the CEO of Harley has slap lost his mind, he wants the Harley brand to be known as the premium brand and pay a higher premium price that's just insane !!! People want quality and reliability and innovation at a reasonable price the Honda has all of these boxes checked off!
@@megan6228 Dolly noted, but I'm not blaming anyone. Plus it was joke. I have a sporster 883 I converted to a 1200cc top end. 2017. That I paid 10k taxes include. You can see it on my pic. Thou I do know someone that payed close to 50k for a softail, he shall not be named for obvious reasons.
I just bought the dct rebel 1100. Had it for only a few days and man, I'm having a blast. The automatic mode is a dream, perfect for new riders, or riders with back trouble, like myself. I lost confidence in my left leg being able to shift reliably after a series of back surgeries, and this bike has me back on the road with confidence. 10/10
Correction: Thanks to @sfbdotcom for questioning the seat height, after checking multiple sources it appeared the specs on HD's website were incorrect. So i reached out to a Motovlogger that purchased an Iron 1200 this year and @RoadRashHD confirmed the height on the sporty is almost 29 in.so the Rebel does have a lower seat height. Be sure to check out his channel if you are interested in Sportster content. th-cam.com/channels/V5413fXGqu6jgliZHSvF3g.html
I think that Honda Rebel will be a great bike. I am almost 70 years old and in no hurry. I have a 2003 solid mount 883 Sportster with 70,000 miles on it. The Sportster has been a great ownership experience. It has adequate power and handling. I love its maintenance free nature. There are no valves or cam chains to adjust or drive chain to oil. I love its simplicity. A Sportster like mine will never end its life because of a broken cam chain. It will be running for many many more thousands of miles. It has proven to be a very economical bike to own.
I would think it will be a lot easier for Honda to bring out accessories for the Rebel than for Harley to catch up on the technology. I think the aftermarket is going to have a blast with the Rebel.
Iron: 46MPG 3,3 Galon tank makes 152 miles. Rebel: 55MPG 3,6 Galon tank makes 198 miles. Keep 20 miles "reserve" and you can travel 132 miles vs 178 miles ratio or 50 miles (31%) MORE distance between 2 fiIl ups on the rebel. Only for that reason alone i would go for the rebel but it needs a chain to belt mod.
@@daneulekowski929 my ‘79 Honda CM400 had more power than an 883 sportster. The mufflers were rotted out, and I heard a rumor that 883 mufflers would fit so I wen to the local Harley dealer and Lo and behold! They fit!! Those Harley guys were PISSED when I walked out to the parking lot and swapped mufflers on my Honda.
I was raised around Harleys, My dad was a Motorcycle police officer and the monsters he rode made me fall in love with them, And Dad took me to a police auction to purchase my first Police Harley and the love affair began.... Up until the moment my older brother rode up on a Honda. I can’t remember the make but it was smooth, Quiet and Quick with no hesitation.
I’ll save you the time yes. Better handling, better technology, more hp,more mpg,better brakes and abs, more reliable and you dot have to pay an extra 150$ for a gas gauge lol
A bike from the Jurassic era versus a modern Japanese cruiser designed and built by Honda. Save your time, my 12 year old Labrador already knows the answer and he's not really into bikes.
Great video man. I started riding in 2017 with a brand new Rebel 500. loved it, and even did a 700 mile trip with her. put 10K miles on that puppy. Needed something bigger, i was actually bummed i didnt go with the shadow 750, and when it was time to upgrade, i had to go Harley. There was just something about the bike that i was always reaching to. traded in my Rebel 500 for the 2020 softail standard, and am blown away. That 107 has so much power compared to my previous 500, that even at idle with the stock pipes, i can feel the engine pulses within my chest. Just incredible power. No regrets.
I honestly can’t wait. The new rebel was always a good looking bike to me and I’m converting from riding a naked bike and was looking into getting a new bike like the sportster or rebel or scout. The major thing that was keeping the rebel out of the competition for me was that small 500cc displacement. But now with a 1100cc coming next year, the rebel is the first in my list to be honest.
What an excellent review. Honda has much more to offer. And both bikes are more expensive than I was expecting. Remember when riders were only purchasing Rebels as their first bike... Man they have up their game.
The DCT is especially interesting to me - I'm a double below knee amputee and while there are things like Pingle shifters if you can't shift with your foot... they're kind of crappy, and love to stop working at just the wrong moment. Until the Rebel 1100 was announced I was trying to figure out how to lower an Africa Twin, now I don't have to 👍
I enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing. My thought is, Folks that buy the Harley buy it to be a Harley rider whether the bike is better or worse than comparable bikes. I’m definitely not a Harley guy let alone a cruiser guy, but I have spent a couple of days on a rental Harley 1200 Sportster and I can understand the appeal. To my ears, the v-twin exhaust note sounds better than a parallel twin any day of the week. Although I never learned the “secret handshake” required to get the bike into neutral. And I really appreciate the quality and reliability of Hondas. I just think these two bikes are very different and aimed at equally different demographics. Each to his own.
The Rebel is a great looking bike. Having cruise control and all LED is awesome. Looks even better with the fairing. Great vid as usual. Take care brother 👊😎
I have the 2020 Rebel 500 and LOVE IT. But will be trading it in this spring on the 1100. Last year was my first year riding and I'm beginning to outgrow the 500 as I start to travel further and do more highway driving.
it's hugely annoying as a new Harley Sportster rider in the UK that Harley are stopping there Sportsters in the UK due to emissions as i found out recently when i needed parts HD have had my bike since September and won't get the parts from HD till around January time maybe even later so i am defaintly looking at some thing else now
You will LOVE the DCT. This is such a game-changer, but it takes riding to believe in it. Coming from an NC700X DCT and an Indian Scout, I would be hard pressed to find a better bike for $10k new if I was shopping again.
Damn I’m starting to feel really stupid for buying my new sportster last year.Honda will offer you so much more for less money.Not to mention the salesman at Harley Davidson are Dick’s. I was even calling today to try to get on a softail slim and they acted like they didn’t have time for me.
Thing is, having owned Japanese cruisers and Harley-Davidsons over the years. The H-Ds always have better resale value. If you're not planning on selling for a long while, that isn't a concern, obviously. And yes, some H-D dealer/salesmen have a superior attitude. But not as bad as our local BMW/Ducati/Triumph dealership!
@@bydarkwaters2055 100%. In louisville, ky we have two Harley dealerships and then a triumph/Ducati/Ktm dealership and the Harley salesmen are way better than the ones at the triumph/Ducati/ktm dealership.
Harley is a last century tech but sold for a next gen price. I ride my Vulcan S for commuting even here in the winter. Tow major things I can not stand up with Harley other than the price, one is the vibration which is too strong for me and the other is the vague gear shifting. Rebel 1100 brings all modern features that a cruiser is expected to have. A wonderful bike just made for almost everyone.
I’m looking for an upgrade from a Vulcan S. I went to a test ride for an 883 and a Iron 1200 last week. They were quite disappointing. I prefer a Triumph Bobber and an Indian Scout a lot more. This Rebel 1100 looks promising. Maybe I’ll wait for a test ride before make up my mind.
I like my 2019 Indian Scout Sixty. I would buy it again. I loved my 2009 Triumph Bonneville T100 - it now belongs to my son. My wife's 2014 H-D Sportster, while attractive and reliable, seems ancient (tech wise) compared to either one of the other bikes.
I think the rebel has a lot of things going for it over the iron. Seems to be just as powerful, but lighter and cheaper. Now I think the DCT transmission is odd but for those that might have lost a limb and need an automatic motorcycle then I think it’s cool. I want to ride one and will hold final opinion til then. Good one Mike.
Thanks for watching chop, I have a Honda four wheeler with Adam shift and I’m not a big fan but I can see where it might be good for some people, especially those with disabilities in some form.
Honda has become a master bike builder and the best part they make the affordable without sacrificing quality Harley ... it was good, really good while it lasted, it started slowly dying along with their old hardcore fans, the end of a generation ended the brand that failed to adapt to the new market, new generation, they did tried to keep up with the other brands, but they reacted too late, thank u harley u will be missed
Having an Africa Twin 998cc (which is truly amazing) ....and after owning many Sportys, I would definitely choose the Rebel. Being "older" now I don't really need the stigma of the Harley since its impossible to get laid by the young beauties. Age sucks, lol.
