What it's like to own a Honda Rebel | Two-year review

A ride to the beach and my thoughts on the Rebel 500 after two years of love! Check out the full review and other Rebel videos on my channel 😘

[@brianneal4597]

ANDY!!! 🎉❤ Greetings from Kentucky! What a treat to come back from vacation and see a video from you after such a long time! I periodically rewatch your long trip and older videos just to hear that lovely voice and see that fantastic camera work - love to see that braid flying in the wind😂 So glad you’re posting again and looking forward to all you do! I’m buying a Rebel to get back into riding and you’re a big reason why! Thanks for all your content! - Brian

[@andymoto]

Thanks Brian! Such a lovely comment 🤗 I'm glad you like the videos 😃 I hope you find a good deal on a rebel 😎 Ride safe and thanks again from Australia!!

[@michaelboughton5158]

Great review Andy, and I can concur with my experience. I got my second hand 2019 rebel 500 2 years ago, and I just love it. I'm still getting to know it's little quirks, but it just grows on you. I too, have my suspension on the softest setting for riding comfort. I don't throw it around enough to warrant hard suspension. I just want to ride and enjoy it. All the best. 😄

[@andymoto]

Thanks Michael. 2019 rebels are the best bike! 😊 They're such a great bike. Keep enjoying the rides. 😎

[@PaulsMotoZen]

Just found your channel, and you are now part of the 650+ motovloggers I follow. Take care Andy, ride safe.

[@andymoto]

Yay! Thanks 😃 you ride safe too 😎

[@BigBert]

Nice work, great to see the bike has been reliable for you 😎🤙🏻 Looking forward to summer and much more riding

[@andymoto]

Hey Bert! Yes! More riding now the weather has started to improve 😃

[@Tilltillbill77]

Was down that way in June and rode the Bridgwater loop a least five times. Thanks for the reminder and the great review.

[@andymoto]

Thanks Bill! It's so beautiful down there 😍

[@brunothepug8807]

I learned to ride in the 1970's and was taught to always use the kill switch. I've owned 16 bikes over 63 years and never had one fail. The reason is for muscle memory. When you drop a bike or go down your adrenaline kicks in as well as being pissed off. It's super important to get the turned off ASAP to prevent destroying the engine. Modern fuel injected bikes will keep running unlike an old carbed bike. I have many crash vide channels and seen over and over how the rider go after the key when the bright red kill switch is right in front of them. On cruisers, many keys are down low just to the rear of the saddle. If the bike is down on its left side good luck getting at it but that is what riders do from muscle memory. Somehow you got a bad one on a Honda that is very rare. Don't be afraid to use it. You are also self testing it for when, hopefully never, you need it. Keep up the riding and soon you will shift almost automatically.

[@andymoto]

Yes thankyou! ☺️ The rebel key is not easy to reach like the kill switch, but since posting the video I've had a few say they've had issues with it - which makes me nervous to use it. I've trained myself to use it in an emergency though. Thanks 😊

[@coryward7891]

I’ve had the same kill switch issue with my 2019 rebel. It’s the only issue I’ve had. It’s been a great bike to me. I reckon I’ll still hold on to it for another 2 yrs yet.

[@andymoto]

Hi Cory!😊 Hmm, that's interesting. I think there is definitely some room for improvement there, Honda! Glad you're otherwise enjoying the rebel. 🥰

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

It occurred to me, maybe don't use the kill switch and turn it off with the key. Some Vespas are notorious for having semi defective older switches, and service tech wiill tell one to use the key to turn it on and off, and not the switch. Or else the switch will go out, and you won't be able to turn it on. I was wondering, did you cycle the switch or just look that it was in the appropriate position? Because it's possible, the switch may not had full movement. Honda switches are notoriously reliable, and Vespa switches are not. Anyways, I hope you're having fun safe out there, and free from defective switches. Greetings from Irvine California. 🤠

[@andymoto]

Greetings from Australia!🦘 Yes thanks! I agree, I don't usually use it, but definently won't be from now on. Usually Honda are super reliable, but I've heard of this happening to a few Rebels, so a little disappointed this time. Thankyou! 😊

[@coryward7891]

@@heritagehillsecurity8778 definitely after some minor issues with the kill switch it was just easier using the ignition instead of using the kill switch

[@trailguy]

Very nice as usual. Good luck with the new job! I suppose it’s getting warmer right now. I hope to see more soon!

