2020 and up they fixed the suspension, upgraded the seat, made all LED lights and changed the tail light a little and did some other stuff. I got a 2022 rebal with 809 miles and it's just now breaking in and is absolutely a blast.
I solved my suspension problem I lost 65 pounds now it rides really good and I love it I seriously love it I put on over 2000 miles Last Summer and I haven't ridden that far it since I was a teenager. The seat is hard and I had my seamstress make a nice little strap-on cushion for long trips. I was riding a Harley but it got so heavy I didn't think I could pick it up if I ever had it tip over so I got something lighter I most always ride alone...ps 5/15/19. Got a slip on loud pipe. Small windshield. Loud and vry quick now w 3k miles and almost 70.mpg. now. Love riding this. A KEEPER
I love mine still it's got that same 2000 miles from May to now and still being rode at this time cause I do ride winter weather as well. Yes I could drop some lbs too, and somewhat working on it.
OK for those of us who aren’t huge perhaps under 150 pounds the seat and suspension are not an issue at all!!! I’m 130 and 5 foot 5. This is exactly what I needed as a new rider. Great Review!
@@asylumrain This bike's seat height is really low, which is great for shorter people. I love it! For instance, Japan is a country where we can find the average of 5'4 height in general, and the 250cc version of this Honda Rebel is quite popular even with people under 5 feet height. The best way to find out if this motorcycle is suitable to you is: you find one thru an aquaintance or in a bike dealership, and you sit on it, grab it and turn the steering bar several times. And if you have the chance to test-drive it, that's even better. If it's not the best option for you, you'll find out fast just by sitting on it. Happy New Year!✌😎
@@migueruta in Japan the sr400 is/was a fairly popular bike in Japan and it's got a seat height of 31" so I'd think this would be considered short. granted the sr is a pretty narrow bike too... it feels like a very comfortable bike for me, even on US highways, 5'11" 140lbs
You are SO right about that “pine cone” seat. I took it to a custom seat shop and even that guy said “you must have an iron butt if you are going 1.5 hours on a seat like that.” Will have the seat built up and padded better soon 😊 It is a great bike, despite it’s upgradable flaws.
I love this large front tire. I cant help but think that it stabilizes the bike really well. They did change the tail light. I happen to like the dirt bike feel, so i am not changing the suspension. It is very fun on the Twistys.
I'm 6' 200 lbs. Went to all manufacturers demo days summer 2018. I own 3 bikes now. I liked the look alot so I rode it... rode about 50 different bikes in a month or so. I just love to ride. Kawasaki H2 ... wow! Goldwing... sweet. FXDR... nah,ergos are unnatural. I loved this bike! Light and fun,surprisingly quick too. I recommend highly,I like it so much... I'll probably get one.
I love this little bike (yes the first couple of minutes sounds like I hate it but this is my bike), but I do recommend others to take it for a spin. In fact with the exception of one person I have let borrow the Rebel the love it and one bought. So there is that.
New riders like to lean forward a little bit as it helps to feel more in control of the bike. What I see is a good opinion based on your body weight and height, which is good for people interested. But I only see good things really. Thanks for the video man.
I have to tell you that at the beginning of the video I thought you were unduly harsh but I stuck with it and thoroughly enjoyed the review. I’ve heard the complaints about the suspension but even being a fat boy I haven’t had a problem. I too bought the bike almost blindly. I saw an advertisement for it and went straight to the dealer and said, “I’ll take the red one”. Thanks for the review. Rubber side down.
Thanks for the support. Yeah I wanted to get the dark clouds out of the way first to then but a good light on this motorcycle. It is a motorcycle that with some tuning of the suspension and some customization to the rider it would be perfected. They are such little short comings.
Mike L. Did you end up buying the bike?? I’m curious what price you got it for as i’m in the middle of speaking with a dealer. Used 500 with 1,500 miles on it for $5,500. Too much money?
