Rebel 1100 Ohlins Suspension Install & Review

[@Bermwolf]

The only crime is I have only 1 upvote to give. Well shot, well explained, and all relevant details. We bow to your expertise brother.

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you very much for your kind words, I sincerely appreciate it! 🍻🍻🍻

[@amirlugassy]

Once again you are doing such a great service to all of us Rebel riders, very accurate and detailed information. Looking forward for the front suspension project. You're videos are awesome, keep them coming more.. You're doing great man. Merci🙏

[@ontherebel11]

Than you Amir, really good to hear from you bro! You are very kind, thank you so much!!!!

[@cooltechdreamer]

You are so detailed and knowledgeable I can't figure out why everyone that rides a rebel is not subscribed! They should be, keep up the great work! 👍

[@ontherebel11]

That's very kind of you, thank you!!!!

[@luvsallbikes279]

Awesome video , I like how you explain everything and show how you went about installing them . Also the process of figuring the other details out when you first were unhappy with just the initial shock swap to make it right ! Fantastic.. I don’t have same bike as you but thumbs up to you and I subscribed , great content. I changed out the back shocks myself in an old Suzuki GS750L and it was a total game changer, soo much better , a different bike . The company was Hagon and they asked me my weight and I told them rode with a passenger at times . They had everything set up for me , it was perfect. I realize they are not as high end as what you used but they were still unbelievably better . Stay safe , keep doing what your doing .

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you very much for your kind words, very kind of you sir!!

[@maple5793]

Good job. At 9:17, you show using Locktite Red, which is permanent unless you use heat to remove the bolt. At 11:20, you use Blue Threadlock on the left shock which is what I would have used.

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Maple! Thank you for your feedback! Good observation, thank you for pointing that out! Unfortunately loctite changed their packaging.... both the red and blue versions come in a red colored tube, but you can see if the video that the compound on the bolts in both sections you referenced are blue in color. I don't ever use red loctite tbh.... this is what they look like.... www.loctiteproducts.com/en/search.html?searchText=threadlocker&filterType=Products&type=suggested Thank you for pointing that out, this will help the community!

[@TJ-qo2xu]

I love these videos from you, very informative and helpful to anyone looking into these. I like how you made sure to specify that you wanted the better performance because that is what YOU like and that it might not suit everyone (like you did with the night dragons). Your videos are always entertaining and informative, and I'm always to see uploads from you. Be safe, have fun, and look forward to more Gus.

[@ontherebel11]

Hi TJ, always a pleasure to hear from you man, thank you for your kind words and encouragement sir, much appreciated brother! 🙏

[@therideofalifetime]

Great video Gus. Love how much you test these things and show it. Love the 'fails' because it shows you don't get it right the first time.

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you Jermiah!! I really appreciate it brother!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Awesome video Gus!! I’m so glad you were able to make these work! Now I understand what people mean when they say they have to hide their wallet to watch my videos…cause I’m VERY tempted to try the 13” version now 😳 What do you have in mind for your front suspension?

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you Mike!!!! I got some additional info from Ohlins about the 13 inch version, they come with progressive springs 16-26 NM, 24-33 NM and 30-39 NM, but availability of the latter 2 is light... Additionally, they won't replace the springs since these shocks were not designed for the rebel.... so one would have to buy the different rate springs ($150) and get them installed since they don't want the liability.... Regarding the forks, i would prefer to get a cartridge kit vs rebuilding the oem forks (though, i'm tempted to rebuild both the rear and front oem out of curiosity), i am drooling heavily over a couple of cartridge kits as i'm typing this, just need to figure out a couple of things and have a few conversations with them before i pull the trigger. FYI, Ohlins doesn't have a cartridge for the rebel 1100 nor are they planning on making one.... I experienced the same impressions as you did the first couple of miles, the shocks surely amplified how crap the front are!! hahahha

[@bowteestuh]

thanks for spearheading new frontier for the rebel platform keep it going !

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you sir!!!

[@paul.aragon]

Another fantastic review with detailed explanation. Great job on such a complete review.

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Paul!! Thank you man, i really appreciate your support brother, always!

