Honda CMX1100 DCT: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Looks can be deceiving, because the CMX1100 offers a large dose of cruiser fun in a quality, vibrant package
Why is the Honda CMX1100 DCT a bikesales BOTY finalist?
On the surface, it’s an entirely legitimate question to ask why the Honda CMX1100 is a finalist in the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year awards.
It’s certainly not the most stunning example of the cruiser genre to the naked eye, and there’s minimal edginess or in-your-face qualities about it – but go for a spin and that closed-loop thinking will soon be replaced with a warm glow.
We went through that transformative process ourselves, and we quickly became enamoured with its excellent handling, performance, and a level of practicality that sees it make short work of the daily commute. It gets the job done without fuss, and with a beautiful, forgiving temperament. And pricing starts at just a few pennies over $20K, so that’s evidence of yet another deft hand from Honda.
The backbone of the CMX1100 (which is called the Rebel in other markets) is the same 1084cc parallel-twin as found in the Africa Twin adventure bike and the new NT1100 sportstourer, but retuned to produce maximum torque at a large chunk of rpm below the others.
That alone makes the CMX1100 feel like it’s more powerful than the numbers would suggest – and with the DCT (dual clutch transmission) version we’re taking away on our BOTY ride in the valleys and peaks of north-east Victoria, the shift patterns are smooth and seamless without the need for a user-operated clutch or gear lever.
Then bang the DCT in Sports mode and the CMX1100 positively jumps out of its skin!
There also a standard model available with a normal six-speed transmission.
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Who will the Honda CMX1100 DCT appeal to?
The CMX1100 isn’t an all-guns blazing proposition, and instead plies its trade in a more subtle, under-the-radar fashion. Many cruiser riders find those propositions go against their confidence-building ‘look at me’ grain, but for others it’s just the ticket to cruiser nirvana.
It has a low seat height in typical cruiser fashion, the engine has character, and the level of technology is impressive. There the aforementioned DCT, a ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, cruise control and rider modes: three fixed and one customisable.
In other words, more than enough electronics to ‘play’ with and to keep things safe, but without sullying the enjoyment of what is a no-fuss, user-friendly, purposeful and fun machine.
Ground clearance is also quite decent, as is the suspension, and with a sporty-esque ride position – at least in terms of a cruiser – the CMX can take on more than just urban duties.
What does the Honda CMX1100 DCT cost?
The standard version is $20,133 ride away, and the DCT is $21,263 ride away. Livery choice won’t tie you in knots – there’s only black…
In terms of cruiser fare in the big-bore stakes, the CMX1100 is at the lower end of the price spectrum – and if it’s a hoot and effortless to ride, as we found it, then it’s an absolute bargain.
What have we already said about the Honda CMX1100 DCT?
The CMX1100 didn’t parachute into the Aussie market with a tonne of fanfare, and perhaps we fell for the underwhelming card – but once the charm offensive kicked in we were sold.
bikesales editor Dylan Ruddy rode the CMX1100, and he too learnt a lesson about never judging a book by its cover.
He began his review in a verdict-type fashion such was his palpable enthusiasm: “The 2022 Honda CMX1100 is like that kid that got bullied at school that grows up to be a superstar.
“While the big, bad Harleys of the world stand and laugh, the CMX1100 might just be secretly building a legacy of its own. It’s fast, fun, and handles like a dream. And it is uniquely sensible. Actually, it’s not really like a cruiser at all.”
It may not have the street cred of a Harley, but it’s definitely got street smarts.
Honda CMX1100 DCT specs at a glance:
Price: $21,280 ride away (base model: $20,150 ride away)
Engine: 1084cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC parallel-twin
Output: 86hp (64kW) at 7000rpm, 98Nm at 4750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed or DCX
Weight: 233kg (wet)
Seat height: 700mm
Fuel capacity: 13.6 litres
Related Reading:
Honda CMX1100 Review
Honda CMX1100 Rebel looming
Best cruisers under 20K: pricing and specs
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