Honda Rebel 500 - Road Test & Review
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- #Hondarebel500 #rebel500review
The 2020 Honda Rebel 500 is a chopped Bobber style motorcycle with modern technology. Its 500cc parallel-twin engine is reliable, flexible and pretty perky. The low seat height, light clutch lever and easy riding nature make it a popular bike for learners, A2 licence holders and experienced riders alike. I was recently lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks on one. I rode it in the countryside and town, I rode it on B-Roads, A-Roads and motorways. How did I get on with it? Who does it suit? and is it a good buy in 2020?
I try to cover all of these points in this full review.
Thanks to Honda Motorcycles UK for the use of the bike and for some of the footage used.
If you like to support the growth of my channel you can do so at / mancavemoto
In the video I'm wearing;
Goldtop Easy Rider Leather Jacket - tinyurl.com/GoldtopLeather
Shoei Glamster Helmet - tiny.cc/glamdiscount
Lee Parks Design Gloves - saltflatsclothing.co.uk/produ... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I've owned this bike for just 1000 km now and I can say it's definitely going to be a long term relationship
Can you travel on it? Like 300 miles?
@@tea-bag7030 those are two tank fillings but I'm sure you can. Maybe your ass gets a little bit sore, but maybe thats on me because Im fairly new to it
@@tea-bag7030 of course you can ....i have the same 2020 blue version and is awesome! i bought the new mustang tripper seat 400$ ...and wooooow! what a change....i will stay with this motorcycle forever. i am positive..even if i saw today a new 1100cc rebel...i dont care...500cc is enough for me and it works just perfectly fine for me.enough power
now that the 1100 has come out, would you reconsider? hahahha
@@happyface8674 honestly i still think that rebel 500 is my best option.i dont make longer trips than 100km and i use my rebel only to commute, i now that 1100cc would be faster but 500cc is fast enough trust me. Is an amazing bike.
Got one of these for my lovely wife. She's only 5'2" and is perfect for her. Its a cracking little bike and in the 6 months of ownership we have nothing to grumble about. Love it to bits.
Thanks for the feedback Paul, good to hear
Where did it crack?
@@usernamemykel cracking as in a complement... not literal lol
javier abieza
Thank God!
Around here, cracking is what is done to walnut shells, and it’s a good thing that they don’t complain…
thanks a bunch for this note :)
I own this bike and have the forward controls shown in this video. I am 6'4", 30 inch inseam and I ride very comfortably on this bike :)
Thanks for sharing!, yes forward controls will make all the difference for tall riders
Going for that bear on a unicycle look
I have a 300 rebel as second bike to my Harley Road King, its a great little bike, can share it with a few buddies or lady friends on round town rides...transformed it into a bobber...looks great too!
Really? That's nice. I was wondering if it would be too small for me at about 6'1". But if i get that forward control this might be back in the race. That only leaves me with the problem that i find it too hard to get a good sound out of that in line engine.
@@The77Game I got a Falcon exhaust. It sounds awesome. :D
Def going for this as my first bike someday, love how it looks, it's gonna fit me well and it looks easy and fun to ride, I'm not the tallest dude so it's great
Go for it!
I'm taking my A3 license soon and I'm eyeing this bike too
It's my 4th bike and I absolutely love it. It's not just for beginners
Yea it does look like the perfect 1st bike or a keeper for someone like me who isn't really into face melting speed.
@@grndzro777 it's the best bike I've owned yet.
Just started looking for my first bike and I have to say your review is excellent mate, clean concise and told me everything I wanted to know about the Rebel. Keep it up!!
Glad I could help!
One of the best reviews I’ve seen - clean description, ride through and quality. Subscribing!
Not to mention, great bike!
Thank you and thanks for the sub. Much appreciated.
This was a very well thought out review. I appreciate your objectivity and willingness to point out the shortfalls as well as the positive aspects. Too often reviewers are nothing but simps for a new bike they acquired and seem to not find any faults with them. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, I always aim to be subjective and balanced.
My dude, I've been following you for a long while now and you've never ceased to be putting out quality content. Criminally undersubscribed considering some of the views that you're getting. Keep on kicking ass, brother.
Your camera work, lighting and audio is awesome dude, wicked review. Well done!
