Everyone keeps saying what a great “beginner” bike this is. I, being in my 70’s.. and having ridden for over 50 years, am seriously (SERIOUSLY) considering this bike for an “ending” bike. A last-ride.. if you will. My Harley days are well past my body capabilities.. being 5’ 6”, 135lbs. (after a beer or two) I’m now looking for something lightweight, very easily handled, and, not doing anymore of my own maintenance, reliable & relatively maintenance-free. Your excellent review definitely puts a rather large plus in “pros” column. Thank you sir.. for your honest opinion.. and a very fine review.
You and I have the same body size and my first 100kms in the cold have been awesome on the 500 so far. I thought of bike weights I'd read as crazy for my size. So I grommed last year for my first season and then moved up to the 500. It really doesn't feel much different then the grom did other then lower seat height and a bit more arms extended stance. Hoping to get many years out of my new rebel 500 and would recommend for sure.
Thanks #dougie1112am for the information! Love the community helping each other. I do indeed agree about "beginner" bikes, unfortunately I used that term this time. Generally I look at it like autos. You have the cheaper "entry" level bike at a price point people can get into and of course up to premium. There are bikes throughout that entire price range that are amazing machines. There is also being able to commute as well and a good commuter bike is needed, this is one of those. Hard to commute daily on an 890 lb bagger.
I'm 65, and traded my massive (but great) Gold Wing on the 500 Rebel because I wasn't touring as much, and the Rebel is so much better in the city and suburbs. No regrets. I have had many bikes over the 47 years, and it is what I would label a great all-rounder. BTW, it also goes twice as far on fuel as the Wing.
That's impressive on the fuel. Never had a way to compare that. I love mine's fuel economy as well. It had done much better than my former HD Night Rod in range as well, which had a 5 gallon fuel tank.
I'm 67 and I think the 300 Rebel would work for me. FYI I got an old Air Force buddy in Chico Ca who has a 1977 Goldwing. He says it still gets up and flies!
I ride this thing 67 miles each way to work... CA 405 and 101.... Almost 2 months in and I'm at 4700 miles... It's like it was designed for my use... Love it
Watching this in 2021, really leaning towards getting a Rebel 500 as a beginner rider. Great video, and a fellow Oklahomie, too. Keep up the good work!
5 Months later, I ended up getting a 2017 Rebel 500. Absolutely LOVING the bike! It really is a great beginner bike an I recommend the bike to anyone wanting a 'beginning cruiser' bike.
This clinches it for me. I'd been umming and aahing over coming down to a lower seat height and more manageable bike for a while, but never got round to doing anything about it. I'd been veering towards the Vulcan S which is a great bike. But something changed and that something was that I had a stroke 3 weeks ago. Suddenly the small, light Rebel made perfect sense. Also, I have seen some really imaginative mods being made to it and some affordable parts to make necessary mods like the rear light and exhaust. Your update just confirmed my thoughts. I can ride again from Monday, so time to pick up the phone.
Glad to hear you are still riding with us! Keep on riding! We have both bikes in the garage and the Rebel is the one stolen the most for some reason. The Vulcan S is over two years old, just got to 3K on the clock. The Rebel is one year and is now only about 450 miles away from that Vulcan.
Next month is a year since I got the 500X. Taller and more comlexity with all the fairings and windscreen, but Honda trouble free. Almost 3500 miles, average 300 miles per tank at 77.7 mpg. The perfect explorer
Really like the lines on the Rebel. Best wishes to you and your family. Same goes to all who come across this comment. Cheers ✌oh & (edit part) good review as well.
The rebel has more than enough power as a forever bike no matter the age, same with the sportster. Girl bikes is a myth the sportster is a cool bike regardless of age or sex and actually handles quite bad for people recommending it as a beginner bike. Sportsters are used from everything to snow hill x game races to off road races now. Rebel could follow suit 😀
The should start doing that... You would see more Rebels running about. I agree that there are every bikes, not just bikes for men or women. A bike is a machine and a human can be of every size. We should have machines that fit all.
NBGAF is the Rebel body style not the shadow completely different bikes and engines. The shadow has a v-twin engine the Rebel has a 471cc parallel on line twin engine
The Honda CTX700 and CTX700N are fantastic bikes and also have the DCT option, which I'm gettin. I don't want to have to shift. I just want to enjoy the ride. Twist and go, let off and stop, no clutch needed because it's automatic. It's genius. Also, the more adventure style NC750X has a DCT option.
I have watched the whole series of videos you've done on this bike; they're all excellent and very informative. Seems like this will be my first bike after 25 years of not riding....great job!
I´ve bought my Rebel last year in August for my first bike and I´ve ridden 5800km (approx 3600miles) until today and I cant say there´s any regret so far. First set of wheels is now due, had 1 maintenance checkup in March to be ready for the season and thats it so far. Nothing to complain, no hiccups or anything. Bought a LOT of addons and stuff: Clutch /brake lever, bodykit, seat, exhaust, a tiny bag AND I´ve gotten rid of that ugly clusterf**k of a backlight and replaced it with LED. I couldnt think of a better first bike than this one!
I agree about the linear breaking on the Rebel 500 2019 non ABS which I own. The brakes do not lock up quickly, nice and smooth controlled which I prefer. I can stop very quickly without breaking traction. pretty darn good enough! :) I love my Rebel
I noticed in another video you were in okc. Then in this video you said you were heading to work.. literally recognized your neighborhood 20 seconds in... I grew up in felony flats on Marla lane.. I live off charter oak and Broadway now.. small world man ride safe. I’m looking for a rebel 1100 myself
I have vulcan S and it is an easy maintenance bike. I ride it for almost 30,000 km. I love it for the easy service and cruiser comfort. Rebel 500 is bobber style cruiser and very practical the same features as vulcan s. enjoy your riding!
Thanks for the review. I would think that the overly-soft front fork could be easily made stiffer by changing to a slightly heavier oil in the fork tubes. And, I'd be surprised if there aren't aftermarket seats available with much better padding. I sold my last bike, a 2011 Bonneville, 2 years ago, thinking I was getting too old (at 66). Now, with springtime coming, here I go again, thinking about getting a bike.
Where are you from? I do not mind the idea of ABS, two of three bikes I have are equipped with those systems, but I have only had to have bacon saving once where the ABS was a lovely thing.
LED headlights and turn signals. Actual gear shift indicator now on display too. stronger front spring suspension the original was a bit mushy. Clutch limited slip so you don't lose traction on tires if you shift accidentally too low avoiding spin out i guess safety thing,
You know, if the seat was just a tad taller I think I'd buy one. I think I'm going to go look for aftermarket seats and see what's what. Thanks for the one year on review.
I just got my first bike! I went with the Kawasaki 650 Vulcan S...but the Honda Rebel 500 ABS was a very close second. However now that I've been riding a cpl months i m glad I chose the bike with a lil more power.
I get that. But I have never really used ABS except on skid pads and training exercises, and one extreme panic stop on the street that was caused by my own blatant stupidity. Other than that I have been taught and teach threshold breaking maneuvers for maximum breaking effort before a skid, therefore if you dip into the ABS module pulsing you have gone too far and would have induced a skid on a normal machine, or did. So for this machine and others I have no issue stopping without the tech. 41 year old Honda CX has been panic stopped even without skidding or issue. For new riders, yes ABS is a great safety feature to those that have a sudden heaviness of foot or pull in a panic, and for experienced in the event of a lapse of judgment, but to me the tech is still a meh. I am all for the safety of riders mind you, just safety through training, not reliance on tech that can and will fail.
I have been waiting for this motorcycle to launch in India since 2017. I hope Honda launches Rebel in 2020. Your review made me fall in love with this bike more. Thank you.
