They will do just fine, What I would add is some 80/20 dual-sport tires if possible, or sem-Knobbies of some kind, plus Fat bars. She did good to install foldable levers but if the bars are standard 7/8 In diameter they could bend in easily with a Fall since the Rebel is also a heavy Bike.....and regarding Caitlyn, Man she's super cute!
@@ScramblerStories I would stay with 16'' if possible, going for bigger wheels could raise the ride height. since she is vertically challenged she can have some difficulty on rough terrain, even a small rock under the wheel can raise the seat by a few inches, and since the rebel is a bit on the heavy side it can lead to falling.
I think the best adventure bike is whatever bike you own. Yes there may be better ones, but play the hand you have, because the journey is as much of the story as the destination. RIDE ON!
@@ScramblerStories Add brush guards in front of your grips, if you want to keep your hands warm while riding they cut the wind and make an incredible difference!!
I love that. I've put a dent or a scratch in both of my Triumphs when they were pretty new. I didn't buy them just to polish them after a quick ride on a Sunday, I got them to ride into the ground!
This is motorcycling in it's purest form. Regular people, itching for a little adventure, working with what they've got to get away and be apart of the outside world. Not worrying about what's "acceptable" or "cool" or "trendy". Just doing whatever you can to keep the breeze on your knees. I love this. I've been budget riding for 24 years and this really boosts my inspiration for motorcycling. Good on you. Pay attention, be careful, good luck. You are representing the lifestyle well. Cheers.
Any bike can be an adventure bike. People have ridden around the entire globe on everything from 250 trail bikes to GS's to Honda 50cc scooters. It's like everything else in life, it's what you make it. Good effort, keep it up! 👍
@@ScramblerStories Thank you Caitlyn, meant every word sincerely. You rock, keep it up and don't let anything ever stop you! Till you decide otherwise anyway. 😁
there are several youtubers camping and doing some crazy adventures on Honda Cub's (new and old ones), as well as many other moto's, fun to watch, even though I am commuting to/ from work on my Versys x300
As a non rider yet the accessories you covered was helpful. Also the production of this video was outstanding. Much better than some that do it full time.
That is a sweet setup. Everything you chose to do makes sense and you'll find out The changes you make as you go along. Makes me want to get a rebel as well now.
I like the mods you did. Your choice to not overload that Rebel and make your safety and comfort choices based on solid thinking shows good sense. Funny how so many say this is or isn't right for your ride.... Go back 30 years or more. What were they using for cross country or any other type of riding they did. The bike that fits you and your style is the bike you need. It is great we have choices so we can find the right bike for us. Enjoy your ride!
Thanks Kevin. Yeah I always default to what Ted Simon did and figure any modern bike is fine in comparison. Never mind some of the round the world riders from the 30s!
As has been said, the best adventure bike, is the one you own. When I was a much younger man, my adventure bike was my 1973 Honda CB450, that I bought new. Not a dirt bike, but it saw a lot of dirt roads. Enjoy your adventure.
Awesome! I can't wait to see Caitlyn out and about adventuring on it. Dual Sport tires will definitely make a difference and make it look a lot meaner. Definitely correct that you can tour on anything, you just need to plan accordingly. People used to cruise all over the country on small bikes and still do in many other countries. It just means taking scenic routes more usually. That's not a bad thing on an adventure.
Yeah, you'll have to meet up with use somewhere sometime. We're going to miss Barber this year to check out the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. But let's get in touch and figure something out. Otherwise maybe we'll visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2023!
"the key to a successful adventure is being comfortable on a reliable bike."...so very true, 100% agree. can i quote that on my bike group's wag ? thankyou
My wife and I purchased the 2019 cb500x with bark busters,crash bars and a centre stand we have done just fine,we also lowered the seat height on my wife’s bike. We do have sat navigation on both bikes and helmet intercoms so me wife can tell me to speed up.
Crash bobbins for the front forks and rear swing arm and handle bar ends. 12 v din power point, so able to charge things on the move. May be a tank bag( nine magnetic) .
Get some bark buster storm. In the cold and the rain, the push the air off your hands. Heated grip liners are very small, and can be made to fit tight inside regular gloves. In case you did not know, there is a usb ready hookup cable under the gauge cluster.
It’s a pigtail, ready for a USB adapter. It’s a switched 12v. Also, your little triangular side cover just pop off, you can put tools and some small items in those covers like a the Allen key for the seat, spare key, and what not. Not a lot of space, but Ana ziplock bag and some gorilla tape and you are golden.
I found some long shocks for the rear shocks. And for the front shocks they have some long travel shocks as well. And as for the rear fender they do sale some large saddle bags with bungie cords. Then for the tank they sale plastic tank protectors that will stop any scratches. I'm sure you got it figured out. But if your ever solo running they sale a large rear bag mount with a sissy bar that allows for more vertical storage.
Nice! I’ve got Rebel 300.. but I’m in Vietnam)) And I used it off-road a bit. Fells fine.. but I’ve changed fork oil from 10w to 15w without changing the springs, but I think you can put 20w, should be alright.. gonna follow you for sure!
I have just gone to a Honda Rebel from a Honda ATV Scooter 150 cc, the scooter was just too high for me so I bit the bullet and got a Honda Rebel 500 and it is sweet and my feet a flat on the ground, but it is a big change having gears, you have inspired me to be brave and get riding. I know this is nothing to do with your talk but anything that inspires is good. (Melva)
Awesome, definitely! Since this video was released, the Rebel has 30,000+ more miles, has seen a ton of off-road riding, across the US, Canada, Mexico, up to Alaska, and it's still doing great!
Assuming you have a long inseam, I do think you'll be cramped on the bike. My husband is 5'11" with a 33" inseam he can ride it, but is a bit too cramped for a long period of riding. With forward foot controls it might be a bit better.
love my 2017 Rebel 500, it has taken me all over Canada, as well as parts of the States. we just finished a 13,000km trip to the Arctic Circle, Yukon Terratory.
Good review, the more I see of these the more they appeal to me, it is possible to tour on any bike as long as you feel it suits you. All the best from England.
