2025 Honda Rebel 500 ABS Review

Two key words ran throughout the Rebel’s development programme: ‘Simple’ and ‘Raw’. But to do so much with so little is an art form in itself, an exercise in minimalist design where every detail matters.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Honda Rebel 500 ABS: DIFFERENT THAN MAINSTREAM.

Introducing the 2025 Honda Rebel 500 ABS…

Your motorcycle is you. It’s who you are. An extension of your soul. That’s why we built the CMX500 Rebel. Mixing raw, old school character with contemporary design its low-slung tubular steel frame grips an A2 licence compatible, twin-cylinder engine laden with character and torque. We’ve made some updates; newly optimised the handlebar position and seat are more comfortable. The stylish front mudguard is now painted steel.

For many riders in their early 20s – Generation Z, who have grown up through the digital age – motorcycles mean so much more than just transport. They need to represent a lifestyle, an attitude, and allow them to express their own individual identity.

These riders’ expectations are different to those of the motorcycling mainstream and the machines that speak to them reflect this. They must fit in with their life but also contain the potential for further individualization. Fusing tradition and ground-breaking new ideas and perspectives, the CMX500 Rebel set out to be that motorcycle.

Showcasing a classic, timeless look but imbued with a forward-looking, contemporary style all its own, the CMX500 Rebel was an instant hit on its introduction in 2017 and has been popular ever since, becoming the best-selling European model in the ‘custom’ category in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

For 2020, its ergonomics and practicality were boosted thanks to a revised seat and suspension settings, and the introduction of a gear position indicator. Both the headlight and taillight were new, and the addition of LED indicators meant all lighting became LED. A revised exhaust system, including new exhaust sensor, ensured EURO5 compliance. 2021 saw the Rebel family expand across Europe with the introduction of the CMX1100.

Accessible, easy to ride and easy to live with, the CMX500 Rebel goes its own way but also acts as blank canvas, ready for whatever its owner’s imagination has in store. It receives further updates for 2025 to keep it fresh, plus a revised palette of standard paint choices.

Development of the Rebel began in North America, with an outlook geared toward firing the imagination of a younger generation of riders in a different way to traditional cruiser motorcycles. Powered by a 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, with strong bottom end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery, the Rebel is A2 licence friendly. For 2025 the engine has been updated with new ECU settings and OBD2-2 exhaust sensor.

The Rebel has been designed to be a slim motorcycle with a low seat height making it easy, and unintimidating to manage at low speeds. The riding position is relaxed and neutral, with gently outstretched arms matched to mid-mounted footpegs. Alongside visual paint upgrades, updates for 2025 focus on rider comfort: the seat material is new, whilst the handlebar position has been optimised, and the rear shock bump stop rubbers re-shaped. Also, the LCD display is now more visible in bright light.

The CMX500 Rebel’s tubular steel frame draws fresh, contemporary lines into stripped-back, fat-tyred ‘bobber’ style. Blacked out to the maximum, with the minimum of paint, it switches from solo-only to pillion-possible via two bolts.

Any motorcycle’s heart is its engine, and the CMX500 Rebel has a great one. A twin-cylinder, liquid cooled parallel twin it packs torquey performance alongside smooth throttle response, with assist/slipper clutch control for lighter level feel around town and easy-going gear changes. The low-slung frame design makes for effortless walking speed manoeuvrability plus low seat height – just 690mm – for secure ground reach. And the naturally upright riding position puts you firmly in control of the bike with the relationship between handlebars, seat and footpegs just where it should be, for complete riding confidence.

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 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• Lean and low ‘bobber’ styling an exercise in minimalist design
• Negative LCD display with even stronger visibility in bright light
• Rider’s seat now more comfortable; pillion pad and rear pegs easily removed for customisation
• Factory-fitted Genuine Honda Accessories ‘S’ option remains available
• The 2025 CMX500 Rebel will be available in the following colour options:
  • Mat Dim Gray Metallic **NEW**
  • Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic

The CMX500 Rebel, Honda’s hugely popular A2 licence-friendly 500cc parallel twin-cylinder compact cruiser, receives updates to ride comfort, visual impact and LCD display for 2025. Standard specification includes assist/slipper clutch, LED lighting and gear position indicator.

Two key words ran throughout the Rebel’s development programme: ‘Simple’ and ‘Raw’. But to do so much with so little is an art form in itself, an exercise in minimalist design where every detail matters.

And the 2025 Rebel does not disappoint; rolling on fat tires, a low and lean ‘bobber’ silhouette crowned by the signature steeply raked 11.2L fuel tank, and newly optimised for comfort fat handlebars. From every angle of its stripped back form, it expresses an off-beat individuality.

Everything that can be is blacked out, accentuating the Rebel’s lithe design as well as underlining the subtle paintwork. All lighting is LED, and the evocative round headlight features a compact 175mm diameter lens and die-cast aluminum mount. The ultra-thin oval tail-light and licence plate light match the Rebel’s low-down stance; mini circular LED indicators measure only 55mm in diameter, with a circular position light included in the front indicators.

