EASY Honda Rebel How-To: Adjusting Your Rear Suspension!

[@AndrewFearn42]

This is the third watch when going to adjust preload on our Rebel. I know it helped the last two times and how to do it, but I still like to rewatch it as a reminder.

[@ollybrowningg]

That’s such a nice bike, I love it just clean and simple

[@LifeOfBurch]

Dialed in Mtb thanks so much! 🙏🏻

[@duncanarcher2626]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a way to log back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@kaleldarian8406]

@Duncan Archer Instablaster =)

[@ollybrowningg]

@@duncanarcher2626 just click forgot password and you should be able to put in your email so they email you and you can re confirm

[@mccalliewillows2063]

I had no idea this was a thing! I’m adding a passenger seat tomorrow and I’m so happy I found your video! I would have put a passenger on and risked sagging

[@scooterboyyy2172]

Dude you deserve more attention man this channel is probably one of the best small channels the quality is up to the big ones keep going man

[@LifeOfBurch]

Dude, I appreciate that more than you know! Thank you!! 🙏🏻👊🏻

[@scooterboyyy2172]

@@LifeOfBurch Makes me happy but i'm serious if you keep going you'll get big trust me

[@LifeOfBurch]

@Norden Våkner in this video I had a GoPro mounted on top of my helmet, and in all my recent videos the GoPro is mounted on the chin area of my helmet!

[@jameslucascook]

Just wanted to share that a special wrench made for adjusting the suspension comes under the seat. Also it is perfectly fine to go from 1 to 5 and vice versa just go 1,2,3,4,5 or 5,4,3,2,1. Just dont go backwards... directly from 5 to 1 or 1 to 5. Also changing preload does not make the spring stiffer or softer, a linear spring always has the exact same stiffness. preload ONLY makes the bike higher so it doesnt look like it is sagging and has enough travel when you hit a bump.

[@noot7109]

Thanks for the video on how to do this, but holy crap mine were TIGHT. Actually did need that spanner wrench.

[@pommiegranite464]

Many thanks for that. I'm putting a luggage bag on the rear seat, so I needed to adjust the suspension. Ride safe.

[@sjy4002]

Good info. I didn't know i can adjust the suspention with only my hands. I can easily find ther right setting for me without having difficulties using tools. Good luck!

[@Aescobar1005]

you deserve some more viewers! thanks man

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks bro! 🙏🏻 Make sure to subscribe if you haven’t already, lots more videos with this bike on the way! 👊🏻

[@dustcake2576]

But in terms of comfort, is 1 better or 5 better? How do i understand the settings. What situation should I use what?

[@kotenable]

Thanks. Really you helped me resolve the way to look at the 2nd Spring where 1 sits on left.

[@williamwood7936]

Thanks for the clear explanation.

[@rmmotochannel5482]

Thanks for the video, now i know how easy it is.

[@camj3557]

I wish there was an adjustment to make the bike higher off the ground. I love the Rebel, but it's so damn low to the road, and for a tall guy it isn't very comfortable, knees almost to the handlebars.

[@ClassifyMedia]

Your ride looks insane! 😍

[@philtucker1224]

Thanks LoB, the adjustment looks so slight, can you actually feel any difference?🤔

[@RaaaaaaandyRC]

The spanner wrench is under the seat. I was looking to see how to adjust it. Cool you can do it by your hand but they do give you the tool.

[@yacineaber2934]

If I weigh 200pd and my girlfriend 130pd, which suspension do I need to put?? It’s a rebel 500! Thanks

[@ericdoe2318]

I have a 2020 CMX500 i weigh 205 pounds with gear on the bike. I moved the pre-load from level two (stock) to level three (one past stock) and the ride was quite bouncy after a moderate bump. i think i'm putting it back to stock ALSO THERE IS A SPANNER WRENCH UNDER THE SEAT OF THE BIKE!

[@ericdoe2318]

I’ve since moved my rebound to Niel and it’s the best

[@elilefler7775]

just picked up a 500, do you think I need a high flow air intake to balance out the no back pressure gp exhaust?

[@DanielSan-sw9px]

Do i have to adjust the pre-load every time there is a major change, say two people riding or a solo ride with luggage etc...

[@Dan-oi3xt]

Yes

[@SPARTEX3945]

hey, thanks for the video! has tha sping adjustment helped you with the bumps on the street ?

[@Foodgeek]

I probably should adjust mine since I am 210 lbs. I'll try and set it to 3 tomorrow :) But I am also pretty tall (6'4") and I am thinking about getting a kit that moves the pegs forward a bit. Do you know about those?

