New Honda Rebel 1100 DCT: Full Test Ride & Review

[@douglasradowick508]

Motoblade, you've just experienced-in person-how the driver is being "removed" from the driving/riding part of the transportation experience. I think it "sucks raw dog bones"! Myself, an automotive technician-l haven't the room for this action from the industry. I'll purchase a ride that I stay in control of,forget that DCT garbage!😠😫 Not even amused by it one bit! Doug

[@MOTOBLADE]

I'm with you! It worked better on the Honda Gold Wing, but I still don't like it. I ride my bike to be in control of everything start to finish. I won't be removed from the equation when it comes to my motorcycles. "Say no to DCT" 🤣

[@douglasradowick508]

Motoblade, I find it offensive being removed from the driving/rider experience, the DCT is 1 more step to being made "an inconvenience" to the "transportation world". They can play their games on others, I'll take a Harley-Davidson 883 with no problem! Let's see how they enjoy being reduced to a living zombie-those scum-bags! Doug, sorry for the rant, I needed to speak my mind.😱😠🏍️💔

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@douglasradowick508 I don't mind the rant brother, go for it! I'm with you! They can take my Indian from me when they pry it from my cold, dead, hands 🇺🇸

[@douglasradowick508]

Motoblade, there are times when a "rant" is called for being made! They'll need to get a pry bar to remove my hands off the 883 I would like to get my self on, if not, use a blow torch to "peel" my toasted flesh off that bike!😠 Doug

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@douglasradowick508 well I have some Iron videos coming up for you, so hopefully that holds you over in the mean time until you can get your hands on one 😎

[@patrickmagnant5250]

Automatic motorcycles are going to become way more popular as time goes ! Honda makes some amazing machines

[@NSAKEY]

Yes, especially as more and more vehicles become fully-electric. Vehicles will be charged by the roads that they drive on. It is inevitable.

[@philipjanes]

I'm thinking I like shifting myself. However, I do think the dct had a place. There are older riders with severe arthritis that might find it useful. Also I think some people never ride because they are intimidated by shifting. So it's nice that there's the option. As for the styling, I think it's ok. I'm a Harley guy but I give Honda props for not making this bike look like everyone else's.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I'm an Indian and Harley guy, so like you, not a huge fan of the design, but yes - it's at least a bit different. I did try the new Gold Wing (video on my channel) and I found the DCT was better/more refined? in that bike. Considering that's aimed at an older audience, I'd agree with your comment above. The DCT had its place. But that place is definitely not in my garage.

[@Anthony_T.]

I prefer a manual in anything I drive (cars, trucks, semis, bikes, etc), but after numerous knee surgeries and having to wear a knee brace full time to make things more comfortable, automatics are becoming a norm for me unfortunately

[@batman886]

My friend has a disability where he was only born with thumbs and pinkys I think he has like a half of a ring finger on his left hand. Also his left foot is clubbed so he has no ankle movement so he can't use a shifter. He wants to ride despite all this and this bike is PERFECT for him. Making a rider out of somebody that would normally not ne able to ride.

[@jopierre17]

The downshift (engine braking setting) on sports mode is aggressive. The cool thing is that everything is customizable. I have mine on the lowest setting. It has a third user setting letting you dial in all your preferences.

[@MOTOBLADE]

What do you guys think of Honda's DCT system? Do you like it, or does it need some improvement? Let me know your thoughts on the DCT system and the bike in the comments!

[@marcusaurelius2988]

Would it be cramped for a 6 feet man?

[@lekikelekona9809]

@@marcusaurelius2988 theres forward control aftermarket

[@PeO.]

Rubbish, you want auto stick with Scooters

[@dantheman4217]

A video of pure manual, and one with pure automatic would be nice.

[@stevena3446]

I like the look. I’m tired of the “standard” cruiser look that everyone follows. I’m also intrigued by the DCT system and looking forward to trying it (you know, way back when there was a large segment of the population who refused to get a car with automatic transmission). I’d rather enjoy the ride than shift.

[@cbrippee]

When in full dct mode and you feel like you need either a higher or lower gear right now just paddle shift on the left housing. There is a seperate button for up and another for down.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I know. And I did that. But the bike still takes back over after a few seconds and goes back into "automatic" again. I will stick with manual bikes.

