For decades, the Honda Rebel has been a legendary entry point into the world of motorcycling. Many riders, including our own managing editor Allison Parker, first learned to ride on the beloved Honda Rebel 250, a machine that debuted back in 1985 and became an icon for new motorcyclists. Fast-forward to 2025, and the Rebel lineup has evolved dramatically, with the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE standing as its most advanced and refined version yet.
This 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 review takes a close look at how the bike combines classic cruiser styling with modern technology, a powerful parallel-twin engine, and Honda’s innovative Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). If you’re looking for a cruiser that doesn’t ride or feel like the typical V-Twin, the Rebel 1100 DCT SE might just be your perfect match.
Honda Rebel 1100 Lineup – Bigger, Smarter, and More Refined
The Rebel family now comes in three sizes: Rebel 300, Rebel 500, and Rebel 1100. The Honda Rebel 1100 made its debut in 2021, powered by the same 1,083cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine found in the Africa Twin and NT1100 sport-tourer. For cruiser duty, Honda tuned the engine with a heavier flywheel, unique valve timing, and a dedicated exhaust system, giving the Rebel a throaty pulse and a relaxed but sporty character.
For 2025, the lineup has expanded:
- Rebel 1100 Standard (manual, $9,599)
- Rebel 1100 DCT (automatic, $10,299)
- Rebel 1100 DCT SE ($11,099) – the special edition reviewed here
The SE model adds premium features like a custom seat, bar-end mirrors, fork boots, bronze wheels, a bobbed front fender, and a unique Flare Orange Metallic paint. These upgrades give it an unmistakable custom look straight from the factory.
If you prefer a bagger style, Honda also offers the Rebel 1100T models with hard saddlebags and a batwing-style fairing.
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE – What’s New This Year
Honda introduced several updates across the Rebel 1100 range for 2025:
- Improved comfort: A thicker solo seat with revised foam and ergonomic changes.
- Updated ergonomics: Handlebars moved higher and closer, with forward-mounted pegs for a relaxed cruiser stance.
- Technology upgrades: A new 5.5-inch full-color TFT display with crisp graphics.
- Honda RoadSync system: Seamless smartphone connectivity with navigation, music, calls, and weather updates.
- USB charging port: Conveniently placed near the handlebar.
- Standard cruise control: A feature often reserved for touring motorcycles.
These refinements make the 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE more rider-friendly while keeping its sporty character intact.
Engine and Performance – A Cruiser with Attitude
At the heart of the Rebel 1100 is Honda’s 1,083cc parallel-twin engine, producing 81 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Unlike traditional cruisers with low-revving V-Twins, the Rebel thrives on revs and rewards riders who push it hard.
Four ride modes – Standard, Sport, Rain, and User (customizable) – allow you to adjust throttle response, traction control, wheelie control, and DCT shift timing. The result is a bike that can be docile around town, sporty in the canyons, and confident in wet conditions.
The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is a standout feature. Riders can choose between fully automatic shifting or manual control using paddle shifters. The system adapts to riding modes, offering smooth shifts for cruising or aggressive gear changes for spirited riding.
Comfort and Handling
Despite being a cruiser motorcycle, the Rebel 1100 DCT SE rides more like a sporty standard. At just 27.5 inches seat height, it’s accessible for shorter riders, yet comfortable enough for taller riders thanks to the revised ergonomics.
- Suspension: 43mm front fork with 5.5 inches of travel and dual piggyback rear shocks with 3.7 inches of travel.
- Brakes: A strong 4-piston front caliper on a 330mm disc, plus a rear disc with ABS.
- Wheels & Tires: 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels with Dunlop D428 tires.
At 509 pounds (wet), the Rebel feels planted but nimble, with quick transitions in corners. The only real limitation is cornering clearance—lean too far, and you’ll scrape your boots.
Style and Features That Stand Out
The 2025 Rebel 1100 DCT SE is all about blending style with practicality. Its Flare Orange Metallic paint and bronze wheels give it a head-turning look, while premium details like bar-end mirrors and a bobbed front fender make it stand apart from the standard models.
The TFT display is crisp in all lighting conditions, and the RoadSync system brings modern connectivity that few cruisers can match. Add to that the convenience of cruise control and USB charging, and you’ve got a cruiser that’s both stylish and functional.
Final Thoughts – The “Un-Cruiser”
The 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE isn’t your typical cruiser. With its parallel-twin engine, sporty handling, and automatic DCT, it redefines what a cruiser can be. It’s powerful enough for highway touring, agile enough for canyon carving, and comfortable enough for daily rides.
For riders who want a modern cruiser motorcycle that stands out from the crowd, the Rebel 1100 DCT SE is an excellent choice. It’s fun, versatile, and breaks away from the cookie-cutter cruiser mold.
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE Specs
- Price: $11,099
- Engine: 1,083cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
- Horsepower: 81 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 68 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (automatic/manual)
- Final Drive: Chain
- Seat Height: 27.5 in.
- Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
- Wet Weight: 509 lbs
- Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gal.
- Fuel Economy: 39 mpg (approx. 140-mile range)
- Warranty: 1 year, unlimited miles
Also Read: Discover the 2025 BMW C 400 GT: Enhanced Tech, Safety, and Convenience