World Debut Of 2017 Honda Rebel 500 And Rebel 300
At a special engagement in the speakeasy basement of the Federal Bar gastropub in downtown Long Beach, CA, Honda surprised attendees with the reintroduction of a classic. The Honda Rebel can trace its roots back to 1985, but these new-model Rebels are far removed from their predecessors.
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Like the original 250 and 450 Rebels, the 2017 iterations come is two sizes, 500 and 300. The Rebel 500 utilizes the 471cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-Twin powering the CB/CBR500s, while the Rebel 300 uses the 286cc liquid-cooled DOHC Single found in the CB/CBR300s. And that is, largely, the only difference between the two except for tentative pricing: $5,999 and $4,399 for the 500 and 300, respectively. Both come in ABS models, with prices to be determined for those.
From there, the two Rebels share everything. Same tubular steel frame, same 296mm single front disc brake, same 27.2-inch seat height, same 41mm telescopic fork, and twin rear shocks, same 16-inch front and rear wheels, same three-gallon fuel tank, etc. Claimed curb weights vary from a low of 364 pounds of the non-ABS Rebel 300 to 414 pounds of the ABS-equipped Rebel 500.
The Rebel’s new profile is unmistakable, with a severely sloped fuel tank first grabbing your attention. The way in which designers wrapped the tubular steel frame around the outside instead of in a backbone manner is also glaringly different from tradition. The rear subframe follows the contour of the rear fender for an eye-pleasing effect. The rear fender and subframe are also removable for creating a customized look, with the ability to easily return to stock form.
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In stock trim both Rebels come with only a solo saddle. A pillion and passenger footpegs will be offered as accessories, as will other bolt-on equipment. According to Honda the new Rebels will be available for purchase by early Spring. Prior to that time look to Motorcycle.com for a full review of both models.
2017 Honda Rebel Specs | ||||
| Model | Rebel 500 ABS | Rebel 500 | Rebel 300 ABS | Rebel 300 |
| Engine Type | 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke | 286cc liquid-cooled single-cyilnder four-stroke | ||
| Bore x Stroke | 67.0mm x 66.8mm | 76.0mm x 63.0mm | ||
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | |||
| Induction | PGM-FI; 34mm throttle bodies | PGM-FI; 38mm throttle bodies | ||
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorized w/ electronic advance | |||
| Transmission | Six-speed | |||
| Final Drive | Chain; 15T/40T | Chain; 14T/36T | ||
| Valve Train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder | |||
| SUSPENSION | ||||
| Front | 41mm telescopic fork; 4.77 in. travel | |||
| Rear | Twin shock; 3.77 in. travel | |||
| BRAKES | ||||
| Front | Single 296mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers; ABS | Single 296mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers | Single 296mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers; ABS | Single 296mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers |
| Rear | Single 240mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers; ABS | Single 240mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers | Single 240mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers; ABS | Single 240mm disc w/ hydraulic calipers |
| TIRES | ||||
| Front | 130/90-16 | |||
| Rear | 150/80-16 | |||
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 28º | |||
| Trail | 110mm (4.3 in) | |||
| Seat Height | 27.2 in. | |||
| Ground Clearance | 5.4 in. | 5.9 in. | ||
| Wheelbase | 58.7 in. | |||
| Fuel Capacity | 3 gal. | |||
| Color | Black | Matte Silver, Bright Yellow, Black, Red | Black | Matte Silver, Matte Pearl White, Black, Red |
Curb Weight * | 414 lbs. | 408 lbs. | 370 lbs. | 364 lbs. |
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Beginner just don't want to spend the extra cost for ABS brakes. They probably will never reach 200 mph on the 500 so why buy this option? I going to buy this for my motorcycle license and not planning on buying the ABS model either since I doubt I will be going past 100 mph on it! After I past the motorcycle license exam, I am going to take my 500 to a custom muffler shop to install a much louder muffler e.g. performance muffler, on it so it rides like a more powerful motorcycle. I will eventually buy a big "Easy Rider" looking Harley that I will be going over 120 mph on it like I do with my daily driver SUV!
Ok Honda how about $2500 for one of the many leftovers you'll have in 2018.