@@RidingintheOzarks lol Yea me too. But once they sit on a Harley...with straight pipes, and shall we say "FEEL" that vibrating motor...well, it just makes what I said, a little easier....lol !!!!
@@UncleRobsGarage if ya got that many Benjamin's lying around, yea. But my wallet would go for the 1100 Rebel. Plus easier to find service if you break down on the road. Everyone's own personal choice I reckon .
The new Rebel looks pretty sweet, the tank reminds me of the airbox cover from the vrod when looking at it from the front. I imagine there will be a market for it, but as always the one thing it has going against it is, it will never sound like or feel like a Harley. Great Video as always.
That DCT and liquid cooling make the Honda the choice for me. Anybody with a functioning brain can see that there's no compsrison. Maybe the new Sportster will be closer by a little. Thanks mike.
@@portlandshomlessproblem1728 the Honda makes more power and is much lighter, but it’s nowhere near double. The 1200 Evo’s generally dyno around 70 hp stock. I’d still take the Rebel, especially for commuting
Honestly.. I'm sold... Honda looks great 🔥🔥🔥 I love Harley because of the sound but Honda has won this round.. I cannot wait for it to be released and plus the pricing is unbelievably amazing
I bought a brand new on the shadow in 84 had it for 15 years did nothing but chain is the oil damnthings indestructable I also bought a new shadow In 95 They just don't die I think I'll be looking at the new rebel when they come out I guess it's time to move up The new one ❗👍🏻😂🤣😎
The failure rate to start is low for honda but higher for harley I know this because my dad has a harley and sometimes it doesn't quite start up cause of the huge battery and many gadgets and accessories. I'M in love with honda even more cause of the failure to start percentage and many other things honda forever
I own the Reb 500 and AS SOON as my dealership get the 1100's in Im trading mine in on one.......PRONTO! I looked at the Soft tail standard.......and almost pulled the trigger on one. But it was just TOO much for so very little compared to the competition. And lets be honest......Harley's done.......they proved to the world they have zero interest in evolving as a company. They cancelled the Bronx which let's face it they would have sold a ton of em. They had a good run and now they want to crawl under the porch and die in peace.......who are we to stop them. Everyone knows they could have kept making baggers and done other stuff but not everyone wants a damn bagger. There's nothing for the various riders out there. Your street fighter crowd, your Adventure bike crowd (weekend campers) your Performance bike fans (crotch rockets). Harley has nothing to offer these riders.........and news flash, if your on two wheels your a biker brother or sister to the VAST majority of riders. We don't give a rats ass if it's not what we like........as long are your on the road , oh and wearing your gear of course. Nobody wants to see a fellow brother or sister with there skin missing.
Have 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750 still starting no issues other then usual tires chains gaskets.One thing is obvious people who buy Honda know they rather spend extra dollars on vacations then in repair shops with 100hr labor cost alone.Now which makes sense? The answer is obvious.
Objective opinion: Harley Sportster are cool, but not when they have a severe lack of basic technology and you pay another $800 just for ABS. Hardcore Harley bro: If it ain't broke don't fix it. They haven't had to make any major changes for years. Obj op: Is that why the rarest bikes on the planet are stock Sportsters? Bikes that, while classic and beautiful, you immediately start swapping parts as soon as you buy one? Now granted, customizing is part of the fun, Is it too much to ask for ABS, better lights, and suspension from the factory? I would customize a bike to be a post apocalypse futuristic aesthetic (hence why I love the fxdr, vrod, newer fat bob, and breakout). But being priced nearly the same, I'd just cut out the middle man and get the rebel and tweak it slightly
Severe lack of basic technology? Electronic gadgetry is just that. And it is more prone to failure. A motorcyclist relies on gadgetry when he lacks the basic skills to ride a motorcycle. And in other aspects, liquid cool is somewhat necessary if one rides in traffic jams; but for this situation, any 150 cc bike will be much better than the best air cooled bike in the world. And so the saying goes: less components, less failures. In some years, all the electronics will fail, that's for sure, while the mechanical part will stand. Which will be easier to fix: the Rebel or the Sportster? And if the Rebel continues to "evolve", it will become harder and harder to maintain. That's how Japanese manufacturers push the client to buy and buy the latest. A 1986 is repairable even today because spare parts are available. Try that with an 80s Japanese bike, if ever one is left.
Honda makes great reliable bikes. This was much needed in Hondas cruiser lineup..last great cruiser they made was the VTX 1800. This was a very smart move and great bike for the price..but I wouldn't take it for long distance or cross country. Just because its chain driven..knowing honda unlike Yamaha they don't use belt drive. And in a small bike like this I understand how a chain drive was the only practical option.
It would absolutely pound the harley in a race. I personally love the look of the harley. Not so much the honda. However, if you are looking for a brand new performance cruiser under 10k nothing touches the Honda. I do think it would be fair to compare the Honda to naked bikes if seat hight is not a concern. It's not for me but I would love to spend the weekend with the Honda.
Harley are doing the great British mistake of under estimating a rival and thinking brand loyalty will win through , it won't if your bike is not as fast , reliable and value for money then you lose customers simple as that , $800 dollars for a traction control system that is standard on you rivals bike that says it all as well as old tech what dose that say about your product ?
I currently own my second touring Harley and have owned two Honda motorcycles. I'm looking for something more for fun and think I may have found it. Thanks for the honest comparison.
i whent to buy a harley and the prices is through the roof, the dealer chinanigas and attitude, went to Honda so the Rebell trsted both, i felt better on the in the honda and the tested the dct and it was, great dont have any fnk disabilities is just better to ride and not to worry wht fnk gere. ❤ the rebell, is a keeper.
I love the idea of HD. Why can’t they offer more choices? Just wish they would offer something competitive in that class. It’s a bang for the bucks comparison. Sadly in this particular circumstance HD doesn’t offer a competitive product.
I wouldn't mind testing the rebel 1100 but I really love my 06 1200 Sportster, it's the least refined bike I've ever ridden, but that's why I like it, I dig it's visceral feeling, no tech just me and the bike, like riding an old Norton or BSA.
Bike Advertisements crack me up. Ride around the City like this and see how long your riding career last. You'll either hurt yourself or be arrested. Awesome Ad!
Wrong. The EVO motor is something that can't be replicated at any price. There is nothing like a Harley Davidson, and the Sportster retains the old Harley feel and sound. Right now I prefer a good old Sportster over any model they produce. If you think I want ABS or an automatic transmission on my motorcycle... you'd be wrong. No thanks.
@@brianminkc Keeping our emotions aside, do we think Harley is capable of making better engines than any of Japanese Big 4 ? Also, don’t you agree with the criticism that Harley is a decade behind its Japanese/European competition in innovation? I understand that Cruisers don’t need all the technological advancements - Cornering ABS, Wheelie control, launch control to name a few - but basic ABS, riding modes and Traction control will make rides more comfortable and safe - Don’t you think ?
@@brianminkc you can disable the ABS and get a standard transmission on the Rebel. 😅 Sure the Sportster has the iconic Harley feel but it has nothing else to offer. It is slower, heavier, less power, and less functional. If you want a old bike you shouldn't buy a new old bike. I ride a 76 CB750 for the old feel not a new bike for old school feel.
I have had an Africa twin for two years now with the DCT and absolutely love it and as a handicapped veteran it was a great option for me for my left hand which has some mobility issues.
@@RidingintheOzarks actually because they have it I am now looking at a third bike which will be the rebel 1100 with DCT once it hits the showroom floors. 😁
The Honda is a amazing deal honestly. Coming from a Harley guy. The biggest reason i picked my sportster is for the sound. That's honestly it. I don't need the other things. That's what my s1000 is for. But as a only bike. The Honda is the way to go
I have a 22 rebel 1100 and it is awesome. Just a bit on the smaller side. Honda, please please please release a slightly larger rebel 1600ish parallel twin. I will buy buy buy.
Honda rebel all the way 100%... All the features and technology are no comparison to the harley, and besides the new Harley look 'proposed' for 2021 is as ugly as they come (sorry harley davidson)... The rebel (as said by those that customise bikes) is one awesome bike to customise to your own personal liking... Honda has always be known to be extremely reliable, so owing one would not be a concern for any person that buys one (for this reason alone)... Honda are going to smash the market in 2021, its a 'no brainer for me'...
