2020 Honda Rebel 500 Review | MC Commute
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- čas přidán 13. 05. 2020
- Honda’s Rebel cruiser was the gateway for many into the rip-roaring and fun world of motorcycling. For 2020, Honda has outfitted its budget-friendly Rebel 300 and 500 with a handful of improvements aimed at making it a more competent steed for new and experienced riders alike, as we’ve learned after spending a few hundred miles riding it.
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Make no mistake about it, the 2020 Rebel 500 ABS ($6,909.70 as tested) is the motorcycle its Bar & Shield foe should have built years ago. Styling-wise, it is especially handsome in its Matte Blue Jeans Metallic colorway. It’s a tasteful color that appears modern and shows off its well-proportioned lines, metal rear fender, and peanut-shaped 3.0-gallon fuel tank. Full LED lighting helps the Rebel stand out in traffic and the four-element headlamp throws off a bright beam of light for after-hours rides. Other optional styling touches include the accessory fork boots ($29.95), headlight cowl ($95.95), and quilted rider custom seat ($64.95).
If you’re a height-challenged rider, then you’re going to appreciate straddling the Rebel. With a seat height just over 2 feet, it’s a motorcycle that nearly anyone can feel comfortable riding. The seat pan is form-fitting which helps keep the rider in position during acceleration and braking.
Mid-mount footpegs, with large rubber inserts, come with an upright, albeit narrow handlebar. If you want to bring a passenger, Honda sells an OE passenger seat and footpeg kit for an upcharge. The clutch and brake lever lack adjustment, but their reach is oriented toward riders with small- to medium-sized hands (good thing). Clutch lever pull is so light, you can actuate the clutch with a pinky.
On the road the Rebel’s 471cc water-cooled parallel twin delivers respectable oomph away from stoplights along with a respectable growl out from its black swept-back muffler. It pumps out nearly 41 hp at the 16-inch Dunlop back tire and 90 percent of peak torque from as low as 2,400 rpm. There is a degree of vibration felt through the controls, but we wouldn’t deem it excessive. The slick-shifting six-speed gearbox complements the engine’s powerband well, and a slipper-action clutch prevents instability if you downshift into too low of a gear for vehicle speed.
A tasteful round-face gauge keeps tabs on bike vitals and now includes a handy gear position indicator as well as a fuel gauge. More experienced riders may gripe there isn’t a tachometer, we wouldn’t deem it a deal breaker. Our testbike was outfitted with Honda’s 12-volt Accessory Socket ($43.95) which allows you to power a GPS or other compatible device.
More heavy-duty suspension is a welcome upgrade with damping that is more calculated and precise feeling than we recall on the 2017-2019 model. This nets a more regal-feeling ride over bumps and turns alike. Ground clearance is more limited as compared to more sporty machines, but the Rebel has enough cornering clearance for occasional cloverleaf strafing missions. A pair of hydraulic disc brakes with ABS keep speed in check and are matched well to its 414-pound curb weight.
Those seeking a well-engineered and affordable small-displacement cruiser won’t do better than Honda’s 2020 Rebel 500. Polished in every way, the 500 has enough power to satisfy more experienced urban riders yet is well suited for those looking to get into motorcycling without the worry of having to upgrade to a bigger motorcycle after a few months of fun.
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Read the full 2020 Honda Rebel 500 MC Commute on Motorcyclist: www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2020-honda-rebel-500-abs-mc-commute-review/
Your rider is driving erratically and dangerously. From lane splitting through intersections to speeding and not stopping behind the white line at stoplights. He's making motorcyclists look bad.
Hi from Turkey.
U drive like a duche
Dude, your driving is dangerous. Do yourself a favor and stop driving all together.
As an entry-level bike you should drive accordingly to show the example.
*Motorcycle made for beginners ...
*Rides like Evil Knievel..
he gave me anxiety watching omg
Lol😂
He’s livin on the edge the way he drives
Normal riding for a very competent, experienced rider.
