Which to buy? – Rebel 300 500 1100 is not a Cruiser

Honda calls it a “Cruiser”, but it is not – it does not meet the definition of a “Cruiser”.

After you add forward controls and higher bars, then it is a “Cruiser”.

The Rebel 300 500 1100 is not a Cruiser due to the mid-mounted pegs and the slightly leaning forward riding position and low bars. (To be a Cruiser, it would need forward pegs/controls and higher bars.)

The Rebel 300 500 1100 is not a Standard due to the slightly leaning forward riding position and low bars. (To be a Standard, it would need higher bars.)

The Rebel 300 500 1100 is a Naked bike. Naked bikes generally have their foot controls more set in the center with a higher rising handlebar mounted on the bike’s triple tree, and are a blend of Sport bike and Standard.

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Definitions –

Cruiser – The riding position usually places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly. Typical cruiser engines emphasize easy rideability and shifting, with plenty of low-end torque but not necessarily large amounts of horsepower, traditionally V-twins but inline engines have become more common.

Standard – Footpegs are below the rider and handlebars are high enough to not force the rider to reach too far forward, placing the shoulders above the hips in a natural position.

Naked bikes – Naked bikes generally have their foot controls more set in the center with a higher rising handlebar mounted on the bike’s triple tree. A blend of Sport bike and Standard

Sport bikes – This generally means higher foot pegs that move the legs closer to the body and more of a reach to a lower set of hand controls, such as clip on handlebars, which positions the body and weight forward and over the tank.

Cruiser vs standard

The rider position

Higher foot pegs bring the rider’s legs close to the body. A forward-leaning rider position situates the rider so that they can easily access the controls.