Honda Rebel 450 Review

Quick overview of my 1987 Honda Rebel CMX450.

[@madlove1581]

Coolest of the cool ~ just the right amount of power and not insanely heavy. Don't be discouraged not to buy one of these classic vintage darlings over fear of not finding parts. I found parts I've needed ~ yes, some are scarce, but, if you really look, you can find parts for these bikes. Owning two vintage Harley Davidson lightweights from '59 and '60, I can still find original parts. I made sure that the vintage bikes I considered investing in were reliable models and that there were social media sights for collectors. The Honda Rebel 450CMX is a vintage bike and steadily becoming a cult collectible ~ it is a very unique bike, having 6 gears/overdrive in 1986. If you do consider one, keep it stock or put it back to stock ~ if not, it will never have a resale value. I found a museum piece condition one, all stock and with only 1.6K original miles on it. No rust anywhere, no pitting in the chrome, and I have the Hondaline crash bars ~ as this bike in this video does. Lucky to have found one in almost showroom condition for 3.5K. Nowadays, the price of the 450CMX is largely based on what location you find them, if you have more than one bike to actually choose from in the same area. The backrest is what I am trying to locate now ~ and, I am not discouraged. Owning a vintage bike in stock condition can be an investment ~ an investment that you can actually enjoy using, too ~ a gift that keeps on giving. The Hondaline crash bars were quite tricky to find, but within searching almost daily for 10 weeks, .... I found 'em, lol ~ and for only 120 bucks. Absolutely lucky find and a steal of a price, but, determination will always prevail. So, stuff and nonsense telling someone to not buy one of these because parts are hard to find, lol. Facebook has a dedicated page for the 450CMX owners to find 'hard to find things', and, there's always EBay and online searching. Purchasing a bike that is well over 30 years old, ..... you either understand you are getting into a vintage bike, or you don't - do your research based on reliability and parts, lol. One thing's for sure, these bikes were designed to last, built solid as hell. Do your research and read owner and mechanical reviews when you consider buying vintage. Rebel has nice power, especially for me - my Harley lightweights are much smaller cc. The '59 Hummer is a stock 125cc and the Super 10 is a 1656cc. I have no plans to be racing or riding on the freeway, but wouldn't hesitate for one moment to take this 450cc across the state on the freeways and highways, if I chose to. I am super excited about owning my 450CMX, such a sweet, vintage bike. Rebel's are just flat ass a cool looking bike. The 450 is the Cadillac of the Rebel class, .... a smooth ride, too. For me, riding is not about how powerful your bike is, . . the ride is all about the cool factor. I passed on purchasing a new bike ~ they just don't represent the cool factor I'm after, lol. I passed on the Rebel 250, too close to the size cc of my 1960 Super 10. The Honda Rebel 450 CMX is a bike that is incredibly reliable, not too heavy, great for short riders, and very, very much has the vintage, cool factor ~ Cheers!

[@desilmd]

tank top, flip flops, and shorts. great riding gear.

[@451dskots88]

@@t3h8ar0n gotta love how critical people are here on KZbin. It's your business, ride as you want.

[@RollModel724]

@@451dskots88 By not promoting safe gear whenever possible leads to people thinking that it is safe and normal. When you look at injuries and mortallities-- safety gear is essential

[@451dskots88]

@@RollModel724 I understand that... But people will do as they want. So whatever you preach will most certainly fall on deaf ears to those who choose not to listen .

[@rustyshackleford58008]

Thai style

[@kennithmorella2693]

shawn h. Still doesn’t hurt to set a good example especially for newbies coming into the bike 🏍 world 🌎. Have a nice day. 😎🇺🇸

[@crowsandshinythings2796]

I had a 250 Rebel I am 5' 1'' and my feet were flat on the ground....LOVED IT!!!

[@geraldscott4302]