[@erickuoo]

I love how you yelled when you first got the spring rates right 😂 just like back when we were kids that little things makes the world. Thanks for such wonderful and knowledgeable video I know what to get for my rebel 1100 to upgrade. Also gave you a subscribe!!!

[@ontherebel11]

Hahhaha 🤣🤣🤣 I was so relieved when the new spring felt right! What you don't see on video is the amount of times I went over the same bump with different settings of preload and compression dampening.... At least 10 times on the same bump before I gave up.... That's why I was like a kid when it finally worked after weeks of anxiety! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Thomas-nk4uj]

Just found your videos wish I had someone nearby like you to teach me all this stuff

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Thomas! Thank you for your kind words sir, I really appreciate it brother! 🙏

[@SLIGHT_]

So awesome to see this Gus! I’ve been looking for someplace that has a fork kit for my 500 (FSK 127) ohlins discontinued them… smh. Shame as I wanted to go with them. Would love to hear your thoughts after you put some miles on these

[@ontherebel11]

My man Slight!!! Tell me about it.... I'm a little disappointed that Ohlins isn't interested in this platform..... had to get my front suspension cartridge from Europe....

[@SLIGHT_]

@@ontherebel11 seriously? Wow. I’m sure it will be a game changer on your beast. Rear suspension is great… the front is the game changer imo. Lol in spirited rides the stick suspension is so crap lol. I may just have to look elsewhere. YSS has a great set up… yet I prefer the Ohlins.

[@ontherebel11]

@@SLIGHT_ Couldn't agree more, As much as i love Ohlins, it is probably best to get something that was developed for the rebel.... At least ohlins has rear shocks for the 500, nothing for the 1100 nor are they planning to make any... too small of a market for them.

[@SLIGHT_]

@@ontherebel11 that’s crazy… yet I find this often with the rebel. I wish it had more “good” aftermarket support. Hopefully as time goes right. Very cool either way. Looking to see your follow up video. Track day??? When you get your front set up obviously.

[@Julio-bc7pj]

hiiii, butter butter butter 😆 candy likes the new shocks?! JAJAJAJ good to see ya again. great video as always. I noticed that the chain was dacing too much up and down, check the slack amigo :)

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Julio!!! Good to hear from you bro!! 😁 Thank you sir!

[@Julio-bc7pj]

did you watch football today? i couldnt busy with my daughter softball games but wow broncos got beat big time LOL@@ontherebel11

[@larrypeplinski593]

Thanks for the info on removing the stripped dash guage bolt. I stripped the same one on my 1100. I hope that is still a product that Autozone carries.

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Larry, i'm glad you found it helpful brother!! Here is an amazon link in case you don't find it locally. Remember to hammer it in well for the teeth to sink into the metal, and go slow, that bolt is a PITA www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-Metric-Socket-Damaged-Fasteners/dp/B07PH39ZFD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3I3LBMZTYPS6N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KvNjbpqU5ms2K82YTzgedacYacoxwCY_IIPnRK6x1buweOUDu4qE-n9ocmA5sop2u8T6IUYsXfqdnEZqNcJgNaOk4oAjXCyjxKqbl_E_-UK0qDbN7Fbxj5pEIpqwjwoqnTg65jCpRtSZUZrImJJNmIbQmXKedNxzK4IKO3IAi-nRg8kPQUAHjLGhxFnNug9XXQi75qeh-btd6ypFxRsAcT8lQEDqGPU3iGlXftKQi78atUdRTBm5YPEAmcrew5xtbUimHGEY6J_gT-uTyC1iDJ0kwj2-y5hln7RX21SX_mA.klVgADN04KkP0NTt6RKXmXRugVvvCtn6Qw8AQGpYNeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Powerbuilt+Tools+8+Piece+Zeon+Metric+Hex+Bit+Socket+Set&qid=1708174599&sprefix=powerbuilt+tools+8+piece+zeon+metric+hex+bit+socket+set%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1

[@larrypeplinski593]

Thank you Sir. It took a few guesses at what it might be called, but I found that exact item. It was delivered yesterday. I just have to wait for the new bolt to arrive. Keep up the awesome content. You have me wanting shocks now!