I would add a rear carrier so you could pack more luggage. I would also suggest a beeline navigation instead of the phone & phone as backup. But this is just what I would do. Everybody’s requirement is different. Best of luck & have a safe trip. Nigel 🇩🇪
This summer i rented a rebel 1100T and did about 2800 miles through Colorado, utah, arizona, & wyoming. The bike road nice except for gravel roads where i did a lot of camping and it did not handle them well. That and the seat being uncomfortable made the journey harder than it had to be. I could have rented a 500 rebel and that would have been better for me. The trip was a great experience though. You have a nice bike. Best of luck.
I'd be curious how the 1100 and 500 compared on gravel roads if they both had the same tires. Ultimately it's not what they are designed for, but Caitlyn has to make do with what she can. Definitely an underrated motorcycle though. I enjoy riding it too.
W ith the right tires, probably wouldn't be a problem for her bike. Part of my problem may have been all my gear and camping supplies thar made the gravel hard.
What a fun setup. As a fellow short woman that started on the original 250 Rebel, I love the idea that you're using the newest version for your adventures. It's amazing that there are now skid plates for those bikes! Protection has come a long way in the past 30 years! Just a suggestion for your hands - add some BarkBuster guards with the "Storm" wind-breakers. I don't have heated grips, but the Storm wind breakers really keep the worst off my hands (I ride year-round - now on a Versys x300). Another 'short person' tip for long-distance riding on a cruiser - shift your leg position by using the passenger's pegs. Not sure if the Rebel is set up where you can do that safely, but I did that all the time on my old Kawasaki Nomad and it really was more comfortable for longer rides. Looking forward to watching your adventures! Stay safe and have fun!
Thank you. This bike doesn't have passenger pegs unfortunately, they're extra with teh passenger seat kit. We've considered putting highway pegs on the engine dresser bars, but we'll see.
The Honda Rebel sure is a lot sexier than it was when I was learning on an old Honda Rebel 250...that bike was squirrely and drove me nuts! Yours looks great, and I like that you've been proactive with upgrades that work for you. I started out on a non-touring bike too...I had a Harley Davidson Heritage classic which while a softail offered a nice ride but was not designed for the 500+ mile days we often do on trips. But I loved her. Upgraded to a Street Glide Special two years ago and never looked back...although I do not have heated grips and I really would like them!
My daughter wants an adventure bike but she is also vertically challenged so she had to settle on a Rebel. (I spent a lot of time and money modifying a BMW G650 for her but it was still too tall.) I wonder when the motorcycle manufacturers are going to figure out that not everyone is 6 foot tall. I am confident that when the first major motorcycle manufacturer makes an adventure bike for shorter people, it will be an instant success. Until then, we may have to borrow some of your ideas for her Rebel. Great video. Thanks.
Yeah, the fact that the Harley Pan America has the electronic suspension that lowers at a stop is great, but still not enough for those with the shortest inseams. But people have gone around the world on bikes less suited than a Rebel, so it can be done. But for those wanting to get aggressive off-road their isn't much out there. We've been looking for a XT225/250 to see if that could be a possibility. The seat height is fairly low for a dual sport, then if the suspension is set right for proper sag, plus a lowering link, I think it's possible to get it pretty low.
i just got my endorsement and am looking at the rebel 500. i am also short and would love an adventure bike too once i get practice on the rebel. BMW has the 700GS (dual sport) that can be lowered down to 30 inch seat height which i will consider in the future once i get more confident. i wont be doing crazy off roads so it may be doable.
Throw a leg over and see how one feels! I think they're really great bikes, I'm so glad we got Caitlyn one. The 700GS would be super cool, perhaps the rebel will get you to one quickly!
Wow.. You have really motivated me..Thank you. I just recently purchased a Rebel 300. New to riding again.. It's been 30 years since I had my last bike. Just getting used to it and building my confidence. Your video helped! Very cool!! Thank you for sharing
Good for you, hope you enjoy all the adventures you have on your bike. People have been around the world on tiny bikes, the adventure is what you make it...
Great mindset to have. Any bike is a touring bike as long as you can put up with it, the touring options just make it comfortable! I drove my Yamaha WR125 over 10000km on all sorts of roads, including highways. I would just make a reason up to go visit neighbouring cities/countries every weekend and just go lol.
I would consider strapping two large water bottle holders to the crash bars and adding two small amber/yellow lights to the front to make you more visible. Amber/yellow lights really draw attention more then white lights
Nice setup. About the only thing I don't like about the rebel is the small tank but that just means you need to stop more often. I have hand guards and heated grips. I have found that the heated grips are nice on cold mornings in the mountains. I bought some cheap hippo hands and added Velcro to make them easy on and off. Great when it gets down near freezing. The 500 should have plenty of power for anything. I ride a Honda Falcon 400 in south America and it gets by with 30hp. Good riding and I'll be watching your adventures.
Looking forward to more of your videos as I'm 5'3" and like seeing mods for 'vertically challenged' riders. What do you get for range @ highway speeds.
Typically around 120-130 miles before the light comes on, and then you can get typically another 40-50 miles. But generally on interstates we're filling up every 130-150 miles. But that goes up significantly on road ways that limit the speed to 60mph.
Comfort is key. Problems that made longer distance uncomfortable for me were 1. wind noise, which can be deceptively tiring not to mention putting you at risk for tinnitus. and 2. bunching up of riding pants (or whatever you wear) behind the knee. As for problem 1. trial and error and with three after-market windscreens I finally found one that worked for my bike, a BMW F800 ST. 2. you probably have a good choice already there with your knee bend not being too extreme. Best wishes and safe travels.
No, the stock speedometer is fine. No tachometer, but it does have a gear indicator as well as a fuel gauge. The fuel gauge only breaks down in quarter tank increments, but the S40 didn't have any thing. Just ride until it starts dying and then switch to reserve on the carburetor. Or realistically, get gas every 100 miles and not worry about it.
Great bike and awesome setup! I'm a Goldwing driver but sold off all my other bikes so I need something to move around on and not have to rely on taking my Freight Train everywhere... maybe this is my next toy.
Don't now how much off roading or mud riding you are planning on doing but perhaps raise the front fender a bit to allow for clearance of those more aggressive tires and to let the mud not build up.