I have a rebel 300 for my first bike. I like it. Mine is starting to make a buzzing noise now when I ride and when I have it in neutral and roll on the throttle.
Over time bikes do loosen up a bit and sometimes some of the bits do as well. For instance my Harley Night Rod vibrated off exhaust bolts and the belt guard and it started making noises as the vibes went through the machine. Another thing that buzzed on me on another Harley was the clutch lever had a plastic tab brake that caused it to hop around the housing. Made it sound like it was something engine as it rose and fell with engine RPM and speed. So just check around the machine and see if something has backed off and become loose. Then if that is not the case listen closely to the engine and check fluids.
Do you still have this thing? I finally test rode one and found your comparison very off to my Yamaha Bolt. I was expecting amaze which may be my fault. Brakes are pitiful. No power but amazingly jumps into the fray and passes everyone no problem which is pretty cool, also the throttle manipulation is so much better on the Rebel. Fk that setup on the Bolt. It’s so light so that’s cool, but felt cramped. I like the sound of the exhaust swaps on this thing. It was very quiet. The heat thing on the Bolt you’re totally right on, but for a oven on two wheels it’s a fantastic heavy bike.
Seen 7/17/19 I own a Wing and very much considering this bike. I too am no longer doing a lot of touring. This may fit my needs or just general use. Thanks for sharing 👍
Hi Mate, Thanks for the review. I've had mine for 7 months now. Nice to know it's not just me who finds the seat uncomfortable. Quick question, when filtering through traffic have you noticed a lot of 'chain' rattle? It's crept in slowly over the last few hundred miles or so? I'm assuming it's chain rattle but it could just be normal engine noise I just didn't notice before. Currently done 1600+.Thanks,
Chain rattle is normal for these machines. I will say that I noticed in the 3100 miles I put on the machine that it had slacked off from spec twice so I had to adjust. Might look and see how much slop is in the chain and see if that is causing a bit of it.
On your recent discussion about the Rebel 1100 you indicated you wouldn't ride the 1100 until they appeared used. Asuming you were able to afford would you consider buying the Rebel 1100 without riding it? You have a good amount of experience with Hondas.
Just disconnect the brake lines from the abs module and run a brake line straight from the caliper to the brake reservoir. No more abs, do your own brake maintenance.
I was sadly sold with my wife's Vulcan S so she can upgrade to a Scout. I essentially replaced it with the CX500 I have now. Both of those bikes actually got to race each other and the CX was actually faster, which was kind of fun.
Thank you for including the highway portion of your commute. I'm a new rider and bought the Rebel 500 one month ago. When I reach 65mph the bike gets buffeted by the wind and feels unstable. Is this normal on the highway? Would a windshield make the bike more steady at high speeds? I commute 40 miles through Phoenix where traffic can reach 80mph.
Windshields actually add to instability due to the attachment points on the fork and wind buffet transmitted from the screen into the bike. It helps the rider though. I have never been buffeted that badly and in Oklahoma we got the winds. I do experience some issues with road condition bouncing the bike around a bit more than most motorcycles though and that is the only issue.
I've been riding the Rebel since I passed my UK test 10 months ago. I have to say, when I first started, over 60 I was tensing up and was very aware of the buffeting. Now however, at any speed, I simply don't notice it. You will get used to it I guarantee it! The Rebel is a great bike. Periodically, I start to think that I might want something a bit bigger, but I always end up keeping it and loving it. You start to get an emotional attachment to this bike. I can't explain it.....
@@RabidHedgehog interesting , in now located in thailand .Its hot but we do have rainy season . All the service centre did was spray the switch which made no difference .. Other than tha love the bike ,so far theres been no issue .The only negative with the model is the gap between the tank and frame ...
The computer activates the ABS controller block in the bike that pulls the fluid back from the master and then shoves it to the caliper. If you skip that step it'll have air inside that block and it'll cause you to have a stain in your pants next time you brake.
Great 1 year review. I recently sold my rebel after 6 months. Currently looking for something more performance oriented. I loved the bike and the style it provided. I wish it was bigger, sat higher and had more power. May get an mt09 tomorrow.
@Bunnyshooter 223 I love the sv650 too. But have not been able to find a good deal on an used 2018 abs model and i am definetely not buying it new. I got a great deal on the 2018 mt09.
@@RabidHedgehog to my surprise the riding position of the mt09 and sv650 are very similar and that was what i was looking for. I highly recommend the rebel and now that i have an mt09 i can see how the "rebel" name fits the bike well. It is rougher, back to the basics bike. If it had been more porweful (20-30 hp) more and slightly bigger, i wouldnt have changed it.
2:14 is it true that either way you put on the turn signals, the one light comes on on the dash? If you swap to LED indicators (one way diode) does that mean I need to install a new Diode kit for them all to work? Thanks!
Yes! They tend to take a little more effort in turns if both sides are fat tires vs front wheel being thin and tall and back being short and fat. However, you benefit from ride stability and ride comfort as there's more meat on the tire to take road abuse.
What I like about Honda in general is the long term reliability and longevity their bikes have over ALL other brands.....That is, generally speaking and all things being the same. Plus the quality 'feel' and sounds of their tight engines that are a class above all the rest. But the Vulcan S offers some performance advantage over the Honda, more so at highway speeds. I live in flat, straight and fast Florida which is very similar to where you live and the Vulcan S would feel more secure as far as keeping up with highway traffic and passing situations due to higher horsepower. Somehow Kawies always offer something extra when competing in their respective classes. Which brings me also to the cheaper Kawie Z400 naked bike, an upright version of the Ninja400, which is an excellent and light handler too and an economical do it all bike when properly equipped with accessories. I currently own a 2006 SV650 which is at the end of its useful life ( I added bar risers, a tall screen plus a tough, removable Walmart trunk in the back seat for travel).....I am thinking about 'downgrading' to one of these. I am older and I very fondly remember the Honda CB700SC Nighthawk, a rather powerful for its time but very low maintenance bike of the 1980s with self-adjusting valve lifters and a shaft drive. This was the motorcycle maintenance equivalent to a modern car.....and one of the reasons I later owned a Vulcan 750, since it had the same mechanical characteristics although in the end it wasn't reliable.
I love a SV650.... Don't know why I don't have one to be honest. We had a Vulcan S and a Rebel 500 in the garage at the same time and to be honest the road handling characteristics were near similar. Yes the Vulcan S was faster and a bit less buzzy at highway speed due to displacement and power advantage. But overall road handling and feel was not much of an advantage. Rode a Z400 and posted a video on it two weeks ago and that is a wonderful machine as well. I would say also take a look for the Honda NC700X or 750X as that is a great urban ride and has that trunk thing (best way to say it), where you can store a full faced helmet when parked, and it is pretty light weight.
