It depends on your personal comfort preference. In the video, Spurgeon is 6'4", and he felt fine on the bikes. However, he tends to like a compact riding position. You may feel different, so I recommend you try sitting on one. -DrewZilla
good lord this channel has consistently produced the highest quality videos that are actually informative and worth watching. this is the best channel out of any other.
John Barns hands down the talked to me one day before this rebel even came out and I asked would you ride a new rebel if one came and there response was hilarious ..and I want to take credit for the video title ..cause I quoted Chris farley from tommy boy and put it different hence forth the title if the video..big guy lil coat lol
I like that vote of confidence. I am 5'10" and 165 and thinking about getting a CMX300 for my fourth bike. I just want something for comuting that has very low maintenance.
I think Honda hit the nail on the head.. actually been putting together a video of my own about this subject but I think Honda was dead on thinking that not every rider wants to start on a sport-ish bike like the Ninja 300/CBR300.. great job on this video guys. I am going to try to test ride the Rebel 500 this year.
I took a course on the newer rebel 300 a couple years back, and I'm 6'1" and 300 lbs, and I freaking loved it. For a daily rider, getting to work type bike, I wouldn't hesitate to ride it. For a weekend long haul or long adventure type, I prefer big, but these bikes are easy, fun, cool little bikes. But I also like Vespas and ruckuses, so take that with a grain of salt.
Homerun RevZilla.....not overly technical - you provide information that REAL riders need and care about - plus you did it with style and kept the viewers attention. Keep it up guys! 😎
lol, there is nothing rebellious about a Honda rebel other than the name. About as nonconformist as McDonalds or Coca Cola. Still plenty of fun in a long ride after church kind of way.
Personely I do not like the new bike it's not nice I'm sure they culd have done a better job on the styling. It looks like they forgot they a tank was needed and slapped on somthing from a reject bin at the last minute
Its thanks to this video that i decided to get a rebel 300. Ive wanted a motorcycle my entire life and when i finally got mine 2 weeks ago, it was a dream come true. Im 5’ 10 and its perfect for me. Thanks revzilla.
Gotta say it I'm starting out on a rebel 250 and I freaking love it. I have rebuilt it from the ground up while waiting for my learner licence to magically transform into a p plate licence and now it's all built up I know every in and out of my bike and am ready to ride
I have recently purchased a refurbished Rebel 250 42 years after an accident left me inactive in the MC riding world. I've got to say that I LOVE this bike! It's perfect to get me back into riding. The new Rebel 300 may be better in many ways, but I like the "old school" vibe of the 250. I'm a big fan of the cruiser styling and the parallel twin engine. I prefer bikes with exhausts on either side - they just look more balanced & symmetrical. At my age, I may never need another bike...
I do wish honda gave us thr benefits of the new 300 but with the classic looks of the old 250. If iy had a rounder fuel tank it would get closer. Theyre also expensive for a 300. I can buy a 16 year old honda accord family sedan with 250hp v6 in REALLY decent shape for the same 4-7k price range. So its going to be a few years still until we are seeing rebel 300s for the same prices as these older models where you can scoop up a really good one for 1500, 2500, 3500 bucks. I hate the matt black plastic looking exhuast.
Quality directing for this film. You guys did a great review. Your spokesman are great at talking and getting to the point. They don't ramble on to hear themselves talk.
I knew a girl had her original 250 Rebel stolen and recovered from underwater in a quarry. Dried it out replaced the fluids got a tune and started it up. Girls bike it may be but that damn thing was bombproof.
Please comment the hight of the riders so we can compare sizes between motorbykes and riders I am 6' 1" and wonder if a rebel from 2000 fits good for my size
I had a HD 883 12 years ago and want to get back into riding.Being 5 foot petite women ,I definitely want to test ride the Honda Rebel 300 and the 500. Can't wait to test ride the Rebel.
My first bike was Honda CM450 I bought in Las Vegas once it got too hot to drive a black car with moon roof and no A/C. Sold it just before moving to England and kept being told I vouldn’t take it with me, despite what the regs said. Saw its twin last year in the corner of a shop and felt sad for it being abandoned. I rode that from San Diego & Death Valley to Zion National Park in Utah and North Pole Arizona 10,000 miles per year. GREAT 6 speed bike in town or the highway.
I love my Rebel. I ride my Harley Road King now mostly, but I still really love my 250 Rebel. A 500 Rebel would be amazing. As much as I love my 250, I'll probably give it to a young friend. it's a classic
Jerry G for someone who's never, ever ridden a motorcycle before would you recommend a 250 or 500 for their first motorcycle to learn on? Used of course haha
Manden, it depends on your size and what type of riding you plan to do. If you plan to ride freeways or longer distances, the 500 would be better. If you're tall or big, the 500 would be better. For cruising around city streets and some light freeway use, the 250 will work just fine. If you're the go-fast type, you'll definitely want the 500. I wanted a little bigger bike when I got my 250, but there weren't really any options at the time that were sub-750. Riding a bike is more about your skill than the size of the bike, so what I really recommend is a MSF training course. They will provide a 250 for the beginner class, and you bring your own bike for the advanced course. They'll teach you some really important skills, plus you'll get the chance to check out how you like the little 250 while you're there. If I were to do it over and the 500 was available, I'd buy the 500 to start. I bought new though, and you're not likely to find many of these 500 Rebels on the used market just yet. Take that course and see how you handle their 250, that'll give you a better idea of what's right for you and your skill/confidence level. Ride safe
I have been looking at these videos because I have a friend who took the MSF class and is looking to get a new bike. I already own 4 motorcycles, but after watching your video, I kind of want a Rebel 300, too. Thanks for the educational and entertaining content.
That original song from the old tv commercial stuck in my head until I bought my first bike! It was still in the crate, never assembled, 1982 Yamaha Maxim 550 inline four, assembled and purchased brand new in 1986 at 1200 bucks out the door with a free full faced Shoei helmet thrown in, ah the good ole days. 55 HP and an absolute blast to ride, I still had the commercial's song going through my head 🙂
I had a 1986 Rebel 450 (still do, giving it away for salvage or somebody who wants a project). They only made it two years, 1986 and 1987. It was a fun bike.