I would fit some hand guards, keeps some of the wind off your hands, and if off road they will prevent bushes putting your front brake on if you brush past them.
thank you for this video. i am looking for a rebel 500 abs for my first bike (500 is an absolutely a must for me) and seeing these beginner friendly changes were helpful
Going to be around New England for the next few months it seems. The plan had been to head west, but life happened and we'll need to stay fairly close to Connecticut.
have fun, I'm on my third moto now, Versys x300 it's not about size, it is about having fun, but I don't have a problem sitting on the bike at 6'7" of course my thighs are not flat like when sitting on my first moto 30_ years ago in Taipei (Sanyang 125 4 speed plus neutral/ classic motorcycle) so, small for the usa but big to me anyway.
Hi Caitlin, regards from Spain. I have too one Rebel 500, I have mods to mini cruiser. This video confirming that the Honda Rebel is the most custom bike of the world, she make all that you wants. Thanks
I've got a 2021 Honda Rebel ABS SE and the very first thing I did was get a good seat. Mustang makes one that will change your riding life for the better, believe me. Also, you should look into Viking saddle bags, the big ones. They hold a lot and look good on the bike, the best 300 bucks you can spend aside from the Mustang seat. Stock seat has pretty much no padding. Happy riding! Also, don't tell people they're going to drop the bike. I've been riding since I was 10 and I'm 66 and I've never ever dropped a bike. That's a very weird and negative thing to put into a new rider's head. :)
Thanks for the tip. Once you start taking a bike off-road, it will definitely be dropped. It's not a negative, it happens to most once you start going off-pavement, traveling fully loaded, etc. But that's great that you've avoided it!
I would not do it differently other than add a folding milk crate box on top of the rear fender rack. Clevermade offers a 13 inch folding crate.which is just large enough to place a recycable shopping bag inside with a gallon of water and other items. Zio ties hold it in place, or fasten it on more securely with metal adjustable hose clamps.
Seat issue? Do what I did, I bought myself cycling shorts with padding, and what a difference. It really helps especially on a long drive, give it a try.
OMG I dropped my Rebel too during a left u-turn after one month having it, the front wheel ended up in a ditch at the side of the road. fortunately, I had crash bars installed and I only needed to change the left fork cover as it was scratched.
Good questions Doug! Haven't found hand guards that work with the stock bars but it's something we've been looking into. The folding levers are the temporary solution. We have one heated jacket linear between the two of us, but that's it right now. We did put a battery lead on the bike, which has a few benefits. The stock light is already a bright LED, but aux lights are a possibility that may come in the future.
A perfect motorcycle is the one which we can flat foot with manageable weight, good average and can maintain decent speed on highways. Happy motoring 🙂
Girl you r right about the fact that every motorcycle is an adventure bike. I have a 100 cc kawasaki CT 100motorcycle that churns out 70 km per ltr fuel economy and can do 110km/hr top speed. I have built it on scrambler style and I've covered long trip on it
I like what you've done to your little rebel. I am short as well (5'7") and I love the height of this bike (23 500 ABS SE). I enjoyed you talking about taking it touring, as that is my plan as well. I did upgrade the seat to a Mustang Solo Seat (custom color and added the diamond stitching for aestetics). I was thinking about throttle locks, and heated grips myself. How do you still like them after a year? Are you still on the stock seat?
Good move on the seat. Once we started traveling, the seat really didn't cut it. Definitely a future upgrade. The throttle lock is well worth it for touring. A wire on the heated grips broke up in Alaska (on the Dalton Highway), but it's fixable when we're somewhere with a soldering iron. But this Rebel has seen a lot of off-road riding at this point, so that wouldn't happen to the average user.
pretty cool bike! i have a 2019 Rebel 500. the second day i had mine, i dropped it in my front yard, forgot to put the kickstand down. i have hard lockable bags on mine, footboards instead of pegs. need risers, had some on order, but after delay for 2 and a half months cancelled. gonna order another brand. need a windshield. a sissybar to stack my motocamping gear on the rear rack(just like the one you have) i am planning to go cross country next May. no interstate, unless it's necessary, country roads only. the Rebel is a poor man's cruiser, not an adventure bike. but riding in traffic is an adventure. not going to Mexico, or Alaska. mostly the states i haven't been to. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, those states north of I 80 i think. gonna sub, to learn some things about long trips on the Rebel 500. thanks for now. be safe.
Caitilyn,s rebel is awesome. I saw your triumph in another video.I like it.what kind of triumph is that.I'm new to bikes and want to get one. I'm wanting a reble 500,that is till I saw your triumph
The Triumph in the other video is the Street Scrambler. Great bike, and the one in this video is the Scrambler 1200. Basically the beefed up version. Taller, bigger enginer, 21" front wheel. Pretty capable off-road.
Handguards would make a huge contribution to keeping your hands warm by protecting them from the wind.. I have Barkbusters on my Street Scrambler, which also protect the levers (not that it ever goes off road), and I was surprised how much difference they make in the UK winter.
Great video guys, easy to watch and great choice of mods. All quality and with a proper thought out purpose. Looking forward to seeing the travels, especially Mexico!
Not yet! I've been wanting to see Caitlyn throw her leg over a XT250 or an older 225. I think with the suspension set right it could work for her. They even make a lower link if a little lower is needed.
It may not be the perfect bike for adventure riding but I like the honest and unpretentious approach to riding a motorcycle. Many shorter riders insist on riding a BMW GS Adventure or something similar just to prove something or maybe for the Instagram :D
Was wondering how tall you were. I'm planning on buying a rebel 500 in September 2022 and was thinking maybe I would need the handle bar riser since I am 5'6"
Wait to see when you've had time on the bike. There's a few factors in play, not just height. Our inseams and arm lengths aren't the same based on height. I'm slightly under 5', but with an inseam under 27". I know people of similar height but with longer legs/arms, so it depends on a few factors. You'll know what will be best for you once you have time on the bike.
Shouldn't be much of an issue. Especially on the 1100, but we haven't done it since Caitlyn doesn't have a passenger seat. Sitting on the rack doesn't seem to appealing!
I have a rebel 300 and wow you gave me a lot of information and ideas to add to my bike. Those crash bars would have saved me twice. Oh well. I like the two dents on either side of my fuel tank.
If you don't want to change the seat, for longer days on saddle may I recommend a pair of biking shorts (the ones with padded bottoms) under the long pants. They work really well for me in India on my CB350. Also, be careful of which way the exhaust is pointed at - it could be targeting the bottom of the side bag and melt it.