Lots of very interesting and useful comments here. My last bike was a Honda 650 Nighthawk shaft drive that was smooth and powerful, but the inline 4 was too top heavy for me. I'm 5'8" and 160 lbs and have been trying to determine the best bike for city and some 50-100 mile trips. In watching your videos and about a dozen others it looks like the Rebel 500 is plenty of bike for me. It has enough power to cruise at 75, but I would not be going over 65 & the clutch and shifting is easy and smooth. I expect I will look for a better seat, as many guys complain about that, and I wonder if there is an easy way to add a tachometer. Dang, even my automatic transmission Dodge Caravan has a tachometer. I've driven manual transmission cars for 55 years and I always want a tach so I know what the engine is doing. Honda could easily have included a tach function in the digital gauge. Thanks for your fun and informative videos. 🙂
Im a 5'0 and 140 pounds guy and I really want to buy a rebel but idk due to my height if I could ride it comfortably. I used to ride a honda shadow of 750cc before and although the seat level was ok for my height (still couldn't flat foot it) it was too heavy. Im looking for something that I can atleast manage the weight better than the shadow but the rebel seat is 2 inches taller so idk
I think Honda saw his previous video where he complained about the Rebel 500 and they decided to pay him off so he can now backpedal on all the negatives he said about this bike. Money makes people do all kinds of funny things.
i do not know how to work on a car or a bike, So I would need a bike that does not need to have work done to it all the time. I want to go cross country here mainly over into utah, phx maybe some parts of col. is this bike able to do these long hauls without much trouble? i am only 5'2 so I need a bike that i can touch the ground with my feet, I have always loved the way the Rebels look and I like that they are not as loud as a Harley bike, I don't need the loudness or the high speeds, I just want to ride and sight see our country, I would need to take a small tent and sleeping bag,, so can a sissy bar be put on one of these bikes so i can tie those thing that i would need to it? OH and great videos by the way :)
These machines are relatively worry free but chain drives require attention. By this the chain will need cleaning and adjustments regularly. Other than this item the rest of it is relatively simple things. One plug is oil/transmission. Spin on filter. Just simple things. They are not a loud machine at all and can be outfitted with bags/racks and such for your gear and tie downs. Chain is easy to do.
Shared with three other bikes, technically 4. This one did not make it that far compared to the other two as it runs only 7 miles each way. It gained most of the miles in only 4 months, that was 1670 miles. Then the CB1100 joined... It slowed how much progress this bike had. When it was paired with the Night Rod is why it was rode more then. In total over 10,000 miles across all 4 bike in the year with the 2410 for the Rebel, 3050 CB1100, 1900 the Vulcan S, 1875 Night Rod, and 1145 to the Cx500C.
@@RabidHedgehog LOL well next year let me know how difficult the oil change is on it. Seriously though I get it. I have 3 bikes myself and one of them only gets about 5000 miles a year and I live in the PNW where driving year round is easy.
Every 600 miles max you lube the chain, every rain and every time the bike gets wet make sure you lube the pivot points on the levers and such, also, this might just be me, but also lube the clutch cable after every rain or every 1500 miles.
Hi... so, let me ask you this.... IF YOU DID want to replace your seat (with a seat that is ACTUALLY comfortable), which seat would you get??? I own a 2018 Rebel 500 . I've had her for going on 6 months now, and have found that the seat must be, as you described it, made of pine cones LOL! When we go on rides, after 60 miles, I get a literal "pain in the butt" and sometimes even the "Numb-butt" , so, I want to replace it, but, just not sure with which one.
I've ridden with HR groups, HOGs, and the 500 keeps up easily. The difficulty lies not with the bike but with the rider. The 500 isn't as comfortable. The seat, the suspension and the fact it is a naked bike takes a toll on the rider on long distance riding. The bike can handle it, the question is, can you? That's a personal matter only you can decide. Happy Trails!
I am looking to begin riding and keep hearing nothing but good things about the Rebel 500, I am 6’1” and 230 pounds, would this be too small for me? I do not live anywhere near a Honda dealer to go test drive whenever I want to. Just curious. Thanks.
I am slightly shorter with a 32 inch inseam and about the same weight. It worked for me but the legs were pushing the upper tier of what this frame could handle. So if your legs are longer it might feel a bit cramped.
I live in san Francisco CA. been looking at the Rebel 500(ABS) , 18 shadow phantom, and yamaha bolt c spec. This would be my first time owning/riding a motorcycle. Ever. 5'10 and scrawny lol. Out of those three, which would you recommend? I'll be riding the bike to just cruise around get around heavy traffic. And of course, enjoy the feeling of just riding, feeling free hehe. I'm also planning to go out of town with it some day(LA) if any of these bikes can travel that far😂 I'm open to suggestions from everyone(:
I live in San Jose. I got a used (1000mi) Rebel 300(ABS) just a couple of weeks back. It is my first time owning/riding a bike too, and I am 5'11, on heavy side though. I am really happy with it, riding to work, groceries, in general riding around. Haven't taken it out on the freeway yet, but I am sure it will be good. Fuel economy is good, it's easy to handle, and the dealer, who is also a MSF instructor, told me that someone he knew took a Rebel 300 on a roadtrip to Alaska! So i am sure 500 will only be better on all those counts and can definitely handle a trip to LA. I bought mine from MotoJava in SF.
@@AnimeshSrivastava46 ah man congrats on the rebel 300! Very awesome you went with the ABS version too! Well I'm glad to know that rebel is doing well for you! Gives me high Hope's for when I get mine sometime!(: I start MSF classes on Thursday so I'm hoping to get that out the way so I can get my rebel hehe. Wow Alaska?? That's quite the trip man! Can't wait to take mine to LA someday! I haven't had a chance to check out MotoJava yet. Probably wont be able to until next weekend. Hopefully I can find a group of riders to take me in their group and show me some tips hehe
@@9MAYHEM6 Great! All the best for the training! Lots to learn, but important to have fun doing it too! It rained the whole time during my class, which made it more challenging, and more fun.
How was your first MSF class today? Also the Rebel 500 would be a great bike to bomb around the city with. Narrow platform allows you to split with easy and the nimble nature would out perform the Shadow in day to day riding and be surprisingly more comfortable than a Bolt... To be honest I hate the Bolt... I did one review of it a few years back and I did not make it 10 minutes into a 30 minute ride and I wanted off.
@@AnimeshSrivastava46 haha thanks man much appreciated! Lol I'm hoping it doesn't rain for my riding lessons! But tbh, does sound fun learning how to ride in the rain!
I would say go for something bigger as this one would be scrunched for your legs. The Vulcan S would be a place to start or even the Vulcan 900 Classic that has feet forward to stretch out. Vulcan S can be adjusted to fit.
@@RabidHedgehog awesome thanks for the tip! I'm interested in the Yamaha Bolt as well (I like the look of the bike), do you know how that bike might fit or is it about the same as the honda?
Michael Roy if you’ve ever ridden a Harley sportster it feels almost exactly the same except it rides, and shifts much smoother as well as it feels a little faster because it’s a little lighter in weight
What do you think about using this for a commuter bike? To be clear, my commute is 60 miles a day on the interstate. Only a few miles off the interstate. Would this bike comfortably handle 80 miles an hour every day? Would it be realistic to expect 60 mpg at interstate speeds?
I was still getting pretty decent with mine handling my 230lb frame at the time. It would hold 80 but it would get a little bit of vibes in it. Observed fuel economy running about at 80 was around 57MPG. So it as a commuter of that long length it might be a bit cramped for the distance, but to me it held the speeds just fine and the big tires and such absorbed the decent little hits.
Ok thanks I'm watching you videos now ,good job ,I just buy a 1997 yamaha virago 750 very good condition, but has a lot power for me ,I'm a new driver, after you video I m thinking to buy the revel 300 ,what do you think ?
Can I ask how tall you are? I’m 193cm (I thing 6,3 or something) I’m wondering what bike to buy, I want a cruiser but my country doesn’t allow a bike over 600cc with the license am getting, so if the Honda is to small for me do you have any other suggestions :)
I would say that the Rebel would be a bit on the short side for 6'3" but doable. I am a little shorter than you at 6 foot with 32 inch legs. I found it to be the hunched back that caused the most issue as I could move my legs about. A set of handle bars would do the trick on that. I would say if you look at Sport Standards like the CB500 series using the same engine or the CB500X that would allow you to get the height you still get the sweet engine and the seating posture is near the same.