[@stevesmotorcycleadventures319]

"I will keep my straight manual bikes, Honda can keep their DCT junk." Junk? C'mon bro. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be able to ride what they want to ride, but just because you either don't understand it, are comfortable with it or just don't like it, it doesn't make it junk. Honda DCT outsells manual like 70 or 80% so there are plenty of people that really like that junk. For disclosure I own a Honda Goldwing and Africa Twin - both DCT. And 64,000 miles on them.
First of all some facts - the DCT is NOT an automatic transmission - it is a full manual gearbox with dual clutches, 1 for odd and 1 for even - hence dual clutch. This is the same manual gearbox you find on supercars like the Ford GT, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Audi, etc and trickling down to many others. It is not auto like a CVT, etc.
I feel like I have the same full control that you would on any manual bike. In full manual mode on the DCT you can shift up and down the same way you do on your Harley (I had a Road King too). You just use paddle shifters instead of a clutch handle and foot shifter (fun fact: you can even get a foot shifter for the DCT on the GW - not sure about other models) so now it's pretty much the same except no clutch handle. The benefit of the DCT is it will prevent you from being stupid and either breaking the tranny or killing yourself. In 'auto' mode as you learned and stated, you can shift up or down (override) and yes, bike will return to auto after. So - what is the reason you would 'override'? Primary case is passing - if you want to quickly pass someone or have instant torque to get out of a hairy situation all it takes it a quick press of downshift - once, twice or even 3 times. The DCT responds instantly and smoothly. I guarantee I can downshift two gears as fast or faster than anyone on a manual. On the manual after you pass you then have to upshift again to resume cruising speed. On the DCT yes, it resumes auto and upshifts for you again (assuming auto mode). And on deceleration - I almost always downshift manually all the way to a stop. So bottom line is once you understand and get used to it you pretty much have same level of control as on the manual.
Where else does the DCT shine? Ever sit in stop and go traffic on the highway for an hour? You'd wish you had the DCT then! If you scour forums for bikes with DCT you will see lots of converts - hardcore Harley guys swearing they would never have that DCT 'junk' who then bought one and after getting used to it swear they would never go back.Of course there are those that would and do prefer the manual and that's great too.
Also, sometimes the DCT gets out of sync and does shift rough, etc (maybe some of what you experienced). There is a DCT initialization process you can easily run anytime that takes < 5 min and can really smooth out the shifting. Most stories you read about the DCT are actually how smooth they shift.
My Goldwing has the auto modes like eco, rain, sport and tour and that's it. The rebel seems like its a bit like the Africa Twin though and you can fine tune/tweak to your liking. I can tell it (4 levels) how much engine braking, power, tractions, ABS, etc. That really allows the bike modes to perform how you want it.
I give you credit for admitting you didn't know about some of the features at the end of the vid but then you call the tech junk in the comments? Please in future vids absolutely share your opinion, preference, etc. but realize that is YOUR opinion and viewers may have other opinions and experiences and neither is wrong! I enjoy riding a manual bike like if I rent or borrow a friends out of state, but I love the DCT and would choose it every time.
Enjoy whatever you ride - brand, tech or whatever, we're all in this together. Ride safe bro!

[@darrenjeffery6499]

I am a pretty new rider and a local dealer is getting 2 DCT 1100's and zero manual bikes. I know I want an 1100, but I don't know if I feel I have ridden manual bikes long enough to switch to DCT yet. Can you share your opinion about whether or not I'd be better off riding manual bikes, which I really enjoy, for a year or two before going with a dct model? Thanks in advance!

[@emgee8483]

I'm a proud owner of a DN-01 '10 and if I would own a new bike,it would definitely be the Rebel 1100. 😀

[@reviewmaster517]

I love the looks and the DCT! I have a Burgman 650 Executive and I've been riding DCT all my life starting with an Elite 250 when I was 14. So shifting has never been my thing even though all my buddies ride it. I don't have to join the crowd! I like what I like and now that I know that I can get a bigger bike with more CC's I'll be getting this and waiting for the DCT Gold wing to come down in price and grab one of those. I do love the storage under my seat and dash for sunglasses, phone all kind of stuff of my Burgman though. Also has the auxiliary power outlet is nice for the Radar detector or a pump. The other reason I never went to a traditional motorcycle. I can put two full face helmets under the seat 6 bags of groceries and two in the trunk. Can you you do that with your motorcycle?