I wish, but then she couldn't touch the ground. I think for the US she'll be alright, the real problem is going to be two years from now when we move on to the rest of the world. Possibly a XT250 with a lower link could work for her if the sag is set right, otherwise it might just have to be the rebel but I would want at least 17" wheels put on for more tire options.
Judging by your enthusiasms it will be a long way down the road before you get off that Rebel . A fitting handle for your stead . I've seen some simple accessory's conjured up like mid mount pegs from a rear set added amidships for a change of pace offsets on the handlebar risers . Be safe and I would love to ride with yawl . T/C/E
I see someone else already suggested handguards. A really good idea if you ride in colder climates, and also keeps a ton of dead bugs off your hands. I like the setup you have. It may not be the typical touring or adventure bike, but that's irrelevant unless what others think matters to you. You will have the same experiences riding and see the same sights as someone with the big Beemer or the Africa Twin, and pay a lot less. I picked up an old "WeeStrom", set it up the way I wanted it, and love it. Safe travels!
Oh nice. Our friend Marek had a V-stom 650 for years and loved it. Of the many bikes he's owned over the years, he'd buy another one in a heartbeat. I think it's be his second favorite after his DR650.
So far so good. Been very nice to set it and rest the right hand. Chris didn't use one for his Alaska trip and now he really regrets not getting one. For such a little thing it can be a huge help. It even has some perks over the built in cruise control his 1200 has.
Inspiring. Maybe I'll get some of those accessories and try adventuring before I go purchasing a different motorcycle. I'd suggest you look into Burly Brand's stiletto shocks. The stock shocks on the Honda Rebel are okay... and I say that with mine (1100 DCT) having preload adjustment, whereas yours do not! I'd definitely want an upgraded set of shocks for going adventuring, not to mention just a little more ground clearance to recover the space that skid plate takes up. If you're worried about your clutch bar being broken, consider some adventure mirrors that will fold out of the way also! Great showcase!
How do you think Caitlyn's new motorcycle will do riding through the US, Canada, and Mexico?
Canada and US…👍 Mexico = cartel💀
They will do just fine, What I would add is some 80/20 dual-sport tires if possible, or sem-Knobbies of some kind, plus Fat bars. She did good to install foldable levers but if the bars are standard 7/8 In diameter they could bend in easily with a Fall since the Rebel is also a heavy Bike.....and regarding Caitlyn, Man she's super cute!
@@ripmax333 Either putting MT60rs tires on (available in 16" size) or looking to upgrade the wheels to 17" for more options.
@@ScramblerStories I would stay with 16'' if possible, going for bigger wheels could raise the ride height. since she is vertically challenged she can have some difficulty on rough terrain, even a small rock under the wheel can raise the seat by a few inches, and since the rebel is a bit on the heavy side it can lead to falling.
@@ScramblerStories there are also K784F/K784 BIG BLOCK Tires by KENDA TIRES
I think the best adventure bike is whatever bike you own. Yes there may be better ones, but play the hand you have, because the journey is as much of the story as the destination. RIDE ON!
So very true!
@@ScramblerStories Add brush guards in front of your grips, if you want to keep your hands warm while riding they cut the wind and make an incredible difference!!
just like the photography community: the best camera is the one you have in hand, the best bike is the one you have under your a**
Any vehicle can go off road if your brave enough and prepared enough
All bikes are adventure bikes.
A bike without a scratch, is a bike without a life.
I’ve been saying this lately. 🤙🏻
I love that. I've put a dent or a scratch in both of my Triumphs when they were pretty new. I didn't buy them just to polish them after a quick ride on a Sunday, I got them to ride into the ground!
This is motorcycling in it's purest form. Regular people, itching for a little adventure, working with what they've got to get away and be apart of the outside world. Not worrying about what's "acceptable" or "cool" or "trendy". Just doing whatever you can to keep the breeze on your knees. I love this. I've been budget riding for 24 years and this really boosts my inspiration for motorcycling. Good on you. Pay attention, be careful, good luck. You are representing the lifestyle well. Cheers.
Thank you!
Any bike can be an adventure bike. People have ridden around the entire globe on everything from 250 trail bikes to GS's to Honda 50cc scooters. It's like everything else in life, it's what you make it. Good effort, keep it up! 👍
Well said!
@@ScramblerStories Thank you Caitlyn, meant every word sincerely. You rock, keep it up and don't let anything ever stop you! Till you decide otherwise anyway. 😁
there are several youtubers camping and doing some crazy adventures on Honda Cub's (new and old ones), as well as many other moto's, fun to watch, even though I am commuting to/ from work on my Versys x300
As a non rider yet the accessories you covered was helpful. Also the production of this video was outstanding. Much better than some that do it full time.
Thank you, appreciate the compliment!
Every bike is a touring/adventure motorcycle. Good luck, safe travels to you and Chris.
Exactly. Thank you!
That is a sweet setup. Everything you chose to do makes sense and you'll find out The changes you make as you go along. Makes me want to get a rebel as well now.
Take for a spin next time we're in Ontario!
I like the mods you did. Your choice to not overload that Rebel and make your safety and comfort choices based on solid thinking shows good sense. Funny how so many say this is or isn't right for your ride.... Go back 30 years or more. What were they using for cross country or any other type of riding they did. The bike that fits you and your style is the bike you need. It is great we have choices so we can find the right bike for us. Enjoy your ride!
Thanks Kevin. Yeah I always default to what Ted Simon did and figure any modern bike is fine in comparison. Never mind some of the round the world riders from the 30s!
As has been said, the best adventure bike, is the one you own. When I was a much younger man, my adventure bike was my 1973 Honda CB450, that I bought new. Not a dirt bike, but it saw a lot of dirt roads. Enjoy your adventure.
Those were cool bikes! We have a friend that's a big CB fan, and we saw a bunch of CBs at the Barber Museum.
lol, someone forgot to tell my 1974 Z1 900 Kaw it wasn't an off road bike. (mild)
I suppose these are things I've never had to think about as a 178cm man. Pretty neat seeing you adapt instead of complain. Big kudo's.
Thank you!
If you don't mind the looks some led lights that clip on your crash bars might be handy for your travels? Especially good down unpaved tracks.
Yeah, that is something we've pondered but need to find a well priced solution. One of the brands I was looking at was pricier than I expected.