Jeez... from the comments it sounds like I have to add my elderly two cents as seriously considering this bike. Are we old guys reverting back to the simpler machines of our youth, or just realizing that you can have fun and still be sensible about it. First, kudos for surviving a year of motorcycling in Oklahoma, where hunting two wheelers using F-150s is an open season, and you don't even need a special license. But I will probably always disagree with the notion of "one lubricant to rule them all". Sounds like a WD-40 marketing campaign. Engines, transmissions, and final drives all do very different things under different conditions. I think that's one reason you see so many high mileage Moto Guzzis and BMWs. And don't get me started on wet clutches. Clutches are friction devices. Friction is sort of the opposite of lubrication. Does anybody here want to set up an aftermarket oil drip system for their brakes or tires? Told you I was an old guy. But thanks for the objective review, and ludicrous lubrication aside (true of almost all Japanese bikes), I am still considering this bike.
hi , i am planning to buy the rebel 500 as my first bike but i have two cosmetic things i dont like ! 1-the speedometer, is there anyway to change it with a better original Honda speedometer that shows the RPM and the gear ? 2-the tail light ! for my taste it is really sending off can you suggest a modification ? also what was that gadget to the right of your speedometer ? thank you, i know i am a new to the bikes but i will be grateful for an answer
The gadget to the right is just the remote control for my camera that is on my helmet. If you want to remove the fender all together it is simple to do on the Rebel or you can do an eliminator kit. www.ebay.com/i/153005260280?chn=ps. And sadly I am not aware of any good replacements for the speedometer at this time that includes a tach.
Have anyone ever interviewed an official Honda designer and pulled the actual information out of him regarding why THE HELL they landed on this display with the rebel 500? Why the rectangular display in the round frame? Why no tachometer? Why the inaccurate 4 bar fuel indicator line? Why so soft suspension? i would die to hear these manifacturing choices being backed up with rational reasonings. My suspection is kinda rude but gotta keep in mind they are one of the few top motorcycle manufacturers and they have to behave like that and think about the sales numbers. "Want an all around motorcycle with all the right features and almost no short comings? Go buy the Rebel 1100 then. Is it too powerful and too costly for you? Get used to a 500 then. "
Basically in the US it would be the Street 500 from HD and that is technically it. You could move up to the Kawasaki Vulcan S and also the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2.
just wondering what you think about the shorty exhaust on this bike? I've put one on and idk if it's bad for the bike or not? some people tell me I'll have enough back pressure but others say i won't.. what do you think?
Everyone keeps saying what a great “beginner” bike this is. I, being in my 70’s.. and having ridden for over 50 years, am seriously (SERIOUSLY) considering this bike for an “ending” bike. A last-ride.. if you will.
My Harley days are well past my body capabilities.. being 5’ 6”, 135lbs. (after a beer or two) I’m now looking for something lightweight, very easily handled, and, not doing anymore of my own maintenance, reliable & relatively maintenance-free.
Your excellent review definitely puts a rather large plus in “pros” column.
Thank you sir.. for your honest opinion.. and a very fine review.
You and I have the same body size and my first 100kms in the cold have been awesome on the 500 so far. I thought of bike weights I'd read as crazy for my size. So I grommed last year for my first season and then moved up to the 500. It really doesn't feel much different then the grom did other then lower seat height and a bit more arms extended stance. Hoping to get many years out of my new rebel 500 and would recommend for sure.
dougie1112am Thanks so much for your input, and recommendation.
Will definitely take it into consideration.
Be Safe..
Thanks #dougie1112am for the information! Love the community helping each other. I do indeed agree about "beginner" bikes, unfortunately I used that term this time. Generally I look at it like autos. You have the cheaper "entry" level bike at a price point people can get into and of course up to premium. There are bikes throughout that entire price range that are amazing machines. There is also being able to commute as well and a good commuter bike is needed, this is one of those. Hard to commute daily on an 890 lb bagger.
I'm 74 and got the Rebel a couple of weeks ago, sold the Sportster for the same reason, the Rebel is 75lbs lighter.
Tony Little
Thanks... Actually thinking about treating myself to a Fathers Day gift.
Hope you enjoy your Rebel.. Be safe.
I'm 65, and traded my massive (but great) Gold Wing on the 500 Rebel because I wasn't touring as much, and the Rebel is so much better in the city and suburbs. No regrets. I have had many bikes over the 47 years, and it is what I would label a great all-rounder. BTW, it also goes twice as far on fuel as the Wing.
That's impressive on the fuel. Never had a way to compare that. I love mine's fuel economy as well. It had done much better than my former HD Night Rod in range as well, which had a 5 gallon fuel tank.
I agree love it for running 'cruising' around town absolutely perfect for that.
I'm 67 and I think the 300 Rebel would work for me. FYI I got an old Air Force buddy in Chico Ca who has a 1977 Goldwing. He says it still gets up and flies!
I'm 64 , and for my next b'day I'm getting a Kawasaki Z400. Ditching my 750/4
@@kennypool
I did that (Ninja 400) 2.5 years ago, at age 74. LOVING it!
I ride this thing 67 miles each way to work... CA 405 and 101.... Almost 2 months in and I'm at 4700 miles... It's like it was designed for my use... Love it
Long ride in to work but agree that having a short, narrow, and maneuverable bike makes it easier.
Hey I'm right around that area!! Got myself a rebel too
@@papatacomoto hey right on, I've probably seen you on the Freeway then I go by LAX around 7:15am
@@Taylorhorton maybe once, I'm actually on 22 and 405 conjunction. I'm around long beach alot and the pch heading towards Santa Ana or Irvine
Gotcha, I take off from Costa Mesa so yeah maybe, anyway stay safe out there
Watching this in 2021, really leaning towards getting a Rebel 500 as a beginner rider. Great video, and a fellow Oklahomie, too. Keep up the good work!
5 Months later, I ended up getting a 2017 Rebel 500. Absolutely LOVING the bike! It really is a great beginner bike an I recommend the bike to anyone wanting a 'beginning cruiser' bike.
This clinches it for me. I'd been umming and aahing over coming down to a lower seat height and more manageable bike for a while, but never got round to doing anything about it. I'd been veering towards the Vulcan S which is a great bike. But something changed and that something was that I had a stroke 3 weeks ago. Suddenly the small, light Rebel made perfect sense. Also, I have seen some really imaginative mods being made to it and some affordable parts to make necessary mods like the rear light and exhaust. Your update just confirmed my thoughts. I can ride again from Monday, so time to pick up the phone.
Glad to hear you are still riding with us! Keep on riding! We have both bikes in the garage and the Rebel is the one stolen the most for some reason. The Vulcan S is over two years old, just got to 3K on the clock. The Rebel is one year and is now only about 450 miles away from that Vulcan.
Next month is a year since I got the 500X. Taller and more comlexity with all the fairings and windscreen, but Honda trouble free. Almost 3500 miles, average 300 miles per tank at 77.7 mpg. The perfect explorer
Really like the lines on the Rebel. Best wishes to you and your family. Same goes to all who come across this comment. Cheers ✌oh & (edit part) good review as well.
The rebel has more than enough power as a forever bike no matter the age, same with the sportster. Girl bikes is a myth the sportster is a cool bike regardless of age or sex and actually handles quite bad for people recommending it as a beginner bike. Sportsters are used from everything to snow hill x game races to off road races now. Rebel could follow suit 😀
The should start doing that... You would see more Rebels running about. I agree that there are every bikes, not just bikes for men or women. A bike is a machine and a human can be of every size. We should have machines that fit all.
I wish they make a Rebel 650cc or 750cc
I do tend to agree.
That's what the Honda Shadow is
NBGAF is the Rebel body style not the shadow completely different bikes and engines. The shadow has a v-twin engine the Rebel has a 471cc parallel on line twin engine
I wish for a rebel 1000 😍
The Honda CTX700 and CTX700N are fantastic bikes and also have the DCT option, which I'm gettin. I don't want to have to shift. I just want to enjoy the ride. Twist and go, let off and stop, no clutch needed because it's automatic. It's genius. Also, the more adventure style NC750X has a DCT option.