I'm impressed with the 1100 Rebel. It's motor has a unique cadence that is aurally pleasing... rhythmically offbeat enough like a V twin, L twin or a parallel twin with an off-phase crank yet it's modern enough for buyers looking to purchase a technologically up-to-date and competent motorcycle that isn't inundated with too many gadgets, geegaws and gizmos. Nice review, BTW.
Sportster 883 of 2003 was really good, i wouldn't buy a new sportster. Harley needs to bring back xr750 and some projects like Vrod in 700-900cc. No on off neither electric nor scooter.
I have a street glide and a heritage classic. Great machines love to ride both. I been looking into this Rebel 1100 pretty good machine Hondas run for ever. Once there in the show room will check it out. Will keep my Harley's but most likely will get a rebel. I like the sport glide a lot but more then twice the price of the Rebel. Harley wake up!!!
I agree, My GF did a demo ride on a Sport Glide and really liked it but they are hard to find and expenses. They have to find a way to be more competitive.
90% of the market has all the electronic gee-gaws (ABS, traction control, etc.) One of the things that I like about Harley is the simplicity. Hope they leave all the electronic crap off. Plenty of other choices for those who want them.
I have 3 Harleys in my garage. An old '81 ironhead. A 2007 street glide and a "new" 2015 sportster 1200V with 500 miles on it.. The rebel 1100 won't replace any of them, but it will undoubtedly have a spot next to them.
@@RidingintheOzarks Me personally, I started on a honda enduro 125. Moved up to my ironhead. Had a Vmax that i friggin loved. Had a Yamaha R1. Multiple KZ 440's and a KZ1000. A honda shadow. My street glide and my sportster 72.. There's no prejudice in my garage! All makes are welcome.
Thanks for the fair and honest review. Don't want a Rebel though, don't like the looks of it and not enough HP. I think i'll stick to my custom 1985 Honda Magna V65 1100 bobber though. ^^
The “not enough hp” argument is absurd. You don’t need 150 hp in a bike for road use. Especially for such a light bike.... 50 hp is more then sufficient, let alone the 90’ish? The Honda Rebel packs...
I don't know how you choose a Harley at this point. Sure it has heritage going for the brand but not much else. If I want a cool shirt I guess you buy a Harley. If you want performance, reliability and save $2000 you buy The Rebel. I like the Rebel and the Scout and the Svartpilien.
Man, I can't get over the fat bob. I love it! I really hate the 19k price tag on it though. I really like the sport glide too, but hate the 19k price tag. This rebel is looking better and better the more I look at it! Being able to afford any of the three, makes it an even tougher choice cuz I'm a penny pincher haha. Owned a 2015 Fat Bob and a 2019 Heritage 114. That Heritage is a very under rated softail too. Great bikes both of em. I started on a 1990, KZ550 Zephyr as my first street bike back in '92. 26 bikes later and I've come to the conclusion that my 09 Speed Triple will be in my garage forever, but miss that cruiser life yo!!!
Really appreciate your unbiased breakdown of the bikes here, even if you haven't been on them yet. I'm 100% a newer rider and purchased my first bike last fall. Growing up, I always thought my first bike would be a Harley of some sort. I've always loved the sound and cruiser style over the sport bike offerings that my friends were into. However, when push came to shove and I had to make a "Value per Dollar" calculation on my very first bike, I ended up going with a Rebel 500. I've been very happy with it thus far but I've also been looking at a potential upgrade...and once again I find myself eyeing the Rebel 1100 for many of the reasons you mention. The price is where I'd like to be and features/technology included seem to be better than the lowest HD offering. I totally agree that I'd like to see HD start to do something to capture newer riders. I'm not even some "20 Something" with no cash to burn (not trying to brag, just explaining where I'm coming from) and an entry level HD is still a hard sell based on price alone. I just can't help but feel like they have to do SOMETHING to hook the beginner market at a cost they're willing to pay and plant those seeds for future growth within the Harley line. Anyway, just one noobie rider's opinion. Keep up the great work!
Honda make awesome bikes, I love my Harley cause of its vintage look and sound. That seat height though is 28.9 inches upright and 27.5 at the lowest point when on the side stand.
I will be selling my Sportsters and getting the automatic honda rebel 1100 and triking it. I have arthritis and getting old and crunchy. Keeping my old servicar. If harley had an automatic, I’d stay with them. My suggestion is they build a automatic Freewheeler.
Better comparison is the Indian Scout which is already a much better bike than the sportster. And the Honda though down a couple of horses has a lot more tech and 6 more degrees of lean angle. Harley faithful will buy the Sportster, but this is a declining class with young riders who have not bought in. I think the Scout looks better, subjective of course, but I think that Honda looks good also. The DCT is a way to bring in new riders and like you said to keep those with arthritis and certain disabilities in the wind on 2 wheels.
I’m pretty sure a comparison between the scout and the sportster has been done, and I just didn’t want to do another Honda released a new rebel video. Hope you enjoyed the vid
@@RidingintheOzarks Sorry Riding in the Ozarks. I should have stated a better comparison is the Honda Rebel and the Indian Scout, since they have comparable hp and tq. I get you are a Sportster fan, and Harley has certainly sold bunches of them, and it has done very well for Harley. Will be interesting to see what replaces that 40 year old bike in the near future. My Father and Uncles and generations before them are from the Ozarks, Douglas Country, MO, Ava area. Most moved to MIchigan just before WW2 for work during the Great Depression.. In fact the Rippee Creek and Rippee Conservation Area on the 14 is named after either a great Grandfather or Uncle. I visited it for the first time, and the Ozarks for the first time since about 1960, in Jan of 2016 when we my last remaining Aunt who always stayed in Ava passed away. Beautiful Country you live in and some amazing roads. I currently ride a 2014 Victory Cross Country and have to get it out their, and but soon.
@@cbrippee thanks for clarifying, it’s not really that I’m a sportster fan but more of a Harley fan so I’m more familiar with Harley and felt I could do a better job speaking on it then the scout. I did do a demo ride on a scout 69 in September and liked it a lot and would probably be more interested in it the a sportster.Maybe if I get to ride the Rebel this spring I will do another video comparing both, thanks for the suggestion. We definitely have some great roads, hwy 19 south of I44 is one of my favs. Holler if you get down this way, stay safe and keep on Riding!
I agree with your comments. I've owned four Sportsters (1973, 1988, 2008 and 2014) and my current 2019 Indian Scout Sixty. The 2014 Sporty is good looking, solid and reliable, but...seems crude and old fashioned compared with the Scout. I'm sure the Scout and Rebel will be a much closer match in comparison.
The only other comparison is the "Smiles to Miles" factor... but since you haven't ridden either (thank you for making that distinction!) I can see where you might have missed it. When comparing the S2M factor, the Harley clearly wins EVERY TIME. I am speaking from experience! I work at a multi-line dealer that has both Harley & Honda motorcycles (Can-Am (Sea-Doo & Ski-Doo) & Arctic Cat sleds). I have ridden both the Rebel & several versions of Sportster (48, 72, 1200T, 883) - although we do not have the 2021 Rebel (and it's 12°F outside) so have not ridden THAT model yet (in interest of fairness). So, in my experience with the Sporty is always quick off the line/lots of torque = big smile Sportster- I just think about leaning into a turn and the bike is there for me = bigger smile Sportster- while stopping for lunch, refueling or parking the bike at the mall, 9 out of 10 times someone comments about how good the bike looks, tells me how they rode their adventure on a Harley, or their relative used to ride a Harley = a thousand big grin emojis!! ✌
I agree with the S2M factor and I will try and include that in future comparison's. I love my Dyna and SGS. Sound and TQ Feel are always going to the HD for me as well. I really want to Ride a new Triump Trident, not sure why but seems like a bike you can ring its neck and have fun on but it not get away from you to easily. I have owned cruisers and tours ( and Dirt Bikes/Dual Sports) so not sure why at 50 I am suddenly interesting in a naked bike but I am...
I will admit that the Honda is a lot better motorcycle than the Harley, but I'm in my late 60s and I am so used to the lines of the motorcycles I grew up with in my youth that I can't get warm to the looks of the current Hondas. Make it look like the old CB450, then I could really dig this bike.