Awesome! I can't wait to see Caitlyn out and about adventuring on it. Dual Sport tires will definitely make a difference and make it look a lot meaner. Definitely correct that you can tour on anything, you just need to plan accordingly. People used to cruise all over the country on small bikes and still do in many other countries. It just means taking scenic routes more usually. That's not a bad thing on an adventure.
Yeah, you'll have to meet up with use somewhere sometime. We're going to miss Barber this year to check out the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. But let's get in touch and figure something out. Otherwise maybe we'll visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2023!
The key to a successful adventure is being comfortable on a reliable bike. I think you’ve built yourself the perfect ADV bike, for you. Sweet ride!
I think so too. Certainly more reliable than the S40!
"the key to a successful adventure is being comfortable on a reliable bike."...so very true, 100% agree. can i quote that on my bike group's wag ? thankyou
@@adityarizki6683 sure thing. All the best!
My wife and I purchased the 2019 cb500x with bark busters,crash bars and a centre stand we have done just fine,we also lowered the seat height on my wife’s bike. We do have sat navigation on both bikes and helmet intercoms so me wife can tell me to speed up.
Awesome!
Crash bobbins for the front forks and rear swing arm and handle bar ends. 12 v din power point, so able to charge things on the move. May be a tank bag( nine magnetic) .
You have a really nice bike. You'll grow very fond of this willing and forgiving bike. May all your adventures be all successful, exciting and safe.
Thank you!
Get some bark buster storm. In the cold and the rain, the push the air off your hands. Heated grip liners are very small, and can be made to fit tight inside regular gloves. In case you did not know, there is a usb ready hookup cable under the gauge cluster.
Didn't know about the hookup under the cluster, thanks!
It’s a pigtail, ready for a USB adapter. It’s a switched 12v. Also, your little triangular side cover just pop off, you can put tools and some small items in those covers like a the Allen key for the seat, spare key, and what not. Not a lot of space, but Ana ziplock bag and some gorilla tape and you are golden.
I found some long shocks for the rear shocks. And for the front shocks they have some long travel shocks as well. And as for the rear fender they do sale some large saddle bags with bungie cords. Then for the tank they sale plastic tank protectors that will stop any scratches. I'm sure you got it figured out. But if your ever solo running they sale a large rear bag mount with a sissy bar that allows for more vertical storage.
Raising the suspension would be great for off-road, but then I wouldn't be able to touch the ground!
can you make a u turn with the honda ?
No it’s illegal
Nice! I’ve got Rebel 300.. but I’m in Vietnam))
And I used it off-road a bit. Fells fine.. but I’ve changed fork oil from 10w to 15w without changing the springs, but I think you can put 20w, should be alright.. gonna follow you for sure!
Hey Denis, that's good to know!
My adventure motorbike is a Yamaha xj6 Diversion F, 11 years old. You'll be grand on the rebel Caitlin.
Thank you!
I have just gone to a Honda Rebel from a Honda ATV Scooter 150 cc, the scooter was just too high for me so I bit the bullet and got a Honda Rebel 500 and it is sweet and my feet a flat on the ground, but it is a big change having gears, you have inspired me to be brave and get riding. I know this is nothing to do with your talk but anything that inspires is good. (Melva)
Awesome, definitely! Since this video was released, the Rebel has 30,000+ more miles, has seen a ton of off-road riding, across the US, Canada, Mexico, up to Alaska, and it's still doing great!
What do you think . Is this bike to small for me , im 6.5’ ( 195 cm ) ?
Assuming you have a long inseam, I do think you'll be cramped on the bike. My husband is 5'11" with a 33" inseam he can ride it, but is a bit too cramped for a long period of riding. With forward foot controls it might be a bit better.
love my 2017 Rebel 500, it has taken me all over Canada, as well as parts of the States. we just finished a 13,000km trip to the Arctic Circle, Yukon Terratory.
Nice!! That's what I am talking about. Perfect response to someone else's comment.
The burp at the end was hilarious, got me to subscribe. Looking forward to seeing the adventures!
Haha, thanks for coming along!
how much would all the mods cost ?
Probably between $1k to $2K. Under $1k for us, since the bike came with the luggage, rear rack, and the exhaust.
Chris had the heated grips on.
SShhhhh, don't tell her!
Good review, the more I see of these the more they appeal to me, it is possible to tour on any bike as long as you feel it suits you. All the best from England.
Thank you. It's been a great little bike!
I would add a rear carrier so you could pack more luggage. I would also suggest a beeline navigation instead of the phone & phone as backup. But this is just what I would do. Everybody’s requirement is different. Best of luck & have a safe trip. Nigel 🇩🇪
Thank you Nigel!
Nice setup, glad you enjoy riding together, my wife and I just started scootering together.
Awesome! It's been a lot of fun sharing experiences together around North America.
This summer i rented a rebel 1100T and did about 2800 miles through Colorado, utah, arizona, & wyoming. The bike road nice except for gravel roads where i did a lot of camping and it did not handle them well. That and the seat being uncomfortable made the journey harder than it had to be. I could have rented a 500 rebel and that would have been better for me. The trip was a great experience though.
You have a nice bike. Best of luck.
I'd be curious how the 1100 and 500 compared on gravel roads if they both had the same tires. Ultimately it's not what they are designed for, but Caitlyn has to make do with what she can. Definitely an underrated motorcycle though. I enjoy riding it too.
W ith the right tires, probably wouldn't be a problem for her bike. Part of my problem may have been all my gear and camping supplies thar made the gravel hard.
Thanks for the video, very useful!. Could you share the information about the handle bar raisers?. Thank you!.
These are the ones we installed. amzn.to/3Fy5U4V
looks great! i have a rebel 500 myself best mods i have done for long trips is a mustang solo seat and windscreen! keep it up
Yeah, we just did 1,000 miles in two days, and now Caitlyn's starting to think she will need to replace the seat. Hahaha
Best adventure bike in the world is the one you are most comfortable with. Ride all day pick it up when it falls over. Looks like a good choice to me.
Cheers, thank you!
What a fun setup. As a fellow short woman that started on the original 250 Rebel, I love the idea that you're using the newest version for your adventures. It's amazing that there are now skid plates for those bikes! Protection has come a long way in the past 30 years!
