2018 Honda CMX 500 Rebel Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- 2018 Honda CMX 500 Rebel Review: I've not had a lot of experience riding cruiser type motorbikes so when the chance came up for me to ride the latest CMX 500 Rebel from Honda I jumped at the chance. Watch this video to find out how I got on!
Many thanks to HGB motorcycles in Ruislip for making this video possible.
TMF Merchandise now available! teespring.com/...
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
You can now follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
Don't forget your TMF Discounts!:-
Use "FLYER10" for your discounts on ear protection with Custom Fit Guards at www.customfitguards.co.uk
Mention The Missenden Flyer when buying from panigaleheatsh... for discounts on Panigale heat shields or throttle spacer kits. Use the code MISSENDEN to get the $10 discount on the heat shield, or heat shield/spacer kit bundle.
More discounts coming soon!
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 4 helmet camera amzn.to/2lQVI1a
GoPro Session (4) "B" Camera amzn.to/2lTT0oz
Nikon D7100 DSLR for static and video shots with various lenses amzn.to/2lU1gEX
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
BOYA BY-M1 3.5 mm Lavalier Microphone for in-garage pieces amzn.to/2pVAf4X
Movo LV20 Dual Lavalier Clip-on Microphones for 2 person interviews amzn.to/2qQuw5r
Power Director 8 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcyles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
For any additional enquiries please send a PM, e-mail me via TheMissendenFlyer@gmail.com, contact me via Twitter or Facebook or leave a comment below...
This is just a good no nonsense bike, love these
Interesting bike, really good looking! And I agree with you, 400-650cc seems like a sweetspot for real world riding to me. Also, for some reason, I love the side-ignition on cruisers, cool detail.
My favourite bike to date that I owned was a Suzuki T500 a 500cc parallel twin two stroke that I rode all year round and took me and the missus from Middlesbrough to Portsmouth regularly, simple bike with enough power, as you said, perfect for normal riding. My 89 year old mum said to me the other day "I never thought I'd have kids who were pensioners", so you carry on addressing us as before, I am still a kid to her.
T500, was that 1972? If no bike has surpassed that yet I doubt if anything ever will!... least of all the Honda Rebel.
It was a T500M 1976. It was just easy to own.
Yep, in their day they were a great bike, a work horse. Now they're a classic, prices are through the roof for a good one.
I remember them, i started riding in 1996 they were still around, sounded amazing. Had a friend with an orange Gt380. And another had a blue gt250 he got for free. Seemed rapid for the claimed horsepower.
This was my first bike for 6 months and 1,000 miles. Got an mt09 after it. It easy to love and I learned a lot in it. It is not very happy around 80 or more. No regrets...I wish I could buy one to bobber it and have it for in town riding.
In the 'walk around' would it be possible to include shots of you sitting on the bike to demonstrate leg/foot positions when stopped/riding ?
That’s the one problem I have with all of these motorcycle demonstrations. They never show a shot of themselves sitting on the bike
Always a pleasure to listen to your reasonable, sound advice.
Much like yourself, I am favouring smaller capacity, high output and fun machines,
I'm spoilt with a 2018 Triumph 765 RS with mods.
My daily work nag is an SFV 650 with sensible, practical mods, pipe, hand guards,screen, belly pan, and rack with box, stand bobbins etc. So much fun, frugal and different.
I've laid down a deposit on a 2017 1 owner CMX 500, 5000 miles in north London Triumph, i'm hoping he ( Ray, after previous owners late father) will serve me well as a commuter that I can modify to suit and enjoy.
My riding career is now some 26 years in vintage, and the smaller bikes with high out- put make me feel young again.
I am particularily envious of your speed twin.
Polar opposite to my last decade of biking, but large displacement, small chassis and high quality cycle parts surely equal epic rewards.
Best regards and hope to meet in fun circumstance, Milly :)
A great review as always TMF! I'm late to the party here and this vid just popped up in my recommended list. I did have a chance to ride a Rebel 500 recently and at 6'2" it was ridiculously small for me, my legs were cramping up after 30 minutes. Switched to CB500F, much more comfortable. The 500 engine is quite buzzy over 70mph, my only complaint. I ended up getting an NC750X as my return to riding bike after 20+ years. Can't help but think the 750 engine would be just the ticket for a "man" size Rebel 750 version. Keep up the fantastic work you do on your channel!
