2020 Honda Rebel 500 Review | First Ride
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- The Honda Rebel is a classic beginner motorcycle and now for 2020 the Rebel 500 sees more updates that continue to make it an attractive offering from Big Red.
Debuted in 1985, the Honda Rebel has been bringing beginner riders to the sport for decades. The model saw significant changes in 2017 and now, for 2020, Honda keeps the updates coming to further entice its intended audience. The added assist and slipper clutch, suspension refinements, modern LED lighting, a new gauge layout, and a thicker, more dense seat are all part of the 2020 package.
Honda told us its primary target is women and beginner riders. In fact, the manufacturer shared some numbers showing that a growing portion of Rebel owners are women with 36 percent of owners for the 300 and 28 percent for the 500. It also found that an impressive 61 percent of Rebel 300 purchasers are first-time owners and 45 percent are first-time owners for the 500. This shows that while both females and first-time owners have their sights set more on the 300 model, there is still a significant percentage who end up opting for the 500. I don’t blame the latter percentile’s higher interest in the 500 as it is not as intimidating as the displacement may imply.
A key update that will be helpful to a beginner is the new addition of the assist and slipper clutch. This is said to reduce lever effort by 30 percent and, in practice, the clutch pull was very light eliminating any intimidation factor that a tougher lever actuation may present. The Rebel’s 471cc powerplant remains unchanged for 2020, and I found the power is smooth and manageable, with plenty of low-end torque for getting off the line and enough horsepower to pull the taller gears for cruising and moving at highways speeds. We ran the 500 on the Cycle World in-house dyno and concluded that the parallel twin makes 40.8 hp at 7,900 rpm and 29.9 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm at the rear wheel.
Honda says spring rates have been stiffened to improve overall comfort and handling. As a result of the increased stiffness, I found that the Rebel 500’s front suspension under hard braking was firm, keeping the chassis balanced and limiting front-end dive under hard braking. Rebound damping was quick initially but slowed on its return to static ride height. Generally, the 41mm fork and twin shocks felt stable over potholes and rough roads with 4.8 inches and 3.8 inches of travel, respectively. However, under larger, harsher bumps the rear did bottom out causing the bike to feel unstable at the rear when I was bucked up out of the seat.
Nissin hydraulic disc brakes are employed by Honda at the front and rear. They do not have a hard initial bite (as should be expected from a beginner-friendly motorcycle) but a strong and communicative feel pulls the bike to a smooth stop as you increase lever effort. This is a positive aspect for beginner riders who need a more controlled, steady stop upon a fast, tight squeeze that can come from less experienced fingers. Both the 300 and 500 are also available in ABS options at a $300 addition to the base MSRP-a solid choice for new and experienced riders.
The Rebel 500 carries its weight down low which makes not only picking it up off the stand easy but taking the twisties with confidence as well. Hitting the crest of the turns the bike was planted thanks to its low center of gravity and the power pulled it out of the turns with a tame sweep that was confidence inspiring. Without the saddlebag accessory the Rebel 500 tipped our scales at 418 pounds and weighed 422 pounds with the saddlebag attached.
The new LED lighting throughout is a notable change for the 2020 model year. Four LED lamps are tucked into the circular casing, and LED turn signals and taillight (even the license plate light) are clean and modern. The previous models’ taillight section used to protrude awkwardly, but this has now been tidied up nicely.
The larger semi-circular LCD gauge is also new. It displays information like time, speed, gear position, and fuel level readout, but is missing a tachometer-an odd omission. Additionally, you can also scroll through the odometer, two tripmeters, average trip mpg, and current mpg. A toggle switch on the hand controls rather than a button on the gauge would be handy, but the Rebel is a more basic ride. Regardless of this, all of the information displayed is easy to read at a quick glance.
Read the full 2020 Honda Rebel 500 review at Cycle World: www.cycleworld.com/story/moto...
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Read the full 2020 Honda Rebel 500 review at Cycle World: www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2020-honda-rebel-500-first-ride-review/
That accessory seat would look great with metallic blue stitching rather than just black stitching.
Damn. Even all the female motovloggers are f***ing 6 feet tall. Jeeze...
When the video started, and the reviewer was just standing there, I though: "she is tall!" Her riding position looked a bit cramped in the legs--her height seems to be biased toward her legs.
I swear to god, every motorcycle reviewer ever is 6+foot and they all complain about this bike being too small. Meanwhile I'm sitting here at 5 foot 8 and it's 100% perfect :p.
They're mutating
Meanwhile an average height rider struggles to flatfoot most modern bikes. I heard one motovlogger complain about the bmw gs ergonomics being too cramped... at a f&@ng 33.5” seat height!...