Yeah. I got nervous a couple times lol
Must have a lot of speeding tickets to back up that competents.....lol
Competent or stupid. Forget the experience. He should be obeying traffic laws. Sending wrong message here.
@@adanrivera5916 lane splitting is legal in California.
I dont know if its because i dont ride but the way you were riding lowkey gave me anxiety lmfaoo at one point i was like " watch out watch out watch out"
I CAME TO THE COMMENTS TO SAY THUD
he rides very dangerously. @ 3:40, the white van would have to slow down for him based on experience.
I'm a brand new rider, and holy shit, it gave me anxiety too. I felt like he was going to get hit a couple times... the lane splitting too... It's widely illegal here in Canada. 🍁
9:00 Anyone else noticed the Yellow light?
I'm staying in both Singapore and Malaysia.. Seeing stopping at a stop line with no cars give me anxiety... Haha.. To me, he drive perfectly normal in Asia..
I am in love with this bike,,,,,,, I’ve watched so many videos about her and I cannot wait to purchase one in the next year or so.
me too!!!!
Hope you guys can get one soon. 🤙🏽
Damn gotta wait another 2 or 3 years or so :C. Much love from the uk
Maqsood hassan wait for what?
@@Voltomess the bike 😂😂😂. Too poor atm. And will need to apply for a 500cc licence (a2 i think), so it's far out but would be a dream to have
I have mixed feelings about this bike, but I admit with the recent upgrades and the passage of time since it was first introduced in 2017 with it's little brother, the Rebel 300, the bike has begun to grow on me. A riding friend of mine has a 2017 Rebel 300 and I've been surprised at how well that little 300 manages to keep up with us on much bigger bikes around town or when riding the canyons, but he doesn't have the power when it comes to pulling a grade or have much in reserve when passing cars at highway speeds. That said this 500cc model with the recent improvements seems like it might strike a good balance of performance and budget. I think a big part of the recipe for success for this bike is price. Let's face it, sales of heavy weight cruisers are continuing to decline year over year and at prices of $20,000 and above, it's easy to see why this bike really stands out with a price tag, just under $7,000. I hope that Honda has great success with this bike. The motorcycle industry needs a bit of revitalizing and these smaller displacement, budget friendly alternatives I believe is the way forward to attract new buyers in to the showrooms.
I've been looking into motorcycles recently since the whole COVID scare and stress so this has been my goal with how hard I've been working and so far I'm interested in the Rebel's the most. Sounds great, looks badass and hearing this guy talk about how this is meant for smaller riders sells me even more since I'm a smaller guy. Gonna look at bikes this Monday to hopefully get more info/opinions and hopefully get some gear to get ready for the training.
@@cyotey4378 I think you are exactly the buyer that Honda is hoping to attract. I'm a shorter guy myself and this bike fits me perfectly. I stand at 5'6" with a 30" inseam so if you're stats are anywhere remotely close to mine, you'll fit this bike perfectly with both feet flat on the ground and plenty of room to spare. Not sure on what your budget is, but if the 500 is within your reach financially, I'd highly encourage you to go that route, as apposed to the 300. That extra 200cc's of engine displacement makes a world of difference if you plan on doing highway traveling, carrying a passenger or will ride up steep hills or long grades.
For short commutes and around town riding the 300 is perfect, but for a little extra cash, you can have the Rebel 500 which can handle most anything you can throw at it. It's a good bike for a beginner and allows some room to grown in to. The biggest complaint I've heard from Rebel 300 owners is that they outgrow it in terms of their riding skills and the bike's limited capabilities.
@@03flhtcui Yep sounds perfect then. I'm 5'5" or 6". Not positive on the inch but that's where I'm at. I thought about getting the 300 but yeah I'll wanna hit the highway at some point I'm sure and my goal is to have it for rides up north so the extra power would be nice (and the 500 just looks better it seems too)
That, and offering a rebel 500 with dct. Talk about bringing in first time riders. $$.