Great review! Nice balance between informative and entertaining. I appreciate you identifying both the ups and downs of this bike. I've subscribed for more vid's :-)
Brought the Rebel CMX 500 last year and so far I've ridden 13k(km) on it. My advice for anyone purchasing one of these would be to change out the seat. The stock one that comes with the bike is incredibly uncomfortable for rides lasting more than an hour. Other that that... :)
I ended up opting for the V2 Motozaaa, which is very comfortable. A couple of points though, the seat is not compatible with the stock pillion seat or most tidy tail kits I have seen. If anyone is interested, I purchased mine from eBay. Its a very easy bike to customize. Some other extras that I consider worth while include the H2C crash bars (great for mounting lights, GoPros, etc.) and a tank fairing to protect the paint work ;)
Finally a reasonable critique of this awesome looking bike! Suspension and motor housing are the most interesting points here from my point of view. Thanks a lot, that was definitely worth it!
Great, informative and entertaining review. I think Honda must have been listening - new model has stiffer suspension, better seat, improved (round) dash display and a neater rear light.
Good review enjoyed watching it. I wish folks would stop calling 250s 500s for the most part beginner biked. They are great to learn on but also great bikes. Be safe out there folks
I'm a woman 4'11 and 116 lbs. bought my first bike Dec.2018 a 2015 Honda Rebel 250 and I love it . I think it's more than enough bike for me being I only want to ride it out on the country roads for now. Maybe one day I'll move up to bigger like the 500 but my little 250 suits me just fine for now. I really enjoy watching the videos and learning lots ...wish I had watched some videos before i struck out practicing in my yard on wet pine straw and now i'm suffering from a broken ankle. LOL can't wait to get back on and try again.
RH Fyi, cruisers are standards. The term "cruisers" came from the Japanese when they were trying to enter the western market (North, South,& Central Americas). Harley and Indian never called their bikes "cruisers" until the late 60s when manufacturers like Honda and Suzuki came along. I do, however, agree with you on that 80s style or Harley's style brake light. It needs to go away.
Just watched this excellent review again. Seriously thinking of buying one. At 6 ft and half an inch, but disproportionately short legs, I could get on with the low seat height, but I feel a more built-up seat would ease the riding position. Very cheap to get done in Thailand. This is the best review of the bike on RU-vid. I wish I could give you another 'thumbs up'.
Nice! Yeah that bike was in Ada which is not too far from your area then if you are north of Dallas or so. I just chose a random ad since there were plenty to chose from.
+ Beginners friendly + Big front wheel helps stabilizes when going through wet road / mud / bumps / holes + Mid control = Aggressive riding in city / heavy traffic digestion + Cheap (parts and services) + Varieties of modding + Smooth Clutch / light weight - Stock seat will numb your butt after 30 minutes - Stock mirrors don't provide good field of vision (for me) - No gear indicator / No RPM meter - Could use a bigger fuel tank like the older Phantom models Overall score: 8 / 10
I really appreciate this video! I’m a beginner rider and I’m really nervous about taking my Rebel 500 on the highways/interstate, but this video helped me calm my nerves!
Maybe a little bit depending on where you are from, but it will not be that bad. This bike's big tires and decent weight makes it a very stable platform even at highway speeds and if you are going with traffic you'll get the average turbulence but nothing that will shake your path. Now a two lane semi blast that will move you.
I feel your pain. I looked at several newer bikes including this one. I compared it to the 80s Honda nighthawk I have. Mine has a lot of metal pieces where the new ones are all plastic. My shocks are adjustable and well made. My forks are sturdy beyond anything new nowadays. And while the sun has cased the seat covers seams to give way in places, the padding is cushy, thick, and shows no signs of wear after 30+ years. The gages are analog, readable in any light, and super reliable. Looking at each little thing on new ones, I get the deep feeling of 'cheap'. While my carb is totally cherry and never even been taken apart, it has lost a tad bit of fuel economy. I'm getting almost 60 miles a gallon on a 80s 450. Occasionally the carb drips a tad bit from the bottom when parked after a good ride. I have 6 speed overdrive and even after going up one tooth in the front sprocket, still have plenty of power on the take off. I thought about getting a newer one, but it would just never compare to what the 80s bikes were. It could be worse, you could get a Harley with a air filter where the gas tank should be and a gas tank under the seat that vibrates and leaks. I do love the styling of the smaller rebel. But it's just not made for the highway. Mine is great for city commutes or highway runs. I just don't like the direction Honda is going with the new ones. The engines are the only good thing in my opinion. Great video, cheers.