I have watched the whole series of videos you've done on this bike; they're all excellent and very informative. Seems like this will be my first bike after 25 years of not riding....great job!
Thank you!
I´ve bought my Rebel last year in August for my first bike and I´ve ridden 5800km (approx 3600miles) until today and I cant say there´s any regret so far.
First set of wheels is now due, had 1 maintenance checkup in March to be ready for the season and thats it so far. Nothing to complain, no hiccups or anything.
Bought a LOT of addons and stuff:
Clutch /brake lever, bodykit, seat, exhaust, a tiny bag AND I´ve gotten rid of that ugly clusterf**k of a backlight and replaced it with LED.
I couldnt think of a better first bike than this one!
Ride safe!
3600 miles is Pretty low mileage to replace the tires. Normally doesn't need to until 10-15k miles
@@DylanVBWRX Well I´ve asked around on fellow Rebel owners and lots of ppl came up with "replaced at 6k km"
@@theSASTA that just sounds oddly low. I'd ask your dealer I'm sure they're the most k knowledgeable about these things.
I agree about the linear breaking on the Rebel 500 2019 non ABS which I own. The brakes do not lock up quickly, nice and smooth controlled which I prefer. I can stop very quickly without breaking traction. pretty darn good enough! :) I love my Rebel
I noticed in another video you were in okc. Then in this video you said you were heading to work.. literally recognized your neighborhood 20 seconds in... I grew up in felony flats on Marla lane.. I live off charter oak and Broadway now.. small world man ride safe. I’m looking for a rebel 1100 myself
It is crazy the random connections that can be made.
I put on front forward controls, gunfighter seat from Corbin & a shorty muffler; now the Rebel 500 fits my height & expectations :)
Nice! Ride safe!
You should make a RUclips video of your bike?
@@danielsoliz588 my latest video is a walk around her.
I have vulcan S and it is an easy maintenance bike. I ride it for almost 30,000 km. I love it for the easy service and cruiser comfort. Rebel 500 is bobber style cruiser and very practical the same features as vulcan s. enjoy your riding!
Enjoy yours as well! I have had the Vulcan S and the Rebel and they are both good in their own rights.
Thanks for the review. I would think that the overly-soft front fork could be easily made stiffer by changing to a slightly heavier oil in the fork tubes. And, I'd be surprised if there aren't aftermarket seats available with much better padding. I sold my last bike, a 2011 Bonneville, 2 years ago, thinking I was getting too old (at 66). Now, with springtime coming, here I go again, thinking about getting a bike.
Honda actually addressed many of these issues with its update of the 2020 Rebel and I am hoping someone will let me ride one.
ABS is Lifesafer. I'm glad it's mandatory here.
Where are you from? I do not mind the idea of ABS, two of three bikes I have are equipped with those systems, but I have only had to have bacon saving once where the ABS was a lovely thing.
Rabid Hedgehog Germany. I had bikes before it was mandatory for new bikes. And I don’t want to miss it now.
I have the Rebel cmx250. Aiming for the new Rebel. Love the look & simplicity.
Go for it!
I’m in Oklahoma myself. About to buy the 2020 rebel. This will be my first bike ready to get it and ride. Thanks for the videos
You are welcome! Ride safe! I need to do the 2020 because it is updated with new bits that we all asked for.
2020 has upgraded gauges, clutch, headlight and suspension. Honda must of seen your video.
I am wanting to find one to perform a new review on as well. But so far they have not made it here.
LED headlights and turn signals. Actual gear shift indicator now on display too. stronger front spring suspension the original was a bit mushy. Clutch limited slip so you don't lose traction on tires if you shift accidentally too low avoiding spin out i guess safety thing,
You know, if the seat was just a tad taller I think I'd buy one. I think I'm going to go look for aftermarket seats and see what's what. Thanks for the one year on review.
Thanks for the support!
My entire state is sold out of Rebels. I'm told they might get some in next year at the earliest.
We still have some in Oklahoma! Might check on shipping costs.
I got the rebel 300 as my first bike, sold it after 2 months and got a triumph bonneville bobber.. still miss that bike sometime
I got the cb300r for 2 months, I'm still happy with the little agile one.
cave man but those damn bobbers are badass, comfort and cool, vs badass
I just got my first bike! I went with the Kawasaki 650 Vulcan S...but the Honda Rebel 500 ABS was a very close second. However now that I've been riding a cpl months i m glad I chose the bike with a lil more power.
Being an Oklahoman, who also really wants to get into riding and wants a Rebel bad, I think it would be proper to sub to you! Keep up the good work
going for the rebel 500 in 2020 as my first bike it look great sound awsome thx for you review
You're welcome!
Same here....I've got my eyes on a Rebel 500 as well. From all the reviews I've heard, it sounds like a fun, manageable machine!
Tomoko best girl me like.
You've got your head in the sand - ABS is ALWAYS useful. Here in the UK and Europe, all new bikes are fitted with ABS.
I get that. But I have never really used ABS except on skid pads and training exercises, and one extreme panic stop on the street that was caused by my own blatant stupidity. Other than that I have been taught and teach threshold breaking maneuvers for maximum breaking effort before a skid, therefore if you dip into the ABS module pulsing you have gone too far and would have induced a skid on a normal machine, or did. So for this machine and others I have no issue stopping without the tech. 41 year old Honda CX has been panic stopped even without skidding or issue. For new riders, yes ABS is a great safety feature to those that have a sudden heaviness of foot or pull in a panic, and for experienced in the event of a lapse of judgment, but to me the tech is still a meh. I am all for the safety of riders mind you, just safety through training, not reliance on tech that can and will fail.
@@RabidHedgehog Well, each to their own. Ride safe mate.
I have been waiting for this motorcycle to launch in India since 2017. I hope Honda launches Rebel in 2020. Your review made me fall in love with this bike more. Thank you.
Thank you sir.. for your honest opinion.. and a very fine review.
Thanks!
I have a rebel 300 for my first bike. I like it. Mine is starting to make a buzzing noise now when I ride and when I have it in neutral and roll on the throttle.
Over time bikes do loosen up a bit and sometimes some of the bits do as well. For instance my Harley Night Rod vibrated off exhaust bolts and the belt guard and it started making noises as the vibes went through the machine. Another thing that buzzed on me on another Harley was the clutch lever had a plastic tab brake that caused it to hop around the housing. Made it sound like it was something engine as it rose and fell with engine RPM and speed. So just check around the machine and see if something has backed off and become loose. Then if that is not the case listen closely to the engine and check fluids.
Do you still have this thing? I finally test rode one and found your comparison very off to my Yamaha Bolt. I was expecting amaze which may be my fault. Brakes are pitiful. No power but amazingly jumps into the fray and passes everyone no problem which is pretty cool, also the throttle manipulation is so much better on the Rebel. Fk that setup on the Bolt. It’s so light so that’s cool, but felt cramped.
I like the sound of the exhaust swaps on this thing. It was very quiet. The heat thing on the Bolt you’re totally right on, but for a oven on two wheels it’s a fantastic heavy bike.
They should make a DCT version for us people with Carpal Tunnel.
It might work its way there soon. Honda has not renewed the CTX line and might figure it out now.
I want a CTX700 bike with DCT. Why wasn't it renewed? They're genius bikes.
Awesome job man! I live off Covell and was watching this going hey I know those streets! Lol! Love the video. Thinking of getting my first one soon
Seen 7/17/19
I own a Wing and very much considering this bike. I too am no longer doing a lot of touring. This may fit my needs or just general use.
Thanks for sharing 👍
It is a great little machine for the in town work that I put it through.
Makes my motorised esky seem like an upgrade is necessary.