The Rebel is the only option for many short riders. Would be nice if Honda gave it a bit more power, 40hp is beginner level if you ever plan to go highway speeds. Why anyone in the US would buy the 20hp 300 is beyond me. Should have been a 250 twin for overseas markets with at least 25hp, 500 should have been at least 50hp like all the old Honda 500s.
Redrum not sure what you’re smoking but MT03 is 30.7”, CB300R is 31.5”, and Z400 is 30.9” seat heights (Rebel is 27.2”).
Those are not “low” seat heights and the fact that manufacturers think they are is exactly the problem.
🙋🏽♀️ I'm 5'4 and 120lbs, just bought this blue rebel 500 and I love it!!
Good luck have fun!
Does it have a gas gauge? I couldn't tell on the video.
@@susangloade2912 yes!
@RS1 lol you should be fine, I've never posted a video but maybe I should 🤔
@@vakantieman3270 thank you!
Well I'm not a female and I'm not a first time rider but own the 2019 Matt black one. Because I am NOT going to make a truck payment on a bike.............ah hem (Harley Davidson).
Same here. I made that mistake back in 2006 for a Dyna Sport Bob with a 96" engine. Worst decision ever!
@@Sig721Tau harleys, you ride the first mile, push the rest!
It’s a great choice. HD is nothing but a hype. Honda rocks, from the performance to reliability to cost of maintenance to the book value cost.
I have two HD (don’t ask) but I wish I had owned just one good Honda.
Bunnyshooter 223 great tips from experienced biker thanks.
I want the new 2021 1100 one, mostly cause I have a freeway commute but it’s almost 3K more than the 500, so I don’t know if it’s worth it just for that.
I am 5'2" with long legs and 110lbs. Just traded my CBR300 for the CMX500 and after getting accustomed to the new position, I am loving it! I am nearly 60 and it was time to quit getting blown around in high winds on a lighter, taller bike.
I agree with the review. My mom has a Rebel 500. I took it out when I was last visiting. Great bike. It's super smooth and predictable. It's got just enough power to have a bit of fun without ever feeling like you are getting in over your head if you are a beginner or slower rider. It's definitely cramped for anyone 6' or more. At rest stop I had a Harley rider, $32,000 Harley at that, come and check it out. He thought it looked great. He asked all sorts of questions because his daughter, who had a Sportster as her first bike, was looking for something less powerful, more confidence inspiring, and less work to ride.
Seen more than a few of of the 2020 Honda Rebel review, this is the best i seen so far. So much detail an information in a 7 min package, very informative! Gj
This was an excellent review. I loved that it was not just a FPV for the entire video, it was well detailed and the videography was top notch! Looking forward to more of your videos.
Great review, action shots were perfect and stats much appreciated.. I'm a numbers guy lol.
Love that Honda added a gear indicator and led headlamps this year.. my mom (60, we passed the MSF course together last year) bought the 300 (2019) and while happy with it generally, yearns for the 500.
I ride a cb500f but to be honest, I have a blast on her 300 rebel, and I'm a 215lb guy.
Thanks
I'm 5'7" I think this bike is made for me 😍
I'm 58 and have been riding since I was 12 or 13 (mini bikes in the neighborhood) and got my learners at 15 1/2 in 1978. I commuted around South Bay / Long Beach areas of LA with a bike as my only transportation until I got married at 31. My niece just bought one of these and I really like this bike - she let me zip it around town and I would buy one if I was just a bit smaller guy. Newer riders really have a lot of great choices these days, and I'm glad so many women are getting into riding.
Great review btw.
I need to learn to ride mine .. a little bit scared with the shifting.. I need to develop this brain 🧠 muscle
@@elainecalzadilla9739 You can do it. I'd strongly suggest taking a riding course, if you haven't already - an MSF approved course in you're in the US. Then practice, practice, practice - an empty parking lot or other controlled area would be ideal. Practice the clutch and shifting, slow speed maneuvers, emergency swerving, and emergency braking. There are several YT channels dedicated to this type of training - but videos should be in addition to an actual class / course.
In my opinion, and everybody's opinion is different, but you might consider buying a smaller used bike for learning until you feel confident. Something inexpensive, that might already have some scratches and dents, but still runs good. When you've built your skills and feel you're ready, you should be able to sell it for about what you paid for it. A couple examples would be the older Honda Rebel 250 or the Nighthawk 250. They're lighter, if you accidentally drop it you won't care, and perfectly OK for beginning stages. If you have dirt trails nearby, you might even consider a small used dual sport, like a Suzuki DR200 or Yamaha TW200. Offroad is a good place to practice because there's no traffic, and unstable conditions can help build skills and confidence - nothing advanced or extreme, just easy dirt trails.
