Detailed 2017 Honda Rebel 500 Review of Specs + Changes | New Cruiser / Bobber Motorcycle for 17′! (CMX500 / ABS)

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Honda Rebel 300 / 500 Review

– Detailed 2017 Rebel 500 Buyer’s Guide: Price, HP & TQ Performance, Accessories, MPG, Features + More! –

Everything you need to know about the Rebel 500 in one place!

2017 Honda Rebel 500

Say hello to the all-new 2017 Honda Rebel 500! At the same time, Honda also introduced a new Rebel 300 to join the Rebel 500. You can check out the 2017 Rebel 500 / 300 Model Announcement by Clicking Here. This review is only going to cover the Rebel 500 though and I’ll have a separate page covering all of the details and nitty-gritty specs on the Rebel 300. Why (2) pages? There’s so much information concerning these two new cruiser motorcycles from Honda that they need their own pages to highlight everything you need to know about both of them.

What is the new 2017 Rebel 500 (CMX500)? It’s a new cruiser, ‘bobber’ style motorcycle from Honda for 2017 that is a huge update and I mean HUGE update coming from the Honda Rebel that Honda introduced a year before I came into this world – in 1984. It is Honda’s idea at creating a fresh new take on an otherwise old-school ‘look’ with the 500 cc parallel twin-cylinder stolen from the very popular CBR500R / CB500F / CB500X bikes. Honda didn’t just steal that engine and not make any tweaks to it… For cruising duties, revised PGM-FI fuel injection mapping has re-focused its character towards a more torque-heavy bottom-end output, while retaining a sporty feel to its smooth and linear power delivery, for a ride that is engaging as well as easy. Honda has shown yet again that they know how to mix old and new school to create an engaging and incredibly easy motorcycle to ride, yet still offering plenty of room for owner customization. It’s update has been long overdue as this is one of Honda’s longest-running bikes that has not received an update with major changes and upgrades etc so needless to say, it’s been a long-time coming…

Honda Side by Side Accessories / Parts | Pioneer / Talon

Slim, blacked out to the max and with a low 27.2 inch seat height, the Rebel mixes old and new school style to fire the imagination of a younger generation of riders. A new tubular steel frame draws fresh, contemporary lines into stripped-back, fat-tired ‘bobber’ style, with mid-mounted footpegs and a relaxed and neutral riding position with gently outstretched arms.

2017 Rebel 500 VS Rebel 300

With the all-new 2017 Rebel from Honda you have (2) engine options: 1. 471cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine was stolen from Honda’s popular 500cc trio (CBR500R / CB500F / CB500X) or the 286cc single-cylinder engine stolen from Honda’s 300cc duo (CBR300R / CB300F). If you want more details on the smaller 300cc variant, the Rebel 300, check it out by clicking here.

The Rebel 500 and 300 models share more parts than what is technically different between them. Here’s a quick overview of the differences in specs between them:

  • Rebel 500 VS 300 Comparison
  • Rebel 500 HP – 45.9 horsepower
  • Rebel 300 HP – 27.4 horsepower
    • Rebel 500 TQ – 32.9 lb/ft torque
    • Rebel 300 TQ – 19.9 lb/ft torque
      • Rebel 500 MPG – 61 miles per gallon
      • Rebel 300 MPG – 71 miles per gallon
        • Rebel 500 Weight – 408 lbs
        • Rebel 300 Weight – 364 lbs
          • Rebel 500 Price – $5,999 (MSRP)
            • Rebel 500 ABS Price – $6,299 (MSRP)
          • Rebel 300 Price – $4,399 (MSRP)
            • Rebel 300 ABS Price – $4,699 (MSRP)

Want to learn more about the 2017 Rebel 300 that Honda introduced alongside the Rebel 500? Check out my 2017 Rebel 300 Review by Clicking Here or by clicking on the image below.

2017 Honda Rebel 300 Review / Specs + NEW Changes! Price, Colors, Seat Height, MPG, Weight | New Cruiser / Bobber style Motorcycle!