Bought my Reb 500 5/23/19. Everything RH said is 100% true. Worth every cent. If they ever come out with a Rebel 750 you can bet your ass I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Once the review got moving (literally) it was informative and fun to watch. This bike obviously has some issues but it's a "starter" bike and low budget, your suggestion of fitting stiffer springs sounds like a good upgrade. Maybe when my sports bike gets too much for me I should take a look at the Rebel. :>)
Honda makes EXCELLENT motors. This bike does look like it was made from spare parts that don't quite fit together though. I just wish this motor was in a standard bike that actually looked like the simple but anal retentive old CB 550 from the 70s. Obvious change would be a proper cop seat and change the whole tail including light cluster. Your review was refreshingly honest as an owner.
I had it narrowed down to two very different bikes in spring 2017. This and the Suzuki S40. Completely different bikes. Really different. I had to decide if I wanted to go really old school and back to my roots (first bike was a BSA in 1972) or get some of that Honda tech and quality. I can honestly say I have regretted for 46 years that I got the BSA and not the CB 750. But you know above all (after reliability and performance) a bike has to *feel* right. The S40 did that for me. I like the engine on the Honda, but not the frame and feel. That said, if my wife would let me have several bikes, the Rebel 500 would still be a serious consideration....after my Zuk. Like your reviews. Keep 'em coming.
Thank you! I like me the S40 as well even if that one is a bit on the smaller side than the Rebel when it comes to chassis, but it was still fun to ride and was a pure motorcycle from a bygone era. Just wait for the next reveal though as the Harley has been replaced with something magical.
I had been wishing for a Rebel with a larger engine for a good ten years (ever since I learned to ride). I learned on a 2004 Rebel, but longed for more power. I tried a Honda CB919, which I loved to ride, but was too tall to feel entirely safe in sudden stops or maneuvers. Next was a Harley Sportster 880 Superlow, but that felt heavy and sluggish. So I was thrilled to hear about the Rebel 500, and bought one last year. The things you cite as 'negatives' about it don't bother me a bit. What I HATE is that the handlebars pull me so far forward. It's SO different a riding position from the old Rebel. And finding a replacement handlebar that simulates the feeling of the original Rebel is super-difficult, not to mention expensive. It's deceitful that they called the new bike a Rebel.
Well even some of the lighter folks that take it out have said something about it. My wife weighs nothing and to her it bounces a bit as well. I might have to have her do a review over it.
@@RabidHedgehog hey! i can`t wait to buy my new honda rebel blue edition 2020. so you`re saying that they improved all the bad things that people complained about? it means that they did a perfect motorcycle . when do you think the will release the new model in spain? ...we are into february so i hope it won`t take to long. thanks!
Hey, great review. I bought a Street Rod XG750A a year ago, but was initially tossing up between that, the Rebel 500 and the Boulevard S40. I liked the performance capability of the Street Rod (and still do) but the Rebel is a sweet bike, I love the look. I also love the simplicity and old school look of the S40. Is the suspension better on the S40? Keep up the great work.
Kevin McCarroll Good place to be and when you gain your experience it will still be a great friend to keep around. Literally just got off of mine a moment ago after bombing through town here and it's still a dream!
This setup may have been different than current? It has been a bit. Our current setup is using a purple panda lav mic from Amazon. It is usually connected to a Tascam DR05X and or Sony UX560 field recording device. I do a sync clap to get the clean audio over the GoPro Audio. There really is nothing but a sponge from a Sena 20s and or Cardo Pack Talk.
Good review. As you have pointed out, you are not a small man. Maybe the intended buyers of this bike (new riders, who will probably upgrade to another bike quickly, WOMEN, who are mostly much lighter than you) will think the suspension is just fine.
Nice review. I have a 2018 500 abs. I’m a newb and short gal. I laughed when your girl sat on the bike because it’s so true that you can’t hug the tank well. I’ve adjusted to it. I love my Rebel and my hubby takes it to work sometimes. He has a FJR1300. He says my bike is so fun! Lol!
My friend's girlfriend sat on it yesterday and she is shorter but did not mind the gap. So it is preference or adjustment I guess. My wife does not mind it as much but I have one friend she hates it with a passion. To me and as you can tell from my head on shot I have no trouble with getting the tank hugged and getting a good ride out of it.
Thanks for the video man! Went and looked at the newer one of these today and its most definitely going to be my first bike, i love that its a smooth ride and i love that its gonna be fast enough that if i choose to take trips on it i can! How many miles would you say you get per tank in normal driving conditions?