[@ontherebel11]

@@larrypeplinski593 I'm glad to hear bro! Good luck with the bolt!!!🤞

[@DetectiveStablerSVU]

I might have missed something. Do they sell the 32nm spring on their website that you the ended up using? I see links to the 12 and 13 inch sets in the description.

[@ontherebel11]

I ordered the springs by calling OhlinsUSA directly, Jerry and Joey helped me. If you plan on ordering the shocks, they should be able to swap out the springs for you at no additional cost.

[@tkstylem]

@@ontherebel11I’ll end up giving Joey and Jerry a call 😂

[@ontherebel11]

@@tkstylem Send them my warmest regards! LOL😅

[@DetectiveStablerSVU]

@@ontherebel11 beautiful yeah I was going to just reach out to them if I didn't get any further info when I do this, although I was pretty confident I would get an answer from you on it with your track record haha. Thanks.

[@ontherebel11]

@@DetectiveStablerSVU I'm glad i could be of help brother! Thank you for bringing it up, these conversations will help many others in the future! 🙏

[@jamescampolo7824]

Did you use a "ball end" allen wrench? With them you can come at the bolt at an angle. Otherwise why not spend 5 minutes to remove the exaust?

[@ontherebel11]

Hi James!!! Yes sir, i used the ball end.

[@fice9989]

Would it be possible to install longer springs on the stock suspension? I wonder if that would be an improvement.

[@ontherebel11]

That's a great question!!! Thank you for asking it! While working on the suspension upgrade, a part of it was to rebuild the stock suspension with a fixed rate spring and better internals, upon taking the OEM Showa shocks apart, we couldn't find any springs for it unfortunately....... The suspension shop tried very hard over a couple of month to find replacement springs but didn't any......

[@larifari4371]

Hi Gus, great review as always 👍 Because those Ohlins are a bit pricy I was thinking about the Burly Brands instead. I know that Birch likes them but did you have a chance to actually compare those to your Ohlins? THX!

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Lari!!! I would have liked to test them, but i haven't had the opportunity, might i suggest an alternative option, YSS makes decent suspension for a reasonable price relative to Ohlins. The important thing to keep in mind is to get shocks that have the right spring rate for your weight and adjustable rebound and compression damping, that's how you will see the best results. Here are a few better options than the burly: YSS suspension: www.suspension-store.com/Honda-CMX-1100-Rebel-21-22-YSS-shock-absorbers-RG362-310TRCL-49-B Hyperpro suspension: webshop-hyperpro.com/product/fixed-reservoir-shock-honda-cmx-1100-rebel/ Matris: www.matrisdampers.com/en/prodotto/products/monoshock/twinshock-m40kc/

[@sawman613]

Purchase link?

[@ontherebel11]

Hi there, i would not recommend these due to the complexity of getting the right spring for your weight, there are other shocks out there that will be built to your weight. Check out Matris dampers, YSS, hyper pro, and gears racing. These are performance suspension and do not provide added comfort, if that is what you are looking for many people are happy with the Burly Brands stiletto shocks. Here is the model that i have with a different spring, www.ohlinsusa.com/parts/2004-2020-harley-davidson-sportster-harley-s36-twin-shocks-hd-752

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

How much are those shocks?it rides smother? Is worth it?

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Mouse, thank you for your comment, these are a bit pricey apx $1,200. To me they are absolutely worth it, but since this wasn't designed for the rebel 1100 i wouldn't recommend them. I would recommend YSS, gears racing or Matris.

[@bryhne]

Nice Video lots of info!

[@ontherebel11]

I'm happy to hear that you found it helpful brother!!! Thank you!

[@bryhne]

Im a new subscriber now!

[@ontherebel11]

@bryhne thank you! 🍻

[@allenpearson9716]

Great video. Love your channel. What is that component on your steering bar with red blue and green lights!

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Allen! That is my dashcam controller, it's called Vantrue F1, there is a detailed video about it if you are interested.