Just a suggestion for your hands - add some BarkBuster guards with the "Storm" wind-breakers. I don't have heated grips, but the Storm wind breakers really keep the worst off my hands (I ride year-round - now on a Versys x300).
Another 'short person' tip for long-distance riding on a cruiser - shift your leg position by using the passenger's pegs. Not sure if the Rebel is set up where you can do that safely, but I did that all the time on my old Kawasaki Nomad and it really was more comfortable for longer rides.
Looking forward to watching your adventures! Stay safe and have fun!
Thank you. This bike doesn't have passenger pegs unfortunately, they're extra with teh passenger seat kit. We've considered putting highway pegs on the engine dresser bars, but we'll see.
The Honda Rebel sure is a lot sexier than it was when I was learning on an old Honda Rebel 250...that bike was squirrely and drove me nuts! Yours looks great, and I like that you've been proactive with upgrades that work for you. I started out on a non-touring bike too...I had a Harley Davidson Heritage classic which while a softail offered a nice ride but was not designed for the 500+ mile days we often do on trips. But I loved her. Upgraded to a Street Glide Special two years ago and never looked back...although I do not have heated grips and I really would like them!
Ah yeah. I'm not sure I could go without heated grips now that I have had them. At least for traveling.
My daughter wants an adventure bike but she is also vertically challenged so she had to settle on a Rebel. (I spent a lot of time and money modifying a BMW G650 for her but it was still too tall.) I wonder when the motorcycle manufacturers are going to figure out that not everyone is 6 foot tall. I am confident that when the first major motorcycle manufacturer makes an adventure bike for shorter people, it will be an instant success. Until then, we may have to borrow some of your ideas for her Rebel. Great video. Thanks.
Yeah, the fact that the Harley Pan America has the electronic suspension that lowers at a stop is great, but still not enough for those with the shortest inseams. But people have gone around the world on bikes less suited than a Rebel, so it can be done. But for those wanting to get aggressive off-road their isn't much out there. We've been looking for a XT225/250 to see if that could be a possibility. The seat height is fairly low for a dual sport, then if the suspension is set right for proper sag, plus a lowering link, I think it's possible to get it pretty low.
i just got my endorsement and am looking at the rebel 500. i am also short and would love an adventure bike too once i get practice on the rebel. BMW has the 700GS (dual sport) that can be lowered down to 30 inch seat height which i will consider in the future once i get more confident. i wont be doing crazy off roads so it may be doable.
Throw a leg over and see how one feels! I think they're really great bikes, I'm so glad we got Caitlyn one. The 700GS would be super cool, perhaps the rebel will get you to one quickly!
Wow..
You have really motivated me..Thank you.
I just recently purchased a Rebel 300.
New to riding again..
It's been 30 years since I had my last bike.
Just getting used to it and building my confidence.
Your video helped!
Very cool!!
Thank you for sharing
You can do it! Hope you love that 300. Thanks for the nice words!
Thank you so much!!
Every word of confidence I can get will go straight to the heart!
I appreciate it so much ❤️
Good for you, hope you enjoy all the adventures you have on your bike. People have been around the world on tiny bikes, the adventure is what you make it...
Absolutely!
This is kind of making me rethink some of my plans for a new bike next spring
Lots of options out there!
Great mindset to have. Any bike is a touring bike as long as you can put up with it, the touring options just make it comfortable!
I drove my Yamaha WR125 over 10000km on all sorts of roads, including highways. I would just make a reason up to go visit neighbouring cities/countries every weekend and just go lol.
Nice!!
I would consider strapping two large water bottle holders to the crash bars and adding two small amber/yellow lights to the front to make you more visible. Amber/yellow lights really draw attention more then white lights
We looked into lights and did want to add some, but ran out of time before we hit the road. Definitely something we might still add when we can.
awesome!! i am about to get the 500 too! i am a short 5’3” so i can flat foot this bike, very excited!!!
Awesome! Enjoy it!
Nice setup. About the only thing I don't like about the rebel is the small tank but that just means you need to stop more often. I have hand guards and heated grips. I have found that the heated grips are nice on cold mornings in the mountains. I bought some cheap hippo hands and added Velcro to make them easy on and off. Great when it gets down near freezing. The 500 should have plenty of power for anything. I ride a Honda Falcon 400 in south America and it gets by with 30hp. Good riding and I'll be watching your adventures.
Thank you!
Check out snowmobile gloves and such. Enjoy the ride.
Thank you!
I have rebel 500 2022. The bike is super . I dont like to load as much you have. The heated grips are must have . Also me i cant wear winter gloves .
Definitely. Heated grips making traveling in riding into the colder months so much easier!
Looking forward to more of your videos as I'm 5'3" and like seeing mods for 'vertically challenged' riders. What do you get for range @ highway speeds.
Typically around 120-130 miles before the light comes on, and then you can get typically another 40-50 miles. But generally on interstates we're filling up every 130-150 miles. But that goes up significantly on road ways that limit the speed to 60mph.
Comfort is key. Problems that made longer distance uncomfortable for me were 1. wind noise, which can be deceptively tiring not to mention putting you at risk for tinnitus. and 2. bunching up of riding pants (or whatever you wear) behind the knee. As for problem 1. trial and error and with three after-market windscreens I finally found one that worked for my bike, a BMW F800 ST. 2. you probably have a good choice already there with your knee bend not being too extreme. Best wishes and safe travels.
Thank you!
I think that windshield would look great smoked or tinted.
I had a tinted one on my Street Scrambler, also from Dart Flyscreens. - Chris
Have you thought about a tachometer or speedo / tachometer / gear indicator combo?
No, the stock speedometer is fine. No tachometer, but it does have a gear indicator as well as a fuel gauge. The fuel gauge only breaks down in quarter tank increments, but the S40 didn't have any thing. Just ride until it starts dying and then switch to reserve on the carburetor. Or realistically, get gas every 100 miles and not worry about it.
Great bike and awesome setup! I'm a Goldwing driver but sold off all my other bikes so I need something to move around on and not have to rely on taking my Freight Train everywhere... maybe this is my next toy.
It's definitely fun and easy to chuck around.
Don't now how much off roading or mud riding you are planning on doing but perhaps raise the front fender a bit to allow for clearance of those more aggressive tires and to let the mud not build up.
Not a bad idea!
Never thought of a rebel as an off road touring bike. Really an eye opener
We'll see how it holds up!