Great review TMF, About those running lights/DRL's they are Amber Position Lights (APL) and are legal in the UK. Since 2013 Honda introduced them on a number of motorcycles, First Honda motorcycles in EU/UK to get these APL lighting was the CBR600RR and MSX125/GROM (My current set of 2 wheels) and since then a number of other Honda's have them fitted, Like on the new Africa Twin with is fancy LED versions. These APL's are covered by EC regulations:- UNECE regulation 53.01, lighting installation (Motorcycles) article 6.6.
Personally I think having amber running lights can confuse other road users and so I changed mine on my MSX to have clear lenses with switchback LED's which have a white running light and when you indicate the white light part of the bulb switches off and then flashes amber for indicating and when you cancel your indicators they switchback to a white running lights.
I am coming back to motorcycling after 30 years and saving up for a Honda Rebel 500.
Bunnyshooter: pay a few pebnnies more and get a 2019 Honda CBR650R. Seems all round a great motorbike.
Was hoping you would do a review of the rebel as I have it on my shortlist, you've pretty much convinced me to go for one. I think 500cc is the sweet spot for normal everyday "road use". Enjoying the reviews, please keep them coming. And don't change your intro, as far as I'm concerned "the kids are allright" :)
Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated! All the best - TMF
Thanks very much, good review. I hope to get one when my finances allow. Haven't had a bike for 30 years, so reckon it would be a good way of getting back. Great to see a British video, they are usually American or Thai. Thanks again and Greetings from Ireland.
Cheers James.,..all the best - TMF
I used to know a guy who worked for Interpol in Belgium, his company car was a Lada, I'm guessing you are also deep under cover riding this bike, It makes sense you want to
keep your identity private when having to test such machines, lol. Seriously, major congrats on what you've created with this channel, it has to be the go to channel for honest,
real world bike reviews, the range of bikes you present does give TMF serious credibility, something for everyone! Keep up the good work.
cheers
tony
Thank you Tony - much appreciated
Thank you Tony - much appreciated
I agree totally with what you say .
My wife's got one .
It's a fantastic machine .
I've ridden it once and that will be the only time .
It's just to small for me .
I'm 5ft 8inches .
I found that my knees were so high my feet were locked on the foot rests .
In town centre traffic I had a job taking my feet off the foot rests .
My wife's got the grey .
She loves it .
We have already changed the exhaust for a twin upswept pipes from Diablo . Sounds awesome lot deeper thump and a little louder .
Nice one!
Seems like great value at almost half the price of the Triumph, and ideal for smaller riders. Something is missing aesthetically but I can't put my finger on what that is. Thanks again, have a great weekend.
Cheers - you too!
Good review. One thing I don't like about this bike is the clock.
Another nice and easy to watch video to start ones day, thank you kind sir, keep well....
Thanks
Nice review. It confirmed my feelings about the 500. I just bought one and get it this week.
Congratulations Dale!
Another great review, TMF. I appreciate the diversity of bikes you have been looking at. I'm not in the market for many of them, but it's always fun to ride along. You still need to plan a trip to ride America's Pacific Northwest one day.
I certainly do! Love riding in the US....I will be back!
Great review, thanks for this!
Definitely something I'm keen on purchasing this year so appreciate the I'm depth review and ride along!
Good honest Review I took one these bikes out for a 20 mile road test,the only negative point for me was the riding position with seat being low was it hurt the base of my spine. But I’m sure if strapped my air hawk seat cushion it would lift me up plus the air padding would make it far more comfortable
Hi, another enjoyable vlog. I have a CB500x and I assume its a similar machine, engine wise at least. You hit the nail on the head in regard of great value, I downsized from a GSX 1250 FA but other than changing down to overtake I have not regretted it. I got used to the lower indicator switch, quickly and the front brake is bigger so its ok, having owned a Triumph America which reintroduced me to the Lords Prayer every time I braked in the wet. I am currently not riding due to poor weather but was getting around 80 to the gallon during the 1000k run in, so expect around the 70mpg mark.
