Introduction
Honda Rebel 500 is a versatile and friendly cruiser motorcycle for beginners. It became popular early on because of its unique style, accessibility, and performance. This motorcycle is very helpful for old and new drivers, this is just due to its beautiful design, affordable price, and easily manageable power output. With some more features like an inspired look like a bobber and
comfortable ergonomics, the Rebel 500 also stands in the cruiser segment, which offers a great balance between urban commuting and weekend rides.
Key Features of the Honda Rebel 500
One of the good features of the Honda Rebel 500 is its Styling and reliability. Look what makes this vehicle so unique and popular:
Engine and Transmission
- The Honda Rebel 500 features a powerful 471cc parallel-twin engine which provides strong acceleration and a smooth experience of riding.
- This engine produces an extreme power output of around 46 horsepower. It also balances power and fuel efficiency well, making it a great choice for city commutes and long highway rides.
- Its engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission which makes it more smooth to ride.
Read more: Suzuki Ravi: Prices, Specs & Features
Styling
- Honda Rebel 500 has a minimalistic, stripped-down structure, with a stylish and dapper look.
- Its “bobber-inspired” style includes a compact body, clumpy tires, and a blacked-out skeleton, making it a head-turner on the streets.
Frame and Weight
- Honda Rebel 500 is crafted with a steel trellis frame in a low-slung design which improves its stability and control.
- The Rebel 500 is a lightweight motorcycle at approximately 408 lbs (185 kg), perfect for new riders.
Fuel Capacity and Efficiency
- Rebel 500 featured an 11.2-liter medium-sized fuel tank which is good for longer city rides and occasional highway journeys.
- The Rebel 500 delivers good fuel efficiency, averaging about 26-27 km/l, making it a good economical choice for daily commuting and occasional road trips.
Suspension
- Rebel 500 is paired with a 41mm telescopic fork in the front wheels and at the rear there are dual shock absorbers.
- This suspension is specially tuned to handle urban roads and highways easily.
- This suspension also gives a smooth and steady ride on a little rough roads.
Customization
- One of the standout qualities of the Rebel 500 is its high level of customizability.
- Honda Rebel 500 offers a combination of official complements like saddlebags, seat options, windshields, and different foot peg positions.
- Riders can also examine a wide aftermarket scene for unique business builds.
Ergonomics
- Honda Rebel 500 is designed for comfort and control, its low seat height of 690mm makes it unrestricted for riders of all heights.
- Honda Rebel 500 is made with a wide handlebar and forward set foot peg which makes it more comfy for the riders.
- This feature gives it a beautiful cruiser-style riding position which is perfect for long-drive riders without any cause of fatigue.
Technical Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key specifications of the Rebel 500:
Specifications | Details |
Engine Type | 471cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin |
Max Power Output | 46 horsepower at 8,500 RPM |
Max Torque | 43.2 Nm at 6,000 RPM |
Transmission | 6-speed manual with a slipper/assist clutch |
Fuel Capacity | 11.2 liters |
Seat Height | 690 mm (27.2 inches) |
Curb Weight | 190 kg (419 pounds) |
Suspension | Telescopic front fork and twin rear shocks |
Brakes | Single disc brakes (296 mm front, 240 mm rear) with optional ABS |
Honda Rebel 500 vs Competitors
The Honda Rebel 500 faces competition from several models within the middleweight cruiser segment. Here’s a look at some of its major competitors:
Model | Manufacturer | Engine Capacity | Price (Approx.) |
Kawasaki Vulcan S | Kawasaki | 649cc | $7,899 |
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec | Yamaha | 942cc | $8,699 |
Harley-Davidson Iron 883 | Harley-Davidson | 883cc | $10,749 |
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Royal Enfield | 349cc | $4,699 |
Suzuki Boulevard S40 | Suzuki | 652cc | $5,799 |
Price of Honda Rebel 500 (2024 Model)
Model Variant | Price (USD) | ABS/Non-ABS |
Honda Rebel 500 | $6,499 | Non-ABS |
Honda Rebel 500 ABS | $6,799 | ABS |
The pricing for the Rebel 500 has remained fairly consistent over time, with slight increases due to new technologies, improved features, and inflation.
Honda Rebel 500 Engine Variants Over Time
Since its debut, the Rebel 500 has remained relatively consistent in terms of engine design and configuration. However, there have been some minor improvements made to enhance its overall performance and efficiency.
Year | Engine Variant | Engine Type | Key Changes |
2017 | 471cc Parallel-Twin | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve | Introduction of the model with a focus on beginner-friendly handling and smooth power delivery. |
2018 | 471cc Parallel-Twin | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve | No major changes. |
2019 | 471cc Parallel-Twin | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve | Minor updates to suspension and braking systems. |
2020 | 471cc Parallel-Twin | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve | Introduction of LED lighting and an updated instrument cluster for improved visibility and aesthetics. |
2021 | 471cc Parallel-Twin | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve | Added slipper/assist clutch for easier shifting and more control. |
2022-2024 | 471cc Parallel-Twin | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve | Continuation of previous upgrades, maintaining reliable and efficient performance across newer models. |
Conclusion
The Honda Rebel 500 is still a well-liked option for riders looking for a motorcycle that mixes price, style, and performance. The Rebel 500 is a flexible vehicle that is ideal for both daily commuting and weekend touring because of its sophisticated bobber-inspired styling, dependable 471cc engine, and comfortable ergonomics. It is especially well-suited for novice riders or those searching for a manageable cruiser because of its reachable seat height and lightweight construction.