It is like when you are dating a person and have the potential to date someone else. Then you start thinking what you don’t like about the current person. But that new person may have the same flaws or worse.
1. The suspension on the 2020 is VASTLY improved. So is the seat. 2. True. I did get a tiny Honda windscreen which makes it 100% m ore enjoyable to ride on Highways. I was surprised how much that little things helps. 3. We'd all like cheap and high quality stuff, but it just ain't gonna happen. The stuff I've gotten for mine wasn't cheap, but it's great quality, so if you wanna spend, you can get it :)
Good points! And while I understand there are quality parts to be had, there really aren’t that many options. Seats for example- dozens of great looking (but crappy quality) options for a low price, and then if you go the nicer route your only option is Corbin as far as 2-seater options. I just wish that as many quality companies made aftermarket parts for these as you see for Harleys and such. Hopefully more companies come on board for the 1100 though!
True that! The seat totally slipped my mind since I have an aftermarket seat. But then again I guess there’s a reason why the seat was one of the first parts I ordered for the bike 😂
Couldn't agree more. I purchased the Mustang seat for the 500 and believe me it does wonder. Had to wait six months because of COVID but it was well worth it.
Yeah, 100% agree. The seat is the worst. After riding 8000kms, the seat is kind of worn in, but for someone with no natural padding on their behind, there is nothing in the stock seat for comfort.
Great review Agreed for the pros plus I would add fuel economy, reliability, cool factor, price etc. A for the cons, I would say the suspension/seat comfort is legit (but being a small cruiser its not unexpected or surprise), the rest are kinda nitpicks. I owned a 500 for more than a year, ridden across europe and back within days and it was definitely exceeded my expectations in many ways. I think whoever complains about the lack of highway capability has way too high expectations for the type of bike the rebel represents or never ridden worse bikes before (there are plenty of good bikes that are worse on highway). In fact I would choose the rebel 500 over any other small cc sport-ish bike for highway use any day. I have ridden this thing across the entire german autobahn without any issue. ...I have to admit: even I dont have the 500 anymore, I'm still a fanboy, lol
A very much appreciated comment! The R500 was a love at first sight for me and I am planning on getting her as my second motorcycle. As I started to educate myself about her I have ran into many different perspectives of those who owns/ed one. Your's is also a great addition into the mix and further solidifies the fact that she will be an awesome companion.
Yo, first off, thanks for all the rebel content. Convinced me to get one myself mid last year. I just sold mine and ordered the Trident. I’m super sad that I can’t keep the Rebel either!! How I wish we could all just keep all the bikes we want forever 🥲
If only we could have a different bike for every riding style! That’s awesome that I helped inspire you to get a Rebel though! Thanks for commenting bro 🤘🏻
I made a custom air ride seat cushion for my rough riding bike. I used a 10 inch riding lawn mower inner tube and covered it with black vinyl. I folded the vinyl over it and stitched 2 sides with a speedy stitcher and laced the last side with paracord. I put grommets on it to attach it to my bike. It is like riding on a cloud. You can get creative and use leather and put fringes on it. Mine is just a prototype but it works very well.
hey there ! i disagree with you on some points about the rebel500... 1) you said on highway is unstable because of the wind, i bought a small nice windshield and problem solved. 2) on the rebel 500 2020 they changed the rear suspension , so it is not bad anymore. actually i love it on my 2020(it makes it very stable on curves) anyway , the rebel 500 is one of my best purchase ever so far, and even if outhere are lots of better motorcycles, the rebel may not be perfect, but is something else. a very unique motorcycle which hopefully will stay with me forever. good video btw.drive safe!
I just got mine. SE, 2021 version. Suspension and seat are not an issue anymore. It is perfect for going 120kmh/75mph on the highway. It even reaches 160kmh/100mph without an issue, once the motor is set out of the break period. If done well, it's an outstanding bike.
