ROAD NEWS
HONDA UNVEILS CMX1100 REBEL
I t ’ s not often we find the internet rumour mill is correct , especially when it involves Honda , but it turns out when it comes to the Japanese brand ’ s latest cruiser the internet was spot on . Meet the 2021 CMX1100 Rebel . Joining the well established CMX500 Rebel , as the name suggests the CMX1100 is powered by a 1084cc parallel twin derived from the heart of the 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin . Honda says the engine has been re-tuned for more low and mid-range power than the Africa Twin . Peak power is therefore down on the original incarnation of the engine at 86hp ( 64kW ) @ 7000rpm with 98Nm @ 4750rpm peak torque but those are still healthy numbers in this segment of the market , and a trade-off of shifting the meat of the power lower in the rev range . To put it into perspective , the Rebel makes the same torque as the CRF1000L Africa Twin , but 1500rpm lower , so it ’ ll be a strong motor . Increased inertia from 32 % extra flywheel mass means the low-rpm response is not only extremely strong but is delivered with real character according to Honda . Just like the Africa Twin the engine is developed from , the electronics package includes Honda Selectable Torque Control , Wheelie Control , Cruise Control and three default riding modes all working through Throttle by Wire to make up a comprehensive package of supporting electronics for the Rebel 1100 .
The suspension system comes in the form of 43mm cartridge-style front forks , ‘ piggyback ’ rear shock absorbers and four-piston , radialmount front brake caliper . All lighting is LED , but unlike the cuttingedge Africa Twin , the Rebel keeps grounded in its cruiser roots with a negative LCD instrument display . Interestingly , Honda says it will also offer a Dual Clutch Transmission option for the Rebel 1100 , which could see more uptake from cruiser riders than the ADV community here in NZ . The Rebel 1100 ’ s stripped-back style speaks volumes with its minimalism . It is a factory bobber after all , but that doesn ’ t mean Honda has cut corners . Steel mudguards front and rear sit atop fat tyres ; the circular headlight mixes old school looks with new school LED bulbs and mirrors the round , negative LCD instrument display . For convenience , Honda has included a USB-C charger in the under-seat storage space , though why they . Other factory options appear to include windscreens , panniers and a range of seat and pillion accessories . The CMX1100 Rebel will debut in two colour options - Bordeaux Red Metallic and Gunmetal Black Metallic - with New Zealand pricing and arrival yet to be announced by local distributor Blue Wing Honda .
16 KIWI RIDER