Yes I know this is an old video. But you forgot to mention what I consider by far the most important thing about the Rebel 450. Other than that one thing, it is basically pretty much the same thing as a CB450 or a CM450. The Rebel 450 actually has TUBELESS TIRES. It also has wire spoke wheels. Honda designed those wheels specifically for the Rebel 450. A bike they only made 2 years. They never used them again. Neither has any other motorcycle manufacturer. Tubeless tires are 100+ times safer than tube type tires, they almost never blow out when punctured, they are a LOT harder to puncture than tube type tires, and when they do get punctured, they lose air very slowly, if at all. I have found objects which punctured my tubeless motorcycle tires while inspecting them at home. The object that punctured them also sealed the puncture. Definitely not going to happen with tube type tires. When they get punctured, they go flat IMMEDIATELY. Not good if you are going 80 mph on the highway. And if you do survive, you are stranded. While a flat tubeless tire can usually be repaired with a plug, a flat with a tube type tire means a tow truck. I have 3 bikes. 2 of them have tubeless tires, and I am not afraid to ride them anywhere. One has tube type tires, and I never ride it more than 50 miles from home, and NEVER on a freeway. I stay within the towing range of my roadside assistance plan. Over the past 4 decades I have paid thousands of $$$ for towing charges for bikes with flat tube type tires, not to mention almost getting killed a couple of times, and NOTHING for tire related issues on bikes with tubeless tires. Those wheels have existed for nearly 40 years, and manufacturers continue to use 1940s tube type tire technology. Unbelievable. I would absolutely NOT recommend anyone buy a Rebel 450 unless they absolutely must have a Rebel 450, and nothing else will do. Owning one is likely to be an absolute nightmare. They were only made 2 years, and very few were made. Most parts have been unavailable for a VERY long time. Even common parts. Most independent shops will work on them, IF they can get the parts, but 90% of the parts are no longer available new, and used parts, when you can find them are usually junk. The Rebel 250 is a great bike, I have owned three. I have hit 80 mph on the freeway full throttle. And you can ride one at full throttle for over 80,000 miles before it starts to show signs of wear. I wouldn't mind riding one across the country, except they have tube type tires. To me that means no freeways, and be prepared to pay a fortune in towing charges, and another fortune at a shop to have a flat tube type tire repaired. That is, IF you survive the blowout, and have cell phone service. There is a Chinese clone of the Rebel 250, and even the Chinese had enough sense to put cast wheels and tubeless tires on it. Unfortunately it is junk, and the wheels do not fit the real Honda Rebel 250.

[@stevejeffrey11]

Thanks for the honest review. I'm looking at one with 27k miles, and the price of $2000 seems a bit high. I had a '83 650 nighthawk and it was a blast. You live in a cool looking tropical place

[@epbrown01]

Thanks for the review. I'm actually looking at a Honda CM450 to replace the CB400T in my avatar, but this gives me a sense of the sort of performance I can expect from the 450 twin.

[@Shagnasty-bo5bj]

That oil leak at the head is a bummer but not serious. Some bike mechanics may disagree but swapping in a new head gasket is pretty easy on these little engines. I have had good luck with also just retorquing the head bolts to buy a little time before needing to do the head gasket job.

[@Tiffany_speaks]

Love your review I am a fan of The Honda Rebel and I think the Honda Rebel 450 is right for me. Thanks. That scene when you told your dog to move was funny.

[@Tiffany_speaks]

"I'm not racist"?? That's makes you racist for saying that. Smh

[@Tiffany_speaks]

No thanks, I am not that kind of woman.

[@jthunte1070]

***** that is racist your frigging last name is whiteside

[@Tiffany_speaks]

*****​ it's my dad's family slave name their real family name was originated in South Africa. 

[@jthunte1070]

***** srry i did not mean to be rude

[@ytqpwoeiru]

Thanks for the review; parts and used spares are plentiful on the Internet. This is a very nice motorcycle for local riding and short trips. Very reliable and fun to ride.

[@jamerocki472]

What's the best site

[@YerGoodBuddyKeith]

Not just beginner bike. They're super fun to customize and beat up. I started on a honda shadow. Perfect daily rider size after getting bigger bars. The rebel is more fun off road or on little trips into town on hot days.

[@CoronaBRP]

I bought one in December 2023 with 5.5k miles for only $2000. I love this bike so far

[@t3h8ar0n]

Wow - that is a killer find!

[@thevibe7415]

How are you dealing with flat “Tube” tires?

[@markhamrick9078]

Gear I would ride on with that style bike! Roll w/ it!👍😎

[@gdmofo]

I ride mine all over the place I'm a big man I weigh 287 lb it's not the most comfortable machine but it suits my purpose just fine purrs like a kitten 12000 original miles not bad for a 37 year old motorcycle Honda reliability I love this little bike

[@ChrisFlood-z8e]

I have one and i love it Its an 86 all original 13k on it have the manual and tools great bike

[@TheDatpussy]

T-shirt, shorts, flip flops it must be really freaking hot where you live anyways nice review

[@ItsShane79]

Nice review thanks, I keep visualizing what'll happen though if you ever take a slider across the asphalt wearing your shorts and flip flops and I rather not think about that. Anyway thanks for the review ;)

[@wayneisname4544]

I'm 5'9 and 160lbs and I'm pretty comfortable on the bike

[@moofushu]

This might sound silly only because i don't know anything about motorcycles. When your car has a problem you go to your local auto parts and if the price is too high you go right down the street to another auto parts to check if they have the part for a lower price. When something happens to a motorcycle, is there a motorcycle parts store that has plenty of cheep parts for all makes and models? Because if you have to go back to the dealer each time then the parts must be really expensive, because anything dealer and original parts is always expensive.