Hi Mate, Thanks for the review. I've had mine for 7 months now. Nice to know it's not just me who finds the seat uncomfortable. Quick question, when filtering through traffic have you noticed a lot of 'chain' rattle? It's crept in slowly over the last few hundred miles or so? I'm assuming it's chain rattle but it could just be normal engine noise I just didn't notice before. Currently done 1600+.Thanks,
Chain rattle is normal for these machines. I will say that I noticed in the 3100 miles I put on the machine that it had slacked off from spec twice so I had to adjust. Might look and see how much slop is in the chain and see if that is causing a bit of it.
I have it for a year, great bike but had to buy a Corbin seat for long rides (over 35 minutes) and bags for luggage.
How is the Corbin?
Thank you my friend, exellent review Awesome bike and I am saving for one. Regards from Australia. Mich.
Ride it safe when you get it!
Great review man. Do you think you'll get the Rebel 1100 and if so, please do a review!
hi, Thank you sir for your honest review. If you put a windshield on the Rebel, you have more comfortable ride especially cruise at highway.
I was looking for a decent windshield for it, never got a chance to get around to it.
On your recent discussion about the Rebel 1100 you indicated you wouldn't ride the 1100 until they appeared used. Asuming you were able to afford would you consider buying the Rebel 1100 without riding it? You have a good amount of experience with Hondas.
Just disconnect the brake lines from the abs module and run a brake line straight from the caliper to the brake reservoir. No more abs, do your own brake maintenance.
That's one way. Also would have to put some tape on that warning light.... This bike was not an ABS equipped bike though.
What is that extra instrument on the right?
It is a Bluetooth remote for the Sony Action Cam I have.
The Sportster shares the primary and trans oil, Engine oil is separate.
Right, it is a partial unit built engine where as this one has everything in one case.
I live in OK as well, if ya ever wanna get rid of that rebel I’ll gladly take it off your hands, for a fair price obviously.
I was sadly sold with my wife's Vulcan S so she can upgrade to a Scout. I essentially replaced it with the CX500 I have now. Both of those bikes actually got to race each other and the CX was actually faster, which was kind of fun.
Thanks for the honest review. Planning to buy this in the future.
You're welcome.
Thank you for including the highway portion of your commute. I'm a new rider and bought the Rebel 500 one month ago. When I reach 65mph the bike gets buffeted by the wind and feels unstable. Is this normal on the highway? Would a windshield make the bike more steady at high speeds? I commute 40 miles through Phoenix where traffic can reach 80mph.
Windshields actually add to instability due to the attachment points on the fork and wind buffet transmitted from the screen into the bike. It helps the rider though. I have never been buffeted that badly and in Oklahoma we got the winds. I do experience some issues with road condition bouncing the bike around a bit more than most motorcycles though and that is the only issue.
I've been riding the Rebel since I passed my UK test 10 months ago. I have to say, when I first started, over 60 I was tensing up and was very aware of the buffeting. Now however, at any speed, I simply don't notice it. You will get used to it I guarantee it! The Rebel is a great bike. Periodically, I start to think that I might want something a bit bigger, but I always end up keeping it and loving it. You start to get an emotional attachment to this bike. I can't explain it.....
Almost had my honda rebel 500 for a year now, the only issue from day one has been the indicator switch sometimes jams .. Its a nice bike to ride
You are not the first person I heard about the indicator jam. I have found so far it is mostly in wetter climates. Is that the case for you?
@@RabidHedgehog interesting , in now located in thailand .Its hot but we do have rainy season . All the service centre did was spray the switch which made no difference .. Other than tha love the bike ,so far theres been no issue .The only negative with the model is the gap between the tank and frame ...
I rode the rebel (300) on a 1300 mi trip. It was perfect. Mine has about 6000 mi on it. Its a good bike. Thing is a tank
It is.
I put on a Corbin gunfighter seat on my rebel... made with the same pin cones, hard AF on the arse & lower back :/
That is a bummer. But I have always seemed to run into this with Corbin in general and Le Pera as well. Mustang tends to do better.
The seat looks like a pancake. Could you upgrade it to a better quality? I'm 200 lbs and my ass was sore just looking at the thing in the showroom. :)
Biltwell has a good diamond stich seat that helps.
I've got a 02 Nighthawk 250 getting my endorsement in July in Oklahoma.
That's great. Hard to find those Nighthawk 250 and I'm always keeping my eyes open for them.
My first was I believe a 97 night Hawk 250 lol
You can’t bleed your own brakes on an ABS bike but you can with a car? What’s different there?
The computer activates the ABS controller block in the bike that pulls the fluid back from the master and then shoves it to the caliper. If you skip that step it'll have air inside that block and it'll cause you to have a stain in your pants next time you brake.
Great 1 year review. I recently sold my rebel after 6 months. Currently looking for something more performance oriented. I loved the bike and the style it provided. I wish it was bigger, sat higher and had more power. May get an mt09 tomorrow.
@Bunnyshooter 223 I love the sv650 too. But have not been able to find a good deal on an used 2018 abs model and i am definetely not buying it new. I got a great deal on the 2018 mt09.
Went from relaxed and laid back to an absolute rocket! Ride safe sir!
@@RabidHedgehog to my surprise the riding position of the mt09 and sv650 are very similar and that was what i was looking for. I highly recommend the rebel and now that i have an mt09 i can see how the "rebel" name fits the bike well. It is rougher, back to the basics bike. If it had been more porweful (20-30 hp) more and slightly bigger, i wouldnt have changed it.
@@RabidHedgehog can be relaxed on demand. I get around 50 -51mpg when cruising and yes, i am still using b mode...
@Bunnyshooter 223 check out an FZ07 they're cheap new
Long Live Rabid Hedgehog.
Thanks!
They just updated this Rebel !!
I noticed! Is it not nice that a company listens to their consumers? They stated that there is new suspension. So I has tests to complete!
@@RabidHedgehog It's a cool bike. I would like to have one. I ride an NC700X DCT
Just subcribed because im from and still live in okc. Im looking at a rebel 500 for my first ever bike
2:14 is it true that either way you put on the turn signals, the one light comes on on the dash? If you swap to LED indicators (one way diode) does that mean I need to install a new Diode kit for them all to work? Thanks!
Just the indicator on the display is integrated. Only the selection is flashing.
Do the "fat" tires do anything in regard to handling?
Yes! They tend to take a little more effort in turns if both sides are fat tires vs front wheel being thin and tall and back being short and fat. However, you benefit from ride stability and ride comfort as there's more meat on the tire to take road abuse.
What I like about Honda in general is the long term reliability and longevity their bikes have over ALL other brands.....That is, generally speaking and all things being the same. Plus the quality 'feel' and sounds of their tight engines that are a class above all the rest.
But the Vulcan S offers some performance advantage over the Honda, more so at highway speeds. I live in flat, straight and fast Florida which is very similar to where you live and the Vulcan S would feel more secure as far as keeping up with highway traffic and passing situations due to higher horsepower. Somehow Kawies always offer something extra when competing in their respective classes.
Which brings me also to the cheaper Kawie Z400 naked bike, an upright version of the Ninja400, which is an excellent and light handler too and an economical do it all bike when properly equipped with accessories.
I currently own a 2006 SV650 which is at the end of its useful life ( I added bar risers, a tall screen plus a tough, removable Walmart trunk in the back seat for travel).....I am thinking about 'downgrading' to one of these. I am older and I very fondly remember the Honda CB700SC Nighthawk, a rather powerful for its time but very low maintenance bike of the 1980s with self-adjusting valve lifters and a shaft drive. This was the motorcycle maintenance equivalent to a modern car.....and one of the reasons I later owned a Vulcan 750, since it had the same mechanical characteristics although in the end it wasn't reliable.