@Los Vagabundos You would need a trailer. I'll see if I can put it in neutral so you don't have to cut the chain. Oh, and a private way to communicate. I do have the title.
The last five years I have ridden first an '04 Rebel 250, then an '86 Rebel 450 for my daily commutes to work, play and everything in between ... I unfortunately don;t have either anymore and am looking to get another bike real soon, I will be looking at the 500. I am a Rebel fan through and through. Glad to see these bikes updated and looking good.
Jeremy Clarkson, presenter of Top Gear UK, was asked how they come up with such witty and entertaining comments during their reviews. To this he answered that they are OBSESSED about choosing the words; often times going back and rewriting reviews just to change that ONE word that sounds just a little bit better. You guys have officially reached that level with this video. It truly shows how much research you put into your work and the time you spend putting together the script. The narrative is very organic, it really feels like two (very knowledgeable) guys hanging out, just talking about bikes. The editing, the camera angles, the supporting videos, the way you guys go back and forth between the review of each person and how they complement each other really brings the review together well. After viewing every bike review you guys do, I'm find myself wishing I could either buy the bike or at least go test ride it to experience what you guys portray on your videos. You should seriously consider pitching your reviews to a network and starting a motorbike show. AWESOME reviews as always. Can't wait for the next one.
I’m a bike newbie, gonna start my driver’s license in a few weeks and this is a whole new world for me! You explained everything so simply and clear :D
As a "sturdy-built" guy and soon to be beginner, I've been trying to figure out what kind of bike to go for. Thanks to this review the Rebel definitely has piqued my interest and is probably the one I'd go for. I'm thinking of getting the 500 since I'm usually not in a hurry to upgrade what I own.
neat video. i am returning to riding after 40 years. i have had my Rebel 500 for 6 months now. i love it. tipped over twice now, forgot to put the kickstand down. it only weighs 400 and change, easy to pick up. it has more than enough power, easy to control in corners, i guess they call it flickable? for a new rider, the perfect bike, unless your indestructable and want to go 120 mph right after a MSF course. being 67 years old, 85 plus mph is good enough for me. yup Honda built a great bike. here in Florida, i like the water cooled, ABS, 6 speed. great video, great bike!!
So after just completing the first 5K miles on my 18 Rebel 300, I felt the need to put some info out there. This is not my first bike, I've been riding off and on for about 7 years, and I am more of a small cruiser/standard/neo sport rider just to give you all some background. I'm 5' 7" and about 200 pounds. I sold my last motorcycle (highly modified 13 Shadow 750) due to finances. That being said, the little Rebel-that-could excels at what it is designed to do- a beginner rider, city-type commuter, short range, easy to maneuver, relatively low-maintenance motorcycle. I still have an absolute blast on this motorcycle even though many people will argue "you will outgrow the bike..." oh whatever. While I do feel slightly cramped (I prefer more forward foot controls, not ones below me), the bike isn't too small for me. It's flickable, fun in the twisties, gets fantastic gas mileage and has enough top end to piss the cops off. There's also a ton of aftermarket parts and mods to really make these bikes custom. It's not really a "cruiser" and definitely not a "sport bike", I would classify it more as a standard motorcycle for vertically challenged people due to the foot control positioning, albeit with cruiser styling. That being said, if you ever want to ride continuous two-up, do longer 100 mile plus daily trips, have baggage space besides a backpack, or hit ludicrous speed, this isn't the answer for you, and you will not be happy on this motorcycle. At least if you are a new rider, buy one to build up your confidence, then 6 months to a year down the road, trade it in for what you really want... as these small bikes have decent resale value due to demand.
Small bikes are great fun around town because you can ride them hard. I also like pulling up to a light on a dual lane road & nobody gets behind you when they see it's a small bike. Then you leave them all in the dust.
Hi Guys :-) Great Review :-) The Honda Rebel has proven to me to be a very reliable motorcycle especially with a dead battery all I have to do is push it, pop the clutch, and I am on my way.. I live in NY I drive it all year round in all types of weather including snow & 17 degree weather below that it won't start because its frozen. I don't have a garage I park in the street. I won't ride if black ice or mid snow storm. I drove my 1985 Honda Rebel on a road trip from NY to Binghamton, Ithaca, and continue to New Hampshire I Thank God ALMIGHTY for keeping me safe on that trip. I drove with a dead battery, dim headlight in the night thunderstorms I couldn't see the road bc no lights it was pitch dark on the highways. The daytime is a breeze and yes I agree on desiring more power in the highways. It took me 13 hours to get Binghamton due to weather, first-time road trip by myself, had to make many pit stops to charge my GPS on my phone, gas up rest and kept going . It's Very Reliable. I was giving a brand new 2014 and I went from NY to New Hampshire it was a better ride because it was on a new bike. The only thing I don't like is the small size battery I think I have a short on my bike it kills the battery I have to get it fix but in the meantime I push it pop the clutch and I`m continue my journey. I been riding since 1991 The Best Thing about the Honda Rebel its a low maintenance motorcycle all you need is do tune up once or twice a year and put gas I never broke down to be helplessly stuck anywhere I Thank God for that Amen
I started on a Honda QA50 when I was 6, my dad bought it on the way home from work for $150, he put it in the back of his Volkswagen and brought it home to shut me up. I had 80s, 125s and 250s after that and raced from 8yrs old to 34yrs old. Fast forward, I'm 18, I get an enduro Honda 250 and my license, 6 months later I get a CBR1000. Ive owned smaller bikes and own a CBR600RR for a commuter. I can remember my college buddies riding those little rebels and feeling inadequate around me.
I just bought a 2017 Rebel 500 and it's awesome. I have owned many sport bikes and even compared to those bikes it is just as poppy and very fun to ride. I highly recommend getting one if you're on the fence. Thanks for the great review.
Ive had my rebel250 for around two years and after putting ~10k on it, I still love the thing. It's not a highway bike but it's handled the hours of 75mph I've put it though just fine. Around town, it's fantastic. Above all, it's crazy simple.. about as simple as they get. Although I haven't had do anything but keep clean oil in it. It's not my first bike.. been riding for 17 years but I honestly have trouble finding something that I'd rather have. Fwiw, I'm also a pretty small guy at 5'10", 130lbs. Also.. it might take a while to warm up but mind hasn't minded me just rolling away with the choke on. I close it after a mile or two and it's all good.
