Just installed the cables for tender on my wifes 300 abs...ive seem some mickey mouse bulshit in my day but the design of this battery box is just plain bad. They really figured out how to take somthing simple and over complicate it.
Was feeling really stupid about not being able to hook up a simple battery tender, but your trick saved me! Had it accomplished in 20 minutes! Thanks a bunch!
Thank you for this video. I have a 2023 rebel and yes it looks completely different from all the other models shown in the many 'change the battery' tutorials so this video was spot on. Thanks for all the tips around removing the various components attached to the battery cover. I got my job done (adding a wiring loom for heated clothing) and while being fiddly I did not break or damage any of the components thanks to your clear guidance. This was a life saver tutorial as I am far from a mechanic of any kind😃
Many thanks for that alternative! I don't know how the Honda engineers/designers could feel any satisfaction after that terrible battery compartment design. You saved me from a ton of aggravation and wasted time.
I think everyone is scratching their heads over this setup. I love Honda and they build great machines, but this battery placement is one of the worst I've seen. Hope this helps out.
Thanks for the video. I wimped out and used the alternate method to hook up my tender. When or if I ever have to replace the battery I'll hook up to the positive terminal.
I couldn’t get the connector on the part under the cover so I had to disconnect the entire thing just like you did. Your video really helped a lot in how to remove and put everything back on for a tender install.
@@Mudslidex1 very true! I just couldn’t get the cable ring on the positive under the side panel, so just took it all off in the end… I read somewhere, about connectors that are under the speedometer - do they connect with a SAE connector as well?
@@bezigrad I've read about those too. I think the ones behind the headlight Honda uses to connect their proprietary USB port if you buy it through them. But the wire ends are a special connector. Many people just cut it off and splice the type of connector they are going to use onto the wires.
its good to know there's another positive connector besides the one under the seat just incase you need to give your bike a jump on the road or something, cause you can always connect negative jumper to metal frame, but the positive battery terminal they got buried in there and putting a positive jumper clamps on positive battery terminal with metal next to it can blow the fuse if the positive clamp touches any type of metal bracket, My nephew found that out the hard way with his bike.
Thanks for this, I'm a new rider too. Got mine from the dealer around here....suggested it as THE PERFECT starter bike for me, I get compliments everywhere I go on this thing, it's pretty slick. It's pretty cold here in Michigan, and I've procrastinated long enough, just ordered my parts (thanks for including them there in the description), gonna get mine on there as soon as the equipment comes before it's too late.
Thanks for watching, glad it helped. Yeah the Rebel 500 is an amazing bike. We're dealing with the cold (and snow) here in NY right now and I'm itching to get back out there and ride. Happy and safe riding!
extremely helpful video, thank you. BTW they may dual USB chargers that also come with a voltage meter to keep tabs on your battery voltage at any given moment. they come with an off/on switch so ur not draining battery with the voltage reading.
Thanks. Yeah I’m thinking of getting one of those USB ports you mentioned. It would be nice to see the voltage at a quick glance and have the option to turn it off without having to disconnect. Thanks for watching and commenting
Awesome - Thank you for this. I have just bought the '21 Honda Rebel 500, LOVE it, but have been trying to figure out how to wire a Sat nav in! This has helped Loads. Amanda
Thanks for showing how to undo that red clip on the battery cover! May hook up my tender like you did. Going to need it for powering my slime compressor and other uses!
Just took delivery of my gf's 500 Rebel, MY2023... And it's still the same super cramped setup 😅 I actually gave up on installing the connector, I removed the tray without much difficulty (it s actually explained very well in the user manual) but there s simply way too much happening above the +
I hear ya! It's frustrating because it's RIGHT THERE!! Yet they have so much other stuff going on over the battery and its a pain to move the wires and connectors over. Getting to the battery should not be this difficult!
Had my Rebel for a week now and would like to meet the chump at Honda that designed that battery area - what a faff about, also not a fan of the seat removal, two bolts, what's that about ? Love the bike though.
