2022 Honda Rebel CMX500 Review

[@KODEGREY]

This is the exact bike my wife wants to buy!! She is only 5' 1" tall, so it's a perfect seat height for her. She already sat on one and really liked it! So we'll see if she ends up buying it. Good video man!!

[@NooBiker]

That would be awesome, to have your partner riding with you ❤️

[@exeterrider]

Piece of cake to ride Kode. I honestly think the Rebel has attracted lots of lady riders to biking. It's nice she has an👍 interest.

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

Go for it! ✌️

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

My wife and I both have one. She loves it.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I bought a Honda Rebel 500 for my 5'1" (156 cm) Thai secretary and it is about the only "big motorbike" she can ride comfortably.

[@robshaw2319]

Nice, honest review. Thanks. I had a 2018 Rebel 500 and really liked it. It handles very well, sounds nice if you like a quiet exhaust and looks great. Lots of people told me that they loved the looks. I found the brakes adequate and the seat comfortable. However, after 3 months of riding I got terrible 'tennis elbow' caused by the bar position. My GP saw the bike and agreed it was the seating position. In hindsight I could have tried tilting the bars a touch but after 9 months, I'd had enough. Shame, really lovely bike.

[@exeterrider]

Good to hear from you Rob being a owner aswell. What are you riding now?

[@robshaw2319]

@@exeterrider Hi...after the Rebel I had an NC750s for 18 months then a CB300R for a year and just waiting to take delivery of a new ADV350! Yes, I love Hondas and I like a bike change to be a real contrast...but always hamstrung by a modest budget!

[@exeterrider]

Ahh yes, it's coming back to me now 😊👍the 350 is meant to be superb👍

[@robshaw2319]

@@exeterrider hopefully! Comfortable, loads of storage, looks like it handles well, a little more torque than CB300R and it's a scooter! I'll let you know what it's like unless you get chance to test one first, which would be great!

[@exeterrider]

@@robshaw2319 please do let me know. Are you local to me?, I may be getting one this year for a few weeks, and could knock up a vid together if you're up for it?

[@T4JQ3L]

I own one and enjoy it, but I don't love it. Had it about 6 months and have 1600 miles on it. My biggest complaint is that part of the engine bulges out to the right just where the foot peg is, so your feet aren't even with one another. This often causes an uncomfortable leg cramp and my right foot tends to slip off the peg a bit. The suspension is not that great and you can really feel the bumps. The handlebars are a bit far away but I drop my elbows and that reduces the strain. I usually cant ride more than 1.5 hrs before I need to stop and shake it off. Then I'm good. I'm 5'8" 162 lbs. Easily flat foot and often stand up and stretch right off the seat at red lights. Power is fine for highways but you do get buffeted around by the wind as it's only abit over 400 lbs. I like the wide tires as it adds stability at high speeds and bumps. I am looking for a heavier bike that's comfortable for long rides. I have a windshield but no fairing. Recco's for my next bike are solicited. I enjoy shifting.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for your input Jeff. How about the new Honda NT1100, Versys 650/1000 ?

[@T4JQ3L]

@@exeterrider I sat upon the versys and found it to be too wide for my comfort. The cmx500 is very narrow. I know little about the NT1100, so I'll check that out. Do you have a video on the NT? Also, are you anywhere near Wallington, just south of London? I'm there about once a year, it'd be fun to meet. Thanks for the videos and recco's. I originally bot the cb300r on your say so. Only kept it a few months as it just wasn't right for me on the highway. Cheers!