I bought the Rebel 500 the week before Memorial Day weekend. It's my first motorcycle. My goal is 1000 miles by the end of the season (living in Wisconsin). I already have 300 and am more than likely going to have to double that goal mileage!
The Rebel 500 reminds me a bit of my first bike. I started on a CX500 and it was about perfect for me, the bike was legitimately quick but the power delivery was very easy to manage, no surprises at all. It also had that "cruiser styling but upright ergos" thing going on. The Rebel 500 is of course considerably lighter and has way better brakes, but that is what 35 years of improvement in bike tech gets you.
1. Is this sponsored content? 2. Are either of you comfortable on this bike for over 30 mins? 1 hour? You briefly brushed on it, but maybe you should've directly mentioned that taller / larger beginners aren't going to be happy with this bike. 3. I know Honda is trying to keep costs down, but if they're targeting the beginner market, I think they should offer a CVT model like on their CTX model. Excellent video. Love the format and the quality.
ZLA Lemmy thanks for the reply! I'm 6'4 and my Suzuki Gladius can be cramping. I'll be sure to check out the Rebel 500, especially if it's more comfortable.
From a prospective new rider, thank you very much. I really appreciate the thoroughness of this review. Between this, the Rebel 500 review and FortNine's review, I'm likely gonna make the Rebel my first bike. I'm a big guy like Lem and Spurgeon, so I'm probably gonna follow Spurgeon's advice and get the 500 over the 300. Again, really appreciate everything you guys do. Keep up the hard work.
ZLA Lemmy Lucky for Junior, he can still grow in length! Unlucky for dad, he can only grow in width!😂 You're the man Lemmy, always great info and delivery in your videos, your detailed insights are always very interesting and entertaining to watch. Keep it up!
I loved my old 1986 125...switched it for a 450...they only made for 2 years. Hard to get parts but great size and electric start was nice. The 300 sounds great but living in Florida..lots of traffic is hazardous. Like the way you guys presented both bikes. Love Hondas.
I`m just re-watching the video. Not sure if I ever gonna ride a bike (the Rebel 300 isn`t even in our market), but I love to see those landscapes again. Greetings from Argentina.
The CMX450 was a legendary bike that was ahead of its time in SO many ways, and those who are lucky enough to own one (like me!) should treat them like the collectable bikes they deserve to be!
Joseph Agustin shot that. He was at the Rebel launch with me and is an absolute blast to work with. Check out more of his stuff on his Instagram page: instagram.com/josephagustinphoto/
Don't be hating on carburetors, bro. I got the Mikuni on my '99 Dyna, and it's badass. I rarely make any kind of adjustments and only rebuild it every three or four years at the most.
I rode a 250 Rebel at my MSF training class for a half a day a week. It wore me out because it was way to small with my knees above the gas tank, it was very uncomfortable and made me very sore for days afterward. I only took the MSF class because I was out of riding for many years and wanted to start riding again. My very first bike was in 1978 and it was a 1977 Honda CB 360T. I've been on a 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1000 in 1979 and rode it many miles. I'm old now and bought a Kawasaki bagger and it's very comfortable. At my age I would probably not have anything else but a cruiser. But I have to agree with Lemmy that new Rebel 300 or the 500 would be very good beginner bikes these days.
Lemmy - I really dig your reviews because you take this stuff seriously...which is what I like. I want the in depth analysis you bring to the table. Keep up the good work. mdg -Texas
I'm 6'2", 315 lbs and I just took the MSF basic rider course this past weekend and got my endorsement. I got a garage kept 07' Yamaha Virago 250 for 10 Benjamin's off of Craigslist and, other than the brake pedal getting in the way of my right foot on the peg, I really can't complain about the bike. It'll take me as fast as I want to go for now (which is about 55) and it's got great gas mileage to boot :)
I'm about to get my first bike in a month after I take the MSF course. This is the bike I was thinking of and I'm glad to hear these reviews. Also, these videos are nice quality, it's like the Top Gear of motorcycles.
I be bop around the country roads here in NE Ohio. I am 6'4"-265 and have always preferred small bikes over those 'Milwaukee Parade Floats.' That 500 has me planning a trip to a Honda store.
Looking for a starter bike, the Buell Blast checked all the boxes. Weight, handling, brakes were perfect for my wife and the bike was strong enough for me to ride on the back to teach her. The rebel was cute but they were all rusted and beat to crap when we were looking for that starter bike. Great review though!
Great review. Has helped me justify my choice in jumping on one of these for when I pass my test. One of the things that really helped sell it is that you've avoided the "spec sheet" approach. You've not seen it appropriate to compare it to similar styled bikes on the market with more power. Instead, you've approached it appreciating the beginner biker and emphasising that power isn't everything and that the bike comes with enough power for the highway speeds, but demonstrated that it is a fun bike to ride. One of the things that have had me question my choice is whether 500cc's would get me bored after a while? My test will be on a 600cc and I will get prior training on a 600 so I wouldn't be over doing it if I were to say, jump to a Kawasaki Vulcan S, which has a lot more "oomph". But, I think I'd be happy on a Rebel and good to see experienced riders still getting a joy out of riding it, despite being only a 300 and a 500. I am after a ride I can enjoy comfortably, not necessarily a thrill ride (that may come later if I get a second bike).
Lemmy, you talked about the nice features about the Rebel when it came out. Have a look at the CX range Honda did. Electric start, disk brakes and a driveshaft. Started in '78, ended with a 650 costum for the american market, 2 baby goldwings and even a turbo. Best thing, it was a budget bike at the time aswell.
The perfect beginner bike, the perfect bike for experienced riders looking for a second ride to run errands and cit riding, affordable, reliable, nice looking, 70mpg, bulletproof HONDA technology 😎
People rag on the Rebel but it really is one of the best options for a new rider... ride one for a season then move up. Especially if you're not an experienced rider (dirt bikes, bicycles, etc...) you really should get a nice inexpensive bike to learn on - because you're doing to do some dumb stuff and very possibly bang it up.
