Rebel 500: The cruiser segment has traditionally been dominated by large-displacement machines with heavyweight attitudes and prices to match. Honda’s Rebel 500 challenges this convention, delivering authentic cruiser styling and character in an accessible, versatile package that appeals to both newcomers and experienced riders seeking a more manageable custom motorcycle.
This comprehensive review explores how the Honda Rebel 500 has carved its own niche by blending timeless cruiser elements with contemporary design and engineering.
Rebel 500 Design Philosophy: Modern Minimalism
The Honda Rebel 500 presents a design language that respects cruiser traditions while incorporating distinctly modern elements. The silhouette features the genre’s familiar long-and-low stance, but Honda has stripped away excess to create a lean, purposeful aesthetic that appeals to contemporary tastes.
The fuel tank combines classic teardrop contours with angular knee cutouts, creating a distinctive profile that bridges retro and modern design sensibilities.
The wide, low-slung solo seat maintains traditional cruiser proportions while incorporating contemporary materials and profiles that enhance both comfort and style.
At the front, a compact headlight nacelle houses a full LED lighting system, providing excellent illumination without the visual mass of traditional cruiser headlights. The minimalist instrument cluster sits atop the handlebar clamp, displaying essential information without cluttering the clean front end.
The Rebel’s side profile emphasizes mechanical honesty, with the trellis frame and engine components forming visual elements rather than being hidden beneath excessive bodywork. The short, staggered dual exhaust system provides balanced proportions while meeting stringent emissions standards without visual compromise.
Wheel choice defies cruiser convention, with cast 16-inch units front and rear wearing fat, low-profile tires that enhance both handling and stance.
The blacked-out treatment applied to the engine, frame, and most components creates a cohesive, contemporary appearance that allows selective chrome or color accents to make stronger visual statements.
Color options typically include subdued matte and gloss finishes that complement the motorcycle’s urban character, with special editions occasionally introducing more vibrant options that highlight the Rebel’s youthful personality.
Powerplant: Refined Performance
At the heart of the Rebel 500 sits Honda’s proven 471cc parallel-twin engine. This liquid-cooled powerplant has been specifically tuned for the cruiser application, prioritizing smooth, accessible torque throughout the rev range.
The engine produces approximately 46 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—modest figures on paper but delivered in a manner that perfectly suits the motorcycle’s character.
The parallel-twin configuration provides several advantages in this application:
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Narrower profile than V-twins, allowing for a slimmer overall motorcycle
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Excellent primary balance for smooth operation
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More compact design enabling optimal chassis geometry
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Lower production costs contributing to the Rebel’s accessible price point
Engine tuning emphasizes tractable power delivery rather than peak figures, with strong low and mid-range torque that suits both urban riding and relaxed cruising. The 180-degree crankshaft design delivers a distinctive exhaust note through the dual exhaust system, providing character without excessive noise.
The engine connects to a slick-shifting 6-speed transmission with well-chosen ratios that complement the engine’s power delivery characteristics. The assist-and-slipper clutch reduces lever effort while providing a safety margin during aggressive downshifts—a modern feature not typically found on traditional cruisers at this price point.
Chassis and Dynamics: Balanced Capability
The Rebel 500 is built around a tubular steel trellis frame designed to provide the appropriate cruiser ergonomics while delivering handling characteristics that exceed category expectations.
The 28-degree rake and 110mm trail strike an excellent balance between straight-line stability and responsive steering.
Suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic forks at the front with 121mm of travel, and twin shock absorbers at the rear offering 95mm of travel and 5-step preload adjustment. The suspension components prioritize comfort without sacrificing control, providing good bump absorption while maintaining chassis composure during more spirited riding.
Braking performance comes from a single 296mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the front and a 240mm disc with single-piston caliper at the rear.
The system is supported by two-channel ABS on most market variants, providing confident stopping power in varying conditions. The braking package delivers good feel and progressive power, appropriate for both novice and experienced riders.
The Rebel 500 rides on 16-inch cast aluminum wheels front and rear, shod with 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear tires. This wheel and tire combination contributes significantly to the motorcycle’s handling character, providing quick steering response unusual in the cruiser category while maintaining the visual proportions expected of the genre.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Accessible Cruising
The Rebel 500 offers ergonomics that honor cruiser traditions while incorporating thoughtful adjustments that enhance comfort and control. The rider’s triangle places the feet forward on mid-positioned pegs, arms reaching to a moderate-width handlebar, and weight distributed across the low 690mm seat.
This riding position proves remarkably versatile, comfortable for shorter urban rides while providing sufficient support for longer journeys. The seat’s narrow front section allows most riders to place both feet firmly on the ground at stops—a significant confidence booster for less experienced riders.
The handlebar position provides good leverage for low-speed maneuvers while placing the rider’s torso in a relaxed, upright posture that reduces fatigue. Wind protection is minimal, as expected of a naked cruiser, but the riding position creates less wind resistance than more upright motorcycle designs.
Passenger accommodation on two-up models includes a separate pillion seat and dedicated footpegs, though the compact dimensions make the Rebel better suited to shorter two-up journeys rather than extended touring with a passenger.
Technology Integration: Modern Essentials
While maintaining a mechanical, stripped-down aesthetic, the Rebel 500 incorporates modern technology where it enhances functionality without compromising the motorcycle’s character:
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Full LED lighting including headlight, taillight, and indicators
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LCD digital instrument display with gear position indicator
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Two-channel ABS (standard in most markets)
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PGM-FI fuel injection with throttle-by-wire
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Assist-and-slipper clutch
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Euro 5 / BS6 emissions compliance
The instrument display provides essential information including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and clock in a compact, legible format. The simplicity of the interface suits the motorcycle’s minimalist design philosophy while providing all necessary data at a glance.