I have seen from 120-160 depending on conditions. Since it's been super cold I get them warm and it's trending a little lower right now due to the times idling to a decent temp. Light turns on around 110-130 in the experience I've been having so far.
Rabid Hedgehog that sounds really good actually, my commute to work is only about 6 miles so really I should get about a week and a half to 2 weeks in a single tank but knowing me it will be my first bike and with any new vehicle I’ll be finding any excuse to go for a ride lol, I think the one I looked at was a 2019 I think, if I remember correctly it was different than yours, the key was actually under the bars instead of the side and I think the tail light was also different
@@RabidHedgehog lol youre right, it was the vulcan they showed me i was thinking about, i deffinetly wanna get the rebel tho. my best friend actually has an older rebel
Lol 😂 the beginning i almost thought you was going to try to convince people not to buy the bike 😂. I loved the much needed knowledge of information i will definitely upgrade the fork spring and back suspensions for sure because i think i would maybe not like that bounce in the stopping. But over all i liked that you still considered it still a safe ride for a beginner and experienced rider.😊
Yeah I had a little fun. I was trying to go all "Top Gear" or "Grand Tour" on it with hitting negative first with humor. It seems hit or miss, but I am glad it worked.
As a short rider, the bike is on the top of my list of bikes for a second bike. I love the blue this bike comes in. I've also had my eye on the Shadow, but after 3 years with my '09 Rebel and being on a 5 speed constantly wishing for an additional gear for 55+ mph, I like the Rebel 500 having 6 gears. I also ride a lot of very poorly maintained mountain back roads, so maneuverability to avoid holes and ruts would be easier on the Rebel. Not sure how heavy you are, I am around 175. My requirements for a bike are saddlebags and a windscreen. I had been following you since you had the SuperLow 1200T, but those are close to twice the cost of this bike. You could basically get this and a leftover 2017 Honda Shadow Phantom for the cost of the HD SuperLow 1200T. Any opinions?
Get the two Hondas :) Thanks for subbing! And back to the Rebel. This bike does have a windshield that can be purchased and Honda has saddlebag stays and soft leather bags that can go on it for the storage. There is also a rack for the back as well that goes over the fender for things to be tied to. The bike is comfortable enough to get you about 2 hour stints before needing fuel and stretching so it would work for a light touring style. The Phantom is heavier and would stay on the highway well and can be outfitted with several more touring options due to its market longevity. And the Shadow is one of the most bullet proof motorcycles out there as well since it does not make a ton of power to detonate itself. So feel them both out and see what shall fit you best. And if you do get both you'll be happy with both. I do weigh around 220, so I have a bit more heft for the to move.
I need to find myself a Honda ride day or a dealership that does test drives. My local dealership doesn't offer either of those options. I love the Rebel 500 in blue, but the 2018 Shadow Aero in brown also caught my eye. Less chrome on the Aero for 2018 (the engine is all blacked out). Would probably get a black airbox cover from a Phantom to replace the bright chrome airbox cover and some blacked out Vance and Hines exhaust for some awesome sound.
At least you were not smitten by the novelty of the bike, like other reviewers.....Here is a summary of what you've said, which pretty much is the way I felt after a test ride, plus some other observations: 1) Soft F/R suspension. Higher speed turns are scary, like coming into/out of a wide loop highway ramp, when gaining speed to merge or slowing down to exit. So are the bumps and ruts on highways and feeling of bottoming out on street potholes. 2) Rear brakes suck, like they are not there, almost like an 'accessory brake'. 3) Seat is too thin and shape means you cannot move back and front slightly, the same way you do on long rides. 4) Ugliest rear brake lights on a motorcycle over the last 20 years, for sure. Pretty sure there was no development budget left and these were picked up from their scooter/125 cc parts bin in Thailand. 5) No tach means your limiter is the max speed in MPH for each gear. 6) Short by 6 HP vs the same-engine CB500F, in the name of 'torque tuning'. Should have left it the same and just add a nicer sounding, better looking exhaust. First gear is pretty much awesome at the stoplight. 7) Not made in Japan, exterior fit and finish will suffer. 8) This bike is DEFINITELY not made with the 'Average' American Male in mind, currently at just under 200 lbs and 5' 10", which is exactly my measurements. The CB500F solves most of the issues, although: 1) It lacks on the looks department 2) The taller seating arraignment may not be suitable for newbies, more so the shorter ones. However, the CB500F, at about the same price, will also: 1) Be faster. 2) Handle and track better. Much better suspension. 3) Brake better. Much better brakes. 4) Be easier on your bum and nether regions, meaning long touring trips. 5) Be outgrown later than sooner. 6) Let you drive longer without a refill, It has 50% more fuel capacity. 7) Be pleasantly informative. It has a tach! Plus it is a Honda, #1 in Reliability and ergo Longevity (#2, #3 and #4 are also Japanese) Me? As much as I like the CB500F, I am thinking about purchasing the Kawasaki Z400, which is the naked version of the vaunted Ninja 400. I am older and coming out of a beat-up almost dead 2006 SV650 Naked, don't need a crotch rocket these days, don't need to spend a lot these days although those 700 and up Yamaha naked bikes look $pecially $exy.