I'm going to buy myself a honda rebel when I become a paramedic as a treat. I currently own a honda shadow spirit 1100 so moving on to the honda rebel 1100 seems like its meant to be.
That rebel looks like it shouldn't be top heavy, always a plus. Can't wait to try this rebel as I'm looking for a new ride...not opposed to the sporty, but definitely want the best value for my money.
Well I love harley and if your into customizing then that is something to consider but I think the Sporty will be dead just like the Dyna in the next few years so that’s something to think about to. But since it has changed very little over the years there are will be pars and accessories in the aftermarket scene for a long while to come imo...
Next year Harley new model will come with wheels as an option just in case someone wants to customize it with square wheels. 😆 only a $5000 option & technology like tassles on the handle bars.
Id guess it would probably boil down to whether the owner is looking for just transportation or something to also personalize. Transportation w/no tickering ever? Bang for the buck? The Rebel. The auto option a small percentage IMHO. The sportster obviously has a bazillion options for customization. For alot of folks a HD is the only option. Its winding down is even more of a reason to grab one of the last air cooled sportys.
Which is better all depends on what you value, I love the ability to personalize and customize my Harley but like you said for maybe a newer rider that is just wanting something to ride the Rebel maybe the better choice. Thanks for watching!
Your leaving out maintenance, water cooling vs Air cooled, resell value, dealership customer service, handling, physical fitment, the ability to customize if you so choose with aftermarket parts, etc... just saying if you want to say in every way then your going to have to broaden the scope of comparison. I'm not saying either is better. It may matter if you do Maintenance yourself of take it to dealership. In the end what is best is always going to be about what is best to that rider and what they value. Just cause he said Honda was in the game doesn't mean he is saying the Fury is better but that it is a competitive option for those shopping. He may like the looks and think the water cooling and shaft drive is worth $600. The Fury is heavier cause it is bigger, 11 in longer wheelbase, it has forward controls which many riders prefer. Did you miss that when you looked this stuff up before commenting? Fran you opinionated and that fine but you are also insulting, maybe you didn't mean to come across that way but that is how I took it, and maybe I see it that way cause you said this was silly comparison and proceeded to tall me what I should have compared the rebel to, you imply this person statement is wrong because they didn't look all this up, yet you left out factors which some riders would feel are important.
I’ll tell ya what, I’m tempted to sell my bike and my car to go for that rebel 1100. Just buy it new outright. Wife left me and I don’t need the car anymore 😂😂
I love the way you are dealing with life! 😂😂😂 man you truly understood what life us all about! We gonna live once no room for anything but joyful experience 😎
SPORTSTER FOR ME, AT ALL EVENTS. THE SPORTSTER HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS : "SOUND, LOOK and FEEL". I own a Sportster 883 from 0 km and IT'S ALREADY WITH ME FOR 15 YEARS. (Waiting for the 2021 H-D SPORTSTER 975 AND 1250 😄😄). ALSO, and it does not come on the Purchase Invoice: VERY FUN, multifunctional, it gives you a smile on your face and you enjoy the true feeling of riding a real Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Obviously, respecting of course, the personal taste of each rider.
Yeah I'ma Harley fan boy here too, but it would be nice if Harley would start doing more with their Bikes like Honda and a few others do, but that is their way of getting us to come back and spend even more money, excellent video Mike 💯
Interesting, I agree that Harley needs to step up with their technology. The big rebel looks like a very cool bike. Big step up from the old 250s. Not sure it is a great idea to put that much bike under a new rider.
![Why I Bought A Harley Davidson Motorcycle [2021 Iron 883]](/img/n.gif)
I finally got to ride the Rebel 1100 DCT, First Ride Video = th-cam.com/video/1h_NqlQYqXo/w-d-xo.html
I ride an r6
the CEO of Harley has slap lost his mind, he wants the Harley brand to be known as the premium brand and pay a higher premium price that's just insane !!! People want quality and reliability and innovation at a reasonable price the Honda has all of these boxes checked off!
Wait wait wait ✋....so Harley isn't the Ferrari of motocycles. So why did I pay 60k for my new softail.
🤦😢😭
.......i'd like to be alone.
@@jerryvelasco1474 if you paid 60k for a bike sorry but that would be pretty stupid on ur part; not ours...
@@megan6228
Dolly noted, but I'm not blaming anyone. Plus it was joke.
I have a sporster 883 I converted to a 1200cc top end. 2017. That I paid 10k taxes include. You can see it on my pic.
Thou I do know someone that payed close to 50k for a softail, he shall not be named for obvious reasons.
@@jerryvelasco1474 I know I figured 😆😆😆😆
Harleys new ceo will just run it into the ground like the last one.
Lightweight, great power, sounds like a Ducati, will last forever, and under $10,000.... what’s not to love?
exactly!
The chain !!
@@didierlevy4268 I like chain 🤷♂️
@@toofastnobrakes I like drive shaft better
@@dave1a55 understandable. But on a bike like this one chain makes sense
I just bought the dct rebel 1100. Had it for only a few days and man, I'm having a blast. The automatic mode is a dream, perfect for new riders, or riders with back trouble, like myself. I lost confidence in my left leg being able to shift reliably after a series of back surgeries, and this bike has me back on the road with confidence. 10/10
You should check out my first ride video from a few weeks ago on the Rebel 1100 DCT
Correction: Thanks to @sfbdotcom for questioning the seat height, after checking multiple sources it appeared the specs on HD's website were incorrect. So i reached out to a Motovlogger that purchased an Iron 1200 this year and @RoadRashHD confirmed the height on the sporty is almost 29 in.so the Rebel does have a lower seat height. Be sure to check out his channel if you are interested in Sportster content. th-cam.com/channels/V5413fXGqu6jgliZHSvF3g.html
A 100 cans of beer, now that's putting it in perspective.
I know right! I thought it was good line...
A scale a man can put into perspective 😆
That 100 cans of beer sold me 😅 would rather carry a few 24 racks on a rebel any day than a sportster lol
I think that Honda Rebel will be a great bike. I am almost 70 years old and in no hurry. I have a 2003 solid mount 883 Sportster with 70,000 miles on it. The Sportster has been a great ownership experience. It has adequate power and handling. I love its maintenance free nature. There are no valves or cam chains to adjust or drive chain to oil. I love its simplicity. A Sportster like mine will never end its life because of a broken cam chain. It will be running for many many more thousands of miles. It has proven to be a very economical bike to own.
I own a Harley 1200 custom stage 1 and the engine carater is unic far ahead from japanese !
@@maxh4989 English?
@@HitManRickyTan nope, French
I would think it will be a lot easier for Honda to bring out accessories for the Rebel than for Harley to catch up on the technology. I think the aftermarket is going to have a blast with the Rebel.
Iron: 46MPG 3,3 Galon tank makes 152 miles. Rebel: 55MPG 3,6 Galon tank makes 198 miles. Keep 20 miles "reserve" and you can travel 132 miles vs 178 miles ratio or 50 miles (31%) MORE distance between 2 fiIl ups on the rebel. Only for that reason alone i would go for the rebel but it needs a chain to belt mod.
Honda is a thousands years of light ahead from Harley!
My 97 Honda Magna, is a better bike than a Sportster.
@@daneulekowski929 my ‘79 Honda CM400 had more power than an 883 sportster. The mufflers were rotted out, and I heard a rumor that 883 mufflers would fit so I wen to the local Harley dealer and Lo and behold! They fit!! Those Harley guys were PISSED when I walked out to the parking lot and swapped mufflers on my Honda.
Agree
@@daneulekowski929 I have a 82 kz1000 that's 5000 times better than my harley.
My Harley has no tool kit under the seat ,and no place for registration ,and no helmet lock, what the hell? 30 year newer harley is 40 years behind.
My 06 Sportster is for sale in the spring. I am in love with the new Rebel 1100. I will have one.
If I had to buy a cruiser the Honda Rebel 1100 would be my first pick.
Nice bike, but it is no cruiser.
Harley is the master of 'premium price' without offering the premium product. Great review!
Thanks!
And the wackjob CEO wants to increase prices even more....
