7 Common Problems with the Honda Rebel 1100T (Explained)

The Honda Rebel 1100T is the new bagger-styled version of the famous Rebel 1100.

It features a powerful parallel-twin engine, a slick fairing, a storage rack, and hard saddlebags.

However, like any model, it also has some issues – this article covers the most common ones.

1. Stalling Issues

Honda Rebel 1100T riders sometimes encounter a troublesome stalling issue, where the bike unexpectedly cuts out during idling or acceleration.

This problem can stem from different factors, depending on the bike’s condition and any modifications:

• The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) can misinterpret the rider’s habits, resulting in untimely shifts and a loss of power, leading to stalling.
• Aftermarket exhaust systems can impact the air-fuel ratio, causing poor combustion, backfiring, and stalling.
• Coolant leakage from the water pump shaft seal dripping onto the exhaust pipe generates smoke and a burning odor and can lead to overheating and stalling.

“Twice this week my bike has stalled at a stop sign. It idled while waiting in traffic, but stalled as I began to open throttle. I don’t have 2000 miles on it yet. Does anyone else have this issue?” – hondarebel3forum.com

“Mine wants to stall until it’s fully warmed up. I haven’t had issues once it’s warm, but it almost stalled on me this morning, going around a corner. I have a Coffman and I’m not sure if it’s causing the issue or just making it more noticeable…” – hondarebel3forum.com

“I had stalling issues about six months into owning mine. I reset the DCT and it was gone and never came back. I feel like learning my habits while I was learning the bike somehow gave it bad data and just needed to relearn from scratch.” – hondarebel3forum.com

Fortunately, there are solutions for addressing or preventing these stalling issues on the Honda Rebel 1100T:

• Resetting the DCT through the owner’s manual relearning procedure.
• Checking the coolant level and reservoir for leaks and overfilling.
• Installing a fuel controller or tuner to fine tune the air-fuel ratio for optimal engine performance.

2. Rusts Easily

The Honda Rebel 1100T faces a persistent rust issue triggered by metal parts’ exposure to oxygen and moisture, resulting in corrosion. Factors like road salts, oils, grease, and environmental chemicals can accelerate this process.

Some riders also report that the bike’s black paint doesn’t effectively shield the metal. Two riders on hondarebel3forum.com had this to say:

“I bought Rebel New one year ago, and I started to see rust in many places from the third month. I bought specific anti-rush products and started fighting. The problem is I’m getting too rusty…but just TOO… All brake mechanism (all I can see) is rusty, and the same with all I can see close to the radiator (inner mechanisms I can see). I’m sure you understand what I see if you check the pictures. It is incredible; my last Honda, with 3-4 years, doesn’t have 5% rust. I have with Rebel 1100….”

“The 80 and 90 Honda had more exposed metal polished and clear coated. Nicer is looking in my mind. Black bikes covered in paint depend on the surface prep done before the paint is laid down. Today’s market for new bikes and cars competing on price and profits allows some pencil pushers to dictate where to cut costs. Again, black-painted bikes abound in the industry, and not all black paint is equal. End of Rant.”

Resolving the rust problem involves mitigating metal exposure to oxygen and moisture through the following methods:

• Employing a motorcycle cover or storing the bike in a garage when unused.
• Regularly washing and waxing the bike to eliminate rust-causing agents like dirt, debris, and chemicals.
• Applying anti-corrosion products or polish on bare metal sections to form a protective barrier.
• Inspecting and replacing any parts already suffering from rust or damage.

These preventive measures can help Honda Rebel 1100T owners combat the rust issue effectively, maintaining the bike’s appearance and longevity.

3. Poor Saddlebag Quality

The Honda Rebel 1100T suffers from subpar saddlebag quality, attributed to the limited storage space and durability offered by its hard cases.

Riders have reported that these saddlebags are flimsy and prone to scratches and cracks caused by road debris and corrosive weather.

Additionally, some riders find fault in the saddlebags’ size, cost, and installation difficulties.

The remedy for this issue lies in replacing or upgrading the hard saddlebags with aftermarket alternatives, offering more resilience and storage space.

By opting for these alternatives, Rebel 1100T owners can enhance their saddlebag quality and address the reported shortcomings effectively.

4. Kill Switch Gets Stuck

More than a few riders have reported the issue of the kill switch getting stuck on the Honda Rebel 1100T. The kill switch problem often stems from the wear and tear of the microswitches responsible for controlling the ignition circuit.

Over time, these components can accumulate dirt, corrosion, or moisture-induced damage, often caused by vibration, dust, or other environmental factors.

Such issues can lead to malfunctions, leaving the kill switch stuck in a single position and preventing the engine from starting or stopping.

“This is my first bike for the past two years. I turn the bike OFF using the kill switch; when you want to turn the bike on, first turn the key and turn the kill switch ON without having any problem. Now I have intermittent issues with a kill switch. I am turning off the bike with it without any issue, but sometimes it won’t ignite when go back to working (on) position” – hondarebel3forum.com

“mine also acted up a few days ago… It helps to rock switch forth a few times. Cleaning those switches? I’m afraid that is mission impossible, all microswitches (greetings from BMW) tiny, that tinniest could not be, so when they act up permanently, we could only change the complete cluster.” – hondarebel3forum.com

“IF only they didn’t use inferior switches, then this point wouldn’t be. – hondarebel3forum.com
Why is it that older bikes never had this problem?”- hondarebel3forum.com

To resolve the problem of the stuck kill switch, you can take the following steps:

• Clean the microswitches using a contact cleaner spray or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. This will effectively eliminate any dirt, grease, or oxidation that might hinder the switch’s operation.
• Lubricate the microswitches with a silicone spray or a small amount of oil to reduce friction and prevent further corrosion or rust.
• If the microswitches are severely worn out or damaged, it might be necessary to replace them.
• This process involves removing the kill switch assembly from the handlebar and soldering new microswitches to the wires.