[@allenpearson9716]

@@ontherebel11 I wish o knew about that one before I bought my INNOVV K3

[@ontherebel11]

@@allenpearson9716 i'm glad you have one bro, it gives me peace of mind every time i get on the bike and i see the light flashing!

[@tkstylem]

beautiful… no preload needed with the right spring

[@ontherebel11]

Hi T! exactly, the magic is in the spring rate, wish they had a couple of additional rates available!

[@inourvendetta1]

What is the windshield setup you have? Thanks!

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Cody, here you go brother kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooLbdIF-lJ5oo6M

[@konstantinw.1036]

Is it worth ? 1000 for a 7000 bike i dont know (rebel 500 owner)

[@ontherebel11]

Hi there, I covered my honest opinion and reasoning at the end of the video. The short answer is no, but you have to decide based on the information I tried to provide.

[@gsin311]

Are there any shocks I can use that I can gain some height with on the rebel 1100. I dont really like the low height too much at this point and I can gain 2 or 3 inches with the rear shock change then that would be great.

[@ontherebel11]

Burly brand as well as Ohlins make a 13 inch version. I am not sure of the details of Burly brand, but Ohlins makes the HD 756 which is 13 inches plus you can adjust it and increase the height by 0.5 inches, i'm not sue of the total height gain at the seat but it might be what you are looking for. While researching, look for shocks with a 14mm eyelet, the stock length is 12 inch. There are several brands to check out. Regardless of what option you go with, keep in mind the spring rate relative to your weight, you saw in the video how i had to change the spring rate.

[@gsin311]

@ontherebel11 i thought the original stock shocks are 13 Inch. I measured them yesterday and got 13 inch height. Maybe i will measure again

[@ontherebel11]

@@gsin311 Keep in mind that you have to measure from the center of the Eyelet to the center of the other eyelet

[@gsin311]

@ontherebel11 true true. I am going to remeasure.

[@mikeriv]

Great job again buddy

[@ontherebel11]

Hey Mike! Thank you bro!!!

[@LividAxis]

For the money, I'd rather go with the Hyperpro piggybacks since they actually designed their shock on the Rebel 1100 chassis.

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you for sharing to help the community, do you have a link to share, many will be thankful!

[@my2wheels]

Great job!👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you Anthony! 🙏

[@my2wheels]

@@ontherebel11 I am glad you got the results you wanted! Maybe this coming spring we will meet and ride together over the weekend. Coming from East Northport NY.

[@ontherebel11]

@@my2wheels That would be fantastic man!!! 🤙

[@BeThrashed]

Is the upper OEM shock also 6lbs/torque?

[@ontherebel11]

Yes it is 👍

[@BeThrashed]

@@ontherebel11 thanks man! I appreciate the quick response 🙏🏼

[@ontherebel11]

@BeThrashed anytime brother! 🤙

[@AnthosKlox]

Hey Bro, you're not following best practice when using a torque wrench. Better to set it to 6.6 pounds and torque up the bolts, better still is to torque the bolts in sequential stages, torque at lower and then as manufacturer specs... Those missing spacers are going to lead to issues...

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you for your feedback 👍

[@AnthosKlox]

@@ontherebel11 No worries, I am not trying to criticize you, I don't want you to have a suspension failure ending up in injury or even death.

[@FxsX24]

My videos buffering or I would have a comment that is worth while

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Fran! I waited for a couple of hours to let YT finish processing before i made it live, i hope others aren't having the same issue

[@DetectiveStablerSVU]

You're the man

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you sir!

[@robertbarel896]

what a great video.

[@ontherebel11]

Thank you so much Robert! 🙏

[@wjm7413]

Better test this in Samar road

[@ontherebel11]

I will as soon as it gets warmer over here.... winter is almost over!