Alright, now that we’ve got that out of the way let’s dive more in-depth into the All-New Rebel 500 model that helped replace the old-school Rebel 250 that went unchanged for more than 20 years…

2017 Rebel 500 Review Contents:

  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Model Overview
  • 3. Key Features
    • 3.1 Styling
    • 3.2 Engine
    • 3.3 Chassis / Suspension
  • 4. Rebel 500 Accessories
  • 5. Quick Overview of Specs / Features (if you’re in a hurry, skip to here…)
  • 6. Photo Gallery
  • 7. Technical Specifications

1. Rebel 500 Introduction

The Rebel is a progressive new custom bobber that fuses tradition with new ideas and perspectives while offering ample scope for owner customization. For many riders in their early 20s – Generation Y, who have grown up through the digital age – motorcycles mean so much more than just transport. They need to represent a lifestyle, an attitude, and to allow them to express their own individual identity. These riders’ expectations are different to those of the motorcycling mainstream and the machines that speak to them reflect this. They have to fit in with their life but must also contain the potential for further individualization.

2017 Honda Rebel 500

Mr Keita Mikura, Large Project Leader (LPL) of the innovative NM4 Vultus (pictured below) understands this. He likes to play with the rules, creating machines that fuse tradition with groundbreaking new ideas and perspectives. Mikura-san is the Large Project Leader of the new Honda Rebel. His team has produced a custom motorcycle that showcases a classic, timeless look but is also imbued with a forward-looking, contemporary style all of its own. Accessible, easy to ride and easy to live with, the Rebel goes its own way but is also a blank canvas, ready for whatever its owner’s imagination has in store for it.

2017 Honda NM4 Vultus Review / Specs - Motorcycle / DCT Automatic Bike NC700 / NC750

2. Rebel 500 Overview

The new Rebel is simple and raw but don’t let the minimalistic design fool you; it is a Honda after all and every tiny detail matters. The low, lean silhouette is crowned by an iconic fuel tank, aggressively raked front end and fat 16 inch tires on large-diameter wheels. The stamped-steel rear fender and narrow frame body result in a stripped form expressing offbeat individuality from every angle.

Development of the Rebel began in North America, with an outlook geared toward firing the imagination of a younger generation of riders in a different way to traditional cruiser motorcycles. Powered by a 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, with strong bottom end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery the Rebel is A2 licence friendly for those in countries with restrictions on motorcycle licensing. It’s also slim, with a low seat height and therefore easy to manage at low speeds. The riding position is relaxed and neutral, with gently outstretched arms matched to mid-mounted footpegs.

The Rebel’s tubular steel frame is brand new and draws fresh, contemporary lines into stripped-back, fat-tired ‘bobber’ style. The evocative round headlight sits up high in a die-cast aluminum mount, the speedometer is a compact dial with negative LCD display and blue backlight. The ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank and everything that can be is blacked out. Speaking of blacked out, the 2017 Rebel is blacked out to the maximum, with the minimum of paint, it also switches from solo-only to passenger-possible via two bolts so you can easily carry a passenger on your Rebel 500.


– Video Review: 2017 Rebel 500 ABS Specs & Features –

– Video: 2017 Rebel 500 Exhaust Soundclip –


2017 Rebel 500 Performance Info:

  • 2017 Rebel 500 Horsepower – 45 HP @ 8,500 rpm
  • 2017 Rebel 500 Torque – 32.9 ft/lb TQ @ 6,000 rpm
  • 2017 Rebel 500 Miles Per Gallon – 61 MPG

2017 Rebel Model Options / Prices:

  • 2017 Rebel 500 – $5,999 MSRP
    • (Model ID: CMX500H)
  • 2017 Rebel 500 ABS – $6,299
    • (Model ID: CMX500AH) ABS = Anti-Lock Brakes
  • 2017 Rebel 300 – $4,399 MSRP
    • (Model ID: CMX300H)
  • 2017 Rebel 300 ABS – $4,699 MSRP
    • (Model ID: CMX300AH) ABS = Anti-Lock Brakes

2017 Rebel 500 Colors:

  • Graphite Black
  • Matte Armored Silver Metallic
  • Millennium Red
  • Bright Yellow
    • (Colors will vary by country)

3. Rebel 500 Key Features

3.1 Styling

Two key words ran headlined throughout the Rebel’s development program: ‘SIMPLE’ and ‘RAW’. But to do so much with so little is an art form in itself, an exercise in minimalist design where every detail matters.