I just got this bike, and the review helped me a lot to choose. Thank you for an amazing review ❤️
Glad I could help!
Never knew hodor was a motorcycle enthusiast!
He was actually saying ‘Hold on’ not ‘Hold Door’..... ;)
😆😆😅😅
@@chinoasesino3465
you can easily understand what he is saying also, whatever a bimble is...
Thanks for the review. Your camera is awesome btw! made the scenery and bike look gorgeous.
Much appreciated!
Hi! Very interesting video! It just reminded me the time spent in the motorcycling school. They had one there and it was very funny to be ridden. Wish you a perfect new year!
Thanks and the same to you.
While out on a T120 I had a nice chat w/a rider returning to the sport and he'd just picked up a new Rebel for city and countryside riding. He made an excellent choice.
Its a great machine
Thanks buddy, a brilliant intro into this lovely bike. I’ve reviewed your 2020 version on purpose as I will probably need to buy second-hand. I’m old now and I was initially looking at the Re350 range but really need a bit more motorway speed to go on longer rides with my son and his biker friends. This looks just the ticket!
Cheers
Looking to buy this to get back on two wheels. Couple years ago had a 2014 cb500f. Sold it with over 100k miles and the engine still purred flawless. The 500 engines are top class for reliability. Hopefully they have improved electrics since 2014, only problem i ever had with my Honda.
That intro was awesome man!
I'm 6' exactly and I love my 2021 rebel 500. The ergos are my fav part
Good to hear. I’m 5’9/10 and I’m curious if this bike is too small a bike for me but it seems like it should be fine
I'm 6'3 and I sat on a couple the other day to get the feel of them and it was smaller than im used to but definitely comfortable
@@samuelhoddinott3377 I’m 5’10” and sat on the rebel for the first time a couple days ago. It’s pretty comfortable. Its bigger and less cramped than the old rebel 250 but not too big. It feels like a good size bike to inspire confidence.
Been thinking about this as my first bike!!!
Great review, I was going for the Rebel but then I got the ST mostly because the Rebel is a entry level machine and even duo I am not an expert rider I wanted a machine that I could use for the rest of my riding days.
Good choice! although I don't see any reason that anyone couldn't use this long term?
I bought my first bike this year, an 86 450 rebel with 12k miles that needs tlc. I'm really liking these new ones for when I upgrade next year.
Great review ...tried and tested the New Honda Rebel CMX500S as the model in your video....basically agreed on everything you've said and now I own one and I love it. My height is 5'9" or 175 cm and its perfect. Something to add on what you said: you can adjust the rear suspensions, and I also adjusted the steering with the Allen Keys on top just underneath the speedo for a better grip of the bike...once again thanks for the review!!!!
Thanks for sharing
Good review, been looking at a few different bikes for my first one (I’m 42), and I think this review cemented it.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm pretty into this bike. I've had an 09 rebel250 for two years and ~10k miles. I'm still very Happy with the 250. Speed is low on my list of priorities with simplicity being king.
Good to hear!
Nicely put together film.
Thanks
Great review just what I needed !
Glad you liked it!
I normally don't care for cruisers, but I really like this bike. The price is right, and it looks the business imo. I'm your height and inseam, and I thought there might be an issue with the legs being a bit cramped up. I know the engine is a really great performer given its size. everyone who owns one of these really seem happy with it. Very appealing. Good video, again Tony: straightforward and really getting to the bottomline without a lot of unnecessary commentary. Thanks!
Thanks Rick, glad it was useful
Looks like a great bike, i did almost buy one as a companion for my street twin. But decided to wait for something biker when i get my A licence done!
Its fun for sure, but I think you're right to hang on Sam
seems to be a general opinion that this bike is a winner..built for all riders, small and large..and some even say a great bike for the rookie rider..love the look and stance..great review..
Cheers, yes it seems to suit a very wide demographic
Top notch photography, and information.
Many thanks!
Love your content! Keep up the great work! Happy new Year from VikingBags!
Thanks, Happy New Year to you too, hope it’s a good one
@@mancavemoto Hey! We here at VikingBags really enjoy your content, so we are willing to send you a bag for free. Please email at social@vikingbags.com for more info!
