Comparing the HONDA REBEL 500 with the HARLEY SPORTSTER 883 (shot w. Sony RX100 V)

Can we compare the new HONDA Rebel 500 with the legendary Harley-Davidson Sportster 883? Honda is aiming at the same market with a motorcycle that's smaller in displacement but comparable in frame-size while being very reliable and economical. Respectful Revolution's Gerard Ungerman who crisscrosses the U.S. on his motorcycle to interview people contributing positively to the world is intrigued now by the possibility of switching from his trusted Sportster to a customized Rebel in order to both benefit from the increased fuel efficiency and help promote HONDA, a company that does untold good for the World. Is it possible to use a Rebel 500 to crisscross the U.S.? The quest for an answer begins here, with beautiful music from classic guitar player Warren Haskell and the amazing Autumn colors of Northern California.

[@MadMexism]

Great video! Love my Rebel 500.

[@WaldoWalker]

This video has great information of mods that I wish to knew ever since I was planning to buy this bike.

[@rickmangler9267]

Great video my brother. Bikes AND Warren Haskell, nice! Hope to ride w/ you someday. Keep up the good work.

[@thechad6852]

This was awesome! Answered A TON of questions I had. Thank you very much. I’m torn between the two... But I’m an EVERY DAY “Town Rider”. I stay in-town. I was curious about the suspension and adding medium bags so I can go to like, Walmart or a date and carry EVERYTHING I need. Absolutely loved the video, love the Rebel. Thanks again.

[@jeffhogueison1656]

Yes you can see my post. I get grocery all the time with mine!

[@MrRockinguitar]

Great review and information, Thank you !

[@narrator-timothymckean]

By the time you buy a new bike, new corbin seat, and new custom bags, other accessories, how much will you save over buying gas for the sportster? (just a thought)

[@timothybuzzell6918]

Would like to have known about the seat because I want that bike but I want a seat with a backrest like you had on the Harley roadster

[@Daren_PNW]

Have you tested the Rebel with completed add-ons? I'd be curious to know if it feels more top-heavy.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi Daren, no, not yet. I first have to get to a place of agreement with HONDA, get a sponsored bike and then I'll start customizing it. The bike feels very light as it is. I would keep in mind to not go top heavy for sure. Big saddlebags would help I think.

[@peterk9926]

Hi Sir, Thanks for the video. I have a question for you; I am planning to buy a Honda Rebel 500; and I am so fascinated about changing the seat to a spring seat . What is your opinion on spring seat? Are they comfortable, and suitable to rebel 500?

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi Peter, apologies for the delay answering you. Frankly I wouldn't know. I know there are several options out there for spring-mounted seats, some do look really good but I suspect that thin seats are probably good for up to a few hours once in while, springs or not. But they do look super cool, I'll give you that. Would look bitchin' on a new Rebel. Good luck in your quest, I wish I could be more useful. Please, do let us know what you find out and end up doing.

[@mattivirta]

@@RespectfulRevolution i just looking,new rebel can buy many different seats and some different rear suspensions, gas or dual spring, 500€ about, some side bag leather bag, and rods brackets have, tank covers, i no kknow what idea plastic cover have good tank, foothstep boards have best option this, and front rod were can add footh rest bar.

[@collinhan399]

I have a 2019 rebel 500 as my first bike, do u know how to install the slider bar?

[@tylergable2445]

How do you like it?? I’m thinking of doing the same.

[@WetBananaMike]

Very good video sir! Your Sportster is what brought me to your channel, so Harley has a huge following. The new Rebel 500 is an excellent choice I would presume. Given the number of miles you put on your scoot, how much is the cost of ownership/fuel economy going to stack up against one another? Thank you for all that you do with your documentaries and vlogs. Stay safe !!!

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Thank you WB... As I just said in my previous comment, I am in love and addicted to my Sportster. In the absence of any other concerns, I'd get another Sportster when the time comes, maybe a Nightster that I'd push towards a "scrambling cruiser", or would it be a "cruising scrambler"...?!? # ;o)) But HONDA is an awesome company on all accounts. If I can secure a partnership with them, I'd be stoked and honored to help them promote one of their new bikes and fuel efficient technology... We'll see. Many thanks for your kind feedback. Ride safe too my friend.

[@jeffhogueison1656]

I got a up down full size windshield from Puig. Nice crash bars from T Rex. Saddle bags and stays. Dual seat with luggage rack. LeD headlight. Side running lights. New hatch seat and new low profile Mussari exhaust. Top speed is 80 mph. 500 Rebel 2019. Lovely 70 mpg. Runs solid and decent enogh power. Bought new for 6 thousand. Nice easy ride bike

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Sounds like a great set-up. Both are awesome bikes.

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

I believe the CTX700, NC700 or CB500x would be a better choice to accessorize for touring.