[@reviewmaster517]

By the way I love the burnt orange color of it!!

[@ginoferiante7140]

I bought my wife an 1100 Rebel and I love riding it. She’s new and dropped it- not dumped it, just dropped it on its side. That caused an oil leak that costs $700.00 to fix. The few scratches that occurred would have been another $4,000.00 if I wanted it to look new again.
My advice is to find a sturdier motorcycle. I’ve had five other street bike over the years and I have never had such a fragile bike.

[@NSAKEY]

No crash bars installed?

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Love the look of that rebel in bronze brown.

[@MaNtIcHoRaOfficial]

It does have preload for rear suspension. I just bought one kf these and love it. Definitely understand people not liking the shift but if your want the ability to go automatic its nice and just like he said you can shift it your self.

[@Tommy_Irish]

I'm 6'5" how do you think I would fit on this in your opinion only? Thanks!

[@MOTOBLADE]

My opinion is it would be too small for you. My best ADVICE: use me as a starting point and ALWAYS go sit on one for yourself and take a test ride. Never buy one without a test ride.

[@henrytoler5023]

For all you going on about the DCT .
Put it in manual mode and shift till your hearts content ..

[@chrishunter5041]

test Rode the GL1800 DTC this weekend and found I enjoyed riding the bike in manual then in full auto mode.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Something about manual. Can't cut the biker out of the equation 😎

[@Bud_51]

That shifting may be related to being in sport mode...

[@MOTOBLADE]

Possibly. Certainly wouldn’t spend my money on it until it is improved.

[@mikeogden5256]

That root beer color is amazing

[@daflyinhawaiian2]

I actually like the looks! My last bike was a 1983 650 Night Hawk

[@williamcoulter5462]

Try getting one in UK now, they sold the whole UK allocation by August and the earliest you can get one now is March 2023 as all first allocated 2023 stock is already sold and people are willing to wait so there must be something the UK buyers like about it, I was told I could make on my Rebel DCT if I was willing to part with it but no chance I enjoy it too much.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Never give up a bike you enjoy. A good bike is worth more in memories and miles than it is in money :)

[@abnerruiz4011]

I ride an automatic car. Have driven manual cars before but I do prefer automatic or DCT so this bike would be a great beginner bike.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Manual on a motorcycle is 100x easier than a car. No "popping the clutch" like a car does. You'll be fine either way.

[@jonquis07]

I like the look

[@Stop_It_Just_Stop]

Bought this bike yesterday, can wait to get it in the road

[@DW-ko4pd]

Good review. I love the looks. I recently rode my friend's Honda Goldwing DCT. It was awesome. I just may go take a test ride soon. I ride without a passenger.

[@johncantelon7071]

You do know that you can override the shifting with the paddle shifters, or put it in manual mode.

[@aurelious92]

Is there ABS on this model?

[@bimastrike87]

Yeah dude DCTs are clunky transmissions. That doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with it. It’s essentially a manual that’s mechanically shifted for you.

[@Dawgs241]

I went back and watched some of your Vulcan s vids. How would you compare this, Rebel 1100, to the Vulcan s?
I'm heading to the dealership in a couple of days and trying to decide between the 2. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Vulcan s. I just love the bike.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Vulcan S was a much better bike in my opinion. Loved that bike. Just get a good aftermarket seat. My ass was sore after 90 minutes on Vulcan with the stock seat.

[@Dawgs241]

@MOTOBLADE thank you for the info. I've been riding big sport bikes for years. I'm closing in on my 50s and want something more comfortable, but I still want the sport bike performance. Im not interested in the moster Harley bagger. It seems like the Vulcan s would be a perfect fit. I was curious about the Rebel, but it's a lot more money. The Vulcan s even has a $500 rebate. I've also considered the z650rs, but I think the Vulcan would have more comfort.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@Dawgs241 I liked the forward controls and ergonomics of the Vulcan s a lot. But I also moved to full baggers and now rode the Indian chieftain dark horse as my daily rider. So I went all in on comfort. If I had to pick another sport bike, would love to get the Vulcan s again.

[@jasonjohnson8704]

How's the low speed maneuvering? Like msf course maneuvering?