HD = "Yesterdays technology at tomorrows prices!" LOL
My opinion there's not even any competition. The new Rebel is going to be the Harley on price looks build quality and performance.
The fact is if it's a Honda it works, I never had a desire for a Harley.
I was raised around Harleys, My dad was a Motorcycle police officer and the monsters he rode made me fall in love with them, And Dad took me to a police auction to purchase my first Police Harley and the love affair began.... Up until the moment my older brother rode up on a Honda. I can’t remember the make but it was smooth, Quiet and Quick with no hesitation.
I’ll save you the time yes.
Better handling, better technology, more hp,more mpg,better brakes and abs, more reliable and you dot have to pay an extra 150$ for a gas gauge lol
A bike from the Jurassic era versus a modern Japanese cruiser designed and built by Honda. Save your time, my 12 year old Labrador already knows the answer and he's not really into bikes.
I’d take the Rebel, but a lot of people like the simple Jurassic era bike for its pure, mechanical feeling...
Jurassic era 😄😂🤣
Cool a Harley riding Labrador.
Great video man. I started riding in 2017 with a brand new Rebel 500. loved it, and even did a 700 mile trip with her. put 10K miles on that puppy. Needed something bigger, i was actually bummed i didnt go with the shadow 750, and when it was time to upgrade, i had to go Harley. There was just something about the bike that i was always reaching to. traded in my Rebel 500 for the 2020 softail standard, and am blown away. That 107 has so much power compared to my previous 500, that even at idle with the stock pipes, i can feel the engine pulses within my chest. Just incredible power. No regrets.
You have to compare the 107ci with for example a 1700cc Kawa Vaquero.
Rebel is going to be a winner !!!
I honestly can’t wait. The new rebel was always a good looking bike to me and I’m converting from riding a naked bike and was looking into getting a new bike like the sportster or rebel or scout. The major thing that was keeping the rebel out of the competition for me was that small 500cc displacement. But now with a 1100cc coming next year, the rebel is the first in my list to be honest.
What an excellent review. Honda has much more to offer. And both bikes are more expensive than I was expecting.
Remember when riders were only purchasing Rebels as their first bike... Man they have up their game.
The DCT is especially interesting to me - I'm a double below knee amputee and while there are things like Pingle shifters if you can't shift with your foot... they're kind of crappy, and love to stop working at just the wrong moment. Until the Rebel 1100 was announced I was trying to figure out how to lower an Africa Twin, now I don't have to 👍
Thanks for the comment! Best of luck and glad someone is making a bike that works for you!
That's about as honest a review as you can ask for. I love my Hondas, but I sure love the sound of the Harley.
The sound of a Harley is just as nice as the neighbours dog barking. You wanna kill that shit after less than one minute.
@@kennethgraversen5329 LOL...you may have a point there!
@@kennethgraversen5329 👍
Yep I love the rebel. Would love to buy one.
I don’t know that I need another cruiser in the stable but I definitely want to take one for a test ride.
Remember Pearl Harbour.
I enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing. My thought is, Folks that buy the Harley buy it to be a Harley rider whether the bike is better or worse than comparable bikes. I’m definitely not a Harley guy let alone a cruiser guy, but I have spent a couple of days on a rental Harley 1200 Sportster and I can understand the appeal. To my ears, the v-twin exhaust note sounds better than a parallel twin any day of the week. Although I never learned the “secret handshake” required to get the bike into neutral. And I really appreciate the quality and reliability of Hondas. I just think these two bikes are very different and aimed at equally different demographics. Each to his own.
The Rebel is a great looking bike. Having cruise control and all LED is awesome. Looks even better with the fairing. Great vid as usual. Take care brother 👊😎
Thanks Randy!
I have the 2020 Rebel 500 and LOVE IT. But will be trading it in this spring on the 1100. Last year was my first year riding and I'm beginning to outgrow the 500 as I start to travel further and do more highway driving.
it's hugely annoying as a new Harley Sportster rider in the UK that Harley are stopping there Sportsters in the UK due to emissions as i found out recently when i needed parts HD have had my bike since September and won't get the parts from HD till around January time maybe even later so i am defaintly looking at some thing else now
That sucks! Hope your back in the saddle soon.
I currently have n 883 I'll be getting the 1100 dct
Yah im gonna buy the new rebel 1100 dct too. Ride that shit till it breaks! 🤘
@@rider6.0 hellz yeah no other way it'll take forever till it breaks tho 😂 🤘🏽
I love my dct Honda !
You will LOVE the DCT. This is such a game-changer, but it takes riding to believe in it. Coming from an NC700X DCT and an Indian Scout, I would be hard pressed to find a better bike for $10k new if I was shopping again.
@@rider6.0 you mean for the foreseeable future?
Damn I’m starting to feel really stupid for buying my new sportster last year.Honda will offer you so much more for less money.Not to mention the salesman at Harley Davidson are Dick’s. I was even calling today to try to get on a softail slim and they acted like they didn’t have time for me.
That’s a real problem at some dealerships but not all. Good luck finding what you want.
Thing is, having owned Japanese cruisers and Harley-Davidsons over the years. The H-Ds always have better resale value. If you're not planning on selling for a long while, that isn't a concern, obviously. And yes, some H-D dealer/salesmen have a superior attitude. But not as bad as our local BMW/Ducati/Triumph dealership!
@@bydarkwaters2055 lol bmw / Ducati / triumph Pure euro trash . I rather walk
@@92akucaballero97 thats the harley rider mentality that made me sell my softail and makes people stay away from the harley brand
@@bydarkwaters2055 100%. In louisville, ky we have two Harley dealerships and then a triumph/Ducati/Ktm dealership and the Harley salesmen are way better than the ones at the triumph/Ducati/ktm dealership.
Harley is a last century tech but sold for a next gen price. I ride my Vulcan S for commuting even here in the winter. Tow major things I can not stand up with Harley other than the price, one is the vibration which is too strong for me and the other is the vague gear shifting. Rebel 1100 brings all modern features that a cruiser is expected to have. A wonderful bike just made for almost everyone.
I've owned Honda's, Harley and Kawasaki. My Kawasaki had alot of issues. Harley does make a good bike. I have a 1200 and never had an issue.
I’m looking for an upgrade from a Vulcan S. I went to a test ride for an 883 and a Iron 1200 last week. They were quite disappointing. I prefer a Triumph Bobber and an Indian Scout a lot more. This Rebel 1100 looks promising. Maybe I’ll wait for a test ride before make up my mind.
I like my 2019 Indian Scout Sixty. I would buy it again. I loved my 2009 Triumph Bonneville T100 - it now belongs to my son. My wife's 2014 H-D Sportster, while attractive and reliable, seems ancient (tech wise) compared to either one of the other bikes.
I want this new honda. It blows the vulcan 650 out of the water.
ermm if you got the skills , even wheelie home , lol
I think the rebel has a lot of things going for it over the iron. Seems to be just as powerful, but lighter and cheaper. Now I think the DCT transmission is odd but for those that might have lost a limb and need an automatic motorcycle then I think it’s cool. I want to ride one and will hold final opinion til then. Good one Mike.
Thanks for watching chop, I have a Honda four wheeler with Adam shift and I’m not a big fan but I can see where it might be good for some people, especially those with disabilities in some form.
The honda is way more powerful lol
Honda has become a master bike builder and the best part they make the affordable without sacrificing quality
Harley ... it was good, really good while it lasted, it started slowly dying along with their old hardcore fans, the end of a generation ended the brand that failed to adapt to the new market, new generation, they did tried to keep up with the other brands, but they reacted too late, thank u harley u will be missed
Having an Africa Twin 998cc (which is truly amazing) ....and after owning many Sportys, I would definitely choose the Rebel. Being "older" now I don't really need the stigma of the Harley since its impossible to get laid by the young beauties. Age sucks, lol.
LMAO I know when I was younger on that Honda shadow I had plenty of Chickies want to go for a ride.
@@RidingintheOzarks lol Yea me too. But once they sit on a Harley...with straight pipes, and shall we say "FEEL" that vibrating motor...well, it just makes what I said, a little easier....lol !!!!
Young hussies have diseases not worth it.
@@thevoyer2002 really? My wife hates the vibration of the harley, she prefers the bmw.