I bought my first helmet and jacket last year from Revzilla. You guys are great. I have a carburetor VTR250 (I'm in Japan) as my first bike, and I'm starting to hate carbs. I'm thinking of picking up a Rebel 250 to replace it (slightly cheaper than a 2017 VTR250 Special Edition). Keep producing great content like this guys! EDIT: I'm 5''11", 34, and 170lbs....these 250cc nakeds are perfect for me to put around Japan when my sports cars are in the shop, the weather is good, etc....
THANK YOU, for the walk down memory lane...and a HIT to all the other people who complain about this bike all these years for any reason...you can go kick rocks! HONDA RULES!
5:25 - Re. simplified maintenance by going to a single. Nope, because it's liquid-cooled. Although it'll never need carb balancing, so maybe it evens out... 6:15 - Rebel 300 uses the front turn signals as running lights. That's a huge safety feature, when a cager is thinking about pulling out in front of you at night. Ditto for ABS @ 7:00. In the end though, these are wannabes. Better off getting a CB300F than either.
1:30 The Rebel 500 has a parallel twin, so it's not just a pop in displacement. :) Great review though! Excellent video quality as always. I didn't hear you mention it, but it looks like the rebel 300 motor is the same one used in the CBR300R and F.
great review guys! I liked how you mentioned the failed CMX450, I was looking for one as my first bike but most of them have been sacrificed to the cafe racer craze. I ended up finding a bone stock all original '82 Nighthawk 450. Great starter bike as is the Rebel 250. The Honda twins are bulletproof engines, easy to maintain and parts availability is good.
While Lem used to own a Rebel 250, my first experience on a bike was with the Nighthawk 250. Same great learner bike, different ergos and style. These bikes taught so many people to ride, it's unreal.
This brings back wonderful memories. When I was a young lad of 14 in Arkansas you could get a license to ride a 250cc or less bike of choice with no strings attached. I agonized over the choice between the Ninja EX250 or the Rebel 250. In the end I picked the Ninja, but I always wondered what one of these would have been like but I'm glad I went with the choice I did.
Great, great, great, GREAT video. I really like the history of the Rebel as told by you both. Today/Saturday I visiting another motorcycle brand place today and was chatting with another female customer and I recommended she take a look at the new Rebel. Her concern was seat height. I actually sat on a 2017 Rebel 300 about a week ago so I told her I doubt if she'd have any problem with the seat height on that bike. She said she was going to go take a look at it. I'm a new rider and she had some previous experience so she probably could go with the 500.
sad that people overlook these as in between 250 and 600 inline 4, you can start on a current gen cb500f or a rebel like this if you prefere nakeds/Cruiser , and then jump to a bigger more powerfull i4 600cc if you need it, , love honda for doing those rebels
I should be picking up my Rebel 500 tomorrow. Sadly they couldn't get me an abs version and the next batch of shipments wont be till the end of June. But I am happy with what I am getting and supper pumped for my first bike.
I'm 6'2 am I too tall for these bikes?
It depends on your personal comfort preference. In the video, Spurgeon is 6'4", and he felt fine on the bikes. However, he tends to like a compact riding position. You may feel different, so I recommend you try sitting on one. -DrewZilla
RevZilla thank you. Trying to find somewhere near me that carries them
IndependentGamer your way too tall bro.
No Future 68 was that sarcastic or are you being serious?
IndependentGamer being totally legit. These bikes are for smaller sized folks.
Sometimes I forget Revzilla is a gear seller. Production quality is through the roof.
same here
They're a very amiable team
I didn’t even know they were a gear seller. I feel kinda stupid now…
good lord this channel has consistently produced the highest quality videos that are actually informative and worth watching. this is the best channel out of any other.
F9 is really good, too
I would actually put the two of them neck and neck (or neck to beard if you will)
Ryan F9 is cool and I like him but I will take Revzilla over him anyday.
Zack Courts... and a handful of motovloggers.
John Barns
hands down the talked to me one day before this rebel even came out and I asked would you ride a new rebel if one came and there response was hilarious ..and I want to take credit for the video title ..cause I quoted Chris farley from tommy boy and put it different hence forth the title if the video..big guy lil coat lol
I'm 6' 220 and i rode a 87 rebel 250 for 5 years and took it everywhere, loved that bike!
I like that vote of confidence. I am 5'10" and 165 and thinking about getting a CMX300 for my fourth bike. I just want something for comuting that has very low maintenance.
The best goddamn reviews I've ever seen. This is the reason why I cut out cable tv. Good job guys.
I think Honda hit the nail on the head.. actually been putting together a video of my own about this subject but I think Honda was dead on thinking that not every rider wants to start on a sport-ish bike like the Ninja 300/CBR300.. great job on this video guys. I am going to try to test ride the Rebel 500 this year.
dafobra There's also the naked 300F which rounds out the selection for new riders very nicely.
what up nigga
EDC1911
Lifetime ban from Fenway Park!!
have you seen the 250RR?
There is a Japanese saying that nail that sticks out the most gets hammered.
I took a course on the newer rebel 300 a couple years back, and I'm 6'1" and 300 lbs, and I freaking loved it. For a daily rider, getting to work type bike, I wouldn't hesitate to ride it. For a weekend long haul or long adventure type, I prefer big, but these bikes are easy, fun, cool little bikes. But I also like Vespas and ruckuses, so take that with a grain of salt.
Homerun RevZilla.....not overly technical - you provide information that REAL riders need and care about - plus you did it with style and kept the viewers attention. Keep it up guys! 😎
Whoever disliked this video is a conformist, not a Rebel.
Probably part of the Galactic Empire too..
Probably RE lover, honda has some plans to bring this bike to india.
lol, there is nothing rebellious about a Honda rebel other than the name. About as nonconformist as McDonalds or Coca Cola. Still plenty of fun in a long ride after church kind of way.
Or they don't like the aesthetics of the new Rebel ... Or maybe they're those "ride a Harley or die" type of people..
Personely I do not like the new bike it's not nice I'm sure they culd have done a better job on the styling. It looks like they forgot they a tank was needed and slapped on somthing from a reject bin at the last minute
Its thanks to this video that i decided to get a rebel 300. Ive wanted a motorcycle my entire life and when i finally got mine 2 weeks ago, it was a dream come true. Im 5’ 10 and its perfect for me. Thanks revzilla.
