Honda Rebel 250, the beginning of the legend
It was the year 1985 and Honda introduced the brand new Honda Rebel 250 to the world. Upon its release, it enjoyed critical acclaim by specialised media and also from the general public. To point out, the Motorcyclist magazine stated that it was the perfect bike to sell to the MTV generation. At that moment, Honda was trying to capture the young riders who were giving their first steps in riding. It turned out to be a very successful endeavour since the Honda Rebel 250 was an affordable, enjoyable cruiser for those who were starting.
The 234cc straight-twin engine provided a smooth ride and also very soft power; it was perfect for beginners. It was very commonly used by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to teach the certified courses of rider training. Between 1985 and 1996, the Honda Rebel 250 had the best fuel economy in the market; the bike could make 310km without a refill.
Honda Rebel was used worldwide
The Honda Rebel 250 was widely used by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Previous to these bikes they rode Vespa scooters. After the Rebels removal of the fleet, these lucky policemen and women got to cruise and patrol on board of Harley Davidson XL883 Sportsters.
Honda continued to manufacture the Rebel 250 widely and successfully and shortly after released the bigger models of the series. The 250 was a production model until 2016; nowadays you can purchase the 300 and the 500 models. The bike is no longer roaming around the streets, but the legend is still alive in the memory of all of us.
Honda Rebel 250 bobber
Many people take the Honda Rebel 250 from its original status and turn it into a bobber. There are many companies currently offering bobber transformation kits. These kits include elements like a bobber sit, suspension, and other accessories to turn a stock bike into a bobber model. Why do they choose the Honda Rebel 250? The answer is because it is a very durable, sturdy bike that is a great performer and the perfect canvas for the transformation. It is easy to spot beautiful-looking bobbers on the streets of the world that are Honda Rebel 250s transformed.
Honda Rebel 300
The next step in the Honda Rebel legend is the Honda Rebel 300, a motorbike designed and built under the same premise as the original. If you go right now to the Honda website and look for the Rebel 300, you´ll see a blonde woman riding it in every photograph. The motto under those snaps is “Why conform? Rebel!” And it happens to be a true statement since day one for this iconic bike.
The Honda Rebel 300 has a single-cylinder engine that makes it a very light, highly responsive bike. By updating the internals of the suspension, Honda also made the bikeway smoother than any of its predecessors. The company added Nitrogen gas to keep the damping force of the shocks consistently. They also improved the size of the seat, making it thicker than before and made the padding inside of it denser too. The result is a motorcycle that allows for hours of non-stop riding.
Honda Rebel 300 – Modern and menacing look
In the lights department, everything went LED. The overall look of these LED lights gives the Honda Rebel a more modern and menacing look. It might seem a minor detail to you, but the turning lights being round makes a big difference in the vibe of the bike. This exciting clash between modern features and shapes and old-school details makes the rebel a beautiful ride.
Speaking of turning lights, the Honda Rebel 300 review vehicle I tried out had a great accessory called Smart Turn System (STS). This device disengaged my turning lights once it sensed I had finished my turn, much like a car would do. If you happen to drive both like me, then chances are you always leave them on as I do. Nevertheless, I had it installed in some other of my bikes too.
Finally, the gauge has gone LCD and now has a ton more information than it ever had like the amount of fuel and a gear indicator. The speed continues to be the central attraction, big and in the middle of the screen.
Honda Rebel 300 specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single cylinder
- Displacement: 286cc
- Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 63.0mm
- Compression ratio: 10.7:1
- Fueling: EFI w/ 38mm throttle body
- Valvetrain: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
- Final drive: Chain
- Transmission: Six-speed
CHASSIS
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 3.8 inches
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 4.8 inches
- Front tire: 130/90 x 16
- Front brake: 296mm disc
- Rear tire: 150/80 x 16
- Rear brake: 240mm disc
- Tires: Dunlop D404
- ABS: Optional
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Rake: 28 degrees
- Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
- Trail: 4.3 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3 gallons
- Seat height: 27.2 inches
- Fork angle: 30 degrees
- Curb weights: Rebel 300, 370 pounds; Rebel 300 ABS, 364 pounds
Honda Rebel 500
The first big difference between the Honda Rebel 300 and the Honda Rebel 500 is the engine. While the 300 has a single-cylinder, 286cc engine, the 500 has gone straight from the CBR500R. The parallel-twin at 471cc is fuel injected and delivers a better bottom end than all the similar, sportier models. This major change gives you the feel of a bigger bike when you let go of that clutch and roll on it.