[@piknick111]

You're in chico??? just so happened to come across your video, I live in chico too. Looking at getting one of these hondas.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hey Pik Nick, let's meet some time... Yes, go see Wyatt or Gabe, the owner and tell them you saw the video online, that will be a good conversation starter and they'll treat well ,not that they wouldn't obviously but..., ya know. These guys are super friendly, not at all the macho BS you find sometimes, sometimes in some dealerships...

[@lesran]

Red Bluff here, it's a small world. I have a Road King but have ultimate respect for the Rebel.

[@noelp.6391]

I'm so in love with my 2018 REBEL500! Just got it like 3wks ago!🤙🤩

[@tyecook9630]

I'm so envious!..I haven't ridden for almost 10 years, my last bike was a Suzuki boulevard 650 and I loved it but my first bike many years before that was an '87 rebel 450. I gave up riding when my father passed so mom wouldn't worry about me so much and when honda reintroduced the rebel I was curious and started watching stuff. When the time is right I will buy the 500, it's just such a great bike. I don't want or need huge displacement, just something that's alot of fun and performs well which by all accounts it certainly seems to do just that..and being a rebel it sort of takes me back to why I started riding in the first place, I kinda have a soft spot in my heart for it..😊

[@ozarkprepper1718]

Honda makes a good looking machine.Even the old rebel 450's were great bikes.

[@davidsilvius756]

Nice classical guitar intro, who's the artist? Pretty decent vlog in comparison from Honda to Harley.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Thank you very much for your kind feedback. The Classical guitar piece is played by Warren Haskell, a professional guitar player in my home town of Chico, CA, and the guitar segment in the intro/outro segment is by a young man, a student I met fortuitously in the corridor of our local Community College, imagine that. His name is Tanner Richardson and he's someone who I bet will become famous in a few years. I hope it for him anyway. He's a great kid.

[@thechad6852]

The one thing I want to add to my Rebel..... is a custom Horse Saddle. I know of a company that makes them and get mine in BLACK to match the bike. But I’d like to have a Small backrest like a Corbin seat does but made of leather and incorporated into the horse saddle.

[@goldpilgrim]

Rebel 500 can go off road. Cruiser tires are almost as grippy as dual purpose tires.

[@jameswoods6900]

Love the Jacket, who make it?

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

What is your friend’s (who built the saddle bags) email or web site.?

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Hi Ahmet, sorry for the delay in responding, I only now see your post. www.LeatherWorksInc.com

[@joseildoateagoranadacavalc2275]

A Honda estar devendo motos custom no Brasil essa Rebel 500 vendia bem SÓ falta colocar 2 escape ai sim fica. Na moda JOSEILDO

[@siteks536]

hummm le bon accent français 🤤

[@GenerationAsian]

would not the street 500 or 750 be more in the same class

[@CoreyBrass]

WTF...did I just watch a 30 min video and at the end of it the conclusion was yes we can put saddle bags on it? In a 30 min video I expect to see the final product and maybe even an after trip review.

[@DM-dv5jx]

This is an 18 minute video...

[@Akephalos204]

well thats a good video!

[@joseildoateagoranadacavalc2275]

Essa Rebel 500 só precisa colocar 2 escapes ai fica linda quando chega no Brasil é o valor (JOSEILDO )

[@ashwindevms]

That accent reminded me of pink Panther

[@tccycling]

I don't understand why you would try to make a touring bike out of a small displacement street bike? For long highway cruising a larger displacement engine works SO much better. More power, lower rpm's at highway speed, passing power. Seems like an exercise in futility.

[@johnharris7353]

I don't know anything about Harleys, but Honda motors last forever!

[@robertrexrode6658]

That’s a gorgeous Sportster!

[@pinkPWNtr]

man that rebel at 15:23 is SEXY

[@MrSwitchblade327]

Drag bars or clubman cafe bars

[@shegocrazy]

You'll have to save a lot of fuel to pay for all those mods.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

That's a good point. Now hardly any bike is really perfect straight from factory, and then again, "perfection" has to be subjective. For sure, no such small frame motorcycles would fit my long-distance travel needs from factory. In the end they do cost me less than buying a larger, much more expensive touring bike.

[@tccycling]

@@RespectfulRevolution I have to disagree. You can pick up a used touring bike for far less than a new one and you wouldn't have to do nearly as many mods. Plus you would have a bike built for highway speed with passing power.

[@jaywinters2483]

I wanted to hear the sound/ride comparison but you ruined it with music. Exiting out now.

[@mattivirta]

ALL rewiev say same suspension have too soft need change rear and front suspensions hardens, seat have too little need change fatten big seat, footh rod no comfortable tall driver. exhaus have too big and need change if use side bag. many modification need do, if honda made this and drop prize 2000€ then have good bike.

[@metro7416]

0:10 With the new what?!?!?