Gotta say it I'm starting out on a rebel 250 and I freaking love it. I have rebuilt it from the ground up while waiting for my learner licence to magically transform into a p plate licence and now it's all built up I know every in and out of my bike and am ready to ride
Oh and thanks for stopping at the stop sign Lemmy. You're unique to youtubers in that regard.
SRK
I have recently purchased a refurbished Rebel 250 42 years after an accident left me inactive in the MC riding world. I've got to say that I LOVE this bike! It's perfect to get me back into riding. The new Rebel 300 may be better in many ways, but I like the "old school" vibe of the 250. I'm a big fan of the cruiser styling and the parallel twin engine. I prefer bikes with exhausts on either side - they just look more balanced & symmetrical. At my age, I may never need another bike...
I do wish honda gave us thr benefits of the new 300 but with the classic looks of the old 250. If iy had a rounder fuel tank it would get closer. Theyre also expensive for a 300. I can buy a 16 year old honda accord family sedan with 250hp v6 in REALLY decent shape for the same 4-7k price range. So its going to be a few years still until we are seeing rebel 300s for the same prices as these older models where you can scoop up a really good one for 1500, 2500, 3500 bucks. I hate the matt black plastic looking exhuast.
I like the look of the Honda rebel 250 the best I used to own one And I loved it!!
Quality directing for this film. You guys did a great review. Your spokesman are great at talking and getting to the point. They don't ramble on to hear themselves talk.
I started on a 250 rebel almost 10 years ago. I put like 15,000 miles on that bike. The most reliable bike i have ever owned.
I knew a girl had her original 250 Rebel stolen and recovered from underwater in a quarry. Dried it out replaced the fluids got a tune and started it up. Girls bike it may be but that damn thing was bombproof.
A bit sexist to say, don't ya think?
So the 6’4 dude in this video riding the 250 is a girl, huh?
Your production values are insanely high. Like wow
Yeah, the shots were great.
Please comment the hight of the riders so we can compare sizes between motorbykes and riders
I am 6' 1" and wonder if a rebel from 2000 fits good for my size
Ever heard of Fortnine
They have endless money, so no shit
I had a HD 883 12 years ago and want to get back into riding.Being 5 foot petite women ,I definitely want to test ride the Honda Rebel 300 and the 500. Can't wait to test ride the Rebel.
I've had my CMX450 for 30 years and I think I'll keep it for a while.
I had an '87 450 Rebel. Very nice bike, especially the overdrive. I now have a 2001 Shadow VLX (600 cc).
I picked up a 2000 model rebel a few months back and have gotten more compliments and stories from folks than any other bike I've had
My first bike was Honda CM450 I bought in Las Vegas once it got too hot to drive a black car with moon roof and no A/C. Sold it just before moving to England and kept being told I vouldn’t take it with me, despite what the regs said. Saw its twin last year in the corner of a shop and felt sad for it being abandoned. I rode that from San Diego & Death Valley to Zion National Park in Utah and North Pole Arizona 10,000 miles per year. GREAT 6 speed bike in town or the highway.
Honestly the Best Bike Channel on RUclips & Tv. Keep up the Great Content & Good Vibes.
Thank you for your unvaluable work people at RevZilla. You are the Wikipedia of motorbike riding in RUclips.
I love my Rebel. I ride my Harley Road King now mostly, but I still really love my 250 Rebel. A 500 Rebel would be amazing. As much as I love my 250, I'll probably give it to a young friend. it's a classic
Jerry G for someone who's never, ever ridden a motorcycle before would you recommend a 250 or 500 for their first motorcycle to learn on? Used of course haha
Manden,
it depends on your size and what type of riding you plan to do. If you plan to ride freeways or longer distances, the 500 would be better. If you're tall or big, the 500 would be better. For cruising around city streets and some light freeway use, the 250 will work just fine. If you're the go-fast type, you'll definitely want the 500.
I wanted a little bigger bike when I got my 250, but there weren't really any options at the time that were sub-750.
Riding a bike is more about your skill than the size of the bike, so what I really recommend is a MSF training course. They will provide a 250 for the beginner class, and you bring your own bike for the advanced course. They'll teach you some really important skills, plus you'll get the chance to check out how you like the little 250 while you're there.
If I were to do it over and the 500 was available, I'd buy the 500 to start. I bought new though, and you're not likely to find many of these 500 Rebels on the used market just yet. Take that course and see how you handle their 250, that'll give you a better idea of what's right for you and your skill/confidence level.
Ride safe
Jerry G thanks a ton! I will definitely look into MSF
Just bought a 85 rebel couple weeks back absolutely love it.
avenfog2000 i want yo buy an 86' Rebel,how yours work these days?
great handling. I don't like the look of that fat tire on front of the 300 just don't think it would be as safe
I have been looking at these videos because I have a friend who took the MSF class and is looking to get a new bike. I already own 4 motorcycles, but after watching your video, I kind of want a Rebel 300, too. Thanks for the educational and entertaining content.
That original song from the old tv commercial stuck in my head until I bought my first bike! It was still in the crate, never assembled, 1982 Yamaha Maxim 550 inline four, assembled and purchased brand new in 1986 at 1200 bucks out the door with a free full faced Shoei helmet thrown in, ah the good ole days. 55 HP and an absolute blast to ride, I still had the commercial's song going through my head 🙂
I had a 1986 Rebel 450 (still do, giving it away for salvage or somebody who wants a project). They only made it two years, 1986 and 1987. It was a fun bike.
@Los Vagabundos Eastern Pennsylvania.
@Los Vagabundos You would need a trailer. I'll see if I can put it in neutral so you don't have to cut the chain. Oh, and a private way to communicate. I do have the title.
The last five years I have ridden first an '04 Rebel 250, then an '86 Rebel 450 for my daily commutes to work, play and everything in between ... I unfortunately don;t have either anymore and am looking to get another bike real soon, I will be looking at the 500. I am a Rebel fan through and through. Glad to see these bikes updated and looking good.
