Honda revealed its all-new 2020 Africa Twin last year. One of the key changes in the new model is the larger engine. Honda managed to increase the displacement from 998cc to 1084cc which resulted in more power (101 PS) and torque (105 Nm). Also, this engine meets the Euro 5 emission norms. Overall, the Japanese have done a commendable job, so much so, that they would find a new home for this big engine.
Rumours have it that Honda might use the 2020 Africa Twin’s engine to power its Rebel, a street-cruiser-type bike. This could mean that maybe there’s a Honda Rebel 1100 in the making. Honda might retune the 1084cc engine to suit the Rebel’s character. It might even slam in a DCT, which is already available with the Africa Twin, who knows.
At present, there’s a Rebel 300 and a Rebel 500. Honda Rebel 500 has a 471cc, parallel-twin engine that produces around 46 horsepower. This configuration has been around for many years now and quite popular among the younger lot, even with beginner riders.
A Rebel 1100 does sound tempting because with a much more powerful engine this motorcycle would then be able to give some healthy competition to cruisers like Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 and Indian Scout.
Right now, it would be too early to comment but we hope to get some concrete information about the Rebel 1100 in the near future. Perhaps, Honda would share some details when it announces its 2021 model line-up.