I try not to be. I would love to have a better balanced machine out of the Rebel 500. But I did own this bike for a little over a year and it was a great friend to have along for the ride. But it appears Honda may have listened to real riders and have brought out the 2020 model with better everything as requested so I am hoping to ride one to see if it is a better package overall, or still too soft for the everyday.
I did take it out for about 2 or 3 hours at a time and it could wear on you, but it was more the seat and suspension fitted. It can be upgraded to aid in longer rides. But it is for sure a wonderful commuter.
I've also watched your Suzuki S40 reviews. Between these two, which do you prefer for a first bike? I know you can get this with ABS, so that might be a plus.
the forks looked ok to me..... u could source aftermarket adjustable caps to tweak the stiffness... fairly cheap upgrade.... nice lil bike great mpg... i think worldwide the big thirsty heavy bike is dying a slow death.... lets all go back to when it was fun
I really enjoy mine and the suspension isn't as bad as yours, but like you said it's mainly around town bike or if needed you can jump on the highway with a smooth ride.
This would be the choice for me over the rebel 300 this can actually stay at highway speeds and has a decent amount of power. And if you can find them on a deal your looking at about 5500 for a beginner cruiser. This isn't a bike most people will have for a long time but once you get good at riding then you can move up to the big boys.
The best review on the Honda 500, even though not sure you are the target customer :) . The 200 Pounds riders are also taller and will buy something over 650cc. This bike is for people under 5feet 9, max 190 pounds. For those guys this bike is great either new or intermediate rider... This was done to sell and flow the Asian, European and South American markets, which do not have the culture of high debt and the bike can be used as mean of commuting in those markets overcrowded, narrow and poor maintained streets, that also have sidewalks. It is not a highway bike cause the highways are missing or if there are-will be short rides just to be used from suburbs to another part of the same city (so limited speed portions of highways). I see it as a utilitarian urban bike. For instance my Bonneville feels heavy in the city and under used. When used for small commute, the Bonnie is reaching the optimum temperature right when I arrive at the destination point (15-20 mins). The complaints about gauge, side cover are way too ... sweet. Oh, my God! An analog speedometer with odometer, neutral would be enough for this and cheap-10 $ . I would pay30 $ for an analogue gauge.
Have great fun and cool rides with it, then ! Agree with you, more riders should buy bikes for their soul, not to look good on it , and if you are happy with it, either is a 125 cc or 1000 cc, does not matter if someone is targeted customer or not :). Your review convinced me to put the Rebel 500 on top of the list for next fun, commuter and practical bike. Not sure if I keep my Bonnie as second bike or make the Honda Rebel 500 the only one. The customization options on CMX 500 are infinite - contemporan bobber, classic bobber, urban tracker, even cafe racer or mini street fighter...
Thanks for the review. I came from riding the 2015 Vulcan S. Really nice bike but I can’t ride that more than an hour because of the vibration from the foot pegs. I wanted to switch to the rebel 500 but as you mentioned, the seat height is too cramped and not comfortable especially how my whole leg is oriented with my leg on the footpeg. I am now on a CB500X and i am very happy.