I just bought my Rebel 500 4 days ago. And i agree with MOST of what he said. The bike does feel like its getting blown all over the place when its real windy or at high speeds, that's actually why I've been hesitant to take it on the interstate yet. But other than that, I've loved every minute with it so far. I've not really noticed that big of an issue with the suspension, but maybe I'm just lighter than he is or maybe the roads where i live might be better or something, but I've not had any problems with it feeling like its beating me to death. But i am having a BLAST riding my Rebel 500 and i would HIGHLY recommend it to any new riders, as i myself am new to motorcycle riding. I've rode dirt bikes and other things my whole life, but this is my first REAL motorcycle and i would say that anyone whos like me and wants to get their first bike should definitely, DEFINITELTY get a Rebel. I would also recommend the 500, even if your new, because i feel that the 300 just doesn't have the power needed to really do everything you might want it to and a 1100 might be better held off on until you got use to the 500.
Here in europe/germany many parts need homologation which makes them more expensive, but then again many cheap parts are just not allowed then and you will not use them to be sure not to get problems when checked by cops.
The Rebel lineup is just so inviting. It feels friendly and welcoming. As Zack Courts on Revzilla says: they're very approachable bikes. I feel that one word sums the Rebels up really well; approachable. Perfect beginner bikes that aren't too intimidating, but also great for experienced riders who values reliability.
I think the 500 is targeted at the older riders like me 70-90, It is just the right weight, power, and comfort for people who want an easier ride as we age.
You have answered my main question. I am 71, rode for a few years, and now want something comfortable and economical that I can ride to work twice a week, and have some fun.
@@gmjsimmons Well I'm a little bit younger in my 40's but I also think about that rebel as a safe light weight for an old guy, instead of that fat street bob I have in my garage.
I have to disagree with your top 3 dislikes. This is a light weight beginner commuter. You cannot expect the same type of comfort as a heavy bike like a cruiser. Picture this in between a dirt bike and a cruiser. Yes, you also lack stability when you encounter crosswind, again that's because of the light weight. Your Rebel 1100 should be able to take care of all that, but may not be as nimble as the 500. Again, as for the customized parts, you get what you pay for. Not a legit con. That's my view. I say this is a great bike for beginners to enjoy. Even as a get around or second bike for seasoned bikers.
Great review, was fun to listen to your feedback on the Rebel. When you take both hands off the grips I get nervous like "oh no, I hope it continues to track straight and no pot hole, etc" lol
Just the first 15 seconds. I get you so much. Got my first bike (honda rebel 250) 8 years back and I drove it to and from Pittsburgh from New York and 1 way from south Carolina. It gets old soo fast especially driving it 5 years year round
Got a great deal on a 300, rode it 3 times, made into a bobber...rode 2 more times, saved for 19 year son, cool little bike, will sell if he doesn't ride in the spring though.
For a brand new rider (I've only riden 150cc scooters so far), I'm looking forward to picking up my Rebel 500 in 2 days! I plan to avoid highways, the previous owner customized it better than I'd be able to and the parts don't look cheap like what you are mentioning...so I guess the shocks are my main concern. Thank you for the information!
For those complaining about the seat, I guess you haven't ridden a stock Sportster. I was prepared to not like the seat based on watching different reviews so was surprised at how comfortable it was when I got it. Comfort is somewhat relative but no stock bike I've ridden other than my CTX 700 has had a comfortable seat.
Looking forward to your comparison of the 500 with the 1100.....may not be as nimble, but still I think it is under 500 pounds which is light for a cruiser with that displacement.
25 married with a kid on the way, but man that rebel 1100 looks so nice. Perfect mix of a cruiser with a sportier bike, hope to have one in the near future. Good video
I own a 2018 Rebel 300. I agree with the same likes and dislikes, but I need to add another dislike: the passenger seat and pegs are just ridiculous. Very inadequate. Also, it’s just scary on the highway.
Your going to regret that swap to the 1100. Not saying the rebel 500 is the model but the 1100 is apparently the same on speed and accelerate from the reviews I seen because of the governor on the ecu. My rebel will do 114 so not sure why he has trouble on the highway lol 🤷♂️
Yea buddy I crashed my Yamaha Stryker and while that's not OK now I can buy another bike to more fit my needs. Im 70 years old now and the Stryker was big, heavy and hard for me to handle now. So with the Ins. settlement I bought the Rebel 500 with ABS. I love it. I won't be riding any more cross country trips so yea basic transportation and spirited rides. If the Stryker had ABS I would not have ate the tail gate of the pickup at 40 MPH. 3 broken ribs, collapsed left lung a broken ankle and lots of road rash. I was wearing some protection. Get the ABS.