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yea, you should feel a good difference setting it to a firmer setting! Hopefully that helps out! As for forward controls, the only company that I know of who makes forward controls for our bikes is De Pretto Moto. They're a company out of Italy. They're a bit pricey at $450, but from what I've seen, everyone who has them raves about the quality and added comfort. I think I saw one other person who made their own forward controls, but I wouldn't even know where to begin lol Here's a link if you want to check them out! amzn.to/3bU52Yv (Also, full disclosure- that's an affiliate link, so if you end up buying them and being so kind as to buy them through that link, a small percentage of the sale comes back to me to support the channel, but you don't get charged any extra 😬)

[@Foodgeek]

LifeOfBurch Thanks. I'll try it out 😊 Those are the ones I found on a local webshop. I can't really get stuff from Amazon US because of customs. On my own channel I set it up so that people from appropriate countries get their correct Amazon store (I have affiliate deals in US, CA, UK and DE) based on my audience 😊

[@camj3557]

you're 6'4?? Are you even comfortable on the Rebel?? Being so low to the ground was one of the "cons" I had for the Rebel.

[@Foodgeek]

@@camj3557 Yes, 194 cm. I am very comfortable on my rebel after I got the forward controls. I do not have very long legs for a person my height. About 70 cm/27 1/2 inch inseam. That probably makes a difference :)

[@DANCAN_]

@@Foodgeekwhere did you buy foward pegs??

[@umeshdhond]

Thank you for sharing. This was helpful. 👍

[@msvalina007]

Great video! Getting my Rebel next year so I will be watching your videos closely. Hopefully you don't switch it out too soon! LMAO!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Haha don’t worry, I plan to keep this bike for awhile! I love it!

[@thunderallstars]

What should it be at for somebody who weighs 170 pounds?

[@mang3139]

LMAO I've had my 500 since Dec. and did not know it was THAT easy. Fucking awesome dude!

[@LifeOfBurch]

Hahah glad I could help dude! 🤘🏻

[@chrisnoel1646]

So a heavier person would probably want a higher number setting? Is that correct?

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yup, exactly!

[@chrisnoel1646]

LifeOfBurch thank you sir. I’m 250lbs and getting a Shadow delivered soon. I’m thinking a 3. Pretty sure shadow’s have the 1-5 range as well.

[@sedipotllc1757]

Ayyyy representing EastPort!

[@aksgap]

Does it changes the ground clearance ???

[@HenryAvery1659]

niiiiiceee man looking better and better got a sub here

[@LifeOfBurch]

The Billy thanks for subscribing man! 🙏🏻 Got a LOT more on the way so stay tuned! 👊🏻

[@KKSlidersBro]

Nice! Love the videos man👌🏽

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks a lot! 🙏🏻

[@proudindians1206]

Hi bro ur vdo is really nice I lvd it,,,, I m from India n I m planning to buy rebel 300,,,,which is about to come in India by this year,,,,so plz suggest me,,,,,shell I go for it or not,,,,bcz 500 is more in range,,,

[@LifeOfBurch]

The best way to decide is if you’re able to ride them both. The 300 is plenty of power for around town, but the 500 is much more capable on the highway. The weight difference can’t even be felt between the two. The 300 will obviously be much cheaper though. Just depends what your preferences are! I plan to make a video about the Rebel 300 vs Rebel 500, so make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already so you don’t miss it!

[@djlancer88]

So I just recently bought a 300, when I hit a decent sized bump it kinda bounces me off the seat, do I go softer or harder? sounds odd; sorry

[@kylemartos1937]

Squishy or sharp.

[@billyawesome8008]

Hey Man nice shot by the water, good video.

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks brotha! 🙏🏻

[@zacjohnson4411]

THANK YOU

[@annehause7118]

Thank You!!!

[@leomatos2181]

Hi, how much do you weight and what level of suspension do you use?

[@LifeOfBurch]

I weigh about 150lbs and have found that level 2 (the factory setting) seems to be best for me. I was hoping that the manual would list out which weight range should use which setting, but unfortunately it doesn’t. Hope that helps!

[@leomatos2181]

I'm about the same weight, thanks man!

[@friedpickles342]

I just bought a 2019 rebel 500 with 3k miles on it.

[@ED-ew7vy]

I’m lifting and twisting and nothing is budging. Looks like I’ll need that tool.

[@ED-ew7vy]

I stand corrected, I was pushing up on the wrong part, it’s more of the top part, which would be the lower shock. So this turned out to be the easiest thing ever, lol.

[@LeMikel]

I just test ride one of these, and I got the sensation I could burn my right leg with it being so close to the engine, have you encounter any issues with this? was I riding it wrong? (I have a bandit so the sitting position is new to me)

[@tylerramirez7447]

Nah you’d be fine. I’ve had the Rebel for over a year and never once had that problem

[@LeMikel]

@@tylerramirez7447 is it ever uncomfortable in summer? thanks for the input!

[@LifeOfBurch]

The right side does stick out a bit far, but it’ll never get hot enough to feel. It has a little cover on it too that helps. I’ve never had an issue even on hot days. Your leg can rest against it with no issue.

[@LeMikel]

@@LifeOfBurch that really helped! I'm thinking about this one and the Vulcan S, but the way the Rebel looks it's amazing

[@BokeFlyingSimulations]

There's a cover that prevents your leg from burning. In the summer that area is a bit warmer, but that's it.