[@crumblymal8479]

Nice lookin bike ER have ya had the 1100 version out yet ? that could be an interesting one to see . : )

[@exeterrider]

Not yet, but maybe later in the year all being good : )

[@jmulroy1]

Nice surprise to ride thru Exeter on a Sunday morning. Stellar review but this only makes me love my NC 750x, that you convinced me to purchase, even more. Not my cup o’ tea, but this would be a nice beginner bike for shorter riders. Always thought the Gas Tank angle looked like an old school chopper Peanut Tank. This 471cc engine has been around since the Victorian Era, but is reliable and would blow the doors off my first bike (1967 Triumph Bonneville 650). Tell Honda UK to cough up an NT-1100 for your review. We aren’t certain that it will be sold in the States, but that may tempt my to trade up from my NC. Will be interested to see how you evaluate, what appears to be, a replacement for the ST-1300. Cheers from Sunny Wisconsin. BTW the Badger is our state mascot, and no we don’t live in burrows! All the best.

[@exeterrider]

Peanut shame , neer heard hat before but quite right. Yes I am hoping to get a NT1100 later in the year for review. I think it will suit me coming from a NC750x. Hope your well over there : )

[@PhilipKerry]

Great review mate and it's nice to see that you've found a bike that your little pins can cope with :)

[@exeterrider]

Ha, penny farthing next week that even you will have to tip toe on

[@PhilipKerry]

@@exeterrider 34 inside leg mate :)

[@PhilipKerry]

The extra 4 inches helps .... Ooerr Missus :)

[@exeterrider]

Ohh matron 😯

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

The only issue I would ever have against the Rebel is that I've rode with UncleRed for the past few years telling me it's got nothing on the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 ahah. Not only are the pegs really far back but the gap between the seat and the pegs doesn't look very big at all? I can't imagine it would be a nice ride for those of us over 6ft. Great review as always from you pal, stay safe

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for watching RB, yes the vulcan is a cool bike

[@jimsadler8704]

On looks alone, ER, it's a very Marmite bike. The pillion seat seems the ideal shape to deposit passengers on the road at the slightest opening of the throttle, probably taking the indicators with them on the way down. As usual a very thorough review considering you only had the bike for a day.

[@exeterrider]

😂Thanks Jim. I did have a pillion when I started the video but lost her on the way to Exmouth. She got home for tea though 👍

[@Twilight-cl3zc]

You can get a pillion back rest to stop this. 😁

[@thesmithsteron2wheels362]

Good review in your individual style, did try the cmx1100 but found the foot controls unfamiliar, cheers for the upload,look forward to your next live stream

[@exeterrider]

Im yet to try the 1100 Smithster, It will be good to compare it to the 500. Thanks for your input mate.

[@wifiunove1650]

Extendable foot pegs gears and break

[@wildoneback]

Excellent real world review

[@exeterrider]

🙏Thank you

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

never worried about whether my feet touched the floor when i was kid not going start worrying about it now. Depending what shape your body is they sometimes can mess with your fingers and wrists make them numb or painful. if that is an issue, change the fork oil and seals, keep the front forks with a bit oil on the outside, this will help with vibration. replace any metal on bolt engine rot frame with nylon washer add it to the washer it dampens some vibration just removes a little harshness. tuned to see rides around Exeter as I live on farm on the equator nice to hear someone speak proper English

[@exeterrider]

Yes as time goes on things change. This is a low bike so most people will flat foot it eady👍🍻

[@neilmackinnon3371]

At just a touch over 6' 1" tall and of more erm ...mature age, I really can't see me being able to fold myself up in order to fit the Honda. Nice honest review though, with all the info a potential buyer could ask for.

[@exeterrider]

Yes at your height it may feel small mate : )

[@AdamRowan-Lovell]

Great review. Thank you. For an absolute beginner, which one would you feel is more suitable, the Honda Rebel 500 or the RE Interceptor 650? Completely different bikes I know but those are the contenders for me at the moment. Love the 'Harvey's vibe of the Rebel but also the classic look of the Interceptor. Great content as always. I live close to Exeter so when I get my licence (hopefully later this year) I hope to see you riding around at some point! Keep up the great work 👍

[@exeterrider]

The rebel is easier to ride, but you would soon want a upgrade...Have you thought about a meteor 350? The intercepter is a comfortable bike and has a bit of roar!! please say hello if you see me!