The only group that’s nicer to be apart of than the rebel group is specifically the rebel 250 group, none of the old people in that group have an ego issue to overcome
I just got into riding and got the 2021 Rebel 500 SE as my first bike. I'm definitely glad I got the 500 vs 300 - I already feel like I'm outgrowing the 500 though. My major gripe is that the screen is so dim, it's difficult to see in bright daylight.
The bike has changed so much. I had an older one and it was great. Beware, it is very oil thusty and I was going through something big in my life and I ended up ruining my motor. Check that oil!😂
I really like the Rebel but I just don't like at all the way it looks which is what makes me hesitate to get one. Sometimes it looks ok but sometimes I look at it and think man that's ugly as hell. I'm conflicted but I hear it's an awesome bike to ride and learn on. The lightweight and versatility is really appealing and that's what makes me want it. It seems like the perfect 1st bike besides appearance for me at least. I've been riding dirtbikes my whole life and am a truck driver so I'm not a total noob but I am for motorcycles so I am a noob. Im 6 foot 190 lbs so part of me thinks a Yamaha Bolt R Spec might be a better fit for me around same price but it is 120 lbs heavier and has its cons as well. I'm stuck on what to get.
Great video, I’m trying to get the Honda Rebel 500 se (I think that’s the proper name) and this video helped me out a ton!!!! How tall are you/weight? Trying to figure out the wind situation, (first bike hopefully!)
Dropped down from a 750 to a 500 rebel, Its a fantastic ride, very agile feel great for filtering in traffic, with all the cameras around now whats the point in a 180mph ride?
Same here! I owned my first Rebel 500 at the same time as my VFR800, and the Rebel got more attention because it was just so agile, light, and fun in comparison!
Had my 2021 for about a month now. A windy LA day on the Highway was indeed sketchy. At one point I wondered if I should exit and pull over. I still don’t think I’d want a heavier, bigger bike because the size does make it fun. I just slow down a bit down to 60 or 65 and its okay.
@@eriksanchez7286 after a few more months, I’ve decided to just embrace the instability. I was going 87 on it down the 110 to work this morning. You have to have the throttle really far open and it takes a while to work up to it but this thing will definitely take you as fast as you reasonably need to go.
My first bike was a 2017 CBR500R. I have had my 2014 r6 for about a year and half now. Gonna go for the rebel 1100 next most likely. Waiting for you to review the 1100 before I go for it.
I'm looking to get into motorcycling. I'm very between this and the more sporty styling of the cbr500r. Im highly drawn to the cruiser style this bike offers but my girlfriend's father calls these old man bikes and thinks I'll have more fun with the sports bike. Bikes for me aren't about top speed or cornering speed though, as long as I can get it up to the speed limit and enjoy it, I don't care if another bike could perform better
Howdy, I'm a 74 year old geriatric and a small guy (5'2", 170#, 28" inseam) that's been riding for greater than 50 years. I've ridden coast to coast, Canada to Mexico on bikes of all sizes. Last year I sold my Yamaha 1100cc Silverado cruiser that I put 40K miles on and bought a repaired 2018 Rebel 500. First thing I did was put on an aftermarket exhaust, a luggage rack and a bobber type taillight assembly. I just love the hell out of this bike. It's as fast as it needs to be, 100 mph with me on it, it's nimble, the seat is adequate for me and so is the suspension. This year I rode from my home in St. Paul to Copper Harbour, MI via backroads and Interstate and it was a blast! Maybe the Rebel is not right for everybody, but it's perfect for me. It's the most enjoyable bike I have ever owned. The only complaint I have is people have to quit calling it a beginner bike. Yes, it works well for people buying it as their first bike BUT it also works well as a forever bike for experienced riders who are compact. How about we call it a compact, well sorted road bike?? Ride on Bros!
I agree, the bike is fun. My spine also has the same grief about the suspension issue. If only they had a meatier seat suspension system and/or a meatier rear suspension by maybe 2 inches.
Here in australia we are limited to 110kmph which i think is 68mph? So if its windy af on that day i drive the car and save the bike for nicer freeway summer or sping weather if i go on a long cruise.
Honestly the only thing that turned me off from the Rebel line was just the dinky gas tanks without any real way to get a bigger tank without having to fabricate brackets and all that jazz. I took my MSF on an old Honda Renegade so I looked at the Rebels first. I eventually went with a Kawasaki Vulcan because it felt better to me and the larger tank was a winner since I knew I wanted to take longer trips.