Get the 500
Yeah we’re just gonna cut this guy off, and this guy off, and yeah 😂
If they remake Son's of Anarchy in San Francisco, this would be the bike.
Ouch
It would be a Bicycle
Grand Sons of Anarchy
It’ll be Harleys new electric bicycle concept.
No, it would be a Triumph Bonneville
I cannot believe the amount of great looking “beginner” bikes aka regular motorcycles there are these days compared to ten years ago.
So lucky to get started riding now!
This guy WILL be in an accident at some point.
Hello heisenberg
And so will 80% of people on the road. Your point?
According to the insurance industry, the average driver will be in 4 accidents in their lifetime.
Mike MacFadyen please site your source.
yeah he drives very badly.
Another solid review for MC commute but your riding style is a bit too aggressive in my opinion. Ride safe and keep it up with the awesome content.
I watched over 50 Rebel 500 videos on youtube and this is by far the sickest ride i've seen. Speeding,lane splitting, wheelie while calmly explaining what the bike is all about. Loved it and watched it twice already. Cheers.
I've had this bike and it's an awesome motorcycle. Everything you need. Especially for a beginner. It's great on the country roads and is a great commuter.
is it comfortable of a bike
Cost ?
What do got as of now???
@@peekaboo9976 $25,000 in my country
@@peekaboo9976 hi
This was the best rebel 500 review i saw in the whole internet. Thank you.
I commute 2 hours into New Orleans 4 days a week on a Honda Rebel 500. I've been doing it for a few months now and this little bike has handled the interstate as well as the city just fine. Of course I'll have to see how it does long term considering the wear and tear on it. Not exactly made for it, but since I picked it up for $5800 new, it's not a huge investment if I wear it out. Very fun to ride!
I have to admit that I was't the biggest Waheed fan at first, but now I love his MC Commutes. They're as good as any. And I love his aggressive riding on any kind of bike because that's the way I would ride at times. Another job well done, Mr. Waheed.
I'd love to own one of these bikes even as somebody that's been riding for more than 10 years. I hope they hit the used market around $2,500 soon.
Absolutely love the rebel. Thanks for the content
Adam thanks for sharing your motorcycling wisdom with us in such a watchable and relatable format. I love MC Commutes. More!
I live in Bangkok. You wouldn't believe how endless the selection of Thailand local made aftermarket parts for Honda, especially the Rebels are. Cheap, decent quality, and easy to find
Where to buy?
Zeed parts, 320 sp, Furii Shop, K Speed
Is there anything available to change the gauges or add a tachometer?
grumpysquid shops said it’s gonna difficult and complicated, rather not do it
Aww man this bike is so cool
Watching these videos makes me feel like im riding
I hope some day i can buy one
Mate your driving was pissing me off, what's the hurry? XD. Nice review btw, was worried about the seat being too rough to sit on after a couple of minutes sitting on it (watched the the older model reviews and the seat was a worry)
It's an American way.😂
In América people is normal to go 20 mph above speed limit, so that's why 300cc are hated.
This seems like a great mid displacement bike. Good power, looks good, looks fun.. nice job Honda. Also, this video shows how you can have fun wringing out a bike like this... try this on a big displacement machine...
Funny how people like different things. I find this bike so ugly
Great review! I'm in the market for my 1st bike and I think you just sold me on the 2020 Rebel. The blue is sweet! Also, I hope I have the skill and guts one day to rip through traffic like that. Yikes!
I have the 21 Rebel and love it! A great starter bike and the low seating is what really sold it to me.
Great bike! I put about 14,000 miles on a 2017 rebel 500. Great bike for a big city as you said.
Every motorcycles need to have ABS system and Shift(Gear) indicator because these two functions is a life saver!!
OMG your a crazy driver! Have you ever been in an accident yet....?
Crazy?? No, rude, yes. I'm an older fella and riding like this gives bikers a bad name.