Jeremy Clarkson, presenter of Top Gear UK, was asked how they come up with such witty and entertaining comments during their reviews. To this he answered that they are OBSESSED about choosing the words; often times going back and rewriting reviews just to change that ONE word that sounds just a little bit better. You guys have officially reached that level with this video. It truly shows how much research you put into your work and the time you spend putting together the script. The narrative is very organic, it really feels like two (very knowledgeable) guys hanging out, just talking about bikes. The editing, the camera angles, the supporting videos, the way you guys go back and forth between the review of each person and how they complement each other really brings the review together well. After viewing every bike review you guys do, I'm find myself wishing I could either buy the bike or at least go test ride it to experience what you guys portray on your videos. You should seriously consider pitching your reviews to a network and starting a motorbike show. AWESOME reviews as always. Can't wait for the next one.
I’m a bike newbie, gonna start my driver’s license in a few weeks and this is a whole new world for me! You explained everything so simply and clear :D
As a "sturdy-built" guy and soon to be beginner, I've been trying to figure out what kind of bike to go for. Thanks to this review the Rebel definitely has piqued my interest and is probably the one I'd go for. I'm thinking of getting the 500 since I'm usually not in a hurry to upgrade what I own.
Just got a 2017 rebel 300 and I am in love so happy with the bike.
neat video. i am returning to riding after 40 years. i have had my Rebel 500 for 6 months now. i love it. tipped over twice now, forgot to put the kickstand down. it only weighs 400 and change, easy to pick up. it has more than enough power, easy to control in corners, i guess they call it flickable? for a new rider, the perfect bike, unless your indestructable and want to go 120 mph right after a MSF course. being 67 years old, 85 plus mph is good enough for me. yup Honda built a great bike. here in Florida, i like the water cooled, ABS, 6 speed. great video, great bike!!
So after just completing the first 5K miles on my 18 Rebel 300, I felt the need to put some info out there. This is not my first bike, I've been riding off and on for about 7 years, and I am more of a small cruiser/standard/neo sport rider just to give you all some background. I'm 5' 7" and about 200 pounds. I sold my last motorcycle (highly modified 13 Shadow 750) due to finances. That being said, the little Rebel-that-could excels at what it is designed to do- a beginner rider, city-type commuter, short range, easy to maneuver, relatively low-maintenance motorcycle. I still have an absolute blast on this motorcycle even though many people will argue "you will outgrow the bike..." oh whatever. While I do feel slightly cramped (I prefer more forward foot controls, not ones below me), the bike isn't too small for me. It's flickable, fun in the twisties, gets fantastic gas mileage and has enough top end to piss the cops off. There's also a ton of aftermarket parts and mods to really make these bikes custom. It's not really a "cruiser" and definitely not a "sport bike", I would classify it more as a standard motorcycle for vertically challenged people due to the foot control positioning, albeit with cruiser styling. That being said, if you ever want to ride continuous two-up, do longer 100 mile plus daily trips, have baggage space besides a backpack, or hit ludicrous speed, this isn't the answer for you, and you will not be happy on this motorcycle. At least if you are a new rider, buy one to build up your confidence, then 6 months to a year down the road, trade it in for what you really want... as these small bikes have decent resale value due to demand.
You guys are far better to watch than that guy trying to flog accessories.
Keep it up.
Cheers
OMG this is the first video I've seen from this channel but I love it already. I can't wait to see the 500 review.
I picked up a 2008 last month for a bobber project. Such a fun little bike. I like small displacement bikes. Perfect for where I live.
Small bikes are great fun around town because you can ride them hard. I also like pulling up to a light on a dual lane road & nobody gets behind you when they see it's a small bike. Then you leave them all in the dust.
Hi Guys :-) Great Review :-) The Honda Rebel has proven to me to be a very reliable motorcycle especially with a dead battery all I have to do is push it, pop the clutch, and I am on my way.. I live in NY I drive it all year round in all types of weather including snow & 17 degree weather below that it won't start because its frozen. I don't have a garage I park in the street. I won't ride if black ice or mid snow storm. I drove my 1985 Honda Rebel on a road trip from NY to Binghamton, Ithaca, and continue to New Hampshire I Thank God ALMIGHTY for keeping me safe on that trip. I drove with a dead battery, dim headlight in the night thunderstorms I couldn't see the road bc no lights it was pitch dark on the highways. The daytime is a breeze and yes I agree on desiring more power in the highways. It took me 13 hours to get Binghamton due to weather, first-time road trip by myself, had to make many pit stops to charge my GPS on my phone, gas up rest and kept going . It's Very Reliable. I was giving a brand new 2014 and I went from NY to New Hampshire it was a better ride because it was on a new bike. The only thing I don't like is the small size battery I think I have a short on my bike it kills the battery I have to get it fix but in the meantime I push it pop the clutch and I`m continue my journey. I been riding since 1991 The Best Thing about the Honda Rebel its a low maintenance motorcycle all you need is do tune up once or twice a year and put gas I never broke down to be helplessly stuck anywhere I Thank God for that Amen
Started on a brand new '09 Rebel back then! Then an R6 (realized I was gonna be dumb with it). Now I ride a '14 Bolt 950cc and I love it.
I started on a Honda QA50 when I was 6, my dad bought it on the way home from work for $150, he put it in the back of his Volkswagen and brought it home to shut me up. I had 80s, 125s and 250s after that and raced from 8yrs old to 34yrs old. Fast forward, I'm 18, I get an enduro Honda 250 and my license, 6 months later I get a CBR1000. Ive owned smaller bikes and own a CBR600RR for a commuter. I can remember my college buddies riding those little rebels and feeling inadequate around me.
I have a 2018 Honda rebel so far I love it. For someone who’s short it’s nice being able to touch the ground when i stop.
I just bought a 2017 Rebel 500 and it's awesome. I have owned many sport bikes and even compared to those bikes it is just as poppy and very fun to ride. I highly recommend getting one if you're on the fence. Thanks for the great review.
Just got mine 2 days ago
It's a great beginner's bike - especially for short riders (170 cm)
Ive had my rebel250 for around two years and after putting ~10k on it, I still love the thing. It's not a highway bike but it's handled the hours of 75mph I've put it though just fine. Around town, it's fantastic. Above all, it's crazy simple.. about as simple as they get. Although I haven't had do anything but keep clean oil in it. It's not my first bike.. been riding for 17 years but I honestly have trouble finding something that I'd rather have. Fwiw, I'm also a pretty small guy at 5'10", 130lbs.