[@natedablack7857]

@MOTOBLADE
You @ 9:54:
"Again, I feel like I can do it so much better and time it a whole lot better for myself..."
Sir, you do realize that the rebel 1100 DCT gives the rider the option of manual shifting, right?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Did you watch til the end? I addressed that.

[@baeofbangla]

IS IT LIKE VESPA SCOOTER WHEN IT COMES TO AUTOMATIC START & NO GEAR SHIFTING?!

[@israelhappy]

lucky cause im trying to get one. i called every dealership near me and none of them has it in inventory unless i reserve one which none can tell me when/time they will have it

[@kennethbyington1100]

Your comment about the downshift. Depending on the driveling mode you program will determine the effect of everything you complained about it’s shifts just fine if you have it tuned in right. Learn the controls before your make a judgment on it

[@valienterf]

If ir was not for the whay she rides, would had never staeted biken in my old age. Haeleys seem a waist of money, and did, and somerhig was not great at my price poinnt, so with rebel 1100 i got a great feel and it rides so nice.

[@harrydalton1689]

I'm confused why you're not aware you can manually shift with this and why you don't know that there is a custom mode ?

[@MOTOBLADE]

You can manually shift, but after you shift, give it about 5 seconds or so, and it defaults back into automatic mode.
If you watch to the end of the video I discuss with the Honda rep guy about the shifting - they never informed me there was a straight manual mode before we took off on the road. Guess they wanted people to keep it in auto. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jameskelly4494]

@@MOTOBLADE is full manual mode done with the paddle shifters?

[@dantheman4217]

I would like to see a video using manual shifters

[@jesusalbertoruelasgerardo8914]

Woww,algún día voy a poder tenerla y disfrutarla al máximo

[@AzogDefilerFromMordor]

I kinda expected the video to continue with you riding in manual transmission mode, as that man suggested, and tell us how you feel about it.

[@turtle19dad]

What is the “R/M” button?

[@scarabeo500gt]

Interesting! I now have a Aprillia Mana 850GT 09 year the bike I think this is trying to copy and was thinking about trading my Bike for one of these...

[@EvendimataE]

im new to riding.....i hate it when i have to stay in 1st gear on red lights.....this no shifting is better i think

[@MOTOBLADE]

You want to be in first gear in case a vehicle comes up behind you and you need to move because the idiot doesn't appear to be slowing down. The old motorcycle cops I took the safety course from were adamant about that. Keep head on a swivel at a stop light, check mirrors, keep it in first ready to roll. With a little more time, it'll become second nature.

[@BlackishBear]

As long as we are editing things out maybe half the video being complaining about shifting could be trimmed down.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Fair point. They could also just make the shifting not suck 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ChadGrimes]

I think it has to have a parking break if it has dct

[@ChadGrimes]

Also not enough people take final destination seriously. When me an my wife ride final destination is code for something is going to fall off that vehicle get back

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@ChadGrimes 🤣🤣 I like that! There's a UA-cam commentator called Ozzy Man Reviews. He calls stuff like that "Destination F@#ked", so that's what I've been calling it, just not in my videos.

[@jgutmen486]

You can shift it

[@mikeogden5256]

Hammer wrench rocks are all falling off trucks and trailers

[@cajun3197]

I don’t love the looks and I felt extremely uncomfortable on it. I’m 5’10” and it felt cramped.

[@Voltomess]

Price $6-8k?? where??🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Tkh21209]

Its 12k out the door 10K MSRP

[@shoomapadoo1141]

The gas tank is too small!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Good point. I don't like stopping for fuel every 2 hours.

[@jasonjason6477]

I’m in Miami and they are charging 13k for this I hate Miami

[@TheRed6263]

seems like not so much research before riding

[@gbtriumph3216]

"Small bike"? 1100 cc? Negative comments on everything! Wow!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Most bikes I review I have nothing but good things to say. I really wanted to like this bike but I was just disappointed with the thing. Not typical for me. I had also ridden about 10 other bikes that day, so coming from great machines to this just made it even more disappointing.

[@unknown-pc9jp]

Come on buddy,learn new things,shifting is ancient,please stop your shifting world😂

[@MOTOBLADE]

No thanks. I’m good 🙂

[@rg9549]

👎👎👎 for your review.
👍🏼for dct tech

[@MOTOBLADE]

I like DCT. Just rode a bunch of Hondas at Americade 23 and got home today. Particularly I like Gold Wing DCT. It was not done well on the 1100 I was riding in this video. You can enjoy my review or not, I stand by what I said. ✌🏻

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

😎👍

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks!