Hi MC, your video is very exciting, interesting and much more! Just right to the point.
I like the out- look of this bike, the height, muscle and the handsomness. Not much to say now untill I can adopt one.
Weloveyou MC.
I smashed my 2017 model into the back of a Audi q8. I have to say after changing the rear shocks, fork springs and tires it handled really good, so easy to scrape the pegs for fun
Proud honda rebel owner here at Philipplines. And i love it so much. So comfortable for cruiser rides
Was browsing youtube recommendation and looking for review on the rebel bike. Good content and I really miss Irvine.
I remember my first bike a 2011 honda CBR250R I used to ride it very spirited in NYC and still averaged 71 mpg lol, man I loved that lil 250.
If you want a cruiser that wont need to be in the shop all the time that's the one.
Fun bike, Honda fixed the suspension issues I saw when I tryed it.
Im 5,7 and the fit was perfect.
Want more power, the Rebel 1,100 is coming soon
holy crap that 1100 looks good. i think i want, but it'll depend on what they do with it and the price.
@@thinkdunson should be great power to weight at a fair price. Also, it's an honda so it wont fail
i know that it sounds good, rebel 1100 but it wont come under that name. and will be different from this rebel, because the dimensions of this motorcycle, that engine is way bigger and heavier that 500cc, so we are talking about a new model.. and dont forget about the price, which will get to at least 14.000euros. in my opinion this 500 cc is enough power.you can go 100 km/h in 5 seconds. and way above 150km/h. in my country you go to jail if you go beyond that. take care
@@sergiuulici3908 yeah if you google it, there is a picture of it and some speculation of what it might be like and what price it might have. that one press pic is what i was referring to when i said it looked good.
here in america, you're right, 90-100 mph is about as fast as most people would want to go. but for some of us, it's not enough. my sv650 takes me to around 125, which is pretty much good enough, but if there's a good headwind, it struggles. i'd love something that doesn't struggle to get up to 125.
I was wondering, im short, only 5'5 and a lot of people suggested this bike
I like this bike. My worry is it's rear clearance of the tire and the finder. Once someone backsides about 50 kgs, it might reach the finder after hitting a hump. Is the rear shock stiff enough to avoid this from happening?
Nice ride, thanks for the review. Waiting for the 1100...
Outstanding review and tutorial.
Currently living in L.A. and thinking about getting a motorcycle to cut my commute time in half... this Rebel looks like a great option
The way this dude rides is for sure getting him in trouble one day
I love the Honda Rebel 500. AWESOME Review!!!!!!!!👍👍👍👍
I just put my order in last month. They’re selling like hot cakes here in Japan, so it’s a 6 month wait. Can’t wait!
Really excited for the upcoming Rebel 1100
Wish they'd remake the VTX. Especially since the Softail Deluxe is leaving.
@@KLRJUNE why
Yeah and more 1100 models means lower prices , the dct 1100 rebel is going to be sweet.
Wow nice
@@KLRJUNE oh no fuck that i prefer the 300 over that
Love the blue
Great review. Hope to be as comfortable on a bike as your are one day
Ordered mine today. The shop had one in stock but was sold about an hour before I got there. Delivery was pushed back to end of May, so I'll be watching more videos. As far as your comment about the engine and harley's, I was at a harley dealership the other day for a "tent sale" (there wasn't one). Came outside and thought I was going to blow my ear drum across the road when a couple sitting outside started their harleys.
What jacket are you wearing Adam? I would really love to know! Great looking street denim jacket.
"it makes me feel like you're riding a more entry-level machine." Well, that's because you *are*. Dude's also going to get himself killed. Filtering in a turn? Cutting across 4 lanes of traffic because he's in a rush? 80 in a 55 when the rest of traffic is going much slower? Calm down and maybe re-take a class or two.
Is it legal in US to filter like this?
@@stou6093 only in certain states. This is filmed in California and it’s legal there to do so.
