2024 Honda Rebel 500 First Look Preview

As predicted, Honda has released the Rebel 500 for the US market as well. The firm announced the entry-level cruiser will be available in standard and ABS versions, as well as a limited-edition ABS SE trim. Pricing starts at $6,499 for the non-ABS model, and the bikes will be in dealers this January.

Honda’s ongoing returning model releases show a good portion of streetbikes coming back to the brand’s Europe lineup unchanged. The latest rebound is the CMX500 Rebel, which really shouldn’t surprise anybody who’s paying attention to the market over there; it’s been the bestselling European model in the “custom” category for the last few years (yep, they do their segments differently over there), so of course it’s being brought back.

Editor’s note: We’ve reported on the Rebel 500 during the 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS MC Commute Review article and video.

For 2024, the 500cc parallel twin-cylinder middleweight cruiser keeps the same mechanical elements, with the only variation being two new paint options for 24YM. We know this is a European release, but based on the Rebel 500′s popularity here in the States, there’s every reason to believe this Goldilocks cruiser will be in US dealers next year as well.

Related: 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS MC Commute Review

The last update of any substance for this model was back in 2020, when the middle Rebel got a revised seat and suspension settings, plus a gear position indicator. Both the headlight and taillight were also new, and with the addition of LED indicators, the Rebel’s entire lighting package became LED. The exhaust system was also refined to meet new Euro 5 emissions rules.

All that is to say the only changes of note for the 2024 CMX500 Rebel are two new paint choices for the standard model, in the form of Matte Laurel Green Metallic and Seal Silver Metallic. Those colors join the ever-present Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, because you can never have enough darkness on your bike.

But even without mechanical updates there’s still much to love here, like a low 27.2-inch seat, responsive handling, and a friendly 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine with smooth, linear power delivery, made all the more manageable via the standard slipper/assist clutch. The riding position is relaxed with gently outstretched arms matched to mid-mounted footpegs, and the Rebel’s tubular steel frame is likewise unchanged, and anchors its contemporary stripped-back, “bobber” style.

A conventional 41mm (nonadjustable) fork and dual shocks handle suspension duties.

As in previous years, there will also be an S version with factory-fitted accessories (headlight cowl, all-black fork covers and gaiters, plus diamond-stitch style seat), which is now finished in Pearl Shining Black paint for the 2024 model year. Essentially the same as the base model beneath the surface, the S is a strictly cosmetic variant, which we assume will also be included in the 2024 lineup when Honda does its US releases (usually by the end of the year).

The US doesn’t always get the same color choices as the European bikes and last year ABS was just an option for the US-market Rebel 500 (it’s a standard feature in Europe), but even so, the 500 remains a solid choice for commuting riders, newbies entering the sport, and even older, experienced folks looking for a simple, low, easy-riding machine.