2017 Honda Rebel

And the Rebel does not disappoint; rolling on fat tires its low and lean ‘bobber’ silhouette – crowned by the steeply raked 2.95 gallon fuel tank and fat handlebars – sits the rider firmly ‘in’ the machine. Iconic peanut-shaped fuel tanks, aggressively raked front ends and fat tires on large-diameter wheels result in stripped forms that express offbeat individuality from every angle. From every angle of its stripped form it expresses an off-beat individuality.

Everything that can be is blacked out, which highlights the Rebel’s lithe design as well as underlining the subtle paintwork. Set high up front the evocative round headlight features a 135mm diameter glass lens and die-cast aluminum mount.

2017 Honda Rebel 300 & 500 Review - Motorcycle / Bike Seats, Windshield, Saddle Bags

The ‘one button’ speedo is a compact 100mm dial with negative LCD display and blue backlight and is both striking and effective, while the ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.

The passenger seat and rear footpegs are easily removed on the Rebel 500, and a number of tailor-made accessories will be available for the Rebel; these include a tubular rear rack, saddlebags, screen and 12V socket.

3.2 Engine

The Rebel’s 471cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine was taken from the CBR500R sport bike. For cruising duties, revised PGM-FI fuel injection mapping has shifted its character away from the high rpm-focused performance of the CBR to a torque-heavy bottom-end output, with smooth and linear delivery throughout the rev-range. Punchy maximum torque of 32.9 ft/lb TQ @ 6,000rpm combines with peak horsepower of 45 HP @ 8,500rpm.

2017 Honda Rebel 500 HP & TQ Performance Review / Specs - New Cruiser Motorcycle: Prices, Release Date, Colors

It’s a power unit that strikes a great balance between physical size and flexible output. Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm with compression ratio of 10.7:1. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.

A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against dust. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane.

The crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3,38 qt. The Rebel 500 use the six-speed transmission and if there’s one thing that Honda knows how to build, it is gearboxes. It’s next to impossible to find any reviews whether it be in an online publication or magazine where they disliked how smooth Honda’s transmission are. They are incredibly slick to use both up and down the six-speed gearbox. Effortless is one of the best descriptions I can use when it comes to the transmission Honda is using in the Rebel 500 whether it be around-town riding in the city or raising hell on your favorite mountain roads.

2017 Honda Rebel

The 2-1 exhaust scrubs spent gases in its catalyser then speeds them through its first chamber into the second resonator chamber. The muffler is a 120mm diameter ‘shotgun’ style, and the sound produced has a heavy-duty pulsing feel that fits the torque delivery. Honda also blacked-out its mechanical components for a tough, minimalist look.

How will the 2017 Rebel 500 stack up against the 2017 Honda Shadow 750 in performance?

Let’s use the Shadow Phantom 750 for an example VS Rebel 500…

● Shadow Phantom 750 | 40.5 Horsepower / 47.9 Torque / 549 lbs = Power-to-Weight Ratio .074 HP / .00015 TQ

Versus

● Rebel 500 | 44.9 Horsepower / 32.8 Torque / 408 lbs = Power-to-Weight Ratio .110 HP / .00014 TQ

When comparing their horsepower-to-weight ratio on the Rebel 500 VS Shadow Phantom 750 it’s a huge difference but when comparing their torque-to-weight it does close up the gap slightly where the Phantom edges out but just barely. The Shadow would have a fighting chance at launch but once you get into 2nd gear and get moving the Rebel is going to pull away and widen the gap the faster they go. My $$ would be on the Rebel whether it be a roll race or from a dig.