Great review 👏 Lots of online aftermarket parts are cheap dirt, read the returns carefully or simply do what l do DON'T BUY crap online. I like to buy quality once, so find a dealer who only deals in quality and pay that extra amount. Riding any motorcycle on a highway in windy weather is highly dangerous for too many reasons to mention here. Don't be ashamed to come of the highway, call family or friends, tell them you'll be a little late but BE SAFE.
I rode an Indian Scout 1200 as my first bike. ❤️. It was heavy for me but dang was it awesome. I did lay it down but I had highway bars. I still was too small and lightweight to pick it up. I was a new rider. I sold it and I’m thinking of a Rebel now. What is the difference in weight from a 500 to an 1000? Honest question and thank you ❤️🥰.
Hi, thanks for your vid. Can understand your likes and dislikes. Especially when it comes to the parts from Thailand or Asia. I don't have any problems with delivery times either, but quality is another matter LOL. But you get used to it, have lived here for 18 years. The rear shock absorbers are also a pain in my ass. But I still love the Rebel 500 and have been traveling with this machine in southern Thailand since January 2021. Greetings Thomas from Rawai Phuket
I’m a returning rider. Just bought a new 2022 Rebel 500 after not being on a bike since I sold my Virago 750 in 2015 before that I had a VT1100 in 2010 and a Yamaha 650 Special back in 1996-97 and a CR250R Elsinore as a teenager. So I absolutely Love Honda! I’m getting on this sweet little Rebel at now 49 years old and until you said it I just thought maybe I’m a little gun shy going 70 with 18 wheelers going by blowing me all over the freakin road 😬 But you just made me feel a lot better about my abilities as now I know I’m not the only one 😂 But I do absolutely love it and it’s getting better. Also I’m in East Texas and we’ve got tons and tons of back roads so it’s perfect for me. I actually think it’s pretty peppy for just a 500! I got the new Pearl Organic Green and I’m calling it “YODA” because it’s a little green badass and being a Honda it’s very wise too. Of course I still have the single seat so I could just call it “Honda Solo”🤣
I have the virago 750 and it’s the most comfortable bike I have ridden, I tried out the rebel 500 here in Norfolk uk , that engine is quick and the slipper clutch in nice , my virago clutch has a strong pull to keep it out of gear , if I could get the back shocks changed off the rebel and seat , then the only other thing would be forward controls, maybe a front screen , then I would definitely have the rebel over a virago 750 .
You can actually win this bike right now! 9 spots left last that I checked. Check it out! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Zqu8IWSozEY.html
I bought my friend’s old Honda Rebel carburetor motorcycle in college...made the mistake of getting on the freeway just for a couple miles between exits...I was white-knuckling it the whole time...thought I was going to die with the big semis passing me...😬
I'm considering a Rebel 500, I haven't rode a bike since I was a teenager (dirt bikes back then) and I'm 40 now. Do you think this would be a good choice for someone who is wanting a commuter bike and will occasionally cruise in town with it? My job is only 12 miles away and my Ram 1500 Hemi is drinking gas like its water on a hot sweaty day so looking for something to help on gas costs but also be some fun for me. Thanks in advance!
It’s not the brightest, but not terrible either. I’ll usually just keep my high beam on regardless though. I like to see and be seen. (Granted I’ll switch back to low beam if cars are coming towards me of course)
Alright- been looking at the Rebel 500 for a little bit, wondering if it's for me. My experience is a 1980 CB650 & 1984 Shadow 700 (I think). Haven't ridden in 15yrs. I'm 260lbs & in my 50's. If I get a bike, it's gonna be cheap & easy to maintain. Not a highway daily ride. Weekends & relaxing. Any suggestions?
I know this video is old but it was still very helpful! I've never had a motorcycle before and have been researching and thought about getting myself a Rebel 500. Thanks for the info!
I was primarily looking at this bike as my first bike but I was really hoping to take it on the highway :/ does anyone know a better highway cruiser or how to make the rebel 500 more highways capable?
Put a small windshield on it cuts down the buffeting tremendously. I added a 17" Puig windshield and it made a huge difference in wind buffeting. I'm 5'6" so the 17" was perfect for me.