@@UncleRobsGarage if ya got that many Benjamin's lying around, yea. But my wallet would go for the 1100 Rebel. Plus easier to find service if you break down on the road. Everyone's own personal choice I reckon .
The new Rebel looks pretty sweet, the tank reminds me of the airbox cover from the vrod when looking at it from the front. I imagine there will be a market for it, but as always the one thing it has going against it is, it will never sound like or feel like a Harley. Great Video as always.
The Badgers; True comments, the Rebel will never be loud or vibrate your teeth, I view that as a positive. Cheers
That DCT and liquid cooling make the Honda the choice for me.
Anybody with a functioning brain can see that there's no compsrison.
Maybe the new Sportster will be closer by a little.
Thanks mike.
And almost double the power
@@portlandshomlessproblem1728 the Honda makes more power and is much lighter, but it’s nowhere near double. The 1200 Evo’s generally dyno around 70 hp stock. I’d still take the Rebel, especially for commuting
@@sleeper.simulant7327 59 hp actually www.cycleworld.com/2018-harley-davidson-sportster-1200-dyno/
@@portlandshomlessproblem1728 that’s to the wheel, not the crank
@@sleeper.simulant7327 which is relevant because Harley uses belt drive systems that sap more power away than chain drive systems
Honestly.. I'm sold... Honda looks great 🔥🔥🔥 I love Harley because of the sound but Honda has won this round.. I cannot wait for it to be released and plus the pricing is unbelievably amazing
I bought a brand new on the shadow in 84 had it for 15 years did nothing but chain is the oil damnthings indestructable I also bought a new shadow In 95 They just don't die I think I'll be looking at the new rebel when they come out I guess it's time to move up The new one ❗👍🏻😂🤣😎
I bought a new 1984 Honda Shadow 700 back then too. I wonder where that bike is today?
Harley = Cool factor, Honda = all
other measurable factors
The rebel literally looks better so... not even that
Also if you don't think the Honda fury isn't one of the coolest bikes on the road you are full of it lol
The failure rate to start is low for honda but higher for harley I know this because my dad has a harley and sometimes it doesn't quite start up cause of the huge battery and many gadgets and accessories. I'M in love with honda even more cause of the failure to start percentage and many other things honda forever
Great review, keeping it objective! Nice to see Honda upping their cruiser game. Come on Harley....
I own the Reb 500 and AS SOON as my dealership get the 1100's in Im trading mine in on one.......PRONTO! I looked at the Soft tail standard.......and almost pulled the trigger on one. But it was just TOO much for so very little compared to the competition. And lets be honest......Harley's done.......they proved to the world they have zero interest in evolving as a company. They cancelled the Bronx which let's face it they would have sold a ton of em. They had a good run and now they want to crawl under the porch and die in peace.......who are we to stop them. Everyone knows they could have kept making baggers and done other stuff but not everyone wants a damn bagger. There's nothing for the various riders out there. Your street fighter crowd, your Adventure bike crowd (weekend campers) your Performance bike fans (crotch rockets). Harley has nothing to offer these riders.........and news flash, if your on two wheels your a biker brother or sister to the VAST majority of riders. We don't give a rats ass if it's not what we like........as long are your on the road , oh and wearing your gear of course. Nobody wants to see a fellow brother or sister with there skin missing.
I agree with everything you said and will add that harley is only a name with nothing but fanboys to back it up.
I go for Honda Rebel 1100cc because of Modernize Technology like my Honda X ADV 750cc.
Have 1993 Honda Nighthawk 750 still starting no issues other then usual tires chains gaskets.One thing is obvious people who buy Honda know they rather spend extra dollars on vacations then in repair shops with 100hr labor cost alone.Now which makes sense? The answer is obvious.
Objective opinion: Harley Sportster are cool, but not when they have a severe lack of basic technology and you pay another $800 just for ABS.
Hardcore Harley bro: If it ain't broke don't fix it. They haven't had to make any major changes for years.
Obj op: Is that why the rarest bikes on the planet are stock Sportsters? Bikes that, while classic and beautiful, you immediately start swapping parts as soon as you buy one?
Now granted, customizing is part of the fun, Is it too much to ask for ABS, better lights, and suspension from the factory? I would customize a bike to be a post apocalypse futuristic aesthetic (hence why I love the fxdr, vrod, newer fat bob, and breakout). But being priced nearly the same, I'd just cut out the middle man and get the rebel and tweak it slightly
Severe lack of basic technology?
Electronic gadgetry is just that. And it is more prone to failure. A motorcyclist relies on gadgetry when he lacks the basic skills to ride a motorcycle. And in other aspects, liquid cool is somewhat necessary if one rides in traffic jams; but for this situation, any 150 cc bike will be much better than the best air cooled bike in the world. And so the saying goes: less components, less failures. In some years, all the electronics will fail, that's for sure, while the mechanical part will stand. Which will be easier to fix: the Rebel or the Sportster? And if the Rebel continues to "evolve", it will become harder and harder to maintain. That's how Japanese manufacturers push the client to buy and buy the latest. A 1986 is repairable even today because spare parts are available. Try that with an 80s Japanese bike, if ever one is left.
Honda makes great reliable bikes. This was much needed in Hondas cruiser lineup..last great cruiser they made was the VTX 1800. This was a very smart move and great bike for the price..but I wouldn't take it for long distance or cross country. Just because its chain driven..knowing honda unlike Yamaha they don't use belt drive. And in a small bike like this I understand how a chain drive was the only practical option.
The Honda will get you home... and most likely run the Harley Down!!
It would absolutely pound the harley in a race. I personally love the look of the harley. Not so much the honda. However, if you are looking for a brand new performance cruiser under 10k nothing touches the Honda. I do think it would be fair to compare the Honda to naked bikes if seat hight is not a concern. It's not for me but I would love to spend the weekend with the Honda.
Harley are doing the great British mistake of under estimating a rival and thinking brand loyalty will win through , it won't if your bike is not as fast , reliable and value for money then you lose customers simple as that , $800 dollars for a traction control system that is standard on you rivals bike that says it all as well as old tech what dose that say about your product ?
I currently own my second touring Harley and have owned two Honda motorcycles. I'm looking for something more for fun and think I may have found it. Thanks for the honest comparison.
i whent to buy a harley and the prices is through the roof, the dealer chinanigas and attitude, went to Honda so the Rebell trsted both, i felt better on the in the honda and the tested the dct and it was, great dont have any fnk disabilities is just better to ride and not to worry wht fnk gere. ❤ the rebell, is a keeper.
I love the idea of HD. Why can’t they offer more choices? Just wish they would offer something competitive in that class. It’s a bang for the bucks comparison. Sadly in this particular circumstance HD doesn’t offer a competitive product.
Very well said, we need more technology on our Harleys
LMFAO___- twin pushrod junk thats harleys MO
I wouldn't mind testing the rebel 1100 but I really love my 06 1200 Sportster, it's the least refined bike I've ever ridden, but that's why I like it, I dig it's visceral feeling, no tech just me and the bike, like riding an old Norton or BSA.
Bike Advertisements crack me up. Ride around the City like this and see how long your riding career last. You'll either hurt yourself or be arrested. Awesome Ad!
I've done both, don't care, it's fun
Looks : Sportster....
Everything else : Rebel...
Looks are subjective.
Wrong. The EVO motor is something that can't be replicated at any price. There is nothing like a Harley Davidson, and the Sportster retains the old Harley feel and sound. Right now I prefer a good old Sportster over any model they produce. If you think I want ABS or an automatic transmission on my motorcycle... you'd be wrong. No thanks.
@@brianminkc Keeping our emotions aside, do we think Harley is capable of making better engines than any of Japanese Big 4 ? Also, don’t you agree with the criticism that Harley is a decade behind its Japanese/European competition in innovation?
I understand that Cruisers don’t need all the technological advancements - Cornering ABS, Wheelie control, launch control to name a few - but basic ABS, riding modes and Traction control will make rides more comfortable and safe - Don’t you think ?
@@brianminkc you can disable the ABS and get a standard transmission on the Rebel. 😅 Sure the Sportster has the iconic Harley feel but it has nothing else to offer. It is slower, heavier, less power, and less functional. If you want a old bike you shouldn't buy a new old bike. I ride a 76 CB750 for the old feel not a new bike for old school feel.