Model Variants and Specifications
| Specification | Rebel 500 Standard | Rebel 500 S | Rebel 500 Special Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc Liquid-cooled Parallel Twin | 471cc Liquid-cooled Parallel Twin | 471cc Liquid-cooled Parallel Twin |
| Power | 46 HP @ 8,500 rpm | 46 HP @ 8,500 rpm | 46 HP @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 43 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 43 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 43 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch | 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch | 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | 41mm Telescopic Fork, 121mm travel | 41mm Telescopic Fork, 121mm travel | 41mm Telescopic Fork, 121mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shocks, 5-step preload | Twin Shocks, 5-step preload | Twin Shocks, 5-step preload |
| Front Brake | 296mm disc, two-piston caliper | 296mm disc, two-piston caliper | 296mm disc, two-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | 240mm disc, single-piston caliper | 240mm disc, single-piston caliper | 240mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| ABS | Two-channel | Two-channel | Two-channel |
| Seat Height | 690mm | 690mm | 690mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.2 liters | 11.2 liters | 11.2 liters |
| Curb Weight | 191 kg | 193 kg | 193 kg |
| Additional Features | Basic | Headlight cowl, Passenger seat | Special paint, Unique trim elements |
| Price (approx) | $6,299 | $6,599 | $6,799 |
Real-World Performance: The Riding Experience
On the road, the Rebel 500 delivers a riding experience that balances authentic cruiser character with capabilities that exceed category expectations.
The engine provides smooth, linear power delivery from idle through redline, with particularly strong response in the 3,000-6,000 rpm range where most real-world riding occurs. While not designed for outright acceleration, the Rebel delivers confident performance for both urban environments and highway cruising.
Perhaps most impressive is the Rebel’s handling character, which defies cruiser stereotypes. The relatively light weight (191 kg wet), moderate geometry, and thoughtful mass centralization result in a motorcycle that steers with surprising agility and maintains stability through corners.
The limited ground clearance (125mm) can occasionally become a factor during more aggressive riding, but remains appropriate for the motorcycle’s intended use.
The riding position proves comfortable for a wide range of rider physiques, with the low seat height accommodating shorter riders while the open ergonomics provide sufficient room for taller individuals.
Wind protection is minimal, as expected of a naked cruiser, but the relaxed riding position creates less fatigue than more upright motorcycles at highway speeds.
Suspension performance represents a well-judged compromise between comfort and control.
The front fork provides good small-bump compliance while resisting excessive dive under braking, while the rear shocks, despite limited travel, manage road imperfections effectively when properly adjusted for rider weight.
Braking performance is strong and predictable, with good initial bite and excellent modulation through the lever. The ABS intervention is calibrated appropriately, providing a safety margin in challenging conditions without being intrusive during normal riding.
Ownership Experience: Practical Advantages
The Rebel 500 offers several practical advantages for everyday ownership. Fuel efficiency is impressive, with riders typically achieving 25-30 km/l (60-70 mpg) depending on riding style. Combined with the 11.2-liter fuel tank, this provides a practical range of approximately 280-330 km between fills.
Maintenance requirements benefit from Honda’s engineering expertise, with 12,000 km service intervals reducing ownership costs.
The parallel-twin engine architecture offers good accessibility for routine maintenance, while the fuel injection system eliminates carburetor-related issues common to some cruisers.
The standard warranty covers two years with unlimited mileage, with extended options available in most markets. Honda’s reputation for reliability provides additional peace of mind, particularly important for newer riders who may lack mechanical experience.
For those looking to personalize their Rebel, Honda offers a range of genuine accessories including:
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Saddlebags and mounting hardware
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Passenger backrest and seat
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Windshield options
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Engine guards
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12V socket for electronics
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Custom seat designs
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Forward control positioning kit
Key Strengths and Considerations
Strengths:
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Distinctive styling that appeals to contemporary tastes
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Accessible seat height and manageable weight
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Refined engine with excellent throttle response
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Handling that exceeds cruiser category expectations
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High-quality fit and finish
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Honda reliability and dealer support
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Extensive customization potential
Considerations:
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Limited passenger accommodation for longer journeys
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Modest ground clearance compared to other motorcycle categories
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Basic suspension adjustability
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Fuel range adequate but not exceptional
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Traditional cruiser enthusiasts may prefer V-twin configuration
Rebel 500 Conclusion: Redefining the Category
The Honda Rebel 500 successfully challenges cruiser conventions while delivering the essential character and experience that defines the category. By combining traditional cruiser elements with contemporary design and engineering, Honda has created a motorcycle that appeals to both new riders entering the market and experienced enthusiasts seeking a more manageable custom machine.
The Rebel’s greatest strength lies in its accessibility—not just in terms of its approachable seat height and manageable weight, but in how it delivers the cruiser experience without the intimidation factor often associated with the category. The riding position, power delivery, and handling characteristics create a motorcycle that builds confidence while providing genuine enjoyment across varied riding conditions.
For urban riders, commuters, and weekend enthusiasts seeking cruiser style with practical versatility, the Rebel 500 offers an exceptional balance of attributes.
Its modern interpretation of the custom motorcycle concept, combined with Honda’s engineering excellence, has helped redefine expectations for entry and mid-level cruisers, influencing the broader market and expanding the appeal of the category to a new generation of riders.