Nice review mr. Adam
How's this bike for spine/back comfort considering the ultra low seat height?
At the tender age of 55 I am finding that the styling strains the definition of "cruiser" but what the heck, if it rides well and handles well....folks will buy them, and I think they are...I have seen a few around.
tender age? your a flu away from death.
@@WhiteGravey don't be a dick
KoG GoK i still for better or worse act like a 20 year old....flu is hard on me true but i survive it i have multiple sclerosis but am not debilitated. If can stay away from this new virus I probably got 25 years left in me. I am all but bulletproof just because i choose to believe that!
@@WhiteGravey Damn dude, you're a prick.
Ya, I'd call it more of a standard than cruiser. But I'm an old bugger too, and don't think "standard" is a derogatory term.
Nice video! Immediately could tell you were on university and the 405, right by my house 🤘
I think this is the perfect bike for me as a beginner and being only 5’8... can’t wait to buy it! 😁😁
Did you buy it
I appreciate your well though out, non-biased reviews.
I have and LOVE a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT ABS (which I bought for my 74th birthday, 2 1/2 years ago), but I'd like something very much like the Rebel 500 for longer, more comfortable rides with my club members (who mostly ride big/heavy Harleys). I'd like something very much like the Rebel 500, but better for longer distance - however, I'm very much spoiled by my Ninja's low weight and flick-ability. What are your suggestions for something a bit more thruway cruise-worthy than the Rebel 500, but not some heavy sluggish beast?
Many thanks!
I love that Honda rebol 500 awesome video bro👌 👏 👍
I may have missed the info, but is the seat adjustable? I would like Rebel with a higher seat.
Love this bike but 35mpg? When riding more conservative do you get close to the 67 mpg? And is this bike capable of riding me and my wife on it? Combined weight of 280
I had a 2018 model....the seat was like sitting on a 2X4. Glad they improved it.
Talking about vibration in the handlebars 😂😂😂
That thing is like riding on a cloud compared to the rattling nature of any Harley
Lovely place where you film. I'm not sure what I like more, the scenery or the review.
Irvine is a beautiful city. very clean and not too much traffic during non rush hour times.
The damn muffler ruins the whole look. It's not that I want them to put a loud one, just a better looking one.
I was thinking the same thing. It just doesn't look right.
It's like it's a Moped muffler.. I just got a 2018.. I plan on changing it.. lol
$350 change it to the Vance & Hines upsweep slip on
Question how much miles does it say on a full tank exact number please thanks
hey i just got this bike i love it but can you tell me what your shifting points are? at what speed are you hitting 4-6
I believe ABS should be on ALL bikes. My argument would be; "Oh, round wheels are more expensive, so we should offer the option of square wheels!"
Enjoy watching your MC Commutes. Had the CB500X for a couple of years, really lovely engine so the improvements to this 2020 model will be great. Adam, your lane splitting is very aggressive 😁 it's legal here in the UK but doing it at 50mph will attract the attention (and ticket book) of the police....
Can someone help me out? Can I know which bike would you choose and why…
I’m torn between the CB650r and Rebel 500
Wonder if you can slap that new taillight and headlight on the 17-19 models
I seen one of these today at the motorcycle shop today so butiful
I weight 200, I like traveling 200 miles away, can this bike take trips like that and stay with traffic flow.
Review the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 please. I would love to see an in-depth review on this particular scrambler.
I live in a city with a lot of traffic this bike would be perfect.
Is the MT-03 going to be reviewed?
Would you recommend this as a starter cruiser?
Dude drivin the sh** out of dis bike!!!
NICE RIDE!
Any comment you have between the Honda Rebel and the the Yamaha Bolt?
I love the Honda's rebel line, thank's for this review!
I have a question, can this get custom color's or only the three they have on the site?
Also, is it strong enough to hold a carrier? I ask as I want to take this bad boy for some weekend traveling with my son.
Thank's for any info in advance!
