Every rider would want to be seen perched atop a big bike, and the bigger, the better. Yet, not everyone would be able to manage the riding dynamics involved.

“Tiis-ganda” is what I would often say to myself whenever I’m stuck in city traffic while straddling my Rebel 500. On the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT, however, it would definitely be a different story.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of being one of the few first test riders of Honda’s latest liter-bike offering, the Rebel 1100 DCT. While I only got to enjoy some limited saddle time within the confines of the Honda Safety Driving Center in Paranaque, I was able to get some impressions on how this beautiful Bobber would perform in the real world.

Twist and go

Do not be intimidated by its heft and displacement, as the Rebel 1100 DCT is as easy to use as your commuter scooter. It comes with the same automatic transmission found on its adventure bike sibling, the CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Put it in drive mode by pressing a button, then twist the throttle and go. There’s no clutch lever or shifter, and it took some getting used to initially, especially when I felt the transmission working through six gears on its own. It’s like an invisible left foot toeing an invisible shift lever.

Honda did a remarkable job on the DCT of the Rebel 1100 because the shift timing is spot on. It shifts when you want it to as if the bike can read your mind. You can override the system by shifting manually using buttons on the left grip, but quite frankly, I don’t see the point. Well, maybe when you want to use the engine brake.

Float like a butterfly

The Rebel 1100 DCT hides its 233-kilogram weight well. You can confidently lean it on corners and it will straighten up on its own as you exit. It takes virtually no effort to keep it upright, even when riding at a walking pace.

It runs on bigger 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels instead of its smaller sibling’s 16s, so you must be more deliberate when shifting directions. Still, Honda managed to keep the seat height low at 690 mm so anyone can flat-foot this beast at stop lights. Leg room might feel a bit cramped for taller riders, though.

Riding modes to suit the rider’s mood

Equipped with ride-by-wire technology, the Rebel 1100 DCT enables the rider to choose from multiple riding modes: Standard, Rain, Sport, and a fourth that’s user-programmable. Consequently, the bike’s electronic nannies also adapt to the mode selected.

Aside from ABS, the Rebel 1100 DCT also comes with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) which works with a three-way adjustable wheelie control. I never got to use any of these safety features, but I am taking Honda’s word for it.

At ₱ 650,000, dare we say that the price tag is the only thing about the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT that’s not for everyone?