[@lordMaroza]

Honda Rebel 500...

[@Childishh_Brandino]

With the new hondarebel5hundred

[@xxblackgeishaxx]

😂😂😂

[@lr937]

In Poor countries like India people carries 4 or 5 people on bikes half the size, so dont doubt u can carry all kind of stuff on t Rebel, just be smart with the use of space😎

[@RespectfulRevolution]

Right??! We say that all the time! Thanks for watching! -RR

[@j.r.ranjan313]

You might be living in india of 1990.

[@gardini100]

I do not think you can match them, it is like comparing a Honda Jazz, to a BMW 320 , well the Honda will take you back home no matter what, but if it is always comfy is another story :)

[@RespectfulRevolution]

It would be more fair to compare a HD Street 500 to a Rebel 500 I suppose. For me, the comparison was more directly connected to my need of such a mid-size cruiser for a personal purpose. And I own the Sportster, and I can get a Honda and work on it through a friend. Now that the Rebel 1100 is coming out, I could do another comparison. I truly love my Sportster though, so it'll be hard to pull me away from it.

[@gardini100]

@@RespectfulRevolution I love bikes from Japan, but Harley just sounds way better and have a style and touch that I like, and aim for, but is always about the smile when riding, and when things go wrong

[@addicted2baseballrgd21]

Apple's to orange's. Rebel 500 should be compared to HD Street 500. The Yamaha Bolt is better comparison to 883.

[@EnjoyCalculus]

Honda all the way

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Ok, restrained comment here. The first bit was way too long. Watching a man with a tape measure is about as interesting as watching paint dry. Whilst the concept is good, I think more careful editing would have delivered a sharper and more incisive analysis.

[@robertbutts9835]

Its to much stuff on a bike ..better get a van .. And love honda

[@RespectfulRevolution]

:-))

[@cherrylove3656]

I prefer the way the older Honda Rebels look that bike just doesn't stand out my opinion there's nothing worse then black on black a black bike with black Wheels everything blacked out to me doesn't look good you need Chrome with black not black on black it doesn't stand out it does nothing for the look of the motorcycle it gives it that dull dreary look I've always owned Hondas I like Honda

[@garroyo7533]

My butt starts to hurt after 20 minutes of riding. I think because your in a neutral riding position.

[@alfonsogarijo]

The cushion is extremely thin on the rebel. It is not about the riding position.

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

Seems like staying with Harley would be the least expensive option. The Harley is so much better looking. I also doubt seriously the Honda engine will last as long as the Sportster engine. Those 883 engines last, and last and are so easier to work on compared to the Honda engines. The belt drive is far superior to chain drives found on the Rebel Honda. The high cost of one valve check on the Honda will make you question the fuel economy difference. A valve check can cost as much as 400 dollars. The Harley's hydraulic lifters are completely maintenance free. It would cost a lot to make the Rebel tour worthy, and I still doubt it would be anywhere as good as the Harley. The Suzuki Vstrom 650 adventure would make a far better touring bike to suit your needs. It already has a great suspension, wind shield, large cargo bags, and much more fuel capacity. They are also quite fuel efficient, and a lot better performer when it comes to Highway speeds. Just something to consider. I have both the 883, and the Suzi. For me the Harley is more fun to ride, and travel on, but the Suzi has a smoother ride, and more cargo capacity.

[@RespectfulRevolution]

You're correct Dennis. In the absence of any other extraneous concerns, I would stick to my Sportster, I love it. Now we would be happy my partner and I to help promote HONDA's new technologies, and it's a good company. There's a fair chance they might end up sponsoring our Respectful Revolution project. Hence my special interest for the REBEL. Now if HONDA came up with a slightly larger REBEL with their new 750 parallel twin engine, OOooooooo, I would be so much into it. I think the REBEL has potential and I enjoy customizing smaller bikes to push them to their limit with efficiency in mind. Sot it's fun for me. We'll see. For now I continue riding my Sportsty.

[@andimalloutofbubblegum1063]

I had a sportster 883.. never again. If you like the feeling of having a seizure and enjoy seeing blurred images in your mirrors every time you ride.. then yeah.. get a sportster.

[@bw1583]

Hahah you don't think a Honda engine will last? Did you get dropped on your head as a child?

[@UvidCo]

There is no way in hell a Harley out lasts a Honda. Not even close. Likes like comparing a fiat to a Toyota.

[@driveshift]

Dennis Renner as much as I love the Harley, its motor will not outlast a Honda motor.

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Come on, comparing 457cc's to 883, & 51 ft pounds of torc no way. But do not get me wrong, I would set out anywhere in the U.S. on the Rebel and take it cross country with no problems. But it still isn't going to do the job of the 883.

[@friedpickles342]

Stockton huh? You should come by. We'll go for a ride. . two zero nine five nine four eight six five nine.