@@brianminkc but honda will never leak oil PERIOD
I have had an Africa twin for two years now with the DCT and absolutely love it and as a handicapped veteran it was a great option for me for my left hand which has some mobility issues.
I definitely thin there is a market for it and glad they have an option for those that need it.
@@RidingintheOzarks actually because they have it I am now looking at a third bike which will be the rebel 1100 with DCT once it hits the showroom floors. 😁
The Honda is a amazing deal honestly. Coming from a Harley guy. The biggest reason i picked my sportster is for the sound. That's honestly it. I don't need the other things. That's what my s1000 is for. But as a only bike. The Honda is the way to go
I have to say after riding them both now the ergonomics on the Sportster is better than the DCT Rebel model.
I have a 22 rebel 1100 and it is awesome. Just a bit on the smaller side. Honda, please please please release a slightly larger rebel 1600ish parallel twin. I will buy buy buy.
Loved the 100 cans of beer weight comparison 👍
Honda rebel all the way 100%... All the features and technology are no comparison to the harley, and besides the new Harley look 'proposed' for 2021 is as ugly as they come (sorry harley davidson)... The rebel (as said by those that customise bikes) is one awesome bike to customise to your own personal liking... Honda has always be known to be extremely reliable, so owing one would not be a concern for any person that buys one (for this reason alone)... Honda are going to smash the market in 2021, its a 'no brainer for me'...
Very good and informative comparison - Thank you for another great video. Ride Safe
Thanks for doing this review because I’m in the process of getting one my wife wants to travel no other bike hits those markers. Your intro is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks!
I'm impressed with the 1100 Rebel. It's motor has a unique cadence that is aurally pleasing... rhythmically offbeat enough like a V twin, L twin or a parallel twin with an off-phase crank yet it's modern enough for buyers looking to purchase a technologically up-to-date and competent motorcycle that isn't inundated with too many gadgets, geegaws and gizmos. Nice review, BTW.
Thanks!
Sportster 883 of 2003 was really good, i wouldn't buy a new sportster. Harley needs to bring back xr750 and some projects like Vrod in 700-900cc. No on off neither electric nor scooter.
The only thing I would wish for on both would be belt drive on the Honda and liquid cooled on the Harley. To me that would make both bikes better.
Well I’m betting future models, at least the one to replace the Sportster will be liquid cooled. Thanks for watching!
I'm a fan of shaft drive so that and a 1300cc engine would be perfect.
Chain drive is the best, dead reliable.
The rebel looks awesome!
As soon as I can afford to sell my 883 that the Harley dealer charged me WAAAAAY too much for I'm replacing it with the Rebel.
Same
Same here
I have a street glide and a heritage classic. Great machines love to ride both. I been looking into this Rebel 1100 pretty good machine Hondas run for ever. Once there in the show room will check it out. Will keep my Harley's but most likely will get a rebel. I like the sport glide a lot but more then twice the price of the Rebel. Harley wake up!!!
I agree, My GF did a demo ride on a Sport Glide and really liked it but they are hard to find and expenses. They have to find a way to be more competitive.
Fantastic review man ! All info needed. Good presentation. Nice timing. Not boring
Thumbs up
Thank you
Great review. Agree Harley need to step up some of there text and standard options like abs. I think the younger generations are expecting this stuff.
Thanks Josh!
90% of the market has all the electronic gee-gaws (ABS, traction control, etc.) One of the things that I like about Harley is the simplicity. Hope they leave all the electronic crap off. Plenty of other choices for those who want them.
Even a 2014 Honda Forza 300cc has ABS...
I have 3 Harleys in my garage. An old '81 ironhead. A 2007 street glide and a "new" 2015 sportster 1200V with 500 miles on it.. The rebel 1100 won't replace any of them, but it will undoubtedly have a spot next to them.
Awesome, so many people think you have to like one or the other and can’t except you can like both for different reasons.
@@RidingintheOzarks Me personally, I started on a honda enduro 125. Moved up to my ironhead. Had a Vmax that i friggin loved. Had a Yamaha R1. Multiple KZ 440's and a KZ1000. A honda shadow. My street glide and my sportster 72.. There's no prejudice in my garage! All makes are welcome.
Will be getting honda 1100 just wish the tank was a bit bigger. Looks like 100 miles and look for a garage oh well you don't get everything.
I too was disappointed with the range and couldn't believe no one else was talking about it. I guess you could carry a 1 gallon gas jug with you. ;)
@@Mike.L. spot on. another 3/4 Lt would have been good perhaps I am greedy wanting belt drive hey ho you don't get everything.
My Warrior1700 gets a little over 100 miles per tank - so I can promise you that Rebel 1100 will beat that!
I want the HD 1200 - But I bought the Honda because I wanted some power, grunt and the ability to go around a freeking bend......
Thanks for the fair and honest review. Don't want a Rebel though, don't like the looks of it and not enough HP. I think i'll stick to my custom 1985 Honda Magna V65 1100 bobber though. ^^
If you have an 85 V65 you might like another video I did, my friend bought a Barn Find 84 V65 Sabre... Great bikes!
The “not enough hp” argument is absurd. You don’t need 150 hp in a bike for road use. Especially for such a light bike.... 50 hp is more then sufficient, let alone the 90’ish? The Honda Rebel packs...
I don't know how you choose a Harley at this point. Sure it has heritage going for the brand but not much else. If I want a cool shirt I guess you buy a Harley. If you want performance, reliability and save $2000 you buy The Rebel. I like the Rebel and the Scout and the Svartpilien.
Man, I can't get over the fat bob. I love it! I really hate the 19k price tag on it though. I really like the sport glide too, but hate the 19k price tag. This rebel is looking better and better the more I look at it! Being able to afford any of the three, makes it an even tougher choice cuz I'm a penny pincher haha. Owned a 2015 Fat Bob and a 2019 Heritage 114. That Heritage is a very under rated softail too. Great bikes both of em. I started on a 1990, KZ550 Zephyr as my first street bike back in '92. 26 bikes later and I've come to the conclusion that my 09 Speed Triple will be in my garage forever, but miss that cruiser life yo!!!
Really appreciate your unbiased breakdown of the bikes here, even if you haven't been on them yet. I'm 100% a newer rider and purchased my first bike last fall. Growing up, I always thought my first bike would be a Harley of some sort. I've always loved the sound and cruiser style over the sport bike offerings that my friends were into. However, when push came to shove and I had to make a "Value per Dollar" calculation on my very first bike, I ended up going with a Rebel 500. I've been very happy with it thus far but I've also been looking at a potential upgrade...and once again I find myself eyeing the Rebel 1100 for many of the reasons you mention. The price is where I'd like to be and features/technology included seem to be better than the lowest HD offering. I totally agree that I'd like to see HD start to do something to capture newer riders. I'm not even some "20 Something" with no cash to burn (not trying to brag, just explaining where I'm coming from) and an entry level HD is still a hard sell based on price alone. I just can't help but feel like they have to do SOMETHING to hook the beginner market at a cost they're willing to pay and plant those seeds for future growth within the Harley line. Anyway, just one noobie rider's opinion. Keep up the great work!
Thanks glad you liked the video and appreciate the feedback!
Honda make awesome bikes, I love my Harley cause of its vintage look and sound. That seat height though is 28.9 inches upright and 27.5 at the lowest point when on the side stand.
Thanks for the clarification apparently the info on HD website is inaccurate. Thanks checking it for me.
This’ll be my first cruiser. Need that style bike in my collection.
I will be selling my Sportsters and getting the automatic honda rebel 1100 and triking it. I have arthritis and getting old and crunchy. Keeping my old servicar. If harley had an automatic, I’d stay with them. My suggestion is they build a automatic Freewheeler.
Hope it keeps you in the wind for years to come!
Better comparison is the Indian Scout which is already a much better bike than the sportster. And the Honda though down a couple of horses has a lot more tech and 6 more degrees of lean angle. Harley faithful will buy the Sportster, but this is a declining class with young riders who have not bought in. I think the Scout looks better, subjective of course, but I think that Honda looks good also. The DCT is a way to bring in new riders and like you said to keep those with arthritis and certain disabilities in the wind on 2 wheels.