I love a SV650.... Don't know why I don't have one to be honest. We had a Vulcan S and a Rebel 500 in the garage at the same time and to be honest the road handling characteristics were near similar. Yes the Vulcan S was faster and a bit less buzzy at highway speed due to displacement and power advantage. But overall road handling and feel was not much of an advantage. Rode a Z400 and posted a video on it two weeks ago and that is a wonderful machine as well. I would say also take a look for the Honda NC700X or 750X as that is a great urban ride and has that trunk thing (best way to say it), where you can store a full faced helmet when parked, and it is pretty light weight.
Lots of very interesting and useful comments here. My last bike was a Honda 650 Nighthawk shaft drive that was smooth and powerful, but the inline 4 was too top heavy for me. I'm 5'8" and 160 lbs and have been trying to determine the best bike for city and some 50-100 mile trips. In watching your videos and about a dozen others it looks like the Rebel 500 is plenty of bike for me. It has enough power to cruise at 75, but I would not be going over 65 & the clutch and shifting is easy and smooth. I expect I will look for a better seat, as many guys complain about that, and I wonder if there is an easy way to add a tachometer. Dang, even my automatic transmission Dodge Caravan has a tachometer. I've driven manual transmission cars for 55 years and I always want a tach so I know what the engine is doing. Honda could easily have included a tach function in the digital gauge. Thanks for your fun and informative videos. 🙂
Thank you for the support and may your shopping and choices be simple. Enjoy what you get as well!
@@RabidHedgehog I tried a 500 at my local Honda dealer. Definitely want one, but will look for used. The seat definitely needs to be improved.
I weigh 190 pounds my wife weighs 110 pounds. Will the Rebel 500 work for us.
Is this bike still with you up to date? How does it hold on? Thanks!
appreciate this good review.
Hello Sir what is the kind of distance you can go on a full tank of fuel on the Rebel please.
I generally would be filling this up in the 160s with highway riding.
Im a 5'0 and 140 pounds guy and I really want to buy a rebel but idk due to my height if I could ride it comfortably. I used to ride a honda shadow of 750cc before and although the seat level was ok for my height (still couldn't flat foot it) it was too heavy. Im looking for something that I can atleast manage the weight better than the shadow but the rebel seat is 2 inches taller so idk
How does this bike handle in comparison to the Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 ?
It does not touch down as fast on the pegs, but it is a bit wobbly due to the light suspension where as the Harley is more planted there.
Thanks
I think Honda saw his previous video where he complained about the Rebel 500 and they decided to pay him off so he can now backpedal on all the negatives he said about this bike. Money makes people do all kinds of funny things.
No. I still said the suspension could use work and the gauge was eh. But what Honda did was change the bike and I can appreciate that.
Many say the Rebel isn't good for interstate due to its lightweight leading to getting blown around at 70 MPH. I don't see that with you riding.
Listen to what he SAID about the wind.
i do not know how to work on a car or a bike, So I would need a bike that does not need to have work done to it all the time. I want to go cross country here mainly over into utah, phx maybe some parts of col. is this bike able to do these long hauls without much trouble? i am only 5'2 so I need a bike that i can touch the ground with my feet, I have always loved the way the Rebels look and I like that they are not as loud as a Harley bike, I don't need the loudness or the high speeds, I just want to ride and sight see our country, I would need to take a small tent and sleeping bag,, so can a sissy bar be put on one of these bikes so i can tie those thing that i would need to it? OH and great videos by the way :)
These machines are relatively worry free but chain drives require attention. By this the chain will need cleaning and adjustments regularly. Other than this item the rest of it is relatively simple things. One plug is oil/transmission. Spin on filter. Just simple things. They are not a loud machine at all and can be outfitted with bags/racks and such for your gear and tie downs. Chain is easy to do.
Wait...did I hear you right that in 1 year this bike has gone 2,400 miles...in a year?
Shared with three other bikes, technically 4. This one did not make it that far compared to the other two as it runs only 7 miles each way. It gained most of the miles in only 4 months, that was 1670 miles. Then the CB1100 joined... It slowed how much progress this bike had. When it was paired with the Night Rod is why it was rode more then. In total over 10,000 miles across all 4 bike in the year with the 2410 for the Rebel, 3050 CB1100, 1900 the Vulcan S, 1875 Night Rod, and 1145 to the Cx500C.
@@RabidHedgehog LOL well next year let me know how difficult the oil change is on it.
Seriously though I get it. I have 3 bikes myself and one of them only gets about 5000 miles a year and I live in the PNW where driving year round is easy.
when you mention lubing, what parts are you doing? just bought a 2017 300
Every 600 miles max you lube the chain, every rain and every time the bike gets wet make sure you lube the pivot points on the levers and such, also, this might just be me, but also lube the clutch cable after every rain or every 1500 miles.
Hi... so, let me ask you this.... IF YOU DID want to replace your seat (with a seat that is ACTUALLY comfortable), which seat would you get??? I own a 2018 Rebel 500 . I've had her for going on 6 months now, and have found that the seat must be, as you described it, made of pine cones LOL! When we go on rides, after 60 miles, I get a literal "pain in the butt" and sometimes even the "Numb-butt" , so, I want to replace it, but, just not sure with which one.
Biltwell's tuck and rolled solo seat.
Does the Rebel 500 have the capability, and the comfort, to keep up with my buddies who ride Harleys, on highways for 100 miles or so/trip?
Thank you!
The newer seats and suspension on the 2020 plus models for sure. The older can as well on fuel and such, but the seat might not be the best place.
Rabid Hedgehog
No vibrations at 75 mph? THANK YOU 🏍
I've ridden with HR groups, HOGs, and the 500 keeps up easily. The difficulty lies not with the bike but with the rider. The 500 isn't as comfortable. The seat, the suspension and the fact it is a naked bike takes a toll on the rider on long distance riding. The bike can handle it, the question is, can you? That's a personal matter only you can decide. Happy Trails!
What’s that little display you’ve added next to the tac? A gear indicator or a rev indicator?
It's actually my Sony Action cam remote link so I can control it while riding.
Rabid Hedgehog oh okay thank you! Do you find the lack of a rev or gear display could be a problem for a new rider?
Not really. It actually helps one learn to feel out there machine in some ways and rev limiters are there for the other side.
I am looking to begin riding and keep hearing nothing but good things about the Rebel 500, I am 6’1” and 230 pounds, would this be too small for me? I do not live anywhere near a Honda dealer to go test drive whenever I want to. Just curious. Thanks.
I am slightly shorter with a 32 inch inseam and about the same weight. It worked for me but the legs were pushing the upper tier of what this frame could handle. So if your legs are longer it might feel a bit cramped.
Rabid Hedgehog
Awesome! I appreciate the insight. I definitely need to find an excuse to drive that far to sit on one then. Thanks
I live in san Francisco CA. been looking at the Rebel 500(ABS) , 18 shadow phantom, and yamaha bolt c spec. This would be my first time owning/riding a motorcycle. Ever. 5'10 and scrawny lol. Out of those three, which would you recommend? I'll be riding the bike to just cruise around get around heavy traffic. And of course, enjoy the feeling of just riding, feeling free hehe. I'm also planning to go out of town with it some day(LA) if any of these bikes can travel that far😂 I'm open to suggestions from everyone(:
I live in San Jose. I got a used (1000mi) Rebel 300(ABS) just a couple of weeks back. It is my first time owning/riding a bike too, and I am 5'11, on heavy side though. I am really happy with it, riding to work, groceries, in general riding around. Haven't taken it out on the freeway yet, but I am sure it will be good. Fuel economy is good, it's easy to handle, and the dealer, who is also a MSF instructor, told me that someone he knew took a Rebel 300 on a roadtrip to Alaska! So i am sure 500 will only be better on all those counts and can definitely handle a trip to LA. I bought mine from MotoJava in SF.