Gerbing xs heated glove. Fantastic for small hands. I also have a rebel. And I love it
We'll have to check those gloves out!
I would fit some hand guards, keeps some of the wind off your hands, and if off road they will prevent bushes putting your front brake on if you brush past them.
That was the original idea, but haven't found anything that would work with the stock handlebars yet. Maybe will just have to fabricate something.
thank you for this video. i am looking for a rebel 500 abs for my first bike (500 is an absolutely a must for me) and seeing these beginner friendly changes were helpful
Glad it was helpful. It'll make a great first bike and honestly, it makes a great bike even if it's not you're first. Can't go wrong!
Where are you ?
Hoping you are both well !
Miss ya !
Going to be around New England for the next few months it seems. The plan had been to head west, but life happened and we'll need to stay fairly close to Connecticut.
have fun, I'm on my third moto now, Versys x300 it's not about size, it is about having fun, but I don't have a problem sitting on the bike at 6'7" of course my thighs are not flat like when sitting on my first moto 30_ years ago in Taipei (Sanyang 125 4 speed plus neutral/ classic motorcycle) so, small for the usa but big to me anyway.
Right now, that is what is important. She's having a blast on the Rebel, much more than the S40!
I own this same bike as well! I love the black and white coloring. Super fun bike and awesome video!
Thank you!
Hi Caitlin, regards from Spain. I have too one Rebel 500, I have mods to mini cruiser. This video confirming that the Honda Rebel is the most custom bike of the world, she make all that you wants. Thanks
Awesome, hope to ride in Spain one day!
I've got a 2021 Honda Rebel ABS SE and the very first thing I did was get a good seat. Mustang makes one that will change your riding life for the better, believe me. Also, you should look into Viking saddle bags, the big ones. They hold a lot and look good on the bike, the best 300 bucks you can spend aside from the Mustang seat. Stock seat has pretty much no padding. Happy riding! Also, don't tell people they're going to drop the bike. I've been riding since I was 10 and I'm 66 and I've never ever dropped a bike. That's a very weird and negative thing to put into a new rider's head. :)
Thanks for the tip. Once you start taking a bike off-road, it will definitely be dropped. It's not a negative, it happens to most once you start going off-pavement, traveling fully loaded, etc. But that's great that you've avoided it!
I use handlebar Mits during the winter, they don't look particularly cool, but I'd rather be warm and comfortable. 👍
For sure!
I would not do it differently other than add a folding milk crate box on top of the rear fender rack. Clevermade offers a 13 inch folding crate.which is just large enough to place a recycable shopping bag inside with a gallon of water and other items. Zio ties hold it in place, or fasten it on more securely with metal adjustable hose clamps.
I'll have to check it out, thanks!
I think Caitlyn's setup will do just fine. I really liked the enthusiastic showcase of accessories installed. May you enjoy the miles ahead! :)
Thank you!
Great vid. I’m short also and wanting to do more is hard with what’s available. I will keep an eye for you vid. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching!
Seat issue? Do what I did, I bought myself cycling shorts with padding, and what a difference. It really helps especially on a long drive, give it a try.
Thank you, that's exactly what I was thinking of doing. - Caitlyn
I would have to have a driver backrest. Looking forward to following your adventures.
Thanks John!
OMG I dropped my Rebel too during a left u-turn after one month having it, the front wheel ended up in a ditch at the side of the road. fortunately, I had crash bars installed and I only needed to change the left fork cover as it was scratched.
Glad there was no serious issues!
Looks great!
What about hand guards?
Heated gear?
Battery tender lead?
LED light replacement and/or additional lights?
Good questions Doug! Haven't found hand guards that work with the stock bars but it's something we've been looking into. The folding levers are the temporary solution. We have one heated jacket linear between the two of us, but that's it right now. We did put a battery lead on the bike, which has a few benefits. The stock light is already a bright LED, but aux lights are a possibility that may come in the future.
A perfect motorcycle is the one which we can flat foot with manageable weight, good average and can maintain decent speed on highways. Happy motoring 🙂
Well said!
Honda is introducing Scrambler with 500cc base. It will be interesting how that bike will perform.
Yeah I'm interested in checking it out!
I've got the 1985 450, love what you've done to yours.
Oh wow! Our friend Calvin has always spoke really highly of the 450 Rebel from the 80s, but we've never seen one in person.
Girl you r right about the fact that every motorcycle is an adventure bike. I have a 100 cc kawasaki CT 100motorcycle that churns out 70 km per ltr fuel economy and can do 110km/hr top speed. I have built it on scrambler style and I've covered long trip on it
Right on! Would love to see that bike!
I like what you've done to your little rebel. I am short as well (5'7") and I love the height of this bike (23 500 ABS SE). I enjoyed you talking about taking it touring, as that is my plan as well. I did upgrade the seat to a Mustang Solo Seat (custom color and added the diamond stitching for aestetics). I was thinking about throttle locks, and heated grips myself. How do you still like them after a year? Are you still on the stock seat?
Good move on the seat. Once we started traveling, the seat really didn't cut it. Definitely a future upgrade. The throttle lock is well worth it for touring. A wire on the heated grips broke up in Alaska (on the Dalton Highway), but it's fixable when we're somewhere with a soldering iron. But this Rebel has seen a lot of off-road riding at this point, so that wouldn't happen to the average user.
How much did it cost to rewire for the risers? Unless the wires and cables were long enough to accommodate the risers.
Used the stock cables. It was just enough to reach, had to play with the routing a little.
pretty cool bike! i have a 2019 Rebel 500. the second day i had mine, i dropped it in my front yard, forgot to put the kickstand down. i have hard lockable bags on mine, footboards instead of pegs. need risers, had some on order, but after delay for 2 and a half months cancelled. gonna order another brand. need a windshield. a sissybar to stack my motocamping gear on the rear rack(just like the one you have) i am planning to go cross country next May. no interstate, unless it's necessary, country roads only. the Rebel is a poor man's cruiser, not an adventure bike. but riding in traffic is an adventure. not going to Mexico, or Alaska. mostly the states i haven't been to. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, those states north of I 80 i think. gonna sub, to learn some things about long trips on the Rebel 500. thanks for now. be safe.
Awesome. We would have gone with lockable hard luggage but since it came with the soft bags, they will do for now.
