Articles2018 Honda Rebel 500 ABS Review

Scott Shagory

November 23rd, 2020

Rated 4/5

Honda’s Rebel has been around since the mid 1980’s but switched to water cooling and a significant bump in engine displacement in 2017 from 250cc to 471cc. The focus changed dramatically as well, from a traditional looking cruiser into a more contemporary machine combining several motorcycle themes.

Honda Rebel 500

The new machine has been a hit with new riders and those returning to the sport after some years away. There have been some small updates for 2020 – LED lights, a gear indicator, revised suspension – but the machine retains the same styling and focus, along with Honda’s usual attention to detail.

Honda Rebel 500

At the heart of the machine is a 471cc parallel twin producing 45 hp at 8,500 rpm and 32.9 lb of torque at 6,000. Yet despite those peak numbers quite high in the rev range, there is decent shove at lower rpms.  In regular traffic – city, countryside, highway – the Rebel can get up to speed without issue or complaint. While in no way a fast motorcycle, the Rebel covers ground easily.

The chassis is steel tubing and the steel cradle feels solid and tight over a variety of surfaces while still providing the rider with a bit of feel. The gloss black paint is very nicely done and the frame weld points are finer than some other machines at higher price points. The Rebel is a Honda after all.

Honda Rebel 500

The suspension is good out-of-the-box for this 143 lb rider before gear and Honda has upgraded bit ends for 2020. Up front are 41mm non-adjustable forks providing solid bump absorption and the twin rear setup also provides a decently composed ride over uneven surfaces. The balance front to rear is well judged and I don’t think an owner would need to upgrade anything. For the bike’s price point, I think the suspension punches above its weight.

Honda Rebel 500

Nissin brakes front and rear provide decent stopping power and a very soft, progressive response – perfect for new riders. Up front is a 296 mm single disk and a 240 mm disk sits out back. For those wanting more bite, a simple pad swap would most likely do the trick without breaking the bank.

Honda Rebel 500

Tires are Dunlop D404s in reasonably popular sizes of 130/90-16 up front and 150/80-16 out back. The Indian Scout, for comparison, has the same size rubber hoops. This means there are several different brands to choose from later on when replacements are needed. I found the D404s perfectly acceptable over a several pavement surfaces and a bit of sand. Progressive side-to-side with a nice round carcass, they complement the Rebel well and I’m sure they will provide good mileage. The 16” rims are cast aluminum and are well finished.

Honda offers an extensive number of accessories for the Rebel, so owners can customize their machine. The pricing is compelling too, with custom diamond stitched seats costing $65, adjustable clutch and brake levers setting an owner back $28 each, and other goodies at similar tariffs. And, as many will know, the Rebel is popular with customizers because the bike is easy to disassemble and work on.

Honda Rebel 500

Looks are subjective and I think the Rebel works. While being a bit cruiser, a sprinkling of bobber, and a touch of fat pedal bike, with a modern instrument circle, might seem like a recipe for a muddled mess, the Rebel is nothing of the sort. The Honda design team has done a very good job harmonizing disparate motorcycle genres in flattering ways, including the shiny black frame and matte finishes. The chunky 16” tires help the bike look bigger than its displacement would suggest.

Honda Rebel 500

In sum, the Rebel 500 is easy to ride and has progressive handling that new riders will appreciate. For returning riders, the Honda does not feel like a starter bike and has real presence on the road. The seat height is low at 27.2” – but feels lower – and all of the switch gear feels very solid and well oiled. For everyone, the price at $6,500 for ABS is welcome and servicing will not be expensive. The mileage at 60+ mpg means owners will not have to fill up the machine’s 2.96 gallon peanut shaped tank too often.

Honda Rebel 500

I enjoyed my day on the country roads of Virginia getting to know the Rebel better and can understand why many find it compelling for in-town, suburban, or country work. I’d order the adjustable levers, given my short fingers, and a nice side bag would be helpful to carry a few things, such as a first aid kit. But other than these two items, I would simply enjoy the machine knowing it will provide faithful service for years to come and hold its value very well.

Happy Riding

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