I’m pretty sure a comparison between the scout and the sportster has been done, and I just didn’t want to do another Honda released a new rebel video. Hope you enjoyed the vid
@@RidingintheOzarks Sorry Riding in the Ozarks. I should have stated a better comparison is the Honda Rebel and the Indian Scout, since they have comparable hp and tq. I get you are a Sportster fan, and Harley has certainly sold bunches of them, and it has done very well for Harley. Will be interesting to see what replaces that 40 year old bike in the near future. My Father and Uncles and generations before them are from the Ozarks, Douglas Country, MO, Ava area. Most moved to MIchigan just before WW2 for work during the Great Depression.. In fact the Rippee Creek and Rippee Conservation Area on the 14 is named after either a great Grandfather or Uncle. I visited it for the first time, and the Ozarks for the first time since about 1960, in Jan of 2016 when we my last remaining Aunt who always stayed in Ava passed away. Beautiful Country you live in and some amazing roads. I currently ride a 2014 Victory Cross Country and have to get it out their, and but soon.
@@cbrippee thanks for clarifying, it’s not really that I’m a sportster fan but more of a Harley fan so I’m more familiar with Harley and felt I could do a better job speaking on it then the scout. I did do a demo ride on a scout 69 in September and liked it a lot and would probably be more interested in it the a sportster.Maybe if I get to ride the Rebel this spring I will do another video comparing both, thanks for the suggestion. We definitely have some great roads, hwy 19 south of I44 is one of my favs. Holler if you get down this way, stay safe and keep on Riding!
I agree with your comments. I've owned four Sportsters (1973, 1988, 2008 and 2014) and my current 2019 Indian Scout Sixty. The 2014 Sporty is good looking, solid and reliable, but...seems crude and old fashioned compared with the Scout. I'm sure the Scout and Rebel will be a much closer match in comparison.
The only other comparison is the "Smiles to Miles" factor... but since you haven't ridden either (thank you for making that distinction!) I can see where you might have missed it.
When comparing the S2M factor, the Harley clearly wins EVERY TIME. I am speaking from experience! I work at a multi-line dealer that has both Harley & Honda motorcycles (Can-Am (Sea-Doo & Ski-Doo) & Arctic Cat sleds). I have ridden both the Rebel & several versions of Sportster (48, 72, 1200T, 883) - although we do not have the 2021 Rebel (and it's 12°F outside) so have not ridden THAT model yet (in interest of fairness).
So, in my experience with the Sporty is always quick off the line/lots of torque = big smile
Sportster- I just think about leaning into a turn and the bike is there for me = bigger smile
Sportster- while stopping for lunch, refueling or parking the bike at the mall, 9 out of 10 times someone comments about how good the bike looks, tells me how they rode their adventure on a Harley, or their relative used to ride a Harley = a thousand big grin emojis!! ✌
I agree with the S2M factor and I will try and include that in future comparison's. I love my Dyna and SGS. Sound and TQ Feel are always going to the HD for me as well. I really want to Ride a new Triump Trident, not sure why but seems like a bike you can ring its neck and have fun on but it not get away from you to easily. I have owned cruisers and tours ( and Dirt Bikes/Dual Sports) so not sure why at 50 I am suddenly interesting in a naked bike but I am...
I will admit that the Honda is a lot better motorcycle than the Harley, but I'm in my late 60s and I am so used to the lines of the motorcycles I grew up with in my youth that I can't get warm to the looks of the current Hondas. Make it look like the old CB450, then I could really dig this bike.
I'm going to buy myself a honda rebel when I become a paramedic as a treat. I currently own a honda shadow spirit 1100 so moving on to the honda rebel 1100 seems like its meant to be.
Congrats
I remember when the Honda Rebel was a beginners bike in (I believe 250 & 400CC) and riding one would subject you to endless teasing.
That rebel looks like it shouldn't be top heavy, always a plus. Can't wait to try this rebel as I'm looking for a new ride...not opposed to the sporty, but definitely want the best value for my money.
Well I love harley and if your into customizing then that is something to consider but I think the Sporty will be dead just like the Dyna in the next few years so that’s something to think about to. But since it has changed very little over the years there are will be pars and accessories in the aftermarket scene for a long while to come imo...
Great comparison video Mike. That rebel looks sweet and probably a great ride but I'd miss that HD twin sound. Keep up the great work
Thanks Greg, glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching.
You it wont sound the sam 😕 but it’ll sound more like a Ducati. Which it a whole other thing to love. African twin sounds great with an exhaust
Next year Harley new model will come with wheels as an option just in case someone wants to customize it with square wheels. 😆 only a $5000 option & technology like tassles on the handle bars.
LMAO
I wave at all riders, us harley guys need 2 work on that...
Only thing that kills it for me with the rebel is the chain drive. I will never go back to a chain drive motorcycle.
Your dead pan delivery is excellent. Very knowledgeable. Thank you.
Id guess it would probably boil down to whether the owner is looking for just transportation or something to also personalize. Transportation w/no tickering ever? Bang for the buck? The Rebel. The auto option a small percentage IMHO.
The sportster obviously has a bazillion options for customization. For alot of folks a HD is the only option. Its winding down is even more of a reason to grab one of the last air cooled sportys.
Which is better all depends on what you value, I love the ability to personalize and customize my Harley but like you said for maybe a newer rider that is just wanting something to ride the Rebel maybe the better choice. Thanks for watching!
Honda has the advantage of getting kids young on dirt-bikes, atvs/quads, and a name that is synonymous with 'a safe purchase'.
That is true, Harley is trying to get into Balance Bikes for young kids but they are not affordable yet.
The Fury and now the Rebel,,, Honda is in the game
FranBunnyFFXII I was just commenting that they are making some good looking bikes. That’s all I was not comparing. Hell I ride an old Heritage
Your leaving out maintenance, water cooling vs Air cooled, resell value, dealership customer service, handling, physical fitment, the ability to customize if you so choose with aftermarket parts, etc... just saying if you want to say in every way then your going to have to broaden the scope of comparison. I'm not saying either is better. It may matter if you do Maintenance yourself of take it to dealership. In the end what is best is always going to be about what is best to that rider and what they value. Just cause he said Honda was in the game doesn't mean he is saying the Fury is better but that it is a competitive option for those shopping. He may like the looks and think the water cooling and shaft drive is worth $600. The Fury is heavier cause it is bigger, 11 in longer wheelbase, it has forward controls which many riders prefer. Did you miss that when you looked this stuff up before commenting? Fran you opinionated and that fine but you are also insulting, maybe you didn't mean to come across that way but that is how I took it, and maybe I see it that way cause you said this was silly comparison and proceeded to tall me what I should have compared the rebel to, you imply this person statement is wrong because they didn't look all this up, yet you left out factors which some riders would feel are important.
I ride an 883 low, was considering a Honda NC750x DCT, But know I'm thinking about the Rebel 1100 DCT. I mainly use mine to commute to work
I’ll tell ya what, I’m tempted to sell my bike and my car to go for that rebel 1100. Just buy it new outright. Wife left me and I don’t need the car anymore 😂😂
Sorry, but I bought my First new bike after my divorce...
I love the way you are dealing with life! 😂😂😂 man you truly understood what life us all about! We gonna live once no room for anything but joyful experience 😎
@@RidingintheOzarks we should start a club 😂🥴
SPORTSTER FOR ME, AT ALL EVENTS. THE SPORTSTER HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS :
"SOUND, LOOK and FEEL".
I own a Sportster 883 from 0 km and IT'S ALREADY WITH ME FOR 15 YEARS.
(Waiting for the 2021 H-D SPORTSTER 975 AND 1250 😄😄).
ALSO, and it does not come on the Purchase Invoice:
VERY FUN, multifunctional, it gives you a smile on your face and you enjoy the true feeling of riding a real Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Obviously, respecting of course, the personal taste of each rider.
Yeah I'ma Harley fan boy here too, but it would be nice if Harley would start doing more with their Bikes like Honda and a few others do, but that is their way of getting us to come back and spend even more money, excellent video Mike 💯
Thanks Dan! Yeah they been getting away with that way to long....
Interesting, I agree that Harley needs to step up with their technology. The big rebel looks like a very cool bike. Big step up from the old 250s. Not sure it is a great idea to put that much bike under a new rider.
There's the 300 Rebel and 500 Rebel for new riders.