The reason youtube gives you statistics is not to rub it in your viewers about 'how few of them are subscribed'. Its for you (the creator) and only you, to see wether or not you are doing well with your channel. All youtubers should stop wasting their own and the viewers time on telling us that. Use it like a personal indicator....PERSONAL...not public.
The Rebel community has been FANTASTIC. Totally agree. (Facebook Honda Rebellion, reddit as well) And highway speeds are NOT for this bike, it is not geared for that. The buzzy high speed is just not for the bike. 55 mph is where it is happy. Around town is fine, but not for long distances. I replaced the seat, so it doesn't bother me anymore. But the suspension is a rough. I have another bike that is like riding a layzboy after riding my 500. It is a fun bike to customize though, you just have to be careful on the aftermarket parts you buy. Easy to work on as well. I have stripped off almost everything but the engine just in my garage with normal tools. Can't do that with my Triumph.
Hey dude, I hope I'm not one of those "You don't know that?" type of dudes because I've been riding since 1978, I started at 11 on my friends moped who I spent the the summers with and then I stopped around 18 or 19 and my parents always said no way to bikes so my first real bike after I moved out and began working was at 24. Now I'm 56. But I just downgraded because I've always loved naked bikes but mostly cruisers. So I bought this year's new Honda Hornet (2023) and it's great but so ugly. I didn't want to shell out 11K for a Rebel 1100 because in terms of top speed it does about the same as the 500 which is between 95 to 100 mph. So next week I'm picking up a new Rebel 500 FOP which has about half the HP as the Hornet. I hope I get a nice surprise. Nice vid. Take care. Mike.
I love how easy it is to customize and the different build people make. But I don't like dong it myself. It's cheap to make it your own. But the quality is also low. But there are good parts to there. But they cost more. I love riding the bike, but my spine hurts because the rear suspension sucks. I can get new suspension, but it cost money. It's good. But it's bad. Overall the bike is apparently middle of the road and kind of meh with a good community.
You just bought a wrong bike model. This is what happen if You buying chpper/cruiser bike and complain for this bike to being chopper cruiser - I meand suspension or motorway inconvenience. Exactly the same about the last dislike - You bought a cheap bike and complaining about cheap parts...
I'm still brand new (two days experience so far riding) and I have no plans to ride on the highway with it if ever because 95 here in Maryland is just full of idiots. For back road riding though, I think it'll be perfect for me.
Seems like a great motorcycle. I just can't get over how ugly it is. The tank looks like a afterthought set on top of that Erector Set frame. Ugh. Nobody does ugly like the Japanese big four.
.y biggest regret is that I traded my 400 yamaha. When I went to my V45 Magna. If there is any way you can make it happen. Dont let your fun lovin bike go.
Yeah try riding in New Orleans. Literally potholes that cars can fit into. And manholes that protrude up 2+ ft out of the ground that the city just kept piling asphalt around it.
I absolutely agree with you about the highway capabilities of the 500. 70 - 75mph on a light bike (plus a super windy day), can make for a very anxious ride. That is the only reason I'm moving forward with buying a bigger bike myself. I'm just very grateful that I am in a position in my life where I'll be able to keep my 500. It's (for me) the perfect bike for commuting back and forth to work, running quick errands to town, and just a ton of fun to ride; especially on these West Virginia backroads.
@@queenbee7074 facts I own a cb250 nighthawk as a commuter and use it everyday in the highway, it can get to 120kmh/75mph but it's hard, if it's windy then maybe you won't even reach those speeds and the bike shakes like hell, I'm looking forward to change into a rebel 500 and reading these comments makes me feel even more sure than this bike is way better than they say because they haven't ride anything worse
What a comment. My first (and only) bike was an 85 Rebel. I loved that thing to pieces. It was cheap, simple, and easy. I just looked at an 09 Rebel today, and although it looked and felt the same as I remembered, it also felt really small and weak. Maybe its just my flawed memory. But I really want to get one of these new 500 models.
The seat is total crab. Just replace it, I did it and it's a total other bike. I have a Rebel since 2 years and had no issues with the suspension , it's just the seat that will destroy you back. This isn't a highway bike btw. You should know that.
The suspension on a HD Sportster is terrible, front and rear. Jars your back badly. Also is top heavy, on the road not too bad but in the city wonders at low speeds.