[@midevil7236]

Thanks man👍

[@Voltomess]

I want this bike as my first motorcycle

[@LifeOfBurch]

Do it! You won’t regret it. For sure one of the best beginner bikes out there!

[@flitsies]

@@LifeOfBurch Perhaps it's just an American thing but this bike should not be a first bike it's a bike that is rated to go around 110/120 mph a beginner motorcycle is best to be something that will give you enough encouragement but not kill you in Europe and UK it's a 125cc which goes around 75 mph and is light enough and slow enough on pull away to get you used to it, but in the USA a 250 cc would be better then after a year up to a 500 cc if you go direct to a 500 cc especially a Japanese bike the power could catch you out very easily and find yourself taking corner way too fast. I started on a 50 moped then up to a 200 then up to 500 each bike was fast enough for the moment, the 50 cc being a moped was best for my youth the 200 was better but it was a two stroke so very fast on take off. But the 50 cc was great for learning clutch control.

[@kevinmason6130]

flitsies in America is pretty hard to even get a 125cc. A 250 can maybe handle highway speed. A 300 is basically as small as you would want so you can actually go anywhere. Big county ya know

[@flitsies]

@@kevinmason6130 Yep I know but as someone has proved you can go around the world on a Honda cub 90cc big is not always the best But yes I get it, something with comfort, those 125 cc bikes can reach speeds of 75mph or more. So a 250 or similar would make more sense for a beginner to start on, putting someone on a 500 or a super sports bike is asking for trouble way too much power for a beginner bike, unless it was a Harley as they are not very powerful until you get a huge engine. A beginner could start with and economical Honda cb125 and use it at highway speeds.

[@FR-vc1lb]

Where are the numbers I don't see them on my bike either ???

[@biceali7212]

Your tattoo is dope💯

[@LifeOfBurch]

Thanks bro! 🙏🏻👊🏻

[@jasonalas7894]

spanner wrench is under the seat in comes with the bike

[@yosoyelbotpr]

What exhaust is that? Im looking for one

[@LifeOfBurch]

Christian Rosario Borrero the Shorty GP! Check out my channel, I have a video all about it.

[@MrSalcedoKinder]

That’s easy.

[@jettjett8878]

Nice

[@oruwatching]

That camera movement made me nauseous, but thanks for the video.

[@sergiuulici3908]

i honestly invite everyone of you to buy a Mustang tripper seat for honda rebel 500, . is 300$ i know. but in my case ,this 2020 rebel i bought 3 days ago will be my second and last motorcycle i ever buy. so it will stay with me forever. good long term comfort investment. your butt will apreciate it. the stock seat feels soo bad after 30 minutes on it. is the only bad thing on the rebel 2020 . once you change that, is a perfect machine. ride safe

[@bnasty5767]

Oh ooooh😂

[@richardnickerson4792]

This is simply wrong. You cannot change from hard to soft suspension using preload!! This can only change the bikes geometry....read the link suggested for example.. He said he was not expert and that IS true!!

[@joshmoore6165]

How much do you weigh?

[@LifeOfBurch]

I weigh about 150 and keep my bike on the stock setting 2. My previous Rebel was originally on setting 4 and it was super stiff and uncomfortable for my weight.

[@flitsies]

You mean people didn't know the old style adjustment on a spring, this style of adjustment is so old it came with just about every motorcycle in the 70s 80s 90s I find it hard to believe people wouldn't know how to adjust these springs. The adjustment puts tension on the actual spring itself making the spring preloaded thus reducing the amount of bounce or coil movement it's pretty much all it does. The only thing I don't like about the rebel is the key position, with a lot of the old bikes people used to lose their keys as they would fall out of the ignition switch, it was advised to only have the bike key on the ring or the constant movement would cause excessive wear on the barrel causing the keys to simply fall out the ignition. So that is not a good position to have the ignition switch. Oh some of those old style springs used to use a C /G shaped tool that use to hook into a small hole others you could use a screw driver to insert into the hole and force the ring round to the next position or more. These old style springs are great though cause you could always upgrade the springs to something a little heavier to improve stiffness for heavy riders.

[@tonimaloni8524]

👍✌️✌️

[@joshmoore6165]

Have you heard that everyone else thinks the front suspension is way too mushy. What are your thoughts?

[@LifeOfBurch]

Yea, I 100% agree. The front suspension is suuuper soft. Fortunately, that’s one of the upgrades they made to the 2020 model and there’s also a few options to fix it relatively cheaply on the ‘17-‘19 models. A few companies make stiffer fork springs that can be swapped out, some people have used thicker fork oil, and there’s also a few companies who make aftermarket fork caps which allow you to adjust preload on the front. Not to mention, the fork tubes on the 2020 are the same size so you could always swap those out entirely onto a ‘17-‘19 model. I plan on doing something about the front suspension at some point down the road so make sure you’re subscribed if you aren’t already so that you can see that whenever I’m able to get to it! 👊🏻

[@marcelpursche5339]

The simplest and cheapest mod is using different fork oil and increasing the preload with some washers between the top cap and the plastic spacer.