BMW R12 versus Honda CMX 1100 Rebel

BMW R12

Retro

Honda CMX 1100 Rebel

Cruiser

What can the new cruiser do with the good old air/oil-cooled boxer?

The BMW R12 has been somewhat overshadowed by the R12 nineT since its introduction at the end of 2023. Maybe because it is a little worse equipped, but maybe also because it is more of a cruiser than a roadster. We... weiter

BMW R12 im Test

Gallery

Video test of the inexpensive Japan cruiser with the Africa-Twin engine.

The Honda CMX 1100 Rebel is the big sister of the CMX 500, which has been successful for years. Although it has the potent engine of the Africa Twin, it is otherwise in many respects actually compatible with the... weiter

Honda CMX 1100 Rebel im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2024 bis 2025~

Built von 2021 bis 2025~

RRP 14.460 €

RRP 11.450 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

magnificent engine with steam
potty boxer sound
Very good quality impression
very good brakes
chilled cruising along is just as possible as sporty acceleration

Pros:

Sovereign engine
grumpy sound
very accessible machine, also suitable for beginners
low seating position, also suitable for smaller people
very casual driving experience

Cons:

QuickShifter stutters
Footrests get in the way when stationary
Turn signal integration in the rear light

Cons:

Front brakes could be stronger

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length : 2.200 mm Height : 1.110 mm
Seat : 754 mm
Weight : 227 (max: 430 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length : 2.240 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 700 mm
Weight : 223 kg

Engine

Motor design: Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two overhead camshafts 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Four-stroke in-line motor 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.084 ccm
Hub: 82 mm
Hole: 92 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 203 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 110 NM bei 6.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 275 km

Performance: 87 HP at 7.000 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 4.750 U/Min

Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 280 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)

Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, diameter 45 mm (travel 90 mm)

Rear suspension:
Directly hinged, travel-dependent damped central shock absorber, spring base adjustable, rebound damping adjustable (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 100/90 R19
Rear tyres: 150/80 R16

Frame type:
Raw steel frame (steel)

Front suspension:
43mm telefork

Rear suspension:
Stereo strut

Tyres at the front: 130/70B18 M/C
Rear tyres: 180/65B16 M/C

Brakes

Front brake
Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, 4-piston monobloc radial caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper (∅ 265 mm)

Front brake
Single disc (∅ 330 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 256 mm)

Result

The BMW R12 delivers what it promises: casual cruising with the steam of the good old Lufti boxer. You don't notice the difference in performance to the nineT, the box goes off like a fox. It brakes great, feels mature and safe and conveys a lot of driving pleasure. It is not a "real" cruiser á la Harley due to the footrest position, but it brings the rider down and tempts him to glide casually. Wonderful.

The test machine was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. The R12 will be there as a demonstrator and is happy to have test drivers. If you want to make a direct comparison with the also new R12 nineT - it is also there as a demonstrator. So, off we go to Pinneberg, book two test drives. Bring full of desire!

Conclusion - what sticks

The Honda CMX 1100 is a dignified cruiser with good driving characteristics and a complete equipment. Unlike many U.S. ships, it is neither particularly heavy nor particularly difficult to navigate. It brings a lot of fun on the road, sounds good and is also suitable for novice drivers. Although it has impressive dimensions, the rider does not feel overwhelmed in the saddle and quickly has the bike under control after a very short period of getting used to it. Operation and quality are typical of Honda. Nice cruiser!

Thanks again to Andi from Hamburg for borrowing his machine. Soon there will be more tests by LeserBikes, who have responded to our video call. Thank you very much for the many offers!