I know right? It's a great bike, but that battery compartment design is horrible. And yes I agree, the seat should be able to come off with a key, not having to use a tool!
Most USB ports even with an LED indicator do draw some power. My USB port doesnt have an indicator and I leave it connected all the time. I've checked the voltage many times before a ride to see if it drained any and it has not. If your USB port has a switch like some do, you can just turn the switch off. If not, a USB port with no phone or anything plugged in will draw less power than what your bike uses for the clock and memory on the speedo. But yes. If you connect to that screw, it is constant power and not switched. As that screw is the main fuse that goes directly to your starter
Hey man, a little to late, but you have a 12v accessory, fused switched power pigtail under the Speedo. All you have to do is unwrap the cloth tape around the bulge in the harness. And there it is. Just waiting for a charger or any accessories. You can even buy the $8 plug from Honda for a really clean install.
@@Mudslidex1 right on man. FYI, I love the bike, I have the SE, and an XSR 700 and a Tenere 700 and the Goldwing bagger. All 2021. I’ve owned Harleys and they are cool, but the rebel 500 is the perfect city commuter. I added drop bars, footlights and saddled bags and it’s just awesome in town and the suburbs.
@@Kavika-xh1qj I actually just sold the Rebel 500 and bought a 2022 Triumph Trident 660. Not because I thought the Rebel was a bad bike. In fact I still love that bike and wish I could have kept both. I will always speak highly of the 500 and recommend it. I truly will miss the looks and fell of the 500. I think that bike is the best band for the buck in that price range
thanks for the tip, Kavika 1991, I just bought my 2021 rebel and planning on hooking up accessories ,neon lights, , etc. from the battery using pigtail leads but will check out that location you just mentioned.
@@TheMrchris1234 if you have an email, or Instagram, I can send you pictures of how I did driving lamps that automatically come on with the headlight and how to install a relay with an ignition on trigger you can use to power any accessories. Instagram is the same as my name here.
You’re right, what an ordeal. The process to remove the battery cover on the Rebel 300 ABS (2020+) is the same. The tab to push up on the ABS connector is actually at the very back of the connector - hard to see in the manual but I was pushing up on the side for the longest time until I realized that. Another thing to mention is that the cables are packed in TIGHT and I had barely enough wiggle room to pull the cover off once I got all the relays and connectors pulled off. AND it only takes a little slip to lose the plastic pins or terminal bolts into the innards of the motorcycle. Oof.
Yeah, there is nothing fun about getting to the battery terminals on those bikes. I can't even imagine what it's like to pull the battery out! As you mentioned, there's so much in the way and cables are hard to move as it is. I feel like I'm going to break something. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Watched your video and found it helpful. I want to install battery tender junior leads to the terminals that you showed towards the end of the video but the holes on the cable connections appear to be too big a diameter for the screws. Any suggestions? Worried that if I remove the screws and use washers there won’t be enough thread to reinstall. The connection bolt on the side panel at the relay is tough to access as there is a tab that holds the weatherproof cover in place. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Not really. To get that boot off you have that big wire harness in the way that doesn't have much wiggle room. That was what I was planning on doing. But you just dont have enough room to move that harness out of the way and get to that boot. But it doesnt meant it can't be done. Just not easily
I have tried for an HR....still can't get air connector off. watched ur video and couldn't see how you got it off. wish you had a close up of the hardest piece to take off.
It's the same connection to the positive as you would normally hook the tender up to. Continuity is the same so this is no different than connecting directly to the positive terminal. Thanks for watching
I checked out the Sportster and it just felt top heavy and cumbersome. Any good used one that I found cost as much as my Rebel 500 did brand new. Plus the Rebel is over 100lb lighter, easier to handle, has ABS and a much smoother ride and is a quicker bike. I like the Sportster, but I just liked the feel and features of the Rebel 500 more. Thanks for watching!
