2021 Honda Rebel 500

An approachable and engaging steppingstone in the middle of Honda’s Rebel cruiser lineup.

The Honda Rebel lineup has been serving the beginner cruiser market since 1985, and with great success. The Rebel 500 is the steppingstone model, sitting between the ultralightweight Rebel 300 and big-displacement Rebel 1100.

The Honda Rebel 500 remains unchanged for the 2021 model year.

Honda offers the Rebel 500 in three trim levels, beginning with the base model ($6,299). The Honda Rebel 500 ABS ($6,599) adds in, as you guessed it, an antilock braking system. Considering this is built as a beginner-friendly cruiser, who wouldn’t spend the extra dough for ABS?

Special to 2021, Honda also offers the Honda Rebel 500 SE ($6,799), which adds in an OE-equipped accessory package including a diamond-stitched seat and blacked-out fork boots, upper fork covers, and headlight cowl.

The main competition is within the Rebel’s own bloodline. Honda also offers the smaller-displacement and lightweight Rebel 300—an excellent choice for first-time or smaller riders—and the big(ger) all-new Rebel 1100.

Other Japanese competition includes the Kawasaki Vulcan S and Yamaha Bolt, but the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty could entice those ready for a little more, especially with its American V-twin feeling.

The Honda Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc DOHC parallel-twin engine, which has remained virtually unchanged since its last major update in 2017. When we last ran the Rebel 500 on our in-house dyno, it produced a modest 40.8 peak horsepower at 7,900 and 29.9 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm.

It’s known for its friendly, usable power delivery in real-world conditions too. In her first ride review of the 2020 model, CW staffer Serena McKnight noted, “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 highway speeds.”

A slipper/assist clutch was added to the Rebel in 2020, which eases clutch pull and lessens the intimidation factor for less experienced riders.

Neutral and confidence-inspiring are what the Rebel 500′s chassis is known for. As part of the 2020 update, Honda stiffened the front and rear spring rates for an overall more balanced ride and better composure, without compromising comfort on rough roads. There are, however, cases of encountering harsh bumps and bottoming out the shocks.

Stopped by a single Nissin two-piston caliper clamping to a 296mm disc up front and Nissin one-piston caliper and 240mm disc at the rear, the Rebel possesses adequate stopping power. Initial brake bite is soft, which is a favorable aspect to less experienced riders. Brake lever feel is communicative, making for easy understanding of the pressure being applied to the discs.

Honda claims the Rebel 500 achieves 67 mpg.

The entire Rebel lineup is known for its relatively low seat height and approachable ergonomic package. We last measured the Rebel 500′s seat height at 27.6 inches. Otherwise, the reach to the one-piece motocross-style handlebar is short and relaxed, but the tight seat-to-footpeg measurement can be cramped for taller riders.

The Honda Rebel 500 is minimalistic in regard to electronic rider aids, except for the antilock braking setup on the ABS models.

It is fitted with a modern-day all-LED lighting package. Ride information is neatly displayed via a semi-circular LCD gauge.

The Rebel 500 is covered by Honda’s one-year transferable unlimited-mileage warranty. Additional coverage is available via an optional HondaCare Protection Plan.

Honda’s well-known quality is apparent on the Rebel 500. Built with style and premium components give the Rebel a high-end feel beyond it’s relatively low MSRP. Details of the Honda, like LED lighting, braided hoses, and tucked-away cables, take it a step further.