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Something that makes a bike like the humble Rebel 1100 (with and without the "T") special is that in addition to its efficient inline twin, the optional Honda DCT, when called upon, will keep the mill in its optimal engine rev level through the gears during strong acceleration. The result is surprising. While the neighbouring lane cruiser is managing the next gear, the Rebel will advance several meters and in some cases bike lengths.
In regards to final top end experience, and if you need that, you are ultimately better off with the CB1100 as it unwinds.
From a non-power aspect, a DCT-fitted Rebel is incredibly relieving during congested traffic conditions - and since it is water-cooled, well, in the summer seasons too. The rider just needs to reduce the available power, or just click on an urban riding profile.
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(01-23-2023, 10:26 AM)tommymck_imp Wrote: I'll try to bring the temp down here then...
For PowerDubs, I'm honestly asking this because I don't have a ton of experience across the board with cruisers and don't have a feel for the answer. If you take a modern Harley cruiser, which seems to typically have about the same horsepower, but at a lower rpm, and also have higher torque (110ft-lbs ish) also at a lower rpm, and weigh in at typically in the 725 lbs range, is it your experience that they would have a real-world advantage over the Honda? You may have been referring to a garage full of other cruisers...but my guess would have been that the smaller lighter bike might actually have the advantage over a typical Harley. Maybe it's the ergonomics of the bikes relative to me, but my perception when riding a modern Harley vs. my CB1100 is that the CB1100 "feels" like it would beat the Harley. I have to admit though that I'm not much for drag racing on the highway so maybe my perception is as much a handling thing as anything else.
the only H-D's in the same weight class as the CB are the air cooled 883 and 1200 Sportesters and yes the CB will run away from both but not surprising as you are comapring a modern 16v inline 4 with a pushrod v twin.
The Honda is oversquare in bore/stroke and makes max tq at 4800 while the big twin H-D's are undersquare making max tq around 3000 rpm. That big locomotive torque push off idle is what makes the big H-D's a pleasure to cruise on.
I had a twin cam 96 in my 2007 Softail and now have a 103 in my 2012 Street Glide. Both 6 speed bikes and both run 2800-3000 rpm at 70-75 mph in 6th meaning a downshift to pass is not necessary as you are already riding the tq peak, its a simple roll on and go where a downshift is prob gonna be necessary on the Honda.