Whatever you decide, good luck, happy riding, be safe XD
Great review. I'm a short man standing at 5'8". I think it's a machine ideal for my size. Definitely going to try it after I get my licence. Super super stoked.
The "Kids" are taking over Cycle World!!! Great to see the young talent.
Good (first?) review for her. Very cool bike and it looks awesome with that LED headlight and optional cowl.
The new rebels are cool..now bring back the Shadow line, Honda!
Rebel is supposedly getting the engine from the Africa Twin. Gonna be like a modern Magna, which is what i rather would have instead of a Shadow lol
Get a vulcan s instead
@@saidabimelec8506 Vs a Rebel? Bc the Vulcan S has 45 KW and in many places the max power allowed for new riders is 35 KW, which is where the Rebels fall perfectly.
@Bunnyshooter 223 in America they kept the shadow line, in Europe there is only the rebel 500-300
Nice bike, love the colour. You have a lovely voice, I could listen to you all day.
Excellent review, thank you.
How does the suspension compare to the 2019? I heard the 2020 "improved" for a smoother ride but not many really go into depth with it.
thanks for the great review, Ive been looking to purchase a bike and this one is perfect
what a comprehensive and informative review. Well done and thx.
This was a very informative review.
clean & clear review serena...thqnks for stats
Very nice review!
Nice review! Sounds like a fun bike
I keep returning to this review. I really liked it! I am excited to sit on a Rebel 500 at the start of next season to see if it's for me. Also have my eye on the 500X...very far away from the ergos of this bike. Wouldn't mind seeing a 500x review, that would be great!
Awesome review, thanks!
Such a good looking little bike bone stock. Love the leds.
Great review. I think they should black out the rest of the forks to match the gaiters though.
I liked the POV footage at the end...maybe you can work more of that into the next review? Great job!
I have an 09 rebel 250. It has a whopping 18 horse power and I love it lol
Great review!
Nice review. Well done. Just bought one
Those engines (471cc) are GREAT no matter which bike you get it on. I have a 2013 CB500f.
Awesome review 👍🏾💯
thanks for your review. I am buying one
No mention of the new gear position indicator on speedometer dial ... a much needed addition ... thank you Honda ...
Good review, thanks
Awesome bike, my other half is looking at one and she is 5ft2. She finds it very comfortable and manageable
I'm ordering a 500 SE in black. Can't wait.
Another reason Honda is winning. Good looking bike with rock solid reliable motors. Great bike to get new riders.
Very nice review. Why can't more magazines use your format.
The reason for the measured seat height being .4 inch higher than spec is the quilted seat is .4 inch thicker over the standard seat.
How can I buy that black bag?I like it very much.
Did you install rack for that bag on your rebel?
Thank you for a great review. I would have liked to hear the exhaust note at standstill.
It's an "A flat".
Good review ta!
This makes me want to buy one when I move down to Florida later this year.
You might not want to move to Florida anytime soon....but I love my 500, take my advice tho and get a vance and hines upsweep pipe for it, the sound and extra power is awesome!
Looks good! Love it! A slipper clutch and a low seat height for a 5'5" rider like me!
I'm excited to try a Rebel 1100!
What difference with the older one on screen?
Thumbs up for filming at TurnBull Canyon!
Great review!
Nice honda and nice review
What kind of gloves is Serena wearing?
How do you get the headlight cowl and fork boots?
Wondering what brand leather jacket she is wearing? 🤔 It’s beautiful!
Got my rebel 500 this past weekend, I'm 5 feet tall and it fits me perfectly. I traded in my 2010 ninja that I loved for 8 years. But over time doing the tippy toe stops was getting sketchy, even though it was lowered as much as possible. First mod I ordered for my rebel though was a vance and hines pipe cause that ugly stock barrel on it sounds like a whisper!
Can you flat foot it? I’m also 5’ looking into the rebel
@@naidely4768 I'd like to know the answer to this as well!
Completely flat foot no, but I'd call it 3/4 foot on both sides. It gives me so much more confidence! My ninja was more fun (until I had to stop lol) but I'm loving the rebel overall.
@@naidely4768 I'm 5'3" and can flat foot it.
So this or a Indian Scout Bobber for first time bike?
Would appreciate your missing comments on how it handles throughways/highways on extended distances. How about it?
That color is great.
Would the 300 be good for a small female? 5 foot. 125 pounds?