Alternatively, you can replace the entire kill switch assembly with a new one for a more comprehensive solution.

5. Uncomfortable Foot Pegs

Some riders struggle with the 1100T’s foot pegs, claiming they feel too narrow, too low, or uncomfortably close to the engine, hindering their ability to stretch their legs or adjust their posture.

This can result in fatigue, cramps, and discomfort during extended rides.

The discomfort associated with the foot pegs on the Honda Rebel 1100T is primarily due to the stock foot pegs’ small size and fixed position.

“My last bike before the new 1100T was a Suzuki Burgman 650, and I got used to stretching my legs out in various positions.
When I got the new Rebel 2 weeks ago, I remembered how much I hate small pegs.” – hondarebel3forum.com

Addressing this issue involves replacing or extending the stock foot pegs with more comfortable alternatives, such as:

• T-Rex Racing Foot Peg Extenders: These metal brackets are designed for the DCT model of the Rebel 1100T and can easily be installed to move the foot pegs forward by approximately 2 inches, offering greater legroom and enhanced comfort for taller riders.
• RIVCO Highway Pegs: These additional pegs attach to the engine guard, enabling riders to rest their feet in a forward position. They come in various styles and colors, offering adjustable angles and lengths for added flexibility and relaxation during rides.

By opting for these alternatives, Rebel 1100T riders can address the discomfort associated with the stock foot pegs, making their journeys more enjoyable and ergonomic.

6. Poor Sport-Mode Braking Performance

Some owners report poor braking performance on their Honda Rebel 1100T, particularly when the bike’s riding mode is set to Sport-Mode.

Riders suggest that the problem arises from the limited braking power of the single 330mm front disc, even when equipped with a radially mounted four-piston caliper.

This issue is exacerbated by the lack of aggressive engine braking from the DCT (dual-clutch transmission), which doesn’t downshift as quickly as riders might anticipate.

This result is an extended stopping distance and reduced confidence in the bike’s handling.

While the solution to this problem isn’t entirely clear, there are some potential steps to address it:

• Adjusting the brake lever position and pressure to align with the rider’s preference can enhance front brake control and modulation.
• Switching to a different riding mode, such as Standard or Rain, which offers more engine braking and less power delivery, may assist in more effective bike deceleration, reducing reliance on the front brake.
• Upgrading the front brake system with a larger disc, improved caliper, or higher-quality brake pad can significantly enhance braking power, responsiveness, and reliability.

Exploring these options can help Rebel 1100T riders mitigate poor sport-mode braking performance, improving the overall riding experience.

7. Torque Control Light Flashes While Shifting

Some 1100T riders have reported torque control system issues on their Honda Rebel 1100T. This system prevents excessive rear wheel spinning by regulating engine output and applying the rear brake. The torque control indicator, a yellow light on the combination meter, conveys the system’s status.

According to the user manual, occasional flashing of the torque control indicator when the front wheel leaves the ground or during specific maneuvers is normal.

Here’s a conversation between three riders on hondarebel3forum.com:

“2023 1100T DCT, 1200 miles. The torque control light flashes every time the bike goes into 1st gear. He surges badly and doesn’t want to shift. Light will eventually go out once I hit 30+ mph. I didn’t see any troubleshooting steps listed in the service manual. I’ve checked the ABS rings, pickups, and wiring. I disconnected the battery and did the DCT reset. I started doing this about a week ago. Can’t think of anything that happened that would have caused a problem.”

To resolve such issues, restart the system by toggling the ignition switch OFF and then ON.

If the indicator flashes unexpectedly or remains constantly on, it may indicate a system malfunction, necessitating professional inspection and repair by an authorized Honda dealer.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Honda Rebel 1100T?

Pro:

• Approachable
• Performance-Centric
• DCT (a dual-clutch transmission allowing riders to choose between automatic or manual shifting.
• Touring-Ready
• Fun to Ride
• Stylish
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Single Front Brake
• Stalling Issues
• Rusts Easily
• Poor Saddlebag Quality
• Uncomfortable Foot Pegs
• Kill Switch Gets Stuck
• Torque Control Light Flashes While Shifting

What Are Some Alternative Models?

What’s the Resale Valu of the Honda Rebel 1100T?

What Do the Reviews Say?

“The 1,084cc (66-cubic-inch) parallel twin employs an uneven firing order designed to mimic the firing pulses of a V-twin. Since it is Honda, the character of the engine is smoother and less rowdy as compared to other 270/540-degree firing interval parallel twins we’ve ridden (i.e., Aprilia’s 660, KTM’s LC8c, and Yamaha’s CP2 power units). Still, it’s raucous enough to put a smile on your face, and we appreciate its calculated level of engine vibration that doesn’t become annoying after a couple of hours in the saddle. Adjustable engine power, traction, and engine brake control make for a tailored riding experience. With a push of a button, the Rebel can go from mild to wild. Cruise control is also standard.”

Source:

2021 Honda Rebel 1100 | First Ride Review | Rider Magazine

Used Rebel 1100 Dct For Sale – Honda Motorcycles – Cycle Trader

HONDA CMX1100 REBEL (2021 – on) Review | MCN (motorcyclenews.com)