@@Mudslidex1 when you get enough experience what would you like to get for your next motorcycle? I'm looking to get Kawasaki 900 custom as my first bike to learn.
@@Voltomess I'm not sure what my next one will be. But I do love the Kawasaki's. I was SOOO Close to buying a new Vulcan S. I got a great deal on it, but the only thing I didn't like were the forward controls. If the Vulcan S had mid controls, I would have chose that over the Rebel. But things may change as I get more experience and I may end up liking forward controls in the future, so we'll see what happens
@@Mudslidex1 Oh I'm the opposite I sat on rebel 500 and I didn't like my legs position however when I tried honda phantom forward controls seems more relaxing and natural to me and I'm not a big guy I'm only 5'8". Anyway, I can't wait until I see your first pov riding videos, have a great weekend.
@@Voltomess Thanks. Yeah everyone is different what they like. Doesn't make one bike better than the other. You have to find what works for you. Thanks again and you have a good weekend as well!
Which part? Removing the clip to pop off the connector? If so, yeah that is tricky but be patient, once you find the clip that releasss it, it comes off easily. First time was tricky. Now I could do it easily
Just installed the cables for tender on my wifes 300 abs...ive seem some mickey mouse bulshit in my day but the design of this battery box is just plain bad. They really figured out how to take somthing simple and over complicate it.
Yeah. I was surprised as Honda's are usually pretty good. But yeah, battery placement and access is the worst I've seen on any bike
Was feeling really stupid about not being able to hook up a simple battery tender, but your trick saved me! Had it accomplished in 20 minutes! Thanks a bunch!
Great. Glad it helped out. For such a great bike they sure dropped the ball on battery placement &access
Thank you for this video. I have a 2023 rebel and yes it looks completely different from all the other models shown in the many 'change the battery' tutorials so this video was spot on. Thanks for all the tips around removing the various components attached to the battery cover. I got my job done (adding a wiring loom for heated clothing) and while being fiddly I did not break or damage any of the components thanks to your clear guidance. This was a life saver tutorial as I am far from a mechanic of any kind😃
Glad to hear you got everything hooked up and that the video helped. Safe travels!!
Many thanks for that alternative! I don't know how the Honda engineers/designers could feel any satisfaction after that terrible battery compartment design. You saved me from a ton of aggravation and wasted time.
I think everyone is scratching their heads over this setup. I love Honda and they build great machines, but this battery placement is one of the worst I've seen. Hope this helps out.
Thanks for the video. I wimped out and used the alternate method to hook up my tender. When or if I ever have to replace the battery I'll hook up to the positive terminal.
@@Tondaloona03 Nope, no issues. It was much easier and when I hooked up the tender it worked perfectly.
I couldn’t get the connector on the part under the cover so I had to disconnect the entire thing just like you did. Your video really helped a lot in how to remove and put everything back on for a tender install.
Thanks. Glad to hear the video helped out. Yeah, Honda really should have designed the battery placement with a little easier access.
@@Mudslidex1 very true! I just couldn’t get the cable ring on the positive under the side panel, so just took it all off in the end…
I read somewhere, about connectors that are under the speedometer - do they connect with a SAE connector as well?
@@bezigrad I've read about those too. I think the ones behind the headlight Honda uses to connect their proprietary USB port if you buy it through them. But the wire ends are a special connector. Many people just cut it off and splice the type of connector they are going to use onto the wires.
Thank you dear for the trick connection suggestion. It was very easy to install the charger wires instead of removing the battery cover.
Glad it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting
its good to know there's another positive connector besides the one under the seat just incase you need to give your bike a jump on the road or something, cause you can always connect negative jumper to metal frame, but the positive battery terminal they got buried in there and putting a positive jumper clamps on positive battery terminal with metal next to it can blow the fuse if the positive clamp touches any type of metal bracket, My nephew found that out the hard way with his bike.
