Honda expand their CMX1100 Rebel cruiser range for 2025 with new factory custom SE derivative

Honda have expanded their laid-back CMX1100 Rebel cruiser line-up for 2025 – taking the range from two to three with the inclusion of a new factory custom SE derivative.

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Building on the existing model range, which has been in production since 2021, the 1048cc parallel twins will be available in the UK as either a stripped back standard model with a manual transmission, or as a CMX1100T (Touring) with DCT semi-automatic gearbox, plus a new SE flavour again equipped with DCT.

This new variant gains bar end mirrors, plus a colour matched nose cowl, specially designed fork leg gaiters and a shorter front mudguard. There’s also a diamond-stitch seat and an anodised radiator cover.

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One of the key changes for the new fleet is a revised riding position, with the handlebars moving both 12mm upwards and 28mm closer to the rider. The pegs have also been moved forward by 50mm and an additional 10mm of seat padding brings the riders’ perch to a manageable 710mm.

Elsewhere, much of the chassis work remains the same, with a tubular steel main frame, and 43mm cartridge-style front forks, plus an 18in front- and 16in rear wheel. Wheelbase sits at 1520mm, with a 28-degree rake angle, which should allow for comfortable straight-line stability.

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As standard, it tips the scales at 226kg ready to ride, climbing to 250kg for the fully dressed CMX1100T with DCT. The new CMX1100SE will be a claimed 237kg ready to ride, with prices for all three versions yet to be announced.

As before, your legs will flank an Africa Twin derived motor which – like its adventure bike sibling – has been retuned with a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1 (from 10.1:1) in a bid to deliver more low- to mid-range shove.

Complete with a 270-degree firing order, the Rebel engine also makes use of its own specific camshaft and flywheel, with Honda themselves claiming a 32% increase in bottom end performance over the Africa Twin.

As such a peak torque of 72.3lb.ft is achieved at just 4750rpm, with the long circular exhaust muffler said to be designed to deliver a deep low-frequency thud below 4000 revs.

The tweaks to the motor don’t end there either, with new inlet trumpets fed via a seven litre airbox, with revised settings for the fuel injection and ride by wire throttle.

This throttle connection helps manage the integrated traction and wheelie control (yes, really…) plus the three pre-set riding modes and customisable ‘User’ setting.

As previously mentioned, a number of 2025 Rebels coming to the UK will be equipped with Honda’s DCT system.

Having now sold more than 240,000 bikes with the technology, it’s been refined in a bid to offer smoother starting and stopping, plus better low-speed control under 10kmh (around 6mph). This should further assist with U-turns – something that’s particularly awkward on a low down, raked out cruiser like this.

The new Rebels have also been treated to a tech upgrade, with the old circular display swapped for a five-inch colour bonded TFT dash that can be connected to both IOS and Android phones. This is controlled via a four-way backlit toggle switch, with the onboard USB-C port now relocated to sit on the left side of the new display.