundred miles.

Flexible power output.

Seems to be solid as a rock

Too early to quote servicing cost as I am a low milage user

Basic equipment is what is needed, I also have a Puig touring screen and tank pads

Feels nicely planted and low centre of gravity makes it easy to ride. Don’t be put off by the single brake disk in the front, it hauls this beast to a standstill without any worry at all.

Bumbles along in standard mode no problem but switch to Sport for a more responsive but possibly twitchier ride.

Too soon to tell as I’ve only had it a few weeks.

Again, too soon to judge

Great tyres, vocal exhaust, what more could you want?

This bike feels rock solid in the corners and instils levels of confidence that make you want push on a bit harder. Brakes are up to the job. I didn't test ride this bike before buying and what I consider to be firm ride and hard seat would not have put me off buying it if I had.

It sounds great and the DCT gearbox is sublime. Vibration is minimal and not a problem.

Ok, its only a month old and with 900 miles on the clock, but its a Honda right!

50+ MPG so far

Display can be a bit difficult to see if the sun happens to be in the wrong position. Perhaps its my fault for not having long enough thumbs but some of the controls are a bit of a stretch. Self cancelling indicators would have been nice.

Seat is numbing but will fix that with aftermarket seat, break pedal gets in the way of my toe a bit but no real niggles to speak of

Trying not to give this bike 5 out of 5 for everything but can’t help it

Only 600 miles done but have to give it the benefit of the doubt

175 mile tank range good for this style of bike I owned a ‘48 which did exactly that mileage when the petrol light came on, owned a triumph bobber which wasn’t much better so good MPG with the rebel

Has everything it needs, cruise control is icing on the cake