The Rebel 500 is a great bike! I’m 5’4 and the bike fits me perfectly! My 6’1 husband likes to ride my bike too! Ride safe out there! 🏍
I’m a small man (5’5) and was looking for a comment like yours. Was worried about my size being an issue. Thank you!
great review, thanks mate
No problem
Awesome review thank you!
Thanks Ryan
yours reviews are very good 👍
Glad you like them!
Great review.
Totally agree about the running lights been mistaken for indicators , nice Goldtop jacket !
I don't know if the Canadian version has those damn things? Seems like a very bad idea to me. Yeah, those Jackets are very nice. I learned about them on this channel, and filed it away - might even have to get one.
@@rickducharme7429 Hi Rick I now have a goldtop jacket fantastic service and quality and they ship worldwide 👍
@@glennmarks2975 Yes, Tony did a video on them and they are very high quality for a very reasonable price, and they really look good: juicy and substantial. I live where it gets colder and wetter than old Blighty (Vancouver, BC) so we need to have the "good stuff" or we're just throwing our money away. Thanks for your comment. Stay well.
I've been looking at getting one of those when I get my bike license. I like the fact that it is good for short riders and I've the general look of it. Edit: have since got the bike license and a bike that is getting checked over before I pick up. Looking forward to learning how to ride and some hopefully good drives. I'm hoping I can do my other licenses on it aswell. Edit 2: have sine received the bike and love it totally. Love the sound, love to ride it, love everything about it
Its a great little bike
Went and sat on a few today... Wish the honda shadow 750 was in my budget but this is the next best thing definitely worth the money in my eyes
Its a great bike for the money
Great video beautiful bike 😎🤘🙌
Cheers
God bless you for including the conversions in the video.
Glad to help
I really want a 2020 500 Rebel I love the headlight on it and it will be my first bike 👍🏽😍
Just FYI, it doesn't come with the cowl. You have to buy it. It's about 90 bucks. I love it
...on the regular 500 or 500 ABS. The special edition comes with it but I have yet to see an SE
As a 5'0 This is just too perfect
I think so!
Just picked up a 2019 500 and I am excited after all the paper work goes through to ride it daily
I own a '17 Rebel. I love it. My wife hates the "two-wheeled demon." But she likes the sound the new exhaust has.
IS THERE ANY PROVISION TO INSTALL LEG GUARD ???
@@vickeykalindi976 leg guard like engine guards? Totally legal.
Great review, thank you
No problem
Awesome video, I am buying my first motorcycle(2020 Honda Rebel 500 used for 6750$ CAD 160 km and been lightly dropped once with slight cosmetic scratches). I am super excited!!!!!
So? Any updates bro?
hi! i have this 2020 rebel in blue colour, and after 4 months with the rebel, i can tell you that is an amazing machine.
has enough power for every situation, feels very confortable for me (5^7) and is very stable on the road, has a great sound, it feels like a sport bike when on it because you have to rev it a lot in order to get all the power , but then it looks like a cruiser. nice! in my opinion the rebel and indian bobber scout are the best motorcycles in this category. (i dont like the vulcan s)
Thanks for the info, much appreciated
i got the same for about 3 weeks now. my first bike, and love every second on it.
Cool looking bike.
Brilliant Video thank you !!
Thanks
Damn, this review really set this bike out ahead to what I've been interested in- Until the Rider height recommendation.. I'm 6'1 so Might be pushing it without investing in forward controls from the get go...
Depends on how long your legs are, and how flexible you are. I've got 50 year old creaky knees
Hope we can see a new Honda Rebel 500cc/750cc in DCT in the Future
An excellent quick review of the CBX500, marred only by your use of the word (I can barely bring myself to type it) ... 'bimble'.
Sometimes I can't help myself
Agree with the forward controls. I had real trouble moving this bike in my driveway - two heavy Harleys no issues, this feels top heavy to me. It runs awesome from 25-45, but it doesn't do well on the freeway (numbing vibration) and it's very slow to accelerate IMHO. Good review, thanks.
I noticed the jumping and bobbling when he increased speed
Good choice mate. Nice bike indeed..
🤘💯
Very good review . Love from Bangladesh.