I think Honda has put a little extra love into this one, you want power, man that 1100's going to be a beast, I wish for me they made a 750, the 500's to small and the 1100's to big, all I have is race bikes, went for a ride last night and was wishing I had something a little more comfy, a little more easier to ride and not so high strung, good review, wish Honda put in a single shock rear suspension, but then again there goes the nice price point for Honda quality, good job Honda, well done🤙!.
I'm trying to find that same sidebag but can't find it anywhere, could you link where to get it online?
I’m 5’8, 175 lb and 32 waist. Is this too big or too small for me?
Great review. Excellent reviewer.
Hi
I am 6'3. Do u think this bike will suit me?
What model of Aria Helmet is that? Thanks.
I can't wait to get the black one! 😛😍🖤
You got me at Hey Guys!
I'm an older bloke, experienced dirt rider. This bike is in my radar in the years to come....be that the 500 or the 1100....
I want this as my winter bike. put a decent fairing and heated grips on and it'll get my within 60 miles of home whatever the weather while the chrome monster stays in the garage.
The 2017 was my first bike. The 2020 update will only get more riders on the road. As a Harley owner now, if they launch that Rebel 1100, I'll be going back to team red.
I hope they do. Thing would be nuts. Like a modern Magna just without 4 cyl.
Did you end up going back?
Nice setup.....new accessories....nice ride......same old bulky ugly exhaust....surely will change that as soon as my new bike arrives....
I hope there is a 1100 version.
I have the 2019 rebel with a ABS I love it, but I’m only 5 foot five🙂
Waiting for it to launch here in India. Just got myself Royal Enfield bullet 350 EFI and can't wait to add Rebel 500 in my collection. Also, it'll launch with compulsory ABS in India
Buen video, gracias
I’m 110 and 5”3 pretty small should I go for the 300 or 500. 500 seems to max out at the perfect speed. I’m leaning towards the 500. Any advice?
If you’ve been riding for a bit, the 500 would be better. If never ridden before, then just depends on where and how long you will ride. And how confident you are on a bike. Less confident and ok with practicing in parking lots for a while, then 300.
what is the milage of the bike?
Waiting to come in India 🔥🔥
The looks must be different from country to country. Here the 2020 model looks the same as before but with a different rear light and LED headlight. The one looking exactly like the one in the video is called the Rebel 500 S here.
Nice video.
Really good review! Usually there's a 6.4 fat guy complaining about the suspension and lack of power reviewing these type of bikes.
LOOOOOOOOOOOL.. I have watched so many reviews of this bike and you're right. 6.4 fat guys. Every.Single.Time. I pretty much ignored every complaint about it being cramped, got it anyway! At 5 foot 8, 175 pounds, haven't bottomed out and the size is perfect.
@@noot7109 i'm 6 4 too but thinking of getting it anyway since I'm just a stick I could tuck in it just fine lol
@@SwainixFPV Lol. @ Stick
@@noot7109 well idk how else to call someone 6 feet 4 tall for 140 pounds ahah (approximations since I'm 192cm for 65kg)
I like the four LED headlights about as much as I liked squared headlights of the 1980's......not at all.
Did you say that it only has 40.8 HP????
I’m going to be a new rider and getting my license I think I want this bike but I’m 5’10 you think it will be to cramped feeling?
yep
Also glad for the review by Serena. My friend wants to ride and she’s really short under 5 feet and this is a good review to welcome more woman riders.
She 6' tall... That translates into man-sized info there.
It certainly is appreciated to see a cycle other than a Harley D. that shorter than average persons can ride safely. The National average height is 5' 9". This translates to half the population are shorter than 5' 9".
Aint1S she said the bike is popular among woman riders for obvious reason.
I'm 15 rn but in 3years I'm gonna get a bike and probably gonna get this
No Tach ?!?!
I’m 6 foot. Am I to tall?
Is this bike good at highway/rural speeds? Like 80-90mph?
Negative. Buy the 1100 or you'll feel your teeth vibrating at that speed.
I’d like to have one just to zip around country back roads on. My gigantic Kawasaki 1600 isn’t all that fun on tiny little 1 lane roads here
I am a Rebel500 rider!
Very nice
The improvements made to the 2020 Rebel a no brainer for all but the tallest new riders. However, for me the small fuel tank limits its practicality which is a shame. But hey, its looks and price more than make up for this.
Nice bike, but those LED lights just don't look right.
I'm not a beginner or woman and I just like a 500cc bike for nimble city bike riding.
Name of song please!
No tach?!?
Nice vdo I lvd it,,,,,
I love this video I want to know that it will be good for my height,,, my height is 171 CM
Im 171 as well and it fits very well
Wish they’d make a 1200cc version.
I’ve heard of the 1100cc coming out next year using the Africa twin
Mainly bike suit to 5.6 to 5.10 height