[@andymoto]

Thanks Mason 🙂 The new job has kept me really busy but yes the weather is getting better for riding yay! so I plan to do a few more videos soon! 😎

[@davidakroyd1609]

Hi Andy, Great review and all your other videos. I watched all your rides with the Rebel before l bought mine. I have a 2021 and she is great to ride. I will be doing the Great Ocean Rd this summer. 🙂

[@andymoto]

Hi David 😀Thanks! You and the Rebel will love the Great Ocean Road, see if you can go when it's not as busy but if you can't then at least more people will get to look at your Rebel! 😍

[@ardongkongsinjarernchai7044]

I wish I could see the view like this while I'm riding. Btw just came back from Toronto was very fun trip.

[@andymoto]

It was a great ride 😍 I've seen some beautiful scenery over there in Canada too so I bet that was fun! Ride safe 😎

[@trailguy]

Wow I just searched “Andy moto” yesterday because I haven’t seen you around. I’ll comment again after the vid, lol.

[@andymoto]

🤣😂🤣 it's good to be back haha

[@jackiewenden7657]

Yes great bikes. Mine is a little mule. It’s quite happy to lug camping stuff around. Only thing I don’t like is the small tank- poor range.

[@andymoto]

Yes, so awesome! The bike gets great economy but the tank is very small. It'd be great if they used the 1100 tank on the 500s too 😎

[@cameronallan3771]

Great video I'm looking at getting a honda rebel in the new few months as a first bike and with my short little legs lol looks like it will be fine going to my local dealer tmw. I'm also a new subscriber thanks to your long trip video good to see some video out of Australia

[@andymoto]

Thank you and welcome! 🤗 Yes, the rebel is great for shorter riders and such a cool bike 😀 ride safe

[@cameronallan3771]

@@andymoto well be putting a deposit down for a 23 rebel 500 se very shortly

[@andymoto]

How exciting! 😊

[@deb3710]

I enjoyed the video and the seals! Have fun and be safe!

[@andymoto]

Hi Deb! Glad you liked it. :-)

[@hachewie]

That helmet Gimbal is pretty funky.

[@andymoto]

Yes it is! haha 😀 it's a bit too big for my liking but gets the shot!

[@antimatterhorn]

this is why i don't use the kill switch. they are prone to faults on most bikes, and since they're on the exact same circuit as the kickstand and key as far as shutting off the engine, i just use the key every time. also, the not shifting into first may be because your clutch cable has stretched out and you don't have enough free-play in your clutch lever.

[@andymoto]

Agreed! just use the key seeing it's getting switched off anyway and that's what I've mostly been doing so it's a bit disappointing. And I'm a bit worried the kill switch will stuff up again and the bike will stop when I'm riding 😬 That's a good idea about the clutch thanks (although I'm pretty sure it's just me lol)

[@NeverClever84]

Operator error. Great video.

[@andymoto]

Haha, yeah sometimes. 😂 I'm slowly getting better and the rebel is very forgiving. ☺️

[@AaronMetallion]

I've had mine for 3 years. The newer led headlight, and circle dash was a really nice improvement. My complaints: 1) the stock seat is just awful, I had to upgrade to a mustang tripper seat. 2) it does feel less premium, and more pastic-y than some bikes at this price range. 3) if you're 6 feet like me, you're going to be riding with bent knees, and that's going to hurt for long rides. I've literally gotten leg cramps mid ride. Honda has no stock support for forward / adjustable controls, you'll have to buy a forward control kit, which changes it to a true mid position for my legs. There's a lot I love about the bike, especially the blue Jean color I got. Though I crave a bigger bike like an Indian scout sixty, the rebel is reliable, looks sexy / mean, and is very light bike for the price tag and I see myself using it for a long time. I've also heard some riders say not to use the kill switch to turn off the bike, since switches can eventually wear, and it may not work when it matters. Since then I've only used the kickstand or the keys to turn off the bike, while only occationally testing the killswitch.