Cheers for the feedback Phil - out of interest where are you based?
If you ever ride a pre-unit Enfield Indian you’re likely to call upon the Deity very frequently. You’ll have time to recite about half of the Lord’s prayer during an emergency stop.
Honda are making great 500cc machines, affordable and fun, what more do us lackies need and I'm not even a Honda fan!
I've never been a cruisery type either but given the mid controls and general look i think it looks more street/custom. Perfect for customization! As a short legged lady used to sports bikes, im oddly tempted by this! Great review as always :)
Give one a whirl!
I did and I bought one! Customizing it as there are bits I dislike on the bike but it is a great runner, smooth and power where you need it. Roll on spring/summer :)
This is the only English accent I like. Very pleasant to listen to.
Hello,
Thank you for the test !
Thanks to your accent, it's very understandable for a French guy ✌️
Good to hear! merci!
25 year old total beginner here and the three bikes that interest me the most are the Royal Enfield Himalayan, this 500 rebel and the 300 rebel. I wonder how they compare from a more experienced rider. The Himalayan seems like it would be fine and the 300 seems fine but many owners say they wish they had the 500. I wouldn't want anything powerful and dread falling off (although I am a good driver with no accidents and not a speed freak)
Very nice review. I am a big Honda fan, ever since I owned a 1973 Honda CB350 G back i the 80s. Paid a $1000,.0 Canadian back in the day.
Lovely review. Well done. I am not a cruiser fan myself. However, my wife finds they better fit her height. She rides much more now that she has a bike she feels more comfortable and "safe" riding. Not sure the Rebel is a good comparison to the Bobber. I might suggest you try the Indian Scout. Much more refined than the HD. Our maintenance cost for the wife's Scout has been minimal for a 10k miles per year bike. Nice to see you riding different style bikes and broadening your demographics.
Thanks
Ooh this just went on the new bike list with the Vulcan 650
I ride a cruiser style bike myself (at the moment) can`t say this one`s a looker though! Good vid again, cheers.
My 1980 Honda used its turns signals as marker lights as did my 2002 Harley. My current bikes don't, and I assumed manufacturers had stopped the practice, but apparently not. I think having them on with the headlight is a good idea, as it lets oncoming traffic know it's a motorcycle and not a car with a burned out headlight.
Fair point
On a serious note...worth mentioning its a 6 speed gear box. Thnx 4 review!
I'm getting my first bike in 18 years. I probably wont kill myself on this :)
I like this bike. I haven't ridden in years, last bike I had was a 125cc, so I'm thinking about maybe getting one of these. I am tempted to spend a little more and get an XSR900 though.
Congrats on passing the 50k subscribers mark my friend!
Thanks
Great review and in my opinion a nice bike for beginners can pick up a 2017 for £4500 easy!! It does however seem to split opinions in the comments more than most of your reviews, can’t wait till you review a HD to see the comments then......
No - that should be fun!
TheMissendenFlyer will throw the cat amongst the pigeons, whenever I bring up HD to bikers I get a very varied and flavoursome reaction
Too bad this bike isn't launched in India yet... it would be awesome to pitch it against the competition like Enfield 500 and upcoming Avenger. Nice review bud!
I'm looking at this for my next bike but changing a few things headlight cowl,better seat, possibly drop down mirrors for a cleaner look
The Rebel's precursor 300cc version is THE staple of the MSF Course in the States. I find it interesting Honda moved it up to 500cc but know they also released a smaller cc version. It's a very good starter cruiser if that's your chosen flavor of a bike.
Yes the 500 seemed fine, not particularly my thing but nowt wrong with the bike if you like that sort of thing!
Would you consider a test review on the new Harley Davidson sportser models. They've revamped the sporty range and would be a lot of interest to many people. As you probably know the HD sportser has a very big following over here in the UK.
Yes I’d love too!