The Honda Rebel is very good at the miles per gallon (litres per kilometres) ratio giving out an astonishing 60. The company also improved the clutch and made it lighter, turning the whole gearing much smoother and more natural. Adding to the suspension, an already easy to ride bike became one even better. The one thing I noticed when reviewing the Honda Rebel 500 is that there was a small buzz in the handlebar, which only happens at highway speeds and you can soften it up in sixth gear. Don´t get me wrong, it will not make your fingers numb, but you´ll surely notice it. Other than that, the new seat and improved suspension are a real treat, making the bike super smooth.
Many people ask the question if the Honda Rebel 500 is suitable for beginners and the answer is yes. It is affordable, very well built and has enough power to make your first longer trips and not enough to be too much. It is not a heavy bike, and because of the riding position, it is effortless to stop at a traffic light with both feet on the ground. You can also think it like buying your teenage shoes two sizes too big; it means you think you´ll grow as a rider. Intermediate riders can also have a ton of fun with the Honda Rebel 500. It can be your ride from day one until four to five great years of riding comfortably.
Honda Rebel 500 specs
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel-twin
- Displacement: 471cc
- Compression ratio: 10.7:1
- Fueling: EFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies
- Valvetrain: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
- Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.8mm
- Final drive: Chain
- Transmission: Six-speed
CHASSIS
- Tires: Dunlop D404
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 3.8 inches
- Rear tire: 150/80 x 16
- Rear brake: 240mm disc
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 4.8 inches
- Front brake: 296mm disc
- Front tire: 130/90 x 16
- ABS: Optional
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Rake: 28 degrees
- Fork angle: 30 degrees
- Seat height: 27.2 inches
- Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3 gallons
- Trail: 4.3 inches
- Curb weights: Rebel 500, 408 pounds; Rebel 500 ABS, 414 pounds.
Honda Rebel Accessories
Besides the fantastic accessories we just named that came with the bike we tested, these are some of the original Honda ones that can make a difference in your bike.
- Passenger seat and footpegs
Not always road adventures involve a single person; sometimes, they require more than one. If that happens to be your case, then don´t leave your rebel at home, just by this companion-kit. Take whoever you want wherever you want.
- Meter Visor
If the round turning lights are not adding enough retro vibe to your ride, then you can throw a meter visor to the mix. This small windshield resembles eighties rides and will customise your bike in a retro way. In my opinion, it adds a lot to a specific aesthetic; if this matches your taste, then you are in retro-heaven.
- Rear Carrier
Sometimes we carry not only humans but also things from one place to another. This bike is excellent, but it doesn´t have a trunk to put your stuff in, and hence this rear carrier can be convenient. The fact that it is built with black iron makes it very suitable for the Honda Rebel.
- Cycle Cover
There is not much to explain about a cycle cover other than it is explicitly created for each model. The original covers you buy from Honda have the exact measures to keep your bike safe and sound while you´re out.
- Side bags
These synthetic leather side bags are so good-looking that you will not want to remove them even for city riding. They are classy and make even more for the retro, classic vibe of the bike. Besides the aesthetic and vibe, they are handy for storing your stuff when you hit the road. Adding the rear carrier and the passenger seat, the Honda Rebel can transform quickly into a long-journey bike. The improved padding of the seat is another proof of where Honda is going with this bike.
Verdict
The Honda Rebel line is one of the oldest for Honda and one of the most iconic ones too. Honda is well-known for creating rides that are super comfortable and also powerful. The ease of riding this bike makes it suitable to get started as a rider too. By acquiring a Honda Rebel 500, you´ll be buying a bike that will be fun to ride for many years. Intermediate riders would also enjoy enormously this kind of power in such a smooth motorcycle. You can ride a Honda Rebel to work daily or to the mountains; it is the perfect one-for-all, affordable bike.