Thanks for this, I'm a new rider too. Got mine from the dealer around here....suggested it as THE PERFECT starter bike for me, I get compliments everywhere I go on this thing, it's pretty slick. It's pretty cold here in Michigan, and I've procrastinated long enough, just ordered my parts (thanks for including them there in the description), gonna get mine on there as soon as the equipment comes before it's too late.
Thanks for watching, glad it helped. Yeah the Rebel 500 is an amazing bike. We're dealing with the cold (and snow) here in NY right now and I'm itching to get back out there and ride. Happy and safe riding!
@@Mudslidex1 no problem! Same here, spring can't get here soon enough. Safe riding to you too!
So helpful, especially removing the orange connector... Thank you!
extremely helpful video, thank you. BTW they may dual USB chargers that also come with a voltage meter to keep tabs on your battery voltage at any given moment. they come with an off/on switch so ur not draining battery with the voltage reading.
Thanks. Yeah I’m thinking of getting one of those USB ports you mentioned. It would be nice to see the voltage at a quick glance and have the option to turn it off without having to disconnect. Thanks for watching and commenting
Awesome - Thank you for this. I have just bought the '21 Honda Rebel 500, LOVE it, but have been trying to figure out how to wire a Sat nav in! This has helped Loads. Amanda
Congrats on your new ride and I’m glad you found the video helpful. Have fun and safe travels!
Great video, especially how to reach the positive connector! Thanks a lot
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching
Thanks for showing how to undo that red clip on the battery cover! May hook up my tender like you did. Going to need it for powering my slime compressor and other uses!
Just took delivery of my gf's 500 Rebel, MY2023... And it's still the same super cramped setup 😅
I actually gave up on installing the connector, I removed the tray without much difficulty (it s actually explained very well in the user manual) but there s simply way too much happening above the +
I hear ya! It's frustrating because it's RIGHT THERE!! Yet they have so much other stuff going on over the battery and its a pain to move the wires and connectors over. Getting to the battery should not be this difficult!
Had my Rebel for a week now and would like to meet the chump at Honda that designed that battery area - what a faff about, also not a fan of the seat removal, two bolts, what's that about ? Love the bike though.
I know right? It's a great bike, but that battery compartment design is horrible. And yes I agree, the seat should be able to come off with a key, not having to use a tool!
If I connect my USB cable to the screw behind the shield, will that prevent drain or does it need to go to the low-beam power? :)
Most USB ports even with an LED indicator do draw some power. My USB port doesnt have an indicator and I leave it connected all the time. I've checked the voltage many times before a ride to see if it drained any and it has not. If your USB port has a switch like some do, you can just turn the switch off. If not, a USB port with no phone or anything plugged in will draw less power than what your bike uses for the clock and memory on the speedo. But yes. If you connect to that screw, it is constant power and not switched. As that screw is the main fuse that goes directly to your starter
Good job! I like the USB port.
Thanks’
Hey man, a little to late, but you have a 12v accessory, fused switched power pigtail under the Speedo. All you have to do is unwrap the cloth tape around the bulge in the harness. And there it is. Just waiting for a charger or any accessories. You can even buy the $8 plug from Honda for a really clean install.
Thanks, I found out about that as well maybe a month after doing it this way. Great tip, wish I would have known about this sooner!
@@Mudslidex1 right on man. FYI, I love the bike, I have the SE, and an XSR 700 and a Tenere 700 and the Goldwing bagger. All 2021. I’ve owned Harleys and they are cool, but the rebel 500 is the perfect city commuter. I added drop bars, footlights and saddled bags and it’s just awesome in town and the suburbs.
@@Kavika-xh1qj I actually just sold the Rebel 500 and bought a 2022 Triumph Trident 660. Not because I thought the Rebel was a bad bike. In fact I still love that bike and wish I could have kept both. I will always speak highly of the 500 and recommend it. I truly will miss the looks and fell of the 500. I think that bike is the best band for the buck in that price range
thanks for the tip, Kavika 1991, I just bought my 2021 rebel and planning on hooking up accessories ,neon lights, , etc.
from the battery using pigtail leads but will check out that location you just mentioned.