The daytime-running light configuration using the indicators has been standard in North America for many years. Not mandatory though as BMW has not adopted the spec. For me it's an example where style has trumped function, but then again I'm not a fan of bobbers/cruisers. Hate the ignition key location too!
Same as cars, they all seem so reliable and well built nowadays not like in the late 80"s when I passed my Car and bike license. Really think with bikes now it's what style you want and how much you are prepared to pay, for brand name and extras. I rode this bike a while ago quite liked it but would never buy it. Cheers for keeping Me entertained.
100% agree - no bad bikes just some you like the look of more than others....
Great review as always your camera is so clear I almost get dizzy when your riding..awesome!!! Any chance you could show a side view when your seated to see your riding position your talking aboot??Lol have a great day .ordering your blk coffee mug can't wait to drink a brew out of it!
Good man!
Perfect bike for a sidecar,still waiting for that video Mr flyer hahahahaha
Wouldn't it be somewhat underpowered for a sidecar?
Interesting review TMF - not really my type of bike but agree with you regards real world riding.Yes most modern bikes especialy the litre sportsbikes are way OTT for our congested and crap roads but they seem to sell well ,plus owners probably use them for track days etc.What id love to see (but certainly not holding my breath) is a Honda modern take on the VF500F2.Use the excellent VFR400 engine as a basis,aluminium chassis (cast sections if necessary to keep costs down) doesn't have to be full faired,half faired would be ok,50-60 mpg,125-130 mph tops,jobs a good'n id say.
I test rode an Indian Scout and a scout 60, you should give them a whirl. The engine and handling were amazing and it was the first cruiser I have ever rode.
Wish I had access to them to try!
I agree the IS is a great cruiser and a good alternative to Harley, very nearly bought one, but found the heat from right side of engine a bit much, also clutch lever tiring in stop/go traffic. But great bike to ride.
I've never heard anyone describe the suspension of the rebel as on the hard side. What is your normal bike made out of jelly? Any way great content man. Nice long from ride with really good observations and commentary. I was between a rebel or an mt-03. After this and countless other vids...I think I'll opt for the rebel. It's more my style anyway.
Cruiser rear shock tends to be short... maybe that's have he meant
Thanks for the video. Nice looking bike and as you mentioned, great value.
Quite a good bike it seems, like the fact that the engine has nearly square bore & stroke ideal for it's twin cylinder mid size capacity, be a good first bike to own. Might spur Triumph on to release a 650 bobber as well. Thanks for the review, cheers!
Thanks for watching as ever! - TMF
We are waiting for it here in India
Ride With Rahul we'll probably get the single 300...
Doesn't harley Davidsons get manufactured in India? Why not by one of them.
A lot better than the Harley. Every time I rode my Sportster there was so much shaking felt like I was having a seizure.
Like the wee Honda rebel, see some people saying you can completely remove the rear fender to give it that true bobber look. Wonder if there is a general sale kit (r&g type) for a new rear light and indicators?
As ever a good, well balanced review from yourself.
Thank you....
I believe, in motorcycles with this kind of geometry - bobber, and rebel - the rear wheel delivers better braking feel due to the weight distribution by nature.
I don't have a witty pun this morning, but I would like to address your use of the word 'kid.' I would very much like you to keep on using it as it appears there are knickers bunching in the comments. In other words, I'd like you to be a Rebel. (Oh there I did it anyway!) Great review as always from the other side of ye ol pond! ;)
Thanks Shaun - “hey kids” is staying!
Would be interesting to see you review some of the Harley’s from the sportster upwards. Great videos as always
I’m hoping too this year if I can!
TMF, here I go again, shitty front mudguard, the radiator is going to get blasted with stones then it's ride over and AA call out. Thanks for the review, concise, honest and to the point. Kindest regards. A82 Joe.
Oh, Joe just another bitcher and what do you ride.
Very good review, thanks.
Forgot to thank you for another fine review TMF!
Thank you sir!
Great review as always. Any chance of you doing one on the Kawasaki Vulcan 650s? :)
Unlikely I imagine - not due choice just availability!