[@LinkFelton]

I don't see no link for the stripped bolt tool. Shame on you Gus! 🤣

[@ontherebel11]

hahahahha you beat me to it bro! Thanks for looking out Link, i really appreciate it bro!! shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/powerbuilt-tools-8-piece-zeon-metric-hex-bit-socket-set-642575/12068286-p?product_channel=local&store=8246&adtype=pla&product_channel=local&store_code=8246&&&gclid=CjwKCAjwmbqoBhAgEiwACIjzEC5Pho3iqnBvEBEQeC-bWRGbAn3LJ35Y7IBoELEnKE6zaxlvrd-PKhoCVBEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Amazon looks cheaper!! www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-Metric-Socket-Damaged-Fasteners/dp/B07PH39ZFD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KMWKT8MRC3C5&keywords=Powerbuilt%2BTools%2B8%2BPiece%2BZeon%2BMetric%2BHex%2BBit%2BSocket%2BSet&qid=1695514194&sprefix=powerbuilt%2Btools%2B8%2Bpiece%2Bzeon%2Bmetric%2Bhex%2Bbit%2Bsocket%2Bset%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1&th=1

[@violetspider_]

Puts threadlock then complains the bolts strip😂. I want one to turn it into an off road. Don't know what i could do about the back suspension tho. It would need more travel especially cuz i would want more ground clearance.

[@ontherebel11]

👍

[@Sphoxros]

I've noticed that most the bolts on these bikes are complete garbage in terms of strength, I have been replacing nearly all of my bolts with titanium copies just so that I don't strip more heads on them, or even pop heads off when ever I work on the bike lol.

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Sphoxros, That is a great idea! Thank you for sharing that!

[@BenjaminSturm]

Gus!!!

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Ben!!! Always great to hear from you Bro!!!!

[@BenjaminSturm]

​@@ontherebel11I'm ready for the next ride. I'm going to head down to Forgotten Angels camp out in Valrico, FL. October 27-29

[@ontherebel11]

@@BenjaminSturm Oh man am i happy to hear that!! The weather will be gorgeous down there!!!

[@abrahamelias95]

I was awaiting for this, great job man! My wallet is not too happy but who cares hahahaha

[@ontherebel11]

Hi Abraham! I'm glad that you found it helpful brother!!! Thank you for your feedback!

[@jamescampolo7824]

You shouldn't ride at all with poor fitment on the shock mounts. You should wait until you have the correct bushings.

[@ontherebel11]

The Bushings are good James, you probably didn't see the section where i added the spacers.

[@QuasiMotard]

First! 🎉😉👍 --QM

[@ontherebel11]

You are the Best! thank you for all your advise on this project brother, i really appreciate it!!!!

[@FxsX24]

Weren't you supposed to be the guinea pig for the suspension upgrades

[@QuasiMotard]

​@@FxsX24Gus beat me to the punch! 😉👍

[@angetassou166]

Oui mais 1000€ de Corbin, 2000 de Ohlins "et ne vous attendez pas à magique !" Ouf, il en faut des sous en plus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ontherebel11]

Salut Ange, oui, l'argent s'additionne, mais n'oubliez pas que j'utilise ma moto comme moto de tourisme, les autres propriétaires n'ont pas besoin de dépenser de l'argent pour du matériel coûteux. Merci pour votre commentaire!

[@DetectiveStablerSVU]

The bolts of this bike are seriously made of play-doh. I've considered just buying a second set of most of the important bolts for the bike. Couple that with how much some of my hardware is seemingly overtorqued and I've been conjuring the devil in my garage some afternoons. They also mark up and loose their clean black look extremely easily.

[@ontherebel11]

They sure suck don't they!! The nuts are like that too.... very soft, like you mentioned, i have many spares now....

[@DetectiveStablerSVU]

Yep stripped some bolts on the frame. Now I pucker everytime that I have to put force into any hardware loosening.

[@gsin311]

yea I stripped mines when I was trying to do the handlebar risers installed. Now I cant get the bolt that holds the intrument cluster together out. Very fucking annoying Honda.

[@ontherebel11]

@@gsin311 i feel your pain brother

[@gsin311]

@ontherebel11 i love the rebel 1100 but Honda has kinda fucked us over by doing some stupid things. The freaking handlebars are 1 inch that taper to 7/8 by the controls, no one makes thst kinda bar other than burly brand but theirs is 12 inch ape hanger. I seriously have thought about just getting a harley. At least its easy to customize