Rabid Hedgehog yes on medium coarse gravel and fire road. It is comfortable and capable. I just don’t do jumps because i doubt the suspension and alloy wheels can take the abuse
@@RabidHedgehog yeah, maybe they will change the tank size and geometry put dual disk on the front stiffen the front shocks springs add some adjustable piggy backs on the rear and make it a belt drive ! I also agree changing the tail lights it dose look horrible! And if they won't do all that give people the option to order it from the factory then ship it to then bike shop !
Great review +1 like. I was hoping when your wife was on the bike she would set up like she’s about to go ride Everything said is on point. Im new and despite having the ability to get a bigger or like my father likes to say “better” bike (dads a Harley head) I’m starting small and working my way up. I’m 5’6 and have an irrational fear of not being able to flatfoot whatever bike I get idk why but ride height and comfortability is something I’m stressing, maybe because I won’t feel confident on the bike if I’m unable to. Anyways all that for this one simple question lol is your 5’2 wife able to flatfoot this bike?
I am trying to get her to ride it, but she has this thing about being on camera and talking at the same time for some reason so I am working on that. She can flatfoot the bike though. Her everyday bike is a Vulcan S that has a slightly higher seat and weighs about 90 more pounds.
Rabid Hedgehog I can’t believe I’m reading your replay 2 weeks late! 😰 sorry about that. Thanks for the info! I feel more confident in my decision now 😊 thanks again +1 sub
Analogue dial would be nicer for the retro look. Infact two dials (rev and speedo) would be nice with an LED indicator of what gear you are in incorporated in the rev counter would be even better.
hey there nice vid! i saw that the new rebel comes out in march, has fixed all the bad things you complained about , even they put a new dial that comes with a gear indicator, would you recomend this to me? i am 5.6 ft so i honestly go for it as it comes out. i doubt there is a better motorcycle 500cc /custom line out there. ...honda wins by far. and after i customize it i can die in peace. :)
They claim they have and I have seen the new one to be released but only got to sit on it, no riding yet. So I am hoping that I will get a chance to ride soon to confirm if the changes are good.
Nice review. But you bought it "blind"? Do you mean you didn't even sit on it and immediately notice the front fork suspension problem? I'm a smaller guy so it's probably not an issue. Now I'm wondering what a good suspension is all about. :)
No idea. I have an '84 Magna and a '86 Rebel 450 and when I was looking at their newer cruisers I found this video. I wish they had a wider selection, like a modern CB750.
Hi again. Let your thoughts.... I have been doing a bit of looking into the 500... I think I am going to invest in the cab 500x ... it seems like it will be a great fit... thanks again for your input
I love me the 500X in terms of looks and the fact it is comfy on the show rooms. Unfortunately test rides are rare so I have not been allowed to get a leg over yet. But it would be a great choice.
Don't forget that Harley shirt too! Well the comparison is in gauge alone and the Honda Monkey with its superior gauge makes one wonder why this one got such a cheap looking thing.
There have been some kits designed to adjust to forward mount so the knees are not so directly below you. Another thing would be get the knee pads for the tank to help reduce vibes and such transferring to them from the bike and that aids as well.
Have you reviewed the Rebel 300 yet? I still don't like how the gas tank and forks are tilted so high up. Reminds me of the Virago 750 from the 80s. Lol
I have rode several, but never on camera. I am now a MSF RiderCoach and there are a few of them at the range I work on. They ride the same and such just without the power. I do want to make a dedicated video soon, but Honda dealers here just do not want to let test rides happen.
I do not recall you telling us your height and your weight at the time of this review. I loved the review and after 33 years (last bike owned was a Honda CB900C) I am thinking of getting back into the game. I was thinking of getting a Harley Sportster, but looked at the Honda Rebel 2 months ago. Your review is not making me gravitate back to the Honda.
I am a smidge over 6 foot tall but not 6 foot 1 and weigh around 225 - 230. It is a solid riding motorcycle for sure and I love bombing around town and such on it as it is a blast to ride daily. Just wait until you see my next bike. The Harley is gone and something a bit more heritage has replaced it and it is also a Honda.
Hi Rabid, thanks for the video. I will be buying a Rebel 500 in the near future, and I have a very serious question for you; I am planning to change the seat, and put a spring seat. (a spring seat is my dream, I buy the rebel specifically to put the spring seat as a harley will be too expensive to me). What is your opinion on the spring seat? do you thing it will make the ride more comfortable?
