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2025 vs 2024 Rebel 1100 DCT - Are the upgrades significant?

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3.1K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  dlounders  
#1 ·
Hi all,

I'm a brand-new rider - 54-year-old male, 6'2", 235 lbs. I recently passed my motorcycle endorsement test after taking the basic rider course, which was also my first time ever on a bike.

I'm seriously considering the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT as my first motorcycle. I love the automatic transmission and the overall look of the bike. I've been researching the 2025 model versus older years and noticed several updates that appeal to me: improved screen, more comfortable seat, higher handlebars, and forward-mounted foot pegs (by 2"). As a taller rider, the ergonomic changes sound promising, but are they significantly better in practice?

Most of my riding will be a 25-minute work commute, along with casual town and backroad cruising. I don’t plan on doing long road trips...at least not yet!

I could live with the older screen, and saving money on a used model is definitely appealing. But if the 2025’s comfort is noticeably better, especially for a taller rider, I might lean that way.

Any advice or experience with the newer vs. older Rebel 1100 DCT models would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
#2 ·
With your height it may pay off to go for the 25 model unless you can find a used one with a different seat and front peg location. I am only 5 foot 11 and had to change the seat and front pegs to make it comfortable for me, also installed a taller shield and 3/4 up and 1 inch back risers and now am very happy with my 23T. Good luck in your choice.
 
#4 ·
-The first thing I did on the 23 1100T was a taller windshield, actually ordered it on the way home from getting the bike. 2nd thing was a Mustang seat. 3rd thing was a T-rex centerstand. 4th thing was lowered and forward footpeg placement and Kuryakyn mini floorboards as my 32" inseam did not work well with stock peg setup at all as it felt that my knees were above the tank. Grip puppies were number 5, Vance and Hines muffler was #6 and all the above was done in the six weeks or so of ownership. Later came radiator guard, crash bars and some homemade bag protectors. At about 3 or 4,000 miles I put on a new rear 39 tooth rear sprocket and 530 chain to lower my RPMs. Around 9,000 I put on a set of Shinko SR999s and like them just fine. Last winter I put on the risers. Somewhere along the line I also installed a ebay fork brace even tho I never had the wobble problem that others have had at high speeds but then I don't ride at high speeds often either. I did find the bike uncomfortable without the changes I made but liked the bike VERY much so I made it all work out. I have not seen or sat on a 25 model but plan to some day just to see how the new changes feel. Closest dealer to me is 200 miles so I do all my maintenance, don't really trust to many wrenches anyway. Hope this story helps your decision. Let us know what happens and good luck.
 
#5 ·
According to thd Honda dealership, the 2025 version also does have a new DCT computer. Changing gears would have improved too.
Although I must say that the 21-24 DCT already changes gear very fine.

Regarding your length,
You will be looking for a better seat soon anyway, no matter the version.
The 25 might be slightly better, but that is marginal.

Biggest difference on the 25 is the display and connectivity with your phone.

Greez,
Moh
 
#8 ·
I had a ‘21 model CMX1100 DCT and have just bought a new ‘25 model CMX1100 DCT SE. The differences are minor. Handle bars a little nearer the rider - noticeable but I intend to add a bar riser. Footpegs a bit further away - I have added footboards which have made a huge difference to comfort. The dct changes are not significant inmo. So if it was me, I would be happy to save money and buy the older one and make any personal modifications as necessary.
 
#12 ·
Was looking at Corbin too.
However, the Dutch Corbin dealer told me, that it is not possible to sit on a CMX1100 version of their saddle to see if it is a fit, because they don't have demo seats.
I would have to order one, and would have no right to return it if it doesn't work out for me.
Then, on top of that, they would charge me here almost 1070 Euro, thats 1233 USD at the moment, just for the solo seat....

Well, I don't have so much cash laying around to throw out of the window.

So, no Corbin for me.

Greez,
Moh
 
#13 ·
I received my endorsement a few years ago and decided to take the leap on a 2025 1100t dct and will never look back. I regret not doing this sooner! On my first ride, I was scared shitless, as the bike is much heavier than the ones we took the course with and more powerful to boot. Before you ride, get the T-Rex crash cages installed on the engine and back end, whether on the saddle bags or without. I know there are people out there who ride without any issues; however, you are going to drop the bike at one point in time and it is better to be safe than sorry, as dropping it without those on will cost you thousands and may even have you second guessing your decision. Also, get a taller wind shield and be sure to not have the mirrors connected at the end of the handlebars, as they will be destroyed when dropped, even with the cages. In the beginning, ride late at night and take it to a parking lot to practice your turning. Place the bike in Rain Mode, at least until you are comfortable with riding; maybe after 1000 miles. The bike is very powerful at 1100. A lot of people will tell you buying a 500 will just lead to getting a stronger engine once you get used to the bike and they are correct. I love the fact that I can put it in automatic, shift and engine brake with the left control paddles. Be sure to watch plenty of YouTube videos before you go practice, as they will remind you of the things you were taught in the course, like don't ever use the front brake when the front wheel is turned and coming to a stop and don't try and be a pro by stopping with one foot down, as it is a heavier bike and you need both feet, especially with a passenger, which I do not recommend until you are very confident. Go over the user manual multiple times, as they will remind you of the procedures to start the bike after dropping, along with maintenance needs. Good Luck!