5 Reasons the New Honda CMX1100T Rebel Is Worth a Look

The Honda CMX1100T Rebel has landed in New Zealand, and this one brings something a little different to the Rebel family.

Honda has taken the laid-back style and character of the CMX1100 and given it a proper touring treatment – adding a batwing-style fairing, integrated hard luggage, revised ergonomics and plenty of rider technology.

So rather than running through every specification, here are five things we think make the new CMX1100T pretty cool.

1. It's Basically a Rebel Built for Road Trips

This is probably the biggest reason the CMX1100T exists.

Honda has fitted a colour-matched batwing-style front fairing for additional wind protection, along with 35 litres of lockable rigid luggage – 19L on the left and 16L on the right.

And because they're factory-fitted, the bags don't look like something that's been bolted onto the bike afterwards. They're part of the overall design.

You can ride it around town during the week, then throw some gear in the panniers and head away for the weekend.

2. You Get a Big Twin Without a Huge Bike

This is where we think the CMX1100T gets particularly interesting.

Underneath it is Honda's 1,084cc parallel-twin, producing 87hp and 98Nm of torque. For 2026, Honda has also revised the engine for stronger low and mid-range punch and improved throttle response.

Yet the bike retains a 710mm seat height and has a kerb weight of 250kg.

So you're getting a proper big-capacity cruiser/tourer without needing an enormous motorcycle underneath you.

3. DCT Makes a Lot of Sense on This Bike

The New Zealand CMX1100T comes with Honda's 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

There's no clutch lever to worry about – select Drive and the bike can handle the gear changes for you, or take more control when you want it.

Honda has also improved the DCT for smoother starts and better control below 10km/h, which is particularly useful for low-speed riding and U-turns.

On a bike designed for relaxed cruising and longer rides, DCT just makes sense.

Less time thinking about gear changes. More time enjoying the ride.

4. Honda Has Actually Worked on the Comfort

The Tour isn't simply a standard Rebel with some panniers added.

The handlebars are now 12mm higher and 28mm closer to the rider, while the foot pegs have moved 50mm forward.

Honda has also made the seat slightly wider and added 10mm more cushioning.

They're relatively small changes individually, but together they create a more relaxed riding position – exactly what you want when the whole point of the bike is being able to spend more time on it.

5. There's A Lot More Tech Hiding Behind the Cruiser Styling

It might have the low-slung look of a traditional cruiser, but there's plenty going on underneath.

The CMX1100T gets a new 5-inch full-colour TFT display, three riding modes plus a customisable User mode, cruise control, Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, ABS, full LED lighting and USB-C charging.

That's quite a list for something that still manages to look relatively simple and stripped back.

So, Who Is the CMX1100T For?

We think that's what makes this bike interesting.

You don't necessarily have to be a traditional cruiser rider to "get" the CMX1100T.

It could suit someone who wants a comfortable road bike for Sunday rides and weekends away, but doesn't want to step up to a much larger touring motorcycle. Likewise, existing Rebel riders now have an option with considerably more touring practicality straight from the factory.

You get the 1,084cc engine, DCT, low seat height and relaxed Rebel character, but now you've got wind protection and somewhere to actually put your stuff.

And we reckon it looks pretty tough while doing it.