The speedo is a compact 100mm dial with negative LCD display and white backlight – now more readable in bright light conditions – and is both striking and effective. Relaying key data, the unit features a gear position indicator and fuel consumption display. The ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.

Rider comfort has been improved for the 2025 through the use of a new urethane foam material for the seat. Both pillion pad and rear footpegs are easily removed to help transition between pillion and single occupancy, as well as allowing a range of accessories from the comprehensive line-up to be fitted. Optional extras include a rear rack, backrest, tank pads, flyscreen, nylon or leather saddlebags and much more.

Improved ergonomics, updated technology and another new member ensure Honda’s CMX family goes from strength to strength

• Revised handlebar placement and seat thickness for CMX1100 Rebels and CMX500 Rebel improve rider comfort
• CMX1100 Rebel also gains engine upgrades for stronger low- and mid-range punch
• New colour palettes and options keep style fresh across the range

In the latest addition to its comprehensive 25 year model line-up, Honda is pleased to announce upgrades to the CMX500 Rebel and CMX11000 Rebel – holders of the top two spots in the 2023 European custom bike sales charts.

For 2025, the A2-friendly CMX500 – the best-selling custom motorcycle in Europe in 2021, 2022 and 2023 – gains several subtle upgrades to improve ride comfort, visual impact and everyday practicality. A new rear bumpstop design improves the ride over rougher surfaces, whilst the seat has also been reprofiled and redesigned in a new urethane foam to increase rider comfort without any change to the extremely accessible 690mm height. The handlebar position has also been finely tuned for 2025 to create a more relaxed ‘natural’ seating position.

An easy transition between pillion and single occupancy has been facilitated through easy-to-remove pillion pad and rear footpegs, which also allows a wider range of accessories to be fitted. Optional extras are conveniently organised in to newly curated packs or as individually available items and include a rear rack, backrest, tank pads, flyscreen, nylon or leather saddlebags and much more to truly tailor the CMX500 Rebel to individual rider tastes and needs.

The CMX500 Rebel ‘S’ edition continues for 2025 and comes complete with factory-fit headlight cowl with smoke screen, retro style front fork covers and gaiters and a special brown diamond-stitch style seat and bronze wheels.

Much like its smaller sibling, the CMX1100 Rebel, which joined the line-up as a 21 year model, also receives a number of upgrades – to engine performance, comfort, riding ergonomics and technology.

For all three CMX1100 Rebels, a more relaxed riding position is the key 2025 update. The handlebars have move rearward and upwards, the footpegs forward. The seat is now 10mm thicker, while overall seat height remains a very manageable 710mm.

The characterful 1,084cc parallel twin-cylinder engine has been overhauled for 2025, with a higher compression ratio giving an even stronger low- and mid-range punch and an enhanced, evocative exhaust note.

As ever, Throttle By Wire (TBW) management brings with it sophisticated rider aids: there are three default riding modes and one user defined option that allows control over a number of different parameters to suit riding conditions or rider mood, including engine power delivery, engine braking, the level of Honda Selectable Torque Control (with integrated Wheelie Control), and the shift schedule of the optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which is itself updated for smoother low-speed response. A new five-inch TFT display features customisable screens and the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync, plus a USB-C socket also on the left of the unit.

The 2025 CMX500 Rebel will be available in the following colour options:

• Mat Dim Gray Metallic **NEW**
• Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic 

The 2025 CMX1100 Rebel will be available in a new Pearl Hawkseye Blue; the 2025 CMX1100T Rebel will be available in a new Iridium Gray Metallic.

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 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

High Quality Suspension
41mm telescopic front forks are set 230mm apart for handling control and give a compliant ride. The rear shocks feature new bump stop rubbers to smoothly absorb bigger hits.

Natural Riding Position
We’ve made the CMX500 Rebel a comfortable ride with easy-to-control, neutral steering. And thanks to revised proportions, the seat height has been adjusted to 690mm for easy ground reach.

Enhanced Seat comfort
Once you start riding the CMX500 Rebel, you will not want to stop. It’s that kind of bike. So new urethane foam material for the seat makes for all day comfort.

471cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel Twin-Cylinder Engine
With 34kW peak power, the CMX500 is A2 licence compatible. But what really gets noticed is the 43.3Nm torque, arriving at 6,000rpm, that delivers smooth mid-range performance.

Updated LCD Display
Compact – housed in a 100mm diameter dial – and super-sleek the negative LCD display lays out just the information you need, now more so even in bright sunlight, thanks to adjustments to the meter visibility.

Contemporary LED Lighting
The classic circular headlight, with its 175mm diameter lens, is brought up to date with four crisp LED bulbs matched by 55mm indicators and ultra-thin oval taillight.

Street Custom Cool
Simple. Raw. Two words that define Rebel style.