It seems a lot of people are not a fan of the looks of this bike but I absolutely love it, it is on my shortlist
Good job we don’t all have the same taste!
Totally agree with you about some 1 litre bike producing blistering power, can be a little daunting. Great weather for riding.
It certainly is where I am - 18c and glorious sunshine today :0)
Not to sure if I like this bike I suppose it's one you need to see in the flesh but another great review non the less.
Thanks
Did see this "in the flesh" only yesterday. It looks better than in TMF's vid
Thank you for another interesting review. Seen a few of these around locally. Cruisers are not my thing either but as I ride a CB500X I was really interested to hear what your thoughts were on the Rebel. I'm certainly well satisfied with the performance I get from the Honda twin. Can you get them to lend you one of the CB500 family for a review soon by way of a comparison?
Will see what I can do!
great review . Can you please review the cb500X ?
You reckon it's a good bike to go for as your first one? I always liked Cruiser, definitely not interested in sports bikes.
I have the same blinker/running-light on my 2017 Honda CB500x here in Sweden, i have seen it on new Honda`s in USA as well so i guess it is a worldwide feature!
Sheers
I think the Honda Rebel 500 will have a good market in Asia and also with girls in the west; i.e. catering for shorter people with the Rebel having a 68cm seat height. I live in Thailand 50% of my time and 500cc is a lrage motorbike (the police only use Honda 300's).
Cracking objective review as always. I am new to biking but I am of a certain age that I want to get into things I have always fancied doing without getting round to it. My plan is to take the DAS as I really can't see myself on a 125 especially as I have been driving for almost 40 years. So, having watched lots of reviews I have come to the conclusion that I am not really interested in a bike where you have to be 'on it' all of the time and a middle weight cruiser seems to fit the bill perfectly (although I do prefer the look of the sports bikes). I like the idea of something with a relaxed riding position where you can just enjoy it and have fun! My wife has had a full A licence for years so she can do any test rides for me but I am interested in your preference between the Rebel 500 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S. Apart from the power and slight weight difference, there doesn't seem to be much between them. Would appreciate any feedback :-)
i like the honda 500 rebel nice seat hight for me . ive got ccm r30 witch is to high iam haveing the seat lowerd . nice to see some mid range bikes..
I like this bike, it is a nice low bike, would buy if I was in the financial position to.
My only criticism is the clock, I think the clock should have been a retro analogue clock, but that’s just my taste.
And yes I agree ABS is a good idea on a bike, I’ve had one or two instances in my 22 yr riding career where ABS would have been useful.
ABS is obligated since 2016, no manufacturer can sell without.
Thank for the review TMF, I remember asking for this a few months ago :) p.s the missus ended up buying a shadow
Bother!
nice looking bike im 6.2 wonder if to small for taller riders ? i like v twin motor the best the tumble they give great vid tar
Possibly is a bit small for a 6 footer yeah...
My wife and I are taking the MSF course in a few weeks and hope to be shopping for our first motorcycle shortly thereafter. The plan is to get an inexpensive used
I’d say go for The Suzuki!
I hope to have saved up enough money to buy the Honda Rebel 500 in January 2020. I have been saving up for the last 18 months.
You'll get there John, keep at it, it'll be worth the effort!
Do you know the look back test? You have parked your motorbike and are walking away then you look back (we all do it). What sort of feeling would this 'bike give? Same as the person who bought a 'Ssang yong Rodious' ( or however it's spelt) possibly?
Ah, HardlyDavieSan!
Ha! Very good, yes ,very funny.Wish I'd thought of that one.
I'm here all week, try the fish
Can't take shellfish but there is an old trout sitting opposite me !
People who look at their sann yong mostly throw up when lookin at it.
another very good review thank you
Good review. In North America it's just called the Rebel 500 (or 300). No CMX.
Interesting...
You are right about ABS, I myself ride for pleasure and enjoyment, not to test myself, and in a panic situation, no human being has the ability to perfectly modulate manual breaks, computers do it better while we focus on dodging obstacles.
Glad we concur!
Interesting video thanks. Random question, I was admiring your gloves. What are they?
Spidi H2Out - I don't think they make 'em anymore....