@@AnimeshSrivastava46 ah man congrats on the rebel 300! Very awesome you went with the ABS version too! Well I'm glad to know that rebel is doing well for you! Gives me high Hope's for when I get mine sometime!(: I start MSF classes on Thursday so I'm hoping to get that out the way so I can get my rebel hehe. Wow Alaska?? That's quite the trip man! Can't wait to take mine to LA someday! I haven't had a chance to check out MotoJava yet. Probably wont be able to until next weekend. Hopefully I can find a group of riders to take me in their group and show me some tips hehe
@@9MAYHEM6 Great! All the best for the training! Lots to learn, but important to have fun doing it too! It rained the whole time during my class, which made it more challenging, and more fun.
How was your first MSF class today? Also the Rebel 500 would be a great bike to bomb around the city with. Narrow platform allows you to split with easy and the nimble nature would out perform the Shadow in day to day riding and be surprisingly more comfortable than a Bolt... To be honest I hate the Bolt... I did one review of it a few years back and I did not make it 10 minutes into a 30 minute ride and I wanted off.
@@AnimeshSrivastava46 haha thanks man much appreciated! Lol I'm hoping it doesn't rain for my riding lessons! But tbh, does sound fun learning how to ride in the rain!
Are the rebels DCT or manual? Im looking for a cheap bike good on gas with auto transmission that can reach speeds of 70mph with 200 lbs.
Rebel 500s are manual only. DCT starts at the CTX and NC750X
definitely a short hop commuter. the seat will crucify your ass any longer than 30 minutes in the saddle
I've made it an hour before that... but barely.
Would you recommend this as a first bike for someone 6'4" 300lbs, or would you recommend something bigger and if so, what?
I would say go for something bigger as this one would be scrunched for your legs. The Vulcan S would be a place to start or even the Vulcan 900 Classic that has feet forward to stretch out. Vulcan S can be adjusted to fit.
@@RabidHedgehog awesome thanks for the tip! I'm interested in the Yamaha Bolt as well (I like the look of the bike), do you know how that bike might fit or is it about the same as the honda?
Michael Roy if you’ve ever ridden a Harley sportster it feels almost exactly the same except it rides, and shifts much smoother as well as it feels a little faster because it’s a little lighter in weight
What do you think about using this for a commuter bike? To be clear, my commute is 60 miles a day on the interstate. Only a few miles off the interstate. Would this bike comfortably handle 80 miles an hour every day?
Would it be realistic to expect 60 mpg at interstate speeds?
I was still getting pretty decent with mine handling my 230lb frame at the time. It would hold 80 but it would get a little bit of vibes in it. Observed fuel economy running about at 80 was around 57MPG. So it as a commuter of that long length it might be a bit cramped for the distance, but to me it held the speeds just fine and the big tires and such absorbed the decent little hits.
Rabid Hedgehog thanks brother!!
What is the black screen on you handlebar?
It's a camera remote of the Sony Action cam I have.
Ok thanks I'm watching you videos now ,good job ,I just buy a 1997 yamaha virago 750 very good condition, but has a lot power for me ,I'm a new driver, after you video I m thinking to buy the revel 300 ,what do you think ?
I feel young for a cruiser, but this bike is my dream bike... Nice modern look with the classic feel
You can never be too young for a cruiser or too old for a sport bike either. Ride your ride and enjoy.
How comfortable is the seat on an all-day trip?
Needs a seat upgrade for the long stints
Horrible.
Can I ask how tall you are? I’m 193cm (I thing 6,3 or something) I’m wondering what bike to buy, I want a cruiser but my country doesn’t allow a bike over 600cc with the license am getting, so if the Honda is to small for me do you have any other suggestions :)
I would say that the Rebel would be a bit on the short side for 6'3" but doable. I am a little shorter than you at 6 foot with 32 inch legs. I found it to be the hunched back that caused the most issue as I could move my legs about. A set of handle bars would do the trick on that. I would say if you look at Sport Standards like the CB500 series using the same engine or the CB500X that would allow you to get the height you still get the sweet engine and the seating posture is near the same.
Rabid Hedgehog okay thanks I’ll look into that thanks for the response :)
You're welcome
considering a rebel, but with a decent aftermarket seat are they any good with pillion??
They have good enough power to carry one but you'll need a bit beefier suspension to accommodate.
ok thanks for the reply. @@RabidHedgehog
what is that thing by the speedometer?
It is a remote for a Sony Action Cam
Is that bridge down by soggy bottom off-road park
The Wanette Byars Bridge is. This is filmed in Edmond area.
@rabid hedgehog may I ask how tall you are?
I am 6 feet tall with 32 inch inseam.
Jeez... from the comments it sounds like I have to add my elderly two cents as seriously considering this bike. Are we old guys reverting back to the simpler machines of our youth, or just realizing that you can have fun and still be sensible about it.
First, kudos for surviving a year of motorcycling in Oklahoma, where hunting two wheelers using F-150s is an open season, and you don't even need a special license.
But I will probably always disagree with the notion of "one lubricant to rule them all". Sounds like a WD-40 marketing campaign. Engines, transmissions, and final drives all do very different things under different conditions. I think that's one reason you see so many high mileage Moto Guzzis and BMWs.
And don't get me started on wet clutches. Clutches are friction devices. Friction is sort of the opposite of lubrication. Does anybody here want to set up an aftermarket oil drip system for their brakes or tires?
Told you I was an old guy. But thanks for the objective review, and ludicrous lubrication aside (true of almost all Japanese bikes), I am still considering this bike.
Are you planning to get a windshield for your rebel?
Yes I am! A Puig one catches my eye right now.
Rabid Hedgehog nice!
hi , i am planning to buy the rebel 500 as my first bike but i have two cosmetic things i dont like !
1-the speedometer, is there anyway to change it with a better original Honda speedometer that shows the RPM and the gear ?
2-the tail light ! for my taste it is really sending off
can you suggest a modification ?
also what was that gadget to the right of your speedometer ?
thank you, i know i am a new to the bikes but i will be grateful for an answer
The gadget to the right is just the remote control for my camera that is on my helmet. If you want to remove the fender all together it is simple to do on the Rebel or you can do an eliminator kit. www.ebay.com/i/153005260280?chn=ps. And sadly I am not aware of any good replacements for the speedometer at this time that includes a tach.
On Honda UK you can add a Tacho when you buy it, so I assume will probably have something similar over the pond
@@shardlake thank you very much guys ... in Germany they sell it as stock without any modifications
Honda the best !!
One of :)
You are talking me into one.
Take one for a ride!
Do you think the bike is too small for a 5'11 ft ?
I am a smidge taller and I found it okay for about 2 hours before needing a leg shake.
I'm in Oklahoma aswell with a rebel 500 yellow
Where at?
Thanks
You're welcome
Have anyone ever interviewed an official Honda designer and pulled the actual information out of him regarding why THE HELL they landed on this display with the rebel 500?
Why the rectangular display in the round frame? Why no tachometer? Why the inaccurate 4 bar fuel indicator line? Why so soft suspension?
i would die to hear these manifacturing choices being backed up with rational reasonings.
My suspection is kinda rude but gotta keep in mind they are one of the few top motorcycle manufacturers and they have to behave like that and think about the sales numbers.
"Want an all around motorcycle with all the right features and almost no short comings? Go buy the Rebel 1100 then. Is it too powerful and too costly for you? Get used to a 500 then. "
What bikes would be the direct competition for the Rebel 500?
Basically in the US it would be the Street 500 from HD and that is technically it. You could move up to the Kawasaki Vulcan S and also the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2.
just wondering what you think about the shorty exhaust on this bike? I've put one on and idk if it's bad for the bike or not? some people tell me I'll have enough back pressure but others say i won't.. what do you think?