2020 Honda Rebel 500 and 300 First Look
Honda‘s entry-level Rebel cruisers are getting updates for 2020, including a new assist-and-slipper clutch, updated suspension and LED lighting. Both 500 and 300 versions of the Rebel are getting the same updates, while Honda is also introducing an S version of the Rebel 500 for Europe which comes standard with several factory-fitted accessories.
According to Honda, the assist-and-slipper clutch makes shifting smoother and reduce clutch lever effort by 30%, which should benefit new riders still getting a handle on working through the six-speed gearboxes.
The engines remain the same, with a 471cc parallel-Twin for the Rebel 500 and a 286cc Single for the Rebel 300. The 500 also receives a new exhaust with a lean air fuel sensor, helping it meet Euro 5 requirements (the Rebel 300 isn’t offered in Europe, so that change wasn’t necessary).
Honda updated the forks, giving them a stiffer spring rate. The swingarm is suspended by preload-adjustable twin shocks, now nitrogen-charged with stiffer spring rates and firmer damping.
Honda also updated the instrument cluster with a new negative LCD display with white backlighting. The new screen now includes a gear position indicator and fuel consumption display.
The 2020 Honda Rebel 300 will be offered in Matte Fresco Brown, Graphite Black Metallic and Matte Blue Jeans Metallic. The 2020 Rebel 500 will come in Matte Armored Silver, Graphite Black and Matte Blue Jeans Metallic.
The Honda Rebel S (pictured below) comes in a Matte Axis Grey Metallic color, a headlight cowl with a smoked screen, fork covers and gaiters and a diamond-stitch seat. U.S. pricing is still to be determined.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Lots of great changes. I love the addition of the slipper clutch and the clutch assist on a beginners bike. The LEDs and instrumentation changes are also great.
The bad. Where is the Honda red and other bright colors? And Euro 5 means it'll probably be even leaner and more in need of a tune.
The Rebels are already expensive so if the price increases all these upgrades will be for naught.
Literally all it needs is a 270º crank. 180º firing para twins always sound terrible.