It does go to show something that I preach every day to people when they are comparing motorcycles between different manufacturers and even the same brands like this comparison… A larger displacement engine doesn’t always mean it’s faster as you have to compare a lot more of the nitty-gritty specs.

3.3 Chassis

The Rebel’s riding position is relaxed and neutral, with arms gently outstretched and feet dropping straight down to the mid-mounted pegs. Good ground clearance allows surprisingly sporty lean angles.

2017 Honda Rebel 500 Seating Position - Review / Specs - New Cruiser Motorcycle: Prices, Release Date, Colors

 

To support the Rebel’s low-slung look, its attractive tubular-steel frame holds the engine in three places and is designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam. The 41mm forks are set wide at 230mm apart for handling rigidity, comfort and style, and the lower legs are blacked-out. Trail is set at 110mm with 28° rake; the forks are offset at 30° and the result, combined with the 58.7 inch wheelbase, is a low 27.2 inch seat height and mid-mounted footpegs, for balanced and neutral steering.

The frame has a narrow shape and includes an innovative rear loop that separates the seat from the stamped-metal rear fender; the bolt-on cast aluminum subframe provides further scope for customization.

The tubular steel blacked-out 45mm diameter swingarm works with side-mounted twin shock absorbers that feature 2 step preload settings so you can fine-tune the ride to your liking’s via the adjusters.

2017 Honda Rebel 500 Frame - Review / Specs - New Cruiser Motorcycle: Prices, Release Date, Colors

Dunlop tires are fitted as standard sized 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear. The style of the 16-inch cast aluminum wheels is crisp and simple, with the 264mm front disc acting as mirror to the spoke pattern. A twin-piston front caliper is matched by a single-piston rear; ABS is fitted as standard on Euro-spec Rebel 500’s but is available as an option here in the USA on the 2017 Rebel 500.

4. Rebel 500 Accessories

Here’s some pictures of some of the available accessories at this time for the 2017 Rebel 500 which include passenger seats, pegs, windshields, saddlebags, saddlebag mounting hardware, 12v accessory plug and more!

5. Quick Overview of Features / Specs

2017 Rebel 500 Chassis / Suspension

  • Riding position is relaxed and neutral, with arms gently outstretched and feet dropping straight down to the mid-mounted pegs.
  • Good ground clearances allow surprisingly sporty lean angles.
  • To support the Rebel’s low-slung look, its attractive tubular-steel frame holds the engine in three places and is designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam. Trail is set at 110mm with 28° rake.
  • The 41mm fork stanchions are set wide at 230mm apart for handling rigidity, comfort and style, and the lower legs are blacked-out.
  • Fork angle is 30°, wheelbase is 58.7 in. wheelbase and seat height is 27.2 in., resulting in balanced, neutral steering.
  • Frame body has a narrow shape and includes an innovative rear loop that separates the seat from the stamped-metal rear fender.
  • Dunlop tires (size 130/90-16 front, 150/80-16 rear) are mounted to 16 inch cast-aluminum wheels.
  • Both the Rebel 500 is available in standard and ABS versions.
  • Iconic peanut-shaped fuel tanks, aggressively raked front ends and fat tires on large-diameter wheels result in stripped forms that express offbeat individuality from every angle.
  • Blacked-out 45mm tubular swingarm with twin conventional, side-mounted shocks that feature two-step preload adjusters.
  • Evocative round headlight sits up high in a die-cast aluminum mount.
  • Speedometer is a compact dial with negative LCD display and blue backlight.
  • Ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.

2017 Rebel 50 Engine / Drivetrain

  • Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin with strong bottom-end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery.
  • Rebel 500 cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
  • Rebel 500 has a silent (SV Chain) cam chain, with the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium to reduce friction through its increased protection against dust. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust-valve diameter of 21.5mm.
  • Rebel 500 has reduced friction through the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane.
  • Rebel 500 crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
  • Rebel 500 crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the “pumping” losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3.2 liters.
  • Six-speed gearbox is designed to offer effortless changes.
  • Blacked-out mechanical components for a tough, minimalist look.
  • Specially designed muffler looks good and emits a pulsating exhaust note.

