The bigger sibling of Honda’s Rebel 300, the Rebel 500 was introduced for the 2017 model year. Powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine, the model featured “bobber” styling and a hip, fun aesthetic, proving that riding an entry-level machine and being cool aren’t mutually exclusive.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Honda Rebel 500: DIFFERENT THAN MAINSTREAM.
Introducing the 2025 Honda Rebel 500…
One of the most popular choices for new riders, Honda’s Rebel 500 is practical, approachable, and just plain fun, a cruiser that combines style-focused features like a hip design with a powerful-yet-smooth 471cc engine. With its light weight, low seat height and relaxed riding position, it’s nimble and easy to maneuver. Whether the intent is just getting into riding, stepping up from a smaller bike or experiencing the thrills and adventure of a small cruiser, the Rebel 500 is a great fit.
2025 Honda Rebel 500 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
HISTORY
The bigger sibling of Honda’s Rebel 300, the Rebel 500 was introduced for the 2017 model year. Powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine, the model featured “bobber” styling and a hip, fun aesthetic, proving that riding an entry-level machine and being cool aren’t mutually exclusive.
The Rebel 500 received several updates for 2020, aimed at comfort (improved seat and suspension components) and convenience (updated LCD meter and LED lighting, plus the addition of an assist/slipper clutch).
For 2025, Honda offers the Rebel 500 with additional updates, aimed at improving comfort, convenience and style.
NEW FOR 2025
- The handlebar position is updated, with the hand grips moved slightly inward and to the rear.
- Handlebar now has a tapered design—25.4mm at the clamp and 22.3mm at the grip (previous handlebar was 25.4mm non-tapered).
- The LCD meter is updated to reduce reflection.
- The seat foam is updated for improved comfort.
- The shock absorbers’ bump rubber features a new shape for improved bottoming resistance.
- The front and rear fenders are now color-matched, for a more attractive look.
2025 Honda Rebel 500 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- The riding position is relaxed and neutral, with arms gently outstretched and feet dropping straight down to the mid-mounted pegs.
- Good ground clearance (5.4 inches) allows for sporty lean angles.
- The LED headlight, turn signals and taillight reinforce iconic look.
- An LCD meter with gear-position indicator and fuel consumption provides pertinent information to the rider.
- To support the Rebel’s low-slung look, its attractive tubular-steel frame holds the engine in three places and is designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam. Trail is set at 4.3 inches, with 28° rake, resulting in balanced, neutral steering.
- The 41mm fork stanchions are set wide at 9.1 inches apart, for rigidity, comfort and style, and the lower legs are blacked-out.
- The fork features buffing on inner pipe, for smooth action.
- Seat height is 27.2 inches to ensure all riders feel confident when coming to a stop.
- The shock damper tube uses nitrogen gas to stabilize damping force.
- The frame body has a narrow shape and includes an innovative rear loop that separates the seat from the rear fender.
- Dunlop tires (size 130/90-16 front, 150/80-16 rear) are mounted to 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels.
- Available in standard, ABS and ABS SE versions.
- The iconic, peanut-shaped fuel tank, raked front end and fat tires on large-diameter wheels result in stripped forms that express offbeat individuality from every angle.
- The 45mm tubular swingarm is blacked-out.
- The twin conventional, side-mounted shocks feature two-step preload adjusters.
- The ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
- The Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with strong bottom-end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery.
- The cylinder head uses roller rocker arms. Shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
- A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium to reduce friction, through its increased protection against dust. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm, while exhaust-valve diameter is 21.5mm.
- Friction is reduced through the inclusion of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process forms a protective oxidization membrane.
- The crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance, and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with low inertia.
- The crankcases use centrifugally cast, thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the “pumping” losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3.2 liters.
- The six-speed gearbox is designed to offer smooth gear changes.
- An assist/slipper clutch allows for reduced effort in stop-and-go situations and enhances controlled deceleration.
- The mechanical components are blacked-out for a tough, minimalist look.
- The specially designed muffler looks good and emits a pulsating exhaust note.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A full range of official Honda Accessories are offered for the Rebel 500 to help create a custom look. Available accessories include a stylish main seat, headlight cowl, meter visor, fork cover and saddlebag that can be removed without the use of tools and comes with shoulder straps for easy use when leaving the bike.
2025 Honda Rebel 500 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| Model | Rebel 500 ABS SE | Rebel 500 ABS | Rebel 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||
| Type | 471cc liquid-cooled 20º parallel-twin four-stroke | ||
| Valve Train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder | ||
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0mm x 66.8mm | ||
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | ||
| Induction | PGM-FI; 34mm throttle bodies | ||
| Ignition | Full transistorized | ||
| Starter | Electric | ||
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | ||
| Clutch | Multiplate wet | ||
| Final Drive | #520 chain; 15T/40T | ||
| SUSPENSION | |||
| Front | 41mm telescopic fork; 5.5 in. travel | ||
| Rear | Twin shock; 3.7 in. travel | ||
| BRAKES | |||
| Front | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 296mm disc; ABS | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 296mm disc | |
| Rear | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc; ABS | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc | |
| TIRES | |||
| Front | 130/90-16 | ||
| Rear | 150/80-16 | ||
| MEASUREMENTS | |||
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 28º | ||
| Trail | 4.3 inches (110mm) | ||
| Length | 86.8 in. | ||
| Width | 31.8 in. | ||
| Height | 42.9 in. | ||
| Seat Height | 27.2 in. | ||
| Ground Clearance | 5.4 in. | ||
| Wheelbase | 58.6 in. | ||
| Fuel Capacity | 3.0 gal. (incl 0.6 gal. reserve) | ||
| Curb Weight* | 419 lbs. | 414 lbs. | 408 lbs. |
| OTHER | |||
| Colors | Pearl Blue | Matte Black Metallic; Pearl Beige |
Matte Black Metallic |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
2025 Honda Rebel 500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
NA
2025 Honda Rebel 500 – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