TheMissendenFlyer Typical 🙄 Thanks anyway
Hi TMF, nice review of a great wee bike. I personally love this bike since I saw it in one of the bike show video's. I think it looks cool.
Like you, I'm not too fussy about the radiator, air cooled would have been better, in my humble opinion.
Still, it's a great wee bike. 😀 👍 👍 👍
Hey! Love the videos and want to get into motovlogging myself. I have the gopro hero4 black and the sony ecm cs3 external mic however cannot combat the wind noise! I have a dead cat over my mic too! Really losing heart in it 👎 any tips? I am using a modular helmet if you think that makes a difference. Im also from England haha
Thanks man 😎
Google my video on "how to set up a helmet for vlogging"
Hi man, great review! I'm looking to get one, but was just wondering how you found it while filtering on uk roads? I'll be doing a bit of urban riding with it, and so want something thats fairly ok to cut past traffic with.
Yes fine for filtering no worries....
Looks nice a very nice beginner bike, or a bike for vertically challenged people :D Amazing scenes in the UK with actual sun.
Yes a rare sight for sure!
MissendenFlyer, Great video's thanks for your time and effort,
Any chance of you getting the Honda CB 400Sf, 2018, i know your going to say its not imported to the UK but i beleive its what you Guys call A GREY import , Dont know if you can get it or not but putting that up against the bigger Z900rs , the T100, for the power agility, and Price ,, Dont know why Honda doesnt import this bike to USA AUST PhiliPPINES ,,, they are Missing the retro bike surge ,Here in the philippines they now import the 500 and the 650 but missed the retro look ?????? totally
Like your channel. Been watching for a while. Thought your speel about "paid for you tube" was a bit of a laugh seeing you riding in a "Monster" energy drink helmet. Could they possibly be sponsors your in talks with? Also I think your motorcycle "cc" limit of 300 as being "all you really need on the road" as being too conservative for the average rider out there - including LAMS riders as they're known in Australia. Having said all that I do admire what you've accomplished and keep up the good work.
Phil
(By the way I ride a KTM 1290 sdr 2017 and love it)
Cheers Phil - I think Monster must pay HJC the people who's helmet they're painted on - they have nothing to do with me (unfortunately)
very nice review !!!
I’d definitely warn larger riders. Yes the riding position may be a little cramped. Also, the mirrors are crap for adjustment. I rode one and couldn’t see anything except my shoulders.
Like you I’m not a cruiser fan, I suspect those that are will hate this bike. Glad you’re trying these types of bikes out though. What you need young man is good old switches not these namby pamby pcb rubbish. Like what they made when I were a lad. I was at the Calgary bike show last week, I thought the Honda range was pretty uninspiring.
Mmm I know what you mean, keen to see what the new nakeds are like in the flesh...
How comfortable is the seat? Would it be suitable for longer journeys/tours? I assume you could fit panniers/top box?
The seat is the one negative I have with the bike. The stock seat has to go.
this bike's got me stumped. i think it looks a bit weird on its own, then great when someone's sat on it!
How odd!
TMF any review of the cbr650f ? I watch your channel more than the acutal TV somtimes.
Excellent! ...and hope so, so many bikes so little time!!!
TheMissendenFlyer also often say the line " hey kids missenden flyer here " the wife gives a funny look not sure why ha
A wonderful day for you, hugh from Portugal...
Nice looking bike, but with that tank range any longer distance trips will have to be well planned.
jammy indicator switch is getting to be a pain.
Hi mate delboy says hi u like the bike plenty of scope to personalize
what would you recommended rebel 500 or vulcan s 650 ? thanks.
I’ve not ridden a Vulcan S so cant really day!
@@TheMissendenFlyer ic, thanks for reply..
Any chance of you doing a review on an Indian Scout? I’m torn between the Rebel 500 or the Scout :)
Would love a go!
when you buy a bike, is it the one in the showroom or do they order one from honda?
Depends - could be either....
In the "bobberesque" mode, any chance of your splitting the difference between the Rebel and Triumph, and testing out the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
Will see what I can do!