Also.. it might take a while to warm up but mind hasn't minded me just rolling away with the choke on. I close it after a mile or two and it's all good.
I bought the Rebel 500 the week before Memorial Day weekend. It's my first motorcycle. My goal is 1000 miles by the end of the season (living in Wisconsin). I already have 300 and am more than likely going to have to double that goal mileage!
I suspect you'll have 3,000-5,000 miles this season. -DrewZilla
The Rebel 500 reminds me a bit of my first bike. I started on a CX500 and it was about perfect for me, the bike was legitimately quick but the power delivery was very easy to manage, no surprises at all. It also had that "cruiser styling but upright ergos" thing going on. The Rebel 500 is of course considerably lighter and has way better brakes, but that is what 35 years of improvement in bike tech gets you.
1. Is this sponsored content?
2. Are either of you comfortable on this bike for over 30 mins? 1 hour? You briefly brushed on it, but maybe you should've directly mentioned that taller / larger beginners aren't going to be happy with this bike.
3. I know Honda is trying to keep costs down, but if they're targeting the beginner market, I think they should offer a CVT model like on their CTX model.
Excellent video. Love the format and the quality.
ZLA Lemmy thanks for the reply! I'm 6'4 and my Suzuki Gladius can be cramping. I'll be sure to check out the Rebel 500, especially if it's more comfortable.
I had my LTD 1986 Rebel. Gorgeous bike! I’m 5’1” and fit perfectly. Fun ride!
From a prospective new rider, thank you very much. I really appreciate the thoroughness of this review. Between this, the Rebel 500 review and FortNine's review, I'm likely gonna make the Rebel my first bike. I'm a big guy like Lem and Spurgeon, so I'm probably gonna follow Spurgeon's advice and get the 500 over the 300.
Again, really appreciate everything you guys do. Keep up the hard work.
I see Lemmy, I click!!!
ZLA Lemmy
Lucky for Junior, he can still grow in length! Unlucky for dad, he can only grow in width!😂
You're the man Lemmy, always great info and delivery in your videos, your detailed insights are always very interesting and entertaining to watch.
Keep it up!
I loved my old 1986 125...switched it for a 450...they only made for 2 years. Hard to get parts but great size and electric start was nice. The 300 sounds great but living in Florida..lots of traffic is hazardous. Like the way you guys presented both bikes. Love Hondas.
I took my BRC on a Rebel down at my local community college... it was very easy and very good bike! Great video!!
I`m just re-watching the video. Not sure if I ever gonna ride a bike (the Rebel 300 isn`t even in our market), but I love to see those landscapes again. Greetings from Argentina.
The CMX450 was a legendary bike that was ahead of its time in SO many ways, and those who are lucky enough to own one (like me!) should treat them like the collectable bikes they deserve to be!
that shot in front of the graffiti'd locomotive was awesome. if the person behind the camera is reading this, very well done
Joseph Agustin shot that. He was at the Rebel launch with me and is an absolute blast to work with. Check out more of his stuff on his Instagram page: instagram.com/josephagustinphoto/
One of the best, most informative videos I've seen on any subject. Professional, fast-moving, to-the-point.
Don't be hating on carburetors, bro. I got the Mikuni on my '99 Dyna, and it's badass. I rarely make any kind of adjustments and only rebuild it every three or four years at the most.
I own a 250 Honda rebel and love it but I love the way the newer rebels look
I rode a 250 Rebel at my MSF training class for a half a day a week. It wore me out because it was way to small with my knees above the gas tank, it was very uncomfortable and made me very sore for days afterward. I only took the MSF class because I was out of riding for many years and wanted to start riding again. My very first bike was in 1978 and it was a 1977 Honda CB 360T. I've been on a 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1000 in 1979 and rode it many miles. I'm old now and bought a Kawasaki bagger and it's very comfortable. At my age I would probably not have anything else but a cruiser. But I have to agree with Lemmy that new Rebel 300 or the 500 would be very good beginner bikes these days.
My Son Just got an old 250 Rebel in a trade deal. We got it running and its a lot of fun. Its also great on fuel.
The quality of this review vid is close to jaw-dropping. Wow.
Lemmy - I really dig your reviews because you take this stuff seriously...which is what I like. I want the in depth analysis you bring to the table. Keep up the good work.
mdg -Texas
This is why I like watching them : they're big guys. I'm 6'5 so seeing how they fit on bikes really speaks to how I would fit
I'm 6'2", 315 lbs and I just took the MSF basic rider course this past weekend and got my endorsement. I got a garage kept 07' Yamaha Virago 250 for 10 Benjamin's off of Craigslist and, other than the brake pedal getting in the way of my right foot on the peg, I really can't complain about the bike. It'll take me as fast as I want to go for now (which is about 55) and it's got great gas mileage to boot :)
Congrats on the endorsement and new bike! Ride safe, Joe! -TeamZilla Chris
3:12 Revolutionary?More like REBELUTIONARY!Am I Right!
Ok......
badum tss
I don't know why I loved this comment as much as I did, but I do. 😂😁🤣🤣😆
Wow top Quality review! way better then other motorcycles review on youtube which most are only 3-4 mins long :/
I just got my 2019 rebel 300.. never had one of those bikes before, I always get the sportbikes..
definitely recommend.. I'm in love with this bike!
for all the beginners out of there, get the 500. trust me. just as easy to learn on, and you wont get bored in 3 weeks.
I'm about to get my first bike in a month after I take the MSF course. This is the bike I was thinking of and I'm glad to hear these reviews. Also, these videos are nice quality, it's like the Top Gear of motorcycles.
I be bop around the country roads here in NE Ohio. I am 6'4"-265 and have always preferred small bikes over those 'Milwaukee Parade Floats.' That 500 has me planning a trip to a Honda store.
Looking for a starter bike, the Buell Blast checked all the boxes. Weight, handling, brakes were perfect for my wife and the bike was strong enough for me to ride on the back to teach her. The rebel was cute but they were all rusted and beat to crap when we were looking for that starter bike. Great review though!
I love my 1980 CM400T it was a great starter bike. Now it is my dad's starter bike.
This video really changed my mind about hondas. I really want one of these now lol. The 500 one though.
Great review. Has helped me justify my choice in jumping on one of these for when I pass my test.
