TRAVERSE Issue 39 - December 2023 | Página 191

TRAVERSE 191

NEWS

REBEL WITH A CAUSE

The 500cc twin-cylinder CMX500 Rebel , released in 17YM , fused tradition with ground-breaking new ideas to capture younger riders for whom a motorcycle is so much more than just transport – riders for whom their motorcycle is a lifestyle , an attitude and an expression of individual identity .
The Rebel ’ s combination of a timeless ‘ bobber ’ look and unique , forward-looking , contemporary style earned it immediate popularity in its first sales season . And it has been far from a one-year wonder : in both 2021 and 2022 , the CMX500 Rebel was the best-selling custom style machine in Europe . Accessible , easy to ride and live with , by going its own way the Rebel proved an accomplished success in standard trim . And as a blank canvas for customisation , it has been a machine more than ready for whatever its owner ’ s imagination has had in store for it .
For 21YM , where the CMX500 Rebel led , a new motorcycle followed - the CMX1100 Rebel . It took the essence of what ’ s made the smaller bike so special and added more performance , more character and a wealth of Honda ’ s most advanced technology . Armed with all of the above , and a keen price tag , the CMX1100 Rebel offered a step up – or across from a different segment altogether – for a wide range of riders looking for something that extra bit different . For 23YM , the family expanded once again with the introduction of the CMX1100T Rebel , a dedicated touring version ready for the call of the open road . This combination of performance , specification and accessibility has clearly resonated with riders . The CMX1100 Rebel sits second behind its smaller sibling in the custom bikes sales chart for 2023 year to date . For 24YM , it carries on mechanically unchanged but the standard model gets two striking new colours and the CMX1100T benefits from a new colour combination to maintain its broad appeal .
The CMX1100 Rebel has a dual personality . It ’ s been designed for a leisurely laidback cruise , but also to offer an exciting riding experience when a twisty road presents itself . Riders moving up from smaller bikes will appreciate the manageable dimensions and weight ( seat height is a mere 700mm ), while more experienced riders will find instant , accessible enjoyment from the chassis ’ handling potential , with its stiff tubular steel frame , quality naked bike-spec suspension and high-powered braking .
All-comers will love the character and performance of the 1,084cc parallel twin-cylinder engine ( as used by the CRF1100L Africa Twin ), which has been re-tuned for super-strong bottom and mid-range punch and character , plus an evocative , enhanced exhaust note .
Throttle By Wire management brings with it sophisticated rider aids : there are 3 default riding modes with a cluster of different parameters to suit riding conditions or rider mood , including engine power delivery , engine braking , the level of Honda Selectable Torque Control ( with integrated Wheelie Control ), and the shift schedule of the optional Dual Clutch Transmission technology . Cruise control comes as standard .
As a 21st century bobber , the big Rebel ’ s strippedback style speaks volumes with its minimalism . Steel mudguards front and rear sit atop fat tyres ; the circular headlight mixes old school looks with new school LED bulbs and mirrors the round , negative LCD instrument display . For modern day convenience , there ’ s a USB-C charger in the under-seat storage space .
In 23YM , the family was expanded with the arrival of the dedicated Touring version , the CMX1100T Rebel featuring a broad aerodynamic half fairing and hard panniers for extended comfort and long-distance adventures .
The standard 24YM CMX1100 Rebel will be available in the following colour options :
• NEW Glint Wave Blue Metallic
• NEW Iridium Gray Metallic The CMX1100T Rebel will be available in the following colour option :
• Gunmetal Black Metallic with NEW bronze wheels
TRAVERSE 191