Thanks!
thanks for the look
no problem
Would you believe I've just watched this a third time, Tony? It's because I keep thinking about the forthcoming 1100 DCT.
Thanks for propping up my viewing figures ;) I'm looking forward to swinging a leg over the 1100 at some point
I've owned it for a little over 5,000 km and loving every second on it
Good to hear
love my rebel 500 I have it in organic green so fun to ride
I've been thinking about getting a bike license for a while and when I saw this bike and that it was basically a perfect A2 entry I've made my decision and better yet its a bobber style which is good because I was never really a fan of racing bikes
A good choice
Could you realistically modify this to be comfortable for a 6'3 rider?
Used these for A2 Training & Tests, great bikes.
Yes they are!
I rode one from Portland Oregon to Crescent City California, Great bike, willing engine!!!
Very cool!
You’re deacon from days gone
I heard it’s not well on freeways- how was your experience ?!
@@jabbedcrab
I want that answered as well - folks are saying that the handlebars vibrate too much at highway speeds...
Nice hi from Sibiria!
Hello there!
Quite cool looking for what it is. Not a fan on the Matt black exhaust cause after couple wet, dirty rides ,despite meticulous cleaning, look horrible quite quickly. Nice real world review mate 👍
Cheers
Gonna get this after my A2 , do you think it's worth taking the speed restrictor off my current Benelli leoncino 125?
I used to hate the Suzuki S40 I had in 2004 because the low seat hurt my back & legs but I noticed short people loved them. Lesson learned. Traded it for a Vstrom & hated being on my toes so I spent money on a lowering kit & shorter side stand. Another lesson learned. Bikes with 31" seat heights don't seem to sell anymore. They're disappearing.
Same with realistic motorcycle seats in general they're disappearing
Thanks for video ,, is it better than Harley Davidson Iron or fat bob 😅for beginner?
Hopefully I can buy this one, someday. 🤗🤗🤗
Like your jacket mate
Cheers, theres a link in the desription and a link to my review of it in the end credits
I've given you a "like", though I wanted to know how comfortable and capable this cruiser is to "cruise" on thruways/highways and the like for extended distances
Back to basics means no problems and reliable and cheap to service and maintain.
It's certainly a lot better-looking than the generation one, especially the rear light. I can see why young riders would like it. I agree indicators as driving lights is a dangerous idea. Not so sure about that customising job.
Dig the Easy Rider jacket. Born to be wild !!!!
Cheers
Awesome!!
Thanks!
Thanks for the review. Really clear and concise. Any chance you know where you got the image of the customised version at 3:17. It looks amazing.
No problem. I mocked that image up in Photoshop.
Brilliant vid comentary + bike thanxz allowd 2 dream The 9 Dotz
Glad you enjoyed it
At 1.93m I don't think I'd really fit on this, but I really like the style of this bike.
Quite possibly not, unless you have very short legs 😂
Would anyone hear recommend getting a Sports Bike (like an SV650 or Ninja 650) as my first bike? I have zero experience on motorcycles other than the CMSP course I took and some experience on 150cc Vespas. Or would the Rebel route be the better bet for a first bike? Does it make much of a difference?
Great review! What is the comfortable top speed in 6th gear at around 4000rpms? I am looking for something that could cruise at highway speeds (85mph).
You won’t get 85mph at 4000rpm.
If you're a new rider please don't try anything over 500cc.
New riders need something easy to control.
You might lose your passion for something really great if you "over buy".
Honda makes the best bikes for serious drivers and 500cc is fine for old and new riders ❤
That's it. I'm getting it!
Enjoy!
@@mancavemoto Not much tire options , and the supply chain may take a even worse turn soon .
in every review I see on this bike people say that longer journeys can be uncomfortable because of the positioning of the legs but I ride a yamaha mt 125cc, and I get uncomfortable on long journeys as well, so I think thats just a part of riding a motorcycle unless you ride one of them big luxury touring bikes
I just helped a friend pick out this scooter for his 1st ever road bike.We race offroad and he was looking for something nice to beat the gas prices bombing around upper Michigan.
A good choice!
