For 2020, Honda’s Rebel 500 receives a much-needed redesign that improves its appearance and addresses some of the problems with the previous design.
The Rebel 500, however, remains the same stylish entry-level bike with a bobber-inspired design, big wheels, and a comfortable riding position. We rode the brand-new Honda Rebel for a week, both in the city and on longer rides. View the complete review here:
In This Article...
What We Liked
The Honda Rebel 500 is a small and simple motorcycle. Because of this, it excels as a city bike. It’s simple to turn in confined areas, and you can (if it’s legal) split lanes like a scooter.
The engine runs smoothly. The 45 horsepower parallel-twin engine is the same one that powers the whole CB500 series. But enough is enough. On the highway, you may comfortably ride it at 130 km/h, and the top speed is 160 km/h. sufficient for a beginner’s bike.
It looks better with the front cowl covering the headlight in particular. The fork covers are attractive, and the LED turning lights appear better than they did before. A improved Rebel 500 is now available.
The riding position is comfortable and organic. Everything is in the proper place and the ergonomics are excellent. However, the clutch cover is directly close to the right leg.
Although it can be a little challenging to read in bright sunshine, the new dash delivers basic information and a gear indicator.
Updates include a reworked fork, which makes the bike less shaky in turns at greater speeds, and a slick clutch, which is also very helpful when gear-shifting.
What We Disliked
It still has a motorcycle-from-recycled-parts kind of vibe. The exhaust doesn’t look nice, the fuel tank doesn’t seem to match the frame, and the horizontal radiator appears to have been lifted off the CB500.
Both inside and outside the city, the rear suspension is rather harsh while travelling over bumps.
For this kind of bike, Honda’s official accessory catalog is lacking in modified parts.
Can the Honda Rebel 500 handle lengthy journeys?
The Rebel 500 has more than respectable specifications for a starting cruiser bike. It can easily travel at speeds of up to 100 mph for an extended period of time, which is fast enough for a lengthy interstate ride.
Does the Honda Rebel 500 make an excellent commuter bike?
One of the greatest starting motorcycles for long road journeys is the Honda Rebel 500 since it is a comfy motorcycle. It is very ergonomic. The bike has a comfortable riding position, footpegs that are centered, and a strong engine to keep it moving quickly.
The handlebars on it fit comfortably at shoulder width. The Rebel 500 is an easy bike to ride since it is the ideal height for a rider who is 5’6″. And although it fits small riders the best, taller riders can also ride in ease.
How durable is a Honda Rebel 500?
For at least 80,000 kilometers, a properly maintained Honda Rebel can run without any issues. Given that the typical motorbike travels between 3,000 and 5,000 miles annually, a bike with an 80,000-mile lifespan can survive for about 25 years.
What is the Honda Rebel 250’s top speed?
However, if you’re looking for a beginner bike in general or a Honda Rebel 250 in particular, I wouldn’t get too distracted by the “performance stats.”
The Rebel’s engine is crucial because, unlike the majority of bikes in the 250cc class, it has two instead of one cylinder.
Cylinders typically increase durability and comfort at highway speeds, which are both crucial features of a beginning bike.
Now, I’m not denying that these motorcycles vibrate excessively while traveling above 60 mph; they do. But what I’m really saying is that they’ll move much more smoothly at speed than a single cylinder of the same size.
However, in case you’re curious, the little Rebel will do 0-60 in only 11.86 seconds and lights up the drag strip quarter mile in just 17.86 seconds at 68.55 miles per hour. I didn’t post the speed statistics above because they’re pretty much meaningless for a bike like this. There you go, 26.64 seconds faster than the previous record set while walking.
Once more, though, I wouldn’t give any heed to those figures. The fact that this motorcycle is incredibly easy to ride and is more than capable of traveling at 65 mph on the highway all day is what matters most in this situation. A Honda Rebel 250 is definitely capable of cross-country travel.
Since tiny motorcycles often have small gas tanks (10 liters/2.6 gallons for the Rebel’s tank), good fuel economy is crucial for lengthy trips.
Small displacement bikes like these typically achieve 50 mpg or more, but exceeding 70 mpg is noteworthy.
Can two individuals ride a Honda Rebel?
Will the Rebel support two adults? Yes, it can, to put it succinctly. Nevertheless, there remains opportunity for development. Passenger seats are comfortable and supportive for around 30 minutes before becoming uncomfortable.
Is the Rebel 500 a decent first camera?
Given how simple it is to ride and how attractive it is, the Honda Rebel 500 may be the greatest first motorcycle for any novice rider. The Rebel 500 is one of the few motorbikes that can provide you with all you really need, especially if you like cruiser-style bikes. However, beyond the first few months, the similar Rebel 300 won’t do much to keep you enthusiastic about riding.
What kind of fuel can a Honda Rebel 500 run on?
Different additives are permitted by regulation to be added to gasoline. The same law regulates the maximum amount of certain additives,
The fuel can have additives, such alcohol, and still be marketed as gasoline. Honda motors
are created to operate effectively and efficiently with fuel that has from
E85 is a substitute fuel. Fuel is not what it is. It is created by mixing 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol.
The E85 fuel or any other alternative is not now approved for Honda engines, nor are they built to do so.
How much fuel does a Honda Rebel 500 consume?
The 2022 Honda Rebel 500 has a parallel twin powertrain, which provides outstanding gas mileage, making it one of the most economical motorcycles in its class. This cruiser motorbike has a combined gas mileage of 67 mpg, which makes it a cost-effective option.
The 2022 Honda Rebel 500 could travel approximately 200 miles on a full tank because to its 3-gallon fuel tank size and manageable wet weight of 408 pounds. In contrast, the combined gas mileage of the Kawasaki Vulcan S is 55 mpg, while that of the Yamaha Bolt is 61 mpg.
What should I expect to spend on a Honda Rebel 500?
Price of a Honda Rebel 500 A 2022 Honda Rebel 500’s starting MSRP is $6,399 for the base model, $6,699 for the ABS model, and $6,899 for the ABS SE model.
Are Honda Rebels secure?
Most of these criticisms are from riders who are hesitant to upgrade to a bike designed for a more experienced rider to do long trips or something on which they can rip up the city like more of a pro since they believe the Rebel is a fantastic first bike.
Honda Rebels are not only dependable, but also affordable to repair and purchase replacement components for.
It’s a fast, nimble, lightweight, and enjoyable bike for a novice to get acclimated to, and if you drop it—which every beginner does at some point—simple it’s to back up and pick up off the ground.
What motorcycle is the most comfortable for a passenger?
It’s a terrific way to spend time with a friend, at least for a little while, to share your motorcycle experience. Then, when your friend sits on the pillion and their knees ache in pain, they may begin to quietly detest you or you may both be enjoying the comfort of a motorcycle made to carry a passenger. When you ride a motorcycle that is exclusively enjoyable for the rider, you primarily ride by yourself (which, in all candor, may not be a bad thing).
Second GenerationRebel 500 (2020)
- a clutch with an assist-slipper that 30% lessens clutch-lever effort
- complete LED lighting
- Improved gauges now provide fuel level and gear selection.
- The handling is improved with a revised suspension setup with stronger spring rates.
Is a Honda Rebel a reliable first motorcycle?
The Honda Rebel range is a wonderful place to start if you’re searching for a reliable, reasonably priced cruiser. The Rebel 300 and 500 also make great starter bikes for new riders because to their smaller capacity engines.
What was the Honda Rebel’s successor?
However, by the middle of the 2000s, they began swapping out the Rebels for Harley Davidson XL 883 Sportsters, citing a requirement for greater strength, toughness, and visibility.