6. 2017 Rebel 500 Photo Gallery / Pictures

7. 2017 Rebel 500 Technical Specifications

ENGINE  
Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC
Engine Displacement (cm³) 471cc
No. of Valves per Cylinder 2
Bore ´ Stroke (mm) 67 x 66.8
Compression Ratio 10.7
Max. Power Output 45 HP (33.5k) @ 8,500rpm
Max. Torque 32.9 ft/lb TQ (44.6Nm) @ 6,000rpm
Oil Capacity 3.38 qt
FUEL SYSTEM  
Induction PGM-FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 2.95 gal (11.2L)
Fuel consumption 61 MPG (26km/liter)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM  
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V
ACG Output 0.402kW
DRIVETRAIN  
Clutch Type Wet multiplate Hydraulic
Transmission Type 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME  
Type Steel Diamond
CHASSIS  
Dimensions (LxWxH) mm 2,188 x 820 x 1,094
Wheelbase 58.7 in (1488mm)
Caster Angle 28°
Trail 110
Seat Height 27.2 in (690mm)
Ground Clearance 5.35 in (136mm)
Curb Weight 408 lbs (190kg)
Turning radius 9.35 ft (2.85m)
SUSPENSION  
Type Front 41mm Telescopic forks
Type Rear Showa with pro-link system
WHEELS  
Rim Size Front 16M/C x MT3.00
Rim Size Rear 16M/C x MT3.00
Tires Front 130/90-16M/C 67H
Tires Rear 150/80-16M/C 71H
BRAKES  
ABS System Type Two channel
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS  
Instruments Digital
Headlight Bulb 55W
Taillight Bulb 8.3W

* All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

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9 Comments on this post

  1. Review of the 300 cc any time soon?

    Bjørn Kjelstadli /
    • The 2017 Rebel 300 Review wasn’t on my list to finish until next week but I’ll bump it up since you asked and knock it out next 😉 . I’ll have it done within the next day or two…

      Thanks for reading my content and for posting up a request too. Much appreciated!

  2. Oh damn that 500 looks fantastic. Is there by chance going to be a taller fairing?

    Shill Team 6 /
  3. Picking up my Rebel 500 tomorrow…All Black, can’t wait!

    Dean Savage /
  4. Picking up my Rebel 500 ABS tomorrow – can’t wait!

    Vickey Olszewski /
  5. These pair of bikes first sparked my attention due their potentials for super-high mpg. Light weight, low seat; much easier to streamline than the other 300 and 500 variants, and likely more potential than the current fuel-mising Ninja 250s that are achieving 180ish mpg perfectly streamlined . I can’t do the necessary mods myself to maximize mpg on an mc, but would love to see someone more financially and mechanically able to grab up one of these and break the 200 barrier for a fully highway capable and every day rider bike. So looking at these bikes provides new dreams of seeing a new fuel economy champ! My excitement has grown more after seeing what HPS has done with retuning these engines; most especially the 471 twin.

    I intended mostly to focus on the 286 cc version in looking in on these, because I’ve seen the limits of possible mpg on the 471 with regards to the CBs, but I’m a fan of low-to-mid-range torque as an owner of a CTX700, and after seeing the dyno comparisons of the Rebel 500 to the more sporty versions of these mcs, I have renewed hope for the 471. Its that huge gap on the RPM map where torque exceeds hp that has me very interested. Horsepower is one of the big enemies of FE; not peak horsepower, but the actual hp that’s required to cruise along the highway, and this version of the 471 seems to have far more potential and would be a much more desirable bike to ride for lower-revving torque lovers than the 286 cc. I’m stoked about this 400 pound, low, narrow bike for modifying and maximizing mpg! If only I were a millionaire.

    Gregory /

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