Caitilyn,s rebel is awesome. I saw your triumph in another video.I like it.what kind of triumph is that.I'm new to bikes and want to get one.
I'm wanting a reble 500,that is till I saw your triumph
The Triumph in the other video is the Street Scrambler. Great bike, and the one in this video is the Scrambler 1200. Basically the beefed up version. Taller, bigger enginer, 21" front wheel. Pretty capable off-road.
Thank you sweetie for you reply
I'm wondering what's your size for me to have a notion about the size of the bike.
4'11.75" or 1.51m. With an inseam less than 27"/68cm.
@@ScramblerStories, thank you, I'm asking this because I'm also short and I loved this bike.
Handguards would make a huge contribution to keeping your hands warm by protecting them from the wind.. I have Barkbusters on my Street Scrambler, which also protect the levers (not that it ever goes off road), and I was surprised how much difference they make in the UK winter.
For sure. There's always hippo hands, but boy are they ugly in my opinion!
Met you guys at the Stubborn American. I didn't get a chance to see your Rebel but it looks good!
Appreciate it!!
Great video guys, easy to watch and great choice of mods. All quality and with a proper thought out purpose. Looking forward to seeing the travels, especially Mexico!
Thank you. Looking forward to see how that garage comes out when it's finished!
@@ScramblerStories Me too - Hopefully it stands up!
Have you tried yamaha xt250 or serrow 250. Its great for short riders and much better capability
Not yet! I've been wanting to see Caitlyn throw her leg over a XT250 or an older 225. I think with the suspension set right it could work for her. They even make a lower link if a little lower is needed.
I love your spirit of adventure...be safe and long live with long rebellious ride...i got one too but just riding for fun...
Thank you! Hope you enjoy yours as well.
It may not be the perfect bike for adventure riding but I like the honest and unpretentious approach to riding a motorcycle. Many shorter riders insist on riding a BMW GS Adventure or something similar just to prove something or maybe for the Instagram :D
Sometimes taking the inappropriate bike is more fun!
Great video! You taught me a lot about what can be done to the Rebel and you talked me into getting one.
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
Was wondering how tall you were. I'm planning on buying a rebel 500 in September 2022 and was thinking maybe I would need the handle bar riser since I am 5'6"
Wait to see when you've had time on the bike. There's a few factors in play, not just height. Our inseams and arm lengths aren't the same based on height. I'm slightly under 5', but with an inseam under 27". I know people of similar height but with longer legs/arms, so it depends on a few factors. You'll know what will be best for you once you have time on the bike.
@@ScramblerStories Thanks for the reply. I love your videos and can't wait to watch all your adventures. Happy riding!
Sweet looking bike... all your mods look good and make sense.. wonder how 2 up riding would be on the 500 or 1100 rebel.
Shouldn't be much of an issue. Especially on the 1100, but we haven't done it since Caitlyn doesn't have a passenger seat. Sitting on the rack doesn't seem to appealing!
I have a rebel 300 and wow you gave me a lot of information and ideas to add to my bike. Those crash bars would have saved me twice. Oh well. I like the two dents on either side of my fuel tank.
Those dents are character marks!!
Which bar risers did you fit and did you have to extend any cables? I want to fit some on mine too as I am a shorter 70 year old lady.
I just found out which they were🙄from your description. 😅
Haha I was just going to copy and past the link! 🤣
If you don't want to change the seat, for longer days on saddle may I recommend a pair of biking shorts (the ones with padded bottoms) under the long pants. They work really well for me in India on my CB350. Also, be careful of which way the exhaust is pointed at - it could be targeting the bottom of the side bag and melt it.
No issues with the exhaust/bag so far. But thanks for the biking shorts tip. It is something I'm looking into.
I would add suspension. Get it a couple more inches on the clearance
I wish, but then she couldn't touch the ground. I think for the US she'll be alright, the real problem is going to be two years from now when we move on to the rest of the world. Possibly a XT250 with a lower link could work for her if the sag is set right, otherwise it might just have to be the rebel but I would want at least 17" wheels put on for more tire options.
@@ScramblerStories yeah, you make a good point. Maybe not dumping to much money into this project. Look into maybe a cb500x and convert that instead!
Judging by your enthusiasms it will be a long way down the road before you get off that Rebel . A fitting handle for your stead . I've seen some simple accessory's conjured up like mid mount pegs from a rear set added amidships for a change of pace offsets on the handlebar risers . Be safe and I would love to ride with yawl . T/C/E
Thank you!
The skid plate lower the ground clearance alot eh
Definitely lowers it, not that it has much ground clearance to begin with.
I see someone else already suggested handguards. A really good idea if you ride in colder climates, and also keeps a ton of dead bugs off your hands. I like the setup you have. It may not be the typical touring or adventure bike, but that's irrelevant unless what others think matters to you. You will have the same experiences riding and see the same sights as someone with the big Beemer or the Africa Twin, and pay a lot less. I picked up an old "WeeStrom", set it up the way I wanted it, and love it. Safe travels!
Oh nice. Our friend Marek had a V-stom 650 for years and loved it. Of the many bikes he's owned over the years, he'd buy another one in a heartbeat. I think it's be his second favorite after his DR650.
Love the Mods! How does Caitlyn like the Atlas Throttle Lock? Been thinking about getting one for my Rebel.
So far so good. Been very nice to set it and rest the right hand. Chris didn't use one for his Alaska trip and now he really regrets not getting one. For such a little thing it can be a huge help. It even has some perks over the built in cruise control his 1200 has.
Inspiring. Maybe I'll get some of those accessories and try adventuring before I go purchasing a different motorcycle.
I'd suggest you look into Burly Brand's stiletto shocks. The stock shocks on the Honda Rebel are okay... and I say that with mine (1100 DCT) having preload adjustment, whereas yours do not! I'd definitely want an upgraded set of shocks for going adventuring, not to mention just a little more ground clearance to recover the space that skid plate takes up.
If you're worried about your clutch bar being broken, consider some adventure mirrors that will fold out of the way also!
Great showcase!
Thank you. Will definitely look into those shocks. Stock shocks are definitely stock shocks, and they're not good on rough roads.
Looks good to me, happy scrambling.....
Thank you!
I’ve been wanting a new Rebel 500. Interest to see how this bike performs
So far so good. We'll see how it does after being on the road for a bit!