[@13megaprime]

+moofushu some shops double as a mechanic/inspection station, and usually the GOOD ones have parts for most motorcycles, and they might even buy parts for you to pick up for your own maintenance.

[@thijskennis8757]

That's a great review! Thanks millions

[@Xxmeca421xX]

I just got an 86 for 1700. Dented tank but pretty solid otherwise

[@TheWiscoKid]

How tall are you? Your knees almost hit the bars! :)

[@TheWiscoKid]

haha! Had me thinking that thing was super tiny. Looking at one myself and started to think it was too small. At 5'10 i think it would be ok for a bike to ride for a little while.

[@TheWiscoKid]

Thanks for getting back to me so fast

[@caesardgreatest]

Where did you find those crash bars? Been searching for a set for the 450...

[@gonecoyote]

cool man. thanks for the review.

[@honda200twinstar3]

Looks like I'm not the only one who noticed that.

[@ToughReviewChannel]

Good review. Question: How tall are you? I'm about 6", am I too tall for this bike?

[@ToughReviewChannel]

Thank you!

[@jljones36420]

6 in. is really too short. You couldn't even reach the handlebars, not to mention the footpegs or ground. Seriously I'm 5'11" and it fits great.

[@chuckaaron2014]

IF you still ride, maybe a lil safe riding gear would be a great investment. #Ride safe

[@froobanator]

it is unfortunate they didnt make more of these, they are crazy rare here in the uk, it wasnt due to low sales though- it was because Harley Davidson filed a lawsuit against honda for how the CMX450 sounded. but instead of changing the exhaust sound to amend the lawsuit honda just went "meh" and stopped producing the 450 models in 87`

[@jljones36420]

That law suit business is an urban legend. Not true.

[@Goshujinsama01]

those flip flops

[@jackbandit2114]

I get it that like the Rebel is so small, not-intimidating, easy to ride. Sometimes it legitimately feels like a toy, it's easy to forget it's still a motorcycle, but come on man, put some fucking shoes on lol.

[@soulquesting]

do you think this would be appropriate for the freeway? I live in LA. speeds can get up to 80s especially during night time.

[@IAM-zb3jy]

You lost all credibility with the flip flops

[@CoreyBrass]

Just to be clear you're saying his opinion that the Honda 450 isn't valid anymore because of of his footwear? Yeah that seems rational.

[@honda200twinstar3]

Umm nice riding pants and foot ware Guy

[@chuckaaron2014]

Where did the sissy bar come from? I've completely restored my 87 Rebel Cmx450c.

[@choppergirl]

You know you can adjust the suspension softness or hardness by twisting the knob by putting a phillips head screw driver in the holes. Click click click up one harder each time until pop back down to softest.. it's a stepped ratchet mechanism, very simple. This is a great bike, it's only downfall is they only made them for 2 years. Why Honda, why?

[@choppergirl]

@@t3h8ar0n Dammit. And Toyota and Datsun lightbtrucks were the best. I have a CMX250 and CM450. I traded a vanlife stretch van with shower and kitchen for the CM450 thinking it was a CNX450. I was disappointed when I got it (fugly) but it turned out to be a pack horse. No regrets and like the powrr of 450 just right. Though its a heavy bike. I wanted an MG-TD but wasblike if you just want another spoked vehicle get another Honda. So it will be either another CMX250 or a CMX450. Theres no parts for it though but I guess tge same can be saud for the CM450 and I havent had to replace a thing on it yet but tires... But yeah you can wratchef up tge suspension pretty stiff. I watched the entire video and my impresdion was it was her bike in name only since you were putting 90% of the milage on it. I use mine to haul 2 weeks worth of groceries per trip with a big storage trunk mounted over the 450's passenger seat abd onto a rear mounted rack.

[@bronzesnake7004]

Dude you're riding in shorts and sandals? D'OH! Jack ~'()'~ Canada Manly!

