2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750 Comparison Review

In today’s article, we will cover the comparison review of 2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750. Honda’s Shadow and Rebel Cruiser are the company’s oldest models. The Shadow 750, launched in 1982, was a large, heavyweight cruiser with a powerful engine.

Meanwhile, in 1985, the first Rebel model was introduced as a lightweight entry-level cruiser with a 250cc engine and low price. The Rebel 250 was produced until 2016 when it was superseded by two new Honda models: the Rebel 300 and the Rebel 500. Later, in 2020, the Honda Rebel 1100 debuted as the flagship model in the Rebel lineup.

The Honda Shadow’s engine and performance have improved over the years. Honda introduced a new machine with a chain drive train in the 1997 Honda Shadow. In 2003, a shaft drive train replaced the chain drive train. Honda introduced the new Honda Shadow Aero in 2003, quickly followed by the Honda Shadow Phantom in 2010. Both these models of Honda Shadow are still in production.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750 – Features Comparison

Design

The Honda Rebel 1100 is a cruiser with a vintage design and a diamond-shaped chassis. The only colorful bits are the chopped fenders and the small but wide petrol tank, while the rest of the bike is matte black. It has a dual exhaust system and a circular digital speedometer mounted on the handlebars. The Rebel 1100 has a simple design, with the same headlamps, fenders, taillights, and seat as previous Rebel models.

A 43 mm fork with 139.7 mm (5.5 in) of wheel travel, a 330 mm disc brake, and a 130/70-18 tire are mounted up front. It features preload-adjustable dual Showa shocks at the rear, a 12.5 mm fork with 93.98 mm (3.7 in) wheel travel, a single 256 mm disc brake, and 180/65-16 tires.

The Honda Shadow 750 is a traditional cruiser with wide handlebars, a large gasoline tank, a footrest forward, and a passenger seat.

It comes in two models, Shadow Phantom 750 and Shadow Aero 750, with different passenger seats, handlebars, and fenders. The Shadow Phantom has two color schemes: rider and passenger seats and slightly narrower handlebars. The Shadow Arrow comes in a single color and features wide, upright handlebars, full-size fenders, and separate rider and passenger seats.

Like other classic cruisers, the Honda Shadow Phantom has a circular headlight and a speedometer mounted on the petrol tank. Shadow Phantom suspensions and handlebars are matte black, while Shadow Aero suspensions and handlebars are chrome.

The Shadow 750 sports a 41 mm front telescopic fork with 129.5 mm (5.0 in) of wheel travel, a single 296 mm disc brake, and a 120/90-17 tire. At the rear is a dual-adjustable shock, a single 180 mm disc brake, and 160/80-15 tires.

Engine & Performance

The Honda Rebel 1100’s engine is a 66.1 cu in (1,084cc) liquid-cooled V-Twin with a single cam and four valves per cylinder. This engine has a bore size of 92 mm and a stroke size of 81.5 mm, allowing it to produce 85.8 hp at 7,000 rpm and 72.2 ft-lbs (98 Nm) at 4,750 rpm.

The Rebel 1100 has a gasoline tank capacity of 3.6 gal and an average fuel economy of 44.9 mpg with a programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) and a 46 mm throttle body. It features a compression ratios of 10.1:1 and an emission rating of EURO5.

The Honda Shadow 750’s 45.4 cu in (745 cc) liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin engine has a stroke size of 104.3 mm (4.1 in) and a bore size of 89.5 mm (3.52 in). With a 9.6:1 compression ratio, this engine produces 74 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 90.7 ft-lbs (123 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. With the new programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) and a 34mm throttle body, the Shadow 750 has a 3.7-gallon fuel tank and can get 56 mpg.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The Rebel 1100 has 109.2 mm (4.3 in) wide handlebars with a rack angle of 28°. The Honda Rebel 1100 offers excellent seating posture for all riders, with a seat height of 698.5 mm (27.5 in), wheelbase of 1,518.8 mm (59.8 in), length of 2,240 mm, and size of 1,115 mm.

The Honda Rebel 1100 weighs 487 pounds (220.8 kg), which is lighter than other cruisers. This Honda model also offers an alternative seat for smaller riders, bringing them an inch closer to the handlebars. Additionally, the mid-mounted footrests provide a secure riding position for new and younger riders.

With a trial size of 160.02 mm (6.3 in) and a rack angle of 34°, the Honda Shadow Arrow has a more comprehensive and slightly higher handlebar than the Shadow Phantom. The Shadow 750 features a lower seat height of 657.8 mm (25.9 in), a wheelbase of 1,638.3 mm (64.5 in), and forward footrests for comfortable seating. The Shadow 750 is a middleweight cruiser that weighs 560 pounds (254 kg) wet. Footrests placed ahead provide a comfortable position, especially for long trips.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750 – FAQ

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750 – Significant Differences

The Rebel 1100 is a bobber-style cruiser inspired by the previous version but loaded with modern technology and amenities. Meanwhile, the Shadow 750 is a classic cruiser with a classic riding position, a forward-facing footrest, and an analog speedometer mounted on the fuel tank. Since the Shadow 750’s engine is smaller than the Rebel 1100’s, it produces less horsepower and torque. The Rebel 1100 costs more than the Shadow 750.

Does the Honda Rebel 1100 have an automatic transmission?

The Rebel 1100 series is divided into two models: Rebel 1100 and Rebel 1100 DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). The Rebel 1100 DCT lacks a clutch and is available with both automatic and manual transmission options. Different riding styles use different gear transmission systems. The gear transmission system in sports mode is more robust than other modes. The rider can quickly shift between speeds using the manual option by tapping the buttons on the left-hand grip. Riders on non-DCT models can use paddle shifters to change gears.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750 – Which one is better for long rides

Both motorcycles are well-built cruisers designed for long rides. However, due to the need for forward-mounted footrests, the Rebel 1100 is not suitable for taller riders. The Rebel 1100, on the other hand, offers additional features such as several riding modes, traction control, ABS, cruise control, etc.

Meanwhile, the Shadow 750 is a traditional cruiser with fewer wrinkles. Both motorcycles are reliable for long rides for an experienced rider. However, the Rebel 1100 is the best choice for inexperienced riders as it has additional safety measures.

Which motorcycle is better in terms of overall performance: the 2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750?

The Honda Rebel 1100 has a bigger engine than the Shadow 750 and can produce more horsepower and torque. The Shadow 750, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable seating posture than the Rebel 1100. Despite being more expensive than the Shadow 750, the Rebel 1100 is the best option because of its engine and extra amenities.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 vs 2023 Honda Shadow 750 – Specifications Comparison

Engine and transmission

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Physical measures and capacities

Other specifications