Hey, I'm thinking of getting the Rebel 500 as my first bike. I do understand you said the leg position is going to hurt on long drives, like is it because of the firm seat or suspension or both. I am planning to do trips to the canyons and stuff, will I be comfortable on this bike,it would be really helpful to know your opinion. Thank for the review dude, to be honest your review is one of the best I have ever seen with all the practical details. And Sir can you explain how to adjust the rear suspension?
Hi, it’s more the riding position than either the seat or suspension. If you have shorter legs it’s not so much a problem.
Love the Rebel! Such a sexy and sleek bike
Fantastic first bike...Honda did it right.
Hello,
I got my full bike license about 4-5 years ago but never actually bought a bike. Yesterday I did a refresher bike lesson on a MT 07, after my nerves had pasted i really enjoyed riding. I have two bikes I'm looking at. one is an XSR 700 and the other is Rebel 500.
Considering I haven't really ridden any bike apart from under instruction what bike would you recommend for me ?
Thanks
Both bikes are great but are quite different in style. The XSR is essentially a dressed up MT07 so if you’ve ridden one in your refresher it won’t be too different.
Thanks, I give I'll need to test ride both of them :)
Its a lovely first time bike i heard.
I would say so yes
My dream bike
So, if you had to choose between a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and a Honda Rebel 500 as a first bike for a six foot one male weighing 90 kilos, which would you choose, keeping in mind that the Rebel costs a substantial bit more?
I've not ridden the Meteor yet, but it looks pretty good from what i've seen
May I know where to get the aftermarket foot peg? The adjustable peg bracket.
You can get a set from www.deprettomoto.com/en/cruise/1525-kit-controls-repositioning.html
Por que diantres no lo traen a Perú?
I understand tall, you mentioned about forward foot controls relocation kits, could you post those links please.
Here you go - www.deprettomoto.com/en/cruise/1525-kit-riposizionamento-comandi.html#/3-color-black
Que moto estilosa , a Honda deveria trazer para o 🇧🇷🏍️ aqui só tem CB 500 X e 500 F! Tinha a 500 R mas não agradou o consumidor Brasileiro,saiu de linha! Saudações cordiais de Curitiba Paraná 🇧🇷👍👏👏
Esperançosamente eles vão trazer isso para o Brasil? Obrigado por assistir e comentar. Felicidades Tony
I am considering to get this for my first motorcycle, do you think it is good or should I get something else I am 5 11 and 180 lbs
It would definitely make a great first bike, just have a sit on one to make sure you’ll be comfortable. I don’t think it would be a problem
Thanks for the great review! What kind of boots are you wearing?
Cheers, they are the Roland Sands Design Mojave, but I think they are now discontinued?
@@mancavemoto Thanks for the response! Looks like they are discontinued. On the hunt for something similar now.
Thanks for the review! Sorry to ask a newbie question, any speed bumps clearance problems?
That depends on the size of the speed bumps! but no there are no problems in thar regards
I don’t get why everyone thinks the running lights are a safety issue. Amber running lights are also not common in Germany. I own the 2019 version and had absolutely ZERO issues with them. I drive mostly in the city with lots of traffic (Berlin) and not one driver mistook my running lights for active indicators. The indicator shines way brighter than the running light. This is definitely a non-issue in practice. If anything it improves the visibility of the bike especially at night because the lights are spread out wider. There is a higher chance that a car driver sees at least one light in his mirror.
I haven't yet experienced any issues either , but it does seem an unnecessary risk? If the aim is for extra visibility they could be white lights? There are plenty of examples of dual colour lights for the rear. I don't know if you've ever ridden in the UK? maybe German drivers are more disciplined?
Views from the Man Cave No, I haven‘t ridden in the UK yet. But I can tell you that drivers in Berlin are definitely not disciplined. It’s pretty chaotic especially during rush hours. Double parking vehicles blocking lanes, drivers illegally using bus and bike lanes and cars quickly switching lanes without using their indicators is common place.
Do you think it's possible to get a more heavily padded seat on this bike? I prefer soft comfortable seats when I ride :)
I'm sure there are aftermarket ones out there. Any decent upholsterer should be able to add extra padding too
just buy a mustang seat tripper. 400$ i did. and has already changed my riding experience.is amazing even if is expensive. is my dream bike.