[@NS-uq5ou]

paddle shifting.. lame. Half the fun is being in control of the bike.. which comes from manually shifting. How about low low speed reverse for the shorter riders?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Reverse would be cool, and year, paddle shifting is lame. Only Honda I'm aware of this year with reverse is the gold wing.

[@NS-uq5ou]

@@MOTOBLADE makes sense for such a heavy bike..

[@garybarbatelli1972]

Paddle shifting is now the norm in professional auto racing and now it's on bikes too. Time marches on, get used to it. Manually shifting with a clutch rapidly loses it's charm in heavy stop and go traffic.

[@Yamahog]

I guess the RC knows better now to tell the demo-riders just how to switch between auto/manual modes now , eh ?
I'm used to scooter mode bikes, from years back .... but not telling you how the paddles worked on the Left-Control Handle worked ... seems a bit odd. My Bolt doesn't have Rain, Eco, or Sport mode settings. In fact none of my bikes over the years have ever had that capability...... Seems like Honda doesn't trust the new generation of buyers levels of intelligence... so they do it for you.? .... Myself, I would leave it in sport mode and ride it like a regular bike....And .... If I were the Engineer who decided on the DCT's final design parameters....I would have included the clutch on the DCT models, so that in an emergency you could remove any traction, if needed.... instantly....(Or if you just felt like rev-bombing in a tunnel or a highway under pass)....Other than that, I give the 1100 an 8 out of 10 for functionality .

[@MOTOBLADE]

I think the bike itself handles pretty well actually and the power is nice, but that DCT removes your input from the bike. No clutch to dump power is a big NO from me. I will keep my straight manual bikes, Honda can keep their DCT junk.
They did tell me about the electronic shift before the ride, but not the ride mode. So in "Automatic" you can shift electronically. But after a few seconds it goes back to the gear it thinks is best. They never mentioned the "manual" mode to me before the ride...

[@profdrdenis]

I don't have a Rebel but I read the automatic can be completely switch off. Right side handlebar
Or not?

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@profdrdenis it can be. At the end of the video I discussed that. They failed to inform me of that BEFORE the ride 🙄

[@efremendez]

Poo-poo brown why?

[@Omar-jj8zb]

Seems like a bias negative review

[@MOTOBLADE]

Not biased at all. I was hoping to like this bike. It looked cool. Just didn't impress me at all.

[@tonybooth249]

Very interested in ditching the clutch. Love all the whining about the auto box, if you dont like it or think that it somehow impugns your manhood, simple solution, dont fuxxing buy one.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Not gonna buy one, just reviewing for you guys. I like the gold wing dct automatic, it's just not well done on this bike.

[@tonybooth249]

@@MOTOBLADE That wasnt directed at you, just the comments, I enjoyed your take on it. Im interested in taking one for a ride to give it a go. Im an short arse with some early onset arthritis in my left hand My S1000R is starting to be a chore to ride.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@Tony Booth would definitely be helpful for you then. Honda makes other bikes with the dct as well. I'd check them out too. Just seemed "off" on this bike.

[@JOSE-du7mu]

You're not a fan of Honda Rebels...your review is not good enough for me...

[@MOTOBLADE]

Oh dear. How will I ever sleep at night 🙄

[@JOSE-du7mu]

@@MOTOBLADE True, not a big deal at all. I'm just looking for a neutral, unbiased review, so I can make a better decision. You being honest about not liking Honda was actually a good disclaimer.

[@EvendimataE]

i dont like the looks....that slanted gas tank like some of the yamahas are ugly....i prefer the old style cruiser look like the harleys

[@bertbirge3617]

They sure are pushing the DCT version.. no for me, I can't like them!!!

[@marksmith326]

Don’t like the look

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Haha American 🇺🇸 market is your expertise haha I guess you pick the worst market horrible quality American motorcycles beautiful but heavy slow heavy and noisy not bueno At all

[@MOTOBLADE]

Guess you’ve never heard of Indian Motorcycles. 🇺🇸 American. Big. Loud. Fast. One of them holds a land speed record for its class. But sure, you go with that…