@@TheMrchris1234 if you have an email, or Instagram, I can send you pictures of how I did driving lamps that automatically come on with the headlight and how to install a relay with an ignition on trigger you can use to power any accessories. Instagram is the same as my name here.
You’re right, what an ordeal. The process to remove the battery cover on the Rebel 300 ABS (2020+) is the same. The tab to push up on the ABS connector is actually at the very back of the connector - hard to see in the manual but I was pushing up on the side for the longest time until I realized that. Another thing to mention is that the cables are packed in TIGHT and I had barely enough wiggle room to pull the cover off once I got all the relays and connectors pulled off. AND it only takes a little slip to lose the plastic pins or terminal bolts into the innards of the motorcycle. Oof.
Yeah, there is nothing fun about getting to the battery terminals on those bikes. I can't even imagine what it's like to pull the battery out! As you mentioned, there's so much in the way and cables are hard to move as it is. I feel like I'm going to break something. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Watched your video and found it helpful. I want to install battery tender junior leads to the terminals that you showed towards the end of the video but the holes on the cable connections appear to be too big a diameter for the screws. Any suggestions? Worried that if I remove the screws and use washers there won’t be enough thread to reinstall. The connection bolt on the side panel at the relay is tough to access as there is a tab that holds the weatherproof cover in place. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Couldn’t you also just pull down the positive rubber boot cover and connect there next to that screw you mentioned?
Not really. To get that boot off you have that big wire harness in the way that doesn't have much wiggle room. That was what I was planning on doing. But you just dont have enough room to move that harness out of the way and get to that boot. But it doesnt meant it can't be done. Just not easily
I have tried for an HR....still can't get air connector off. watched ur video and couldn't see how you got it off. wish you had a close up of the hardest piece to take off.
Exact same here bro, If you have any advice please lmk!
I’m sure it works, but it’s probably not a good idea to feed electricity to a connected battery since other components are connected.
It's the same connection to the positive as you would normally hook the tender up to. Continuity is the same so this is no different than connecting directly to the positive terminal. Thanks for watching
What was the main reason you decided to go with a metric instead of Harley as a first motorcycle?
I checked out the Sportster and it just felt top heavy and cumbersome. Any good used one that I found cost as much as my Rebel 500 did brand new. Plus the Rebel is over 100lb lighter, easier to handle, has ABS and a much smoother ride and is a quicker bike. I like the Sportster, but I just liked the feel and features of the Rebel 500 more. Thanks for watching!
@@Mudslidex1 when you get enough experience what would you like to get for your next motorcycle? I'm looking to get Kawasaki 900 custom as my first bike to learn.
@@Voltomess I'm not sure what my next one will be. But I do love the Kawasaki's. I was SOOO Close to buying a new Vulcan S. I got a great deal on it, but the only thing I didn't like were the forward controls. If the Vulcan S had mid controls, I would have chose that over the Rebel. But things may change as I get more experience and I may end up liking forward controls in the future, so we'll see what happens
@@Mudslidex1 Oh I'm the opposite I sat on rebel 500 and I didn't like my legs position however when I tried honda phantom forward controls seems more relaxing and natural to me and I'm not a big guy I'm only 5'8". Anyway, I can't wait until I see your first pov riding videos, have a great weekend.
@@Voltomess Thanks. Yeah everyone is different what they like. Doesn't make one bike better than the other. You have to find what works for you. Thanks again and you have a good weekend as well!
Grazie ottimo video
i’m having the hardest time w the abs 🤦♂️
Which part? Removing the clip to pop off the connector? If so, yeah that is tricky but be patient, once you find the clip that releasss it, it comes off easily. First time was tricky. Now I could do it easily
What a nightmare to work on