I saw some review/series of videos on this bike by Life of Blurch that should answer most questions if you're still interested
(Installing a bigger seat for a passenger, swapping out some colors, passenger pegs etc)
Are you blipping the throttle then up/down shifting without clutch?
I realized I wasn’t even listening to what you were saying and more focused on the borderline reckless driving. Was waiting to see what crazy thing you were gonna do next. 😂
That Blue color with a camel brown seat would be perfect!
Is this a good starter bike for a newer motorcycle driver
Adam you’re without a doubt the most badass motorcycle reviewer of all time!
Is there that much difference between that bike and the 1100 i am trying to decide between the two
For some reason I thought you guys were based in El Segundo still. Didn't realize you are now in Irvine on Alton.
This is indeed an excellent beginners bike. This also great for shorter riders. Very affordable too.
I love your show
Motorcyclist are bound by same rules of the Road - as one myself - those who engage in Lane-splitting are why Other Drivers get so pissed at the lack of sharing the Road with Bikers.
Lane splitting is legal in Cali.
@@jowens4160 legal as with any other vehicle code, the vehicle must be driven/riden in a safe fashion. As a rider , I've never felt comfortable splitting lanes at high speeds (as I have seen far to many times on California roads).
Just be safe and not obnoxious.
If I see someone lane splitting, what do I think? Depends. If it's a small, nimble bike, I have no reaction. If it's a Chieftain, I think the rider is probably on drugs.
As long as the bike isn't going above 20 mph when lane splitting and is doing It safely then i don't mind. Its when it's a big ass Harley Davidson or a road cruiser then it's a problem
@@austinrickert1972 You guys ought to watch riders in London, if this worries you! The worst are the despatch riders, there are thousands of them
The new Rebel looks great in the black SE version.
Nice review but not sure about the riding style. Is that speedo in kmh or mph?
That was such a beautiful neighborhood you were riding through in the beginning...some really lovely houses. Come on Texas, when are we going to make lane-splitting legal here? I'm so jelly of riders who get to do that without a second thought in Cali.
Trust me, I live in California and that type of lane splitting is illegal, as is all of the lane changes with out signaling, cutting people off, riding at 15+ miles over the speed limit.
Nice bike though.
@@michaelshelnutt1779 can you cite the motor vehicle code violation? Most CA rules you see are "guidance" or "recommendations".
Mate, what kind of jacket do you have on, it looks great
Is there a bike similar to this that's good for people that are 6 foot 2?
Avg 35mpg?? Really? My CB500X avg 65mpg with the same engine, even when I ride like a ass around town, dips to like 58 if I ride 2up. So I dont know what you guys are doing to get such bad millage but its not reflective of any other bike with this engine I've seen.
Same with miy CB500x. That can't be right. People on Fuelly are getting 60ish as well on the Rebel.
@@danegaffney US gallons are small.
I owned the bike. It does not matter what you do to it. The lowest I got was 58 mpg.
I have to believe he misspoke because my GS gets 36 and it's a behemoth. I can't believe he was getting that low of MPGs on that.
Could be cause it's a new bike but I agree, I see 65 to 70 MPG with my CBR500R. I have the intake mod and high flow filter, full exhaust, and an ECU tune.
For commuting would you say this over the CBR 500r
It's like HD without have to stranded on the road.
glad im not the only one who thought his lane splitting was cringey AF lol
It’s common and legal in CA
Getting one asap
hey what the best beginner cruiser can you recommend?
no matter what bike, adam drives it like a super sport 😰 would be nice to hear how it sounds being rode like it’s intended
Of this is going to be my 1st motorcycle looks soo cool
Did you get it? I'm really considering one!
This is going to be my winter bike
I was really suprised how cramped this bike feels to sit on. Honestly the old Rebel 250 felt roomier. I'd have to get forward controls immediately, and I'm only 5'10. Also, for those who wonder if the engine can take it, I've taken 1000+ mile trips on a 1st gen Ninja 250. It would be no worries engine wise.