[@AdamRowan-Lovell]

Hi, thanks for the reply. The Meteor 350 was my first choice when I first started looking. I just thought that the 350 would make me want to upgrade sooner as I want it to be able to keep up and overtake traffic (if I need to!) Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to say hello! Keep up the great work

[@exeterrider]

@@AdamRowan-Lovell thanks, yes in theory but infact I think the opposite is true... The rebel and intercepter has no where near the comfort of the meteor, and the character is amazing once you know how it wants to be ridden. See if you can get one perhaps... Let me know the outcome when you buy one.... All good bikes so you can't go wrong.... The rebel is very low by the way👍

[@AdamRowan-Lovell]

@exeterrider super helpful. Thanks for your great replies. Looks like I'll have to do a lot of test riding for sure! 🤣

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

Really interesting, have seen these for ages but knew very little about them. Thanks for sharing, looks like a great bike and a great option! Take care and ride safe mate 😁🖖🏼

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Sir, Great having you here again.

[@Imran-qz3xm]

Thanks for this great rewiew 👌🏻

[@exeterrider]

And thanks for your time watching ☺️📺

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review ER a gorgeous bike indeed,at a good price.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks James. It's quite a desired bike by many. Have a good week👍

[@RevBombUK]

Loving these, had one in for an mot and to say it was a good looking bike is an understatement Great review buddy

[@exeterrider]

Cheers rev, its great to be able to try all these bikes isn't it, catch you Friday 👍

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

A very thorough and practical review. They seem to be popular here in Australia, plenty of them about. ✌️

[@exeterrider]

Thanks, yes they very popular in the UK as well.

[@bhBlacky82]

bought myselft one last month.. it's amazing to drive and a lot of power for a 500ccm machine.. can recommend it for every starter what i miss is a tachometer.. sometimes i really would like to know how much i have to atleast learn once how it sounds at a certrain rotation

[@exeterrider]

It's a good solid bike, well done 👍🏍️

[@alvindavenport5657]

In the US we also have the 300 Rebel. I bought one from a neighbor who wasn’t riding it. I actually liked the 300 single, but I didn’t care for much else with the bike. I’m about 6’ and really after test riding the bike I shouldn’t have bought it. It’s too small for anyone over about 5’8”. The seat was uncomfortable, the rear suspension was poor, and I spent most of the time I owned it trying to fix both problems. I eventually gave up and sold it for more than I’d paid for it. That was the best part of having the bike, unfortunately.

[@exeterrider]

I found the 2018 which I rode as well exactly that with the seat and the rear suspension, but strangely not with this model. They seemed to have ironed out those issues on this model in my opinion.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Nicely done!

[@exeterrider]

👍🍻

[@ayserides]

I do miss my old rebel. I had a 2018 one, if I was going to buy another I'd definitely get a 2020 or newer for the LED lights and slipper clutch. Mostly I didn't like the heavy clutch, mirrors would buzz a huge amount and I have short arms so felt like I was stretching for the bars. Other than that I really liked it, and have considered getting another one at some point!

[@NooBiker]

Are there any after market bars that might help, perhaps? Something a bit more swept back might be easier to reach.

[@exeterrider]

The lighter clutch was a big improvement on the range. stretching to the bars would get to me after a while too I think. Hope your well, and you still ended up with a good bike : )

[@exeterrider]

@@NooBiker They do risers that sweep back 40mm or so : )

[@ayserides]

@@NooBiker yeah if I get another one I'll definitely look at a different bar setup!

[@CuriousGoose]

That bike really looks the part but what is going on with those handlebars?

[@exeterrider]

There ok mate, I was giving them a good pull! They dont wobble when riding

[@ExeterCenturion]

Good looking bike! Where was the slip you were on?

