Which to buy? – Is 1100 good as first bike?

Just my opinion – I think a Rebel 1100 DCT is not good for a first bike.

PRO – Rain mode makes bike safer for first time riders.

CON –
· DCT is not the best idea for a first bike due to slow speed maneuvering with a DCT requires different techniques than a manual (you can’t slip the clutch) plus these techniques were not covered in the MSF course. Adding a rear brake lever to the left grip would help.

· 1100 has a lot of power for a first bike. A lower horsepower bike would be more forgiving.

· Some Rebel 1100 DCT owners have had low-speed garage/parking crashes when the bike is left in “drive” (with engine still running) and they accidentally hit the throttle.

· DCT is bad idea as first bike because you won’t know if you would like a manual transmission or not.

· New bike instead of used bike is a bad idea for a new rider as you are more likely to drop it.