Rolling on fat tires, its low and lean bobber silhouette – crowned by steeply raked 11.2L fuel tank – sits you firmly in the bike. And this is a bike designed to look good with a rider on board, not just parked up. Every angle of its stripped form expresses an off-beat individuality. The steel frame is a signature design piece. As are the four LED headlight bulbs, the circular headlight, and compact indicators. A finishing touch? Shotgun is the word used to describe the 2-1 exhaust. And its pulsing note stirs the soul, just as it should.

Riding Confidence
Perfect for A2 licence holders. And, if we’re honest, anybody else looking for pure two-wheeled pleasure…

Engine

• 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, A2 licence compatible
• Torque heavy bottom-end delivers an effortless ride
• 120mm ‘shotgun’ style exhaust provides a suitable cruiser soundtrack

The 471cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine is shared across Honda’s extensive range of A2 licence machines. For cruising duties, revised PGM-FI fuel injection mapping as well as bespoke valve and ignition timings mean its character has always been focussed on a torque-heavy bottom-end output, with smooth and linear delivery throughout the rev-range. Punchy maximum torque of 43.3Nm torque @ 6,000rpm combines with peak power of 34kW @ 8,500rpm.

It’s a power unit that strikes a great balance between physical size and flexible output. Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm respectively, with compression ratio set at 10.7:1. Internally 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, reducing friction with increased protection against dust. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

Friction is reduced by the addition 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, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidisation membrane.

The crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre 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 reduced 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 3.2L. Slick to use up or down, the six-speed gearbox is designed to offer effortless changes, especially around town. An assist/slipper clutch makes the shift lighter and smoother, and controls rear wheel ‘hop’ on rapid downshifting.

The 2-1 exhaust scrubs spent gases in its catalyser, which then speeds them through its first chamber into the second resonator chamber; the sound produced has a heavy-duty pulsing feel that fits the torque delivery. Breathing through a 120mm diameter ‘shotgun’ style muffler a Linear Air Flow (LAF) sensor, revised ECU settings and new OBD2-2 exhaust sensor ensure EURO5+ compliance.

Chassis

• Low slung tubular steel frame with newly optimised handlebar position
• Compliant, supple damping front and rear; shocks nitrogen charged with revised bump stop rubbers
• 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear tires

Facilitating the Rebel’s low-slung look is an attractive tubular steel frame that grips the engine in three places. Designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam, the frame includes an innovative rear loop that separates the thicker seat from the textured metal mudguard. At the rear, the bolt-on cast aluminum subframe provides further scope for customisation.

Trail is set at 110mm with 28° rake; the 30° off-set of the forks, combined with a 1490mm wheelbase allows for a low 690mm seat height. The Rebel’s footpeg placement ensures a natural, comfortable riding position, with balanced and neutral steering. The handlebar position has been finely tuned for 2025 to further rider comfort.

At 230mm apart, the 41mm front fork stanchions are set wide for handling rigidity, comfort and style; spring rates and oil volume are optimised to give compliant damping and a smooth ride. The tubular steel swingarm has a 45mm diameter and works twin, nitrogen-charged shock absorbers that feature 5 step preload settings and revised bump stop rubbers that have been re-profiled for a smoother ride.

Dunlop tires are fitted as standard sized 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear. The classical style of the 16-inch cast aluminum wheels is crisp and simple, with the 296mm front disc acting as mirror to the spoke pattern. A twin-piston front caliper is matched by a single-piston rear.

Accessories

As a motorcycle born to be accessorised, there is an extensive range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available individually or as part of specially curated packs that are ready to bolt straight on to the CMX500 Rebel.

The Style Pack (note: not compatible with Special version) is designed to highlight the custom appearance of the Rebel, by adding:

• Front Fork Boots & Covers
• Side Tank Pads
• Rider Seat (available in Brown or Black)
• Passenger Comfort Seat (available in Brown or Black)
• Headlight Cowl

The Comfort Pack is a versatile collection of parts designed to enhance both rider and pillion’s comfort and convenience:

• 12V Socket
• Passenger Backrest (available in Brown or Black)
• Heated Grips

The Travel Pack is a collection of accessories which turn the Rebel into a long-distance tourer and travel companion:

• Rear Carrier
• Right Saddle Bag & Support
• Left Saddle Bag & Support

The following accessories are also available:

• Solo Carrier
• Leather ‘throw-over’ Saddle Bags
• High Windscreen
• Meter Visor
• Center Tank Pad
• Adjustable Brake Lever
• Accessory Box

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 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6799 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

^{*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 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

• Engine: 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke
• Transmission: Six-speed manual
• Clutch: Assist Slipper Clutch
• Brakes: Single 296mm disc (front); Single 240mm disc (rear); ABS
• Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork (front); Twin shocks (rear)
• Tires: 130/90-16 (front); 150/80-16 (rear)
• Fuel Capacity: 3.0 gallons (11.4 liters)
• Seat Height: 27.2 inches (690 mm)
• Wet Weight: 419 lbs (190 kg)
• Ground Clearance: 5.4 inches (137 mm)

2025 Honda Rebel 500 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors. 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).