Chooch