Honda Rebel

Overview

One of the oldest nameplates in the middleweight cruiser category across the world, Honda chose to take a different path with the Rebel brand. The Rebel, in the Malaysian market, is available in its bigger avatar, i.e., the 500cc version. With a perfect balance between modern styling ethos and retro design cues, the Rebel hits the sweet spot for urban riders.

Exterior

Going by the stance, the Honda Rebel has got the typical cruiser styling ethos. Design elements like a high set handlebar, forward set footpegs, and low seat height give it the laid-back stance essential of a traditional cruiser.

At the front, the Honda Rebel has got a typical round headlamp with silver surrounds to give it a premium look. The high set fuel tank has got a distinctive sloping and slim design for the fuel tank, which in combination give it an athletic stance. Beneath the partially exposed tubular frame sits the vertically positioned engine, which adds some muscular appeal to the motorcycle. The engine, as well as wheels, has got a black finish, which makes the bike look bigger than what it is. The single seat of the Rebel has been positioned too low, with the footpegs set a bit forward. The multi-spoke alloy wheels at both the ends look quite smart on the Rebel.  

At the rear, the Honda Rebel has got a minimalist tail lamp with amber turn indicators to give it an old-school appeal to the overall design when viewed from the back. The simply styled stubby exhaust pipe comes with a silver finish at the end, adding some premium finish to the side profile. The round instrument console on the Rebel has got a rectangular fully digital display for the speedometer, fuel gauge, clock and odometer, which though is a modern touch, is too simple to look at. As expected from a premium Honda motorcycle, the fit and finish, builds quality, and switchgear is of top-notch quality. The round rear view mirrors are finished in black as well, to give it a cooler appeal.

Ride & Handling

Being a middleweight cruiser, comfort has been kept at the priority. The motorcycle comes with 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, which are set on a rather softer side to impart a supple and comfortable ride quality. Braking duties are being taken care of by a single 296 mm disc brake at the front and a 240 mm disc brake at the rear, which are assisted by the presence of ABS at both the ends. In a rather different move, the Rebel 500 comes with 16-inch wheels at both sides, which give it a more rigid agility than the conventional cruisers around.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

At the heart of the Honda Rebel sits a four-stroke, single cylinder, fuel injected, liquid cooled, 471 cc engine. While Honda hasn’t officially announced the power and torque figures of the Rebel, the motorcycle is expected to produce output in the range of 38-42 PS and a maximum torque within 45-50 Nm. The engine, like all Honda powertrains, is butter smooth, while at the same time has got a solid rumble characteristic of a traditional cruiser.

Braking & Safety

Save for ABS and disc brake setup, there is nothing much to talk about on the safety aspect for the Rebel.

Verdict

The Honda Rebel is a perfect upgrade option for those who want to step up their game from an entry level quarter litre motorcycle to a bigger bike with an enhanced visual appeal as well as better performance. Sure, the motorcycle could have done with more power, as it e falls short in performance part as compared to its rivals. But the Rebel has got all the visual drama required for a motorcycle in the middleweight category. The overall design as well as riding dynamics gives it the much required big bike appeal. And at the price at which it is offered, makes for a  value-for-money case.