One of the things that really helped sell it is that you've avoided the "spec sheet" approach. You've not seen it appropriate to compare it to similar styled bikes on the market with more power. Instead, you've approached it appreciating the beginner biker and emphasising that power isn't everything and that the bike comes with enough power for the highway speeds, but demonstrated that it is a fun bike to ride.
One of the things that have had me question my choice is whether 500cc's would get me bored after a while? My test will be on a 600cc and I will get prior training on a 600 so I wouldn't be over doing it if I were to say, jump to a Kawasaki Vulcan S, which has a lot more "oomph". But, I think I'd be happy on a Rebel and good to see experienced riders still getting a joy out of riding it, despite being only a 300 and a 500. I am after a ride I can enjoy comfortably, not necessarily a thrill ride (that may come later if I get a second bike).
Lemmy, you talked about the nice features about the Rebel when it came out. Have a look at the CX range Honda did. Electric start, disk brakes and a driveshaft. Started in '78, ended with a 650 costum for the american market, 2 baby goldwings and even a turbo.
Best thing, it was a budget bike at the time aswell.
The perfect beginner bike, the perfect bike for experienced riders looking for a second ride to run errands and cit riding, affordable, reliable, nice looking, 70mpg, bulletproof HONDA technology 😎
Very thorough and professional review! I just saw this bike at the dealer...looking forward to 500 size version based on the venerable Cb500 series.
The 500 is an awesome engine. I'd imagine it loan itself quite well to a cruiser
The production values on this video is impressive.
Seriously considering buying my first bike. I think these guys have me convinced.
People rag on the Rebel but it really is one of the best options for a new rider... ride one for a season then move up. Especially if you're not an experienced rider (dirt bikes, bicycles, etc...) you really should get a nice inexpensive bike to learn on - because you're doing to do some dumb stuff and very possibly bang it up.
I want the 2021 500 SE so bad! I've got other bikes but, I love the new Rebels!
These bikes look fun. They don't talk about it much in the video but I think they are styled really well.
I bought my first helmet and jacket last year from Revzilla. You guys are great. I have a carburetor VTR250 (I'm in Japan) as my first bike, and I'm starting to hate carbs. I'm thinking of picking up a Rebel 250 to replace it (slightly cheaper than a 2017 VTR250 Special Edition). Keep producing great content like this guys!
EDIT: I'm 5''11", 34, and 170lbs....these 250cc nakeds are perfect for me to put around Japan when my sports cars are in the shop, the weather is good, etc....
I just got approved for my new rebel 300! Nervously excited, a new bill and a 300 mile trip to pick it up lol.
a preowned Rebel 125 was the first bike I bought in 1998 at age 16... good old times
THANK YOU, for the walk down memory lane...and a HIT to all the other people who complain about this bike all these years for any reason...you can go kick rocks!
HONDA RULES!
5:25 - Re. simplified maintenance by going to a single. Nope, because it's liquid-cooled. Although it'll never need carb balancing, so maybe it evens out...
6:15 - Rebel 300 uses the front turn signals as running lights. That's a huge safety feature, when a cager is thinking about pulling out in front of you at night. Ditto for ABS @ 7:00.
In the end though, these are wannabes. Better off getting a CB300F than either.
1:30 The Rebel 500 has a parallel twin, so it's not just a pop in displacement. :) Great review though! Excellent video quality as always. I didn't hear you mention it, but it looks like the rebel 300 motor is the same one used in the CBR300R and F.
HeroRR I like your's videos
it is the same engine, and the Rebel 500 is the CBR500R and CB500F engine.
Both cylinders fire at same time so its similar to single cylinder
@@KentRoads Rebel 500 has crank pins phased at 180 degrees, which makes it twice as smooth as monocilindrical engine.
great review guys! I liked how you mentioned the failed CMX450, I was looking for one as my first bike but most of them have been sacrificed to the cafe racer craze. I ended up finding a bone stock all original '82 Nighthawk 450. Great starter bike as is the Rebel 250. The Honda twins are bulletproof engines, easy to maintain and parts availability is good.
While Lem used to own a Rebel 250, my first experience on a bike was with the Nighthawk 250. Same great learner bike, different ergos and style. These bikes taught so many people to ride, it's unreal.
This brings back wonderful memories. When I was a young lad of 14 in Arkansas you could get a license to ride a 250cc or less bike of choice with no strings attached. I agonized over the choice between the Ninja EX250 or the Rebel 250. In the end I picked the Ninja, but I always wondered what one of these would have been like but I'm glad I went with the choice I did.
I got the rebel 500 and I love it. Its my first bike too.
I love how much you can see the Harley Davidson Forty-Eight in this bike. The big fat tires and smallish tank really make them look similar.
Keep going in this direction, and you guys will take over the world.
The world... And to think, when I was in 6th grade all I wanted to do was be on the professional bass fishing circuit.
It's not too late, it's never too late #soccerMomRockSongs
I just bought my first motorcycle and it's a 2006 Honda Rebel 250 from craigslist. It was pretty funny they said basically that on the video.
Great, great, great, GREAT video. I really like the history of the Rebel as told by you both. Today/Saturday I visiting another motorcycle brand place today and was chatting with another female customer and I recommended she take a look at the new Rebel. Her concern was seat height. I actually sat on a 2017 Rebel 300 about a week ago so I told her I doubt if she'd have any problem with the seat height on that bike. She said she was going to go take a look at it. I'm a new rider and she had some previous experience so she probably could go with the 500.
sad that people overlook these as in between 250 and 600 inline 4, you can start on a current gen cb500f or a rebel like this if you prefere nakeds/Cruiser , and then jump to a bigger more powerfull i4 600cc if you need it, , love honda for doing those rebels
You guys just choose my bike for me don't need a huge bike this is perfect.
I should be picking up my Rebel 500 tomorrow. Sadly they couldn't get me an abs version and the next batch of shipments wont be till the end of June. But I am happy with what I am getting and supper pumped for my first bike.
Congrats on the new bike!
Great video guys! Lemmy, was nice to meet you this weekend at the Quail.
Thanks Aaron! Looks like you've been having a blast traveling the globe! Hopefully we can all get together again soon for a new project!
Outstanding analysis! I love how you explained the differences while riding it !