[@bronzesnake7004]

@@t3h8ar0n Eeew didn't mean to hurt your feelings bro! LOL!@

[@Ishotbinladenbitch]

you wouldnt happen to be selling it now ??

[@pjcima8335]

top very good expl

[@ImTechniQue]

Would u say it's a good starter bike

[@Lex-lh3kv]

Does it take long to start in the morning in south California weather? I would love to own one and use it as a daily when I come down to LA so I can easily lane split through the crazy everyday traffic.

[@Lex-lh3kv]

Cool there is two for sell near me for $1800 thats like yours in the vid but it has a wind shield and $1500 for a black one with no passenger backrest and no wind shield. Love the black one but I would like to have a windshield and its also missing the battery cover which leaves the battery exposed right under my right thigh.

[@Lex-lh3kv]

And thanks for the heads up but for sure when I lane split I wont be going dangerously fast like most motorcyclist who lane splits at 50mph when traffic is moving at walking speed. Ive even seen police lane split fast too when traffic isn’t moving at all.

[@Lex-lh3kv]

How is the seat on the 450? In my msf course the 250 was very comfortable like a couch but the way it was shaped made me slide more towards the gas tank which made my lower back hurt after 2-4 hours of riding. And im sure adding a rider back rest will solve the problem easily

[@Lex-lh3kv]

tehBar0n alright thanks for answering all my questions I will most likely buy the red one but will always be thinking “what if” about the black one

[@hernangarciareynoso]

Nice review. Could you please tell me the length of the rear shocks? From eye to eye? Thanks man...

[@krystineware2821]

Dude, no fllipflops....

[@fabianfazzari2733]

I'm 6'1 I'm looking at one with 9k miles on it, first part and I to big for the big and two the guy is asking 1950 for it is that a decent price?

[@fabianfazzari2733]

+tehBar0n wow I realized how bad my spelling was in the comment I'm sorry about that. am I to big for the bike? I'm about 6'1 like I said a minute ago lol. again sorry for the horrible spelling.

[@NickTheStick12]

hi i'm considering to buy the honda ca125 i am 6'1 tall how would that be for me as a everyday ride oh and is there room for passengers? :)

[@NickTheStick12]

thanks for your reply i'm from Denmark and here you can only ride a 125 as 18 year old but thanks gotta find something els then :)

[@NickTheStick12]

i might stil test ride it :) but i seeka 125 that look's like a cruiser/chopper jesus sometimes EU law's sucks it's a pain in the A** to get a drivers licens and we can only ride bikes over 125 when we are over 22 years old wish I still lived in America, oh well time fly's anyways thanks again man!

[@silvergryphon21]

sandals and no gloves, lol

[@c.i.a.2858]

I'm in possession of a 1987 Honda 450 Rebel did you know Honda 450s were only produced for 2 years I did as it's been the first bike I've ever been around I know the ins-and-outs of a 450 Rebel my dad's first motorcycle after he had me as a kid it's now my motorcycle and I've actually got a few modifications on it one of them is a Bluetooth radio because sometimes you need to be listen to some tunes while you're riding the other is a throttle lock the motorcycle equivalent of a cruise control and I could tell you throttle locks are highly impractical I mean sure it's easy to turn on in the showroom but what about when you're going 60 miles an hour down the highway it's not that easy anymore and it to go along with the Bluetooth radio I got a dual headset attached the way it works is it I've got a wired to Bluetooth adapter underneath my travel trunk right I've also put a headphone jack Splitter on to it so I've got the headphones running along the feet and body to the backseat technically where the passenger sits and the front seat where I sit and I've also got Sidecar however the last time it was on there was 3 years ago so I've got a headphone set designed to go inside a helmet each with microphone so that me and the passenger can still talk it works similar to a flight headset on how we talk buy flight headset I mean stuff you'd find it a helicopter not an airplane unless it was a loud airplane then you'd probably find that in there so a headset for my helmets a throttle lock and a Bluetooth to wired adapter that I can attach to my phone meaning I can use Google Maps and listen to my playlist of music oh and one last thing that I forgot to mention I've also got a handlebar phone holder

[@c.i.a.2858]

Oh you said it was only in production for 2 years

[@KillianDeaton]

Damn bro, there is this new thing called punctuation, you should try it sometime

[@jthunte1070]

is it hard to find one?

[@leyasportsnl-ligaescolarya6126]

Max speed?

[@mikemike4418]

i would love to see your wife on it.Iam wanting to get my wife one and they the same size just want to see what she looks like on it.

[@samdaehyun9736]

No gears at all.... 👎😒