[@andymoto]

Hello! Thanks for the comment 😀 Most the time I only use the key to turn it off so it was a bit disappointing, but it has been fine since. I also really like the Indian Scout Bobber, but I'm worried it will be too heavy. People tell me to upgrade to the 1100. I'm only 5"1' so I don't have any leg cramp issues 😂. I agree the stock seat is not great, that will be an upgrade for me. Happy rebel riding! 😁

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

Good times! Thank you.

[@andymoto]

Yes! Thank you 🤗

[@tomwilliams288]

Very nice video ❤😊❤ thank you for sharing this ❤️ 😊❤

[@andymoto]

Thanks Tom! 😃 Glad you liked it. I'm hoping to have more soon!

[@akul209]

Hello 👋 do you think the non-abs option is good for a beginner? Or should I wait on the ABS model?

[@andymoto]

Hello! 😀 Go with the ABS if you can because there are fewer accidents on bikes with ABS so it is a good safety feature particularly for newbies. I did however learn to ride on a Grom without ABS and my little Z125 pro doesn't have ABS either. Fortnine made a video about ABS recently 😎

[@bellabuz_z]

Nice video Andy!

[@andymoto]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 🥰

[@SevenandRebel]

beautiful ride and review!! thk

[@andymoto]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was such a beautiful ride!🥰

[@jlrutube1312]

Cool video. Thanks for the info.

[@andymoto]

Thank you 😀 You're welcome!

[@ragadrop]

nice video!, is the camera gimbal not to heavy?

[@andymoto]

Thanks! It is pretty heavy and you need somewhere comfortable to put the handle thingy. The other thing I don't necessarily like is that it can obscure my view when I'm doing head checks if it's mounted too far forward. But once it's all set up it isn't too bad 😀

[@ragadrop]

@@andymoto have you considered swap it for one of the mini insta360 ones? (the white mini mini) I worry you might hurt your neck!

[@andymoto]

I did have a look at those and they look great, just not in the budget right now, lol. :-)

[@Briansgate]

What jacket are you wearing in this vid?

[@andymoto]

Hey, it's the Dainese Veloster Ladies leather jacket. I have a pink one too, but it doesn't have a winter lining, or back protector spot this one does. 😊

[@Briansgate]

@@andymoto Cool, thanks!

[@Pint-v8e]

Do it have a fuel gauge?

[@andymoto]

Yes it does 😎 it's a bar gauge

[@demetriush7204]

Where is that, its beautiful, no cars, incredible

[@andymoto]

Hello! 😊 It is near Cape Bridgewater, past the Great Ocean Road. It's beautiful 😍

[@demetriush7204]

@@andymoto you're incredibly lucky to live there, we should swap🤩

[@andymoto]

Victoria is so lovely, but I've seen beautiful riding places all over the world.😃 I would love to do more exploring!

[@Gooseded]

WHERE TF ARE YOU!!!! ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[@andymoto]

Hello! It is isn't it! 😊 It's The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

[@Gooseded]

@@andymoto 😭 im in the USA 😭

[@andymoto]

Awh 😭 I've seen amazing spots over there. 😍 Sorry, it's actually a bit further along the coast at a place called Cape Bridgewater. 😊

[@lostinspace013]

Buy 1100. It will blow your mind...So much better.

[@andymoto]

Haha don't tempt me! Although I also like the Indian Scout bobber 😍 so I'm not sure which one I would choose

[@lostinspace013]

@@andymoto Indian Scout is of course really great bike, but also much more expensive. And ... well... you pay here mainly for the company name, which in the States is something, but if you are out of USA.. not so much. I have comparisson between 500 and 1100 Rebel and I got to say - huge difference here. 1100 is so much more powerfull and modern, with all the cool add ons like 3 riding maps, entire new display with lots of options, really fast (faster then Scout).

[@andymoto]

All good points 🤔 I need to test ride both! ☺️ I think it would be cool to try some different bikes. I think the Indian would have a bit more street credit even over here, but it's hard to argue agaisnt the 1100.

[@ss_whole]

No way I'm going 7500 miles between oil changes, more like half that.

[@andymoto]

Yes! That's exactly what I'm doing too😀 Oil every 6,000kms which is is about 3700miles 😎