2021 Honda Rebel 300

Overall, Honda’s Rebel 300 lives up to its heritage for being a great small-displacement cruiser with a well-rounded package that gives riders an opportunity to develop their skills.

Since 1985, the Rebel has been crucial in introducing motorcycling to riders. Its approachable engine, low seat height, and maneuverable handling make it an attractive small-bore bike for all skill levels. With 500 and 1100 options in the Rebel lineup, Honda makes it clear where riders can continue to grow.

With updates made just last year, the Rebel 300 does not see anything new for 2021 aside from a slight increase in price.

Honda’s Rebel 300 comes in two forms: ABS ($4,899) and non-ABS ($4,599).

The Rebel 300 finds resistance in the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Yamaha Bolt, and even Indian’s Scout Sixty.

Previous generations of the Rebel were powered by a 234cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine. In 2017 a major overhaul was given to this small cruiser platform which resulted in the swap to a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is still seen in the current iteration. This engine is peppy and quick to rev. It can be ridden a gear high without shuddering—a forgiving characteristic for new riders. Its slipper-assist clutch offers a feather-light pull which limits hand fatigue too.

On the dyno, it produces a linear power delivery that climbs up to its Cycle World-measured 25 hp at 7,640 rpm. Its torque curve dips in the midrange, before sloping up to its peak 17.6 pound-feet at 7,320 rpm.

Measuring 372 pounds fully fueled on the Cycle World scales, the Rebel is easily maneuvered on snaking roads since its weight is carried low and stock suspension settings are firm. Riders can feel confident in pushing it hard in turns and down stretches of freeway. A 41mm telescopic fork and dual shocks soak up minor imperfections on the road but harder bumps are felt when the 3.8 inches of rear travel hits its limit.

Nissin calipers with 296mm and 240mm discs, front and rear, bring the Rebel to a purposeful stop and have excellent feel at the lever and pedal. During our testing the Rebel recorded a stopping distance of 141.3 feet from 60 mph to zero and 35.27 feet from 30 mph to zero. The model comes in either ABS or non-ABS trim levels.

We recorded an average mpg of 57.8 for the small Rebel.

Ergonomics from the seat to the bars is roomy with an outstretched reach, but 6-foot-tall testers did find the seat-to-peg measurement slightly cramped with knees raised to the 3.0-gallon tank.

It doesn’t get much lower than a 27.3-inch measured seat height, though. Swinging a leg over is easy as is flat-footing at stops—these are some of the reasons the Rebel is so approachable. When it comes to saddletime, the seat cushion is firm which could be uncomfortable after about an hour and a half.

A white-on-black LCD display, full LED lighting, and ABS (optional) are electronics seen on the 300/ABS.

A transferable, one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is available.

Honda sets a high-quality standard with its neat and tidy details. if there were any gripes, it would be the limit of two colors to choose from and a plastic side panel and front fender. Overall, price is kept to a reasonable $4,599–$4,899.