[@exeterrider]

It was lympstone🍻👍

[@jaydiggy86]

How would you compare this to the interceptor 650 in terms of build quality, power, comfort etc? Both similar priced in AUS, like the look of both etc.

[@exeterrider]

The Honda uses stronger metals, more reliable, refined and neater castings, better for short people., yet the intercepter is a total different bike, sounds great, and lots of character.... They really are totally different 👍🍻

[@lilynorthover8378]

The problem with being a short rider, 5' 4", it's not just your legs that are short , your arms are usually short too. Unless you're a gibbon. In which case, why are you on a bike when you could be swinging through the trees? But I digress , the reach for the handlebars looks too much of a stretch on the Honda to be comfortable.

[@exeterrider]

Good point Lilly👍

[@drdoolittle5724]

Have you tried the Vulcan?

[@exeterrider]

No, I really struggle to get kawakers.

[@lilynorthover8378]

Dr Doolittle, the Vulcan S was what I was thinking of when I get my full license. With the right bars, I hope that will work.

[@sumitwadhwa6071]

Isn't there any option to adjust the foot pegs according to one's height?

[@exeterrider]

No, they are set : )

[@dalegarrard9446]

Nice review...love mine

[@exeterrider]

Thanks and that's good to hear you like yours 👍😊

[@Pipes61874]

Would you recommend this over a royal enfield interceptor 650 for a new rider thanks

[@exeterrider]

They are both as good as each other but they are totally different. Can't go wrong with either really 👍

[@Pipes61874]

@@exeterrider thank you so much it's really frustrating trying to buy a motorcycle as a first time rider .It almost makes me not buy one at all .I think in America they don't do enough to bring in new riders .

[@exeterrider]

We have the same issue in the UK. The best advice I can give you is to sit on both of them in a showroom , even if you can't ride it an HD see which one feels the best to you, and if one feels better than the other when day on it, then it proberly out its more suited to you. Both are easy to ride so no issues there

[@robertcrawford6895]

Good review, filling the fuel tank is awful tho, small neck and spits back alot.

[@exeterrider]

Ahh OK, thanks, only put a fiver in, but good to know your thought on that thanks 👍

[@Shred_Tube]

Would you recommend this same exact bike for a beginner? Im about the same height and inseam as you. My only worry is the issue with the reach on the handlebars. I have a buldging disc in my lower back so hunching forward for extended periods of time hurts

[@exeterrider]

My gut feeling is with you have said it wont be for you because of hunching forward for extended time causes you issues. Go for a second option , but get a test ride or sit on one in the showroom and see what you think.

[@Shred_Tube]

@@exeterrider Do you have any recommendations for good beginner bikes for around the same price? The main appeal for this bike for me was the price point. I've alse been considering a KTM Adventure 390.

[@exeterrider]

CB range is good. KTM are OK, but alot of reliability issues!

[@janegrieve]

Looks nice but I like my Vulcan better the pegs on the rebel as you said would have been better forward

[@exeterrider]

I still haven't tried a vulcan, if like to one day. Riding kawasakis is really difficult for me to get hold of. Thanks for watching Jane 👍🍻

[@NooBiker]

It's a great looking bike, well equipped. I guess cruisers just aren't for me, though...

[@exeterrider]

Yes , it felt too small for me personally although I quite like crusiers : )

[@drdoolittle5724]

Thanks RE, nice one. BUT, methinks Honda have severely limited their sales of this model by making a bike to such dimensions, everything you found I found which is so dam annoying because I like Honda! Next bike shop along sells Kawasaki and their Vulcan is streets ahead in fitting people so if people get to try them I'm sure they'll pick the Vulc! Also, Benelli 502c, using identical clone 471 engine accommodates far more big persons!

[@exeterrider]

Hi DD, yes I think that's why the rebel 1100 was born. I'll try to get on that one at some point 👍

[@drdoolittle5724]

@@exeterrider but I believe the 'big boy' is same dimensions?

[@exeterrider]

@@drdoolittle5724 not sure tbh, I thought it was bigger but I could be wrong 💭🤔

[@economicalrides]

Great review, a keenly priced Honda. So keen in fact that it just about qualifies as an Economical Ride 😉 and I have been keeping an eye on them myself. If the bike fits you and you prefer a nice low seat height then you really can't go wrong with this bike. As you say, it's a Honda, it might be a bit bland but it will always do a job for you. As an introduction to the cruiser style of bike it is a bit incongruous though with it's "conventional" smaller capacity engine characteristics. The Royal Enfield Meteor has way less power than this Honda but the way the engine delivers its power is much more in keeping with the cruiser style. Having to rev the nuts off a cruiser to get some shove is a bit unusual. Still, I suppose that if you are coming from a 125 cc cruiser ( of which there are many ), then it may not seem so unusual at all. I'm sure this bike will find its market and be successful for Honda. I really wouldn't mind one myself if I needed to do more motorway work ( definitely not the Meteor's natural habitat ! ), it just seems such a sensible option. With the 500 twin range Honda has most people covered. Just select the style of bike you prefer or which suits you most and Honda has a 500 for you ! If there is one thing I might have a problem with, I think it might be that fat front tyre. It's really only there for the looks. I'm sure the bike would actually be more enjoyable to ride with a more normal front tyre size, so that is something I would definitely need to experience on a test ride before committing to this bike. Cheers ER, a very thorough and thoughtful review as always. El Otro 👍🏻

[@exeterrider]

Thanks E, R, much appreciate your time watching again. I was surprised how good it was on the motorway🍻🙏

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

This kind of bike is a good option from a scooter of 300cc size. I just don't see anything under a 650 being worth while unless it's just a local commuter capable of a days local ride in some countryside and back.. It will need some engine guards out front with highway pegs installed and a windshield.. Mirror extenders.. A corbin saddle.. Good 1st budget bike for a teen or wife that has interest going out along on day rides

[@PhilipKerry]

You've obviously not seen a Honda CB500 X review then , it outperforms some 650cc bikes .

[@PhilipKerry]

@@applecorp IMHO the 500cc to 850cc engine range is all you should ever need unless you are of the hooligan / speed demon ilk .

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I wouldn't waste money and time on a 500 cruiser unless I was just a casual part time rider.. Then it's fine.. Fun..all good 👍

[@PhilipKerry]

@@kevinnashskitchen3517 Serious riders don't need a humungous engine , 500cc to 85occ will handle all of the legal road limits easily and more economically . Any thing bigger and you are just throwing money away .

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

@@PhilipKerry I find a 60 plus hp Night Hawk and CX 650 custom to be just lacking on long trips across the USA during my 40 years of riding and owning bikes. CB500 X is no better .. After you have owned an 1100 or higher you won't touch a 500 for lengthy travel 6-8 hours per day.

[@1990-t1j]

I sat on one. The seat is far too low and the pegs too far forward. I am 6'1''. Ditto the 1100.

[@exeterrider]

🍻

[@UNBOXALLTHING]

nothing different with 2021?

[@exeterrider]

Same as the 2021, no twin discs upgrade etc like the 500f, x, CBR 👍🍻

[@UNBOXALLTHING]

good news, honda dealer in my state give good discount for the 2021. Now i can buy it without hesitate

[@wsmv]

Those rubber mounted handlebars worry me a bit 😱

[@exeterrider]

There ok mate, I was giving them a good pull! They dont wobble when riding

[@johnnicholls3092]

I looked at one of these just not comfortable for me

[@exeterrider]

👍🍻

[@stevetaylor8698]

It makes a cockroach look good!

[@exeterrider]

Ha, even me !

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

The exhaust is ugly AF. but with money it can be fixed. or never ever looking at it again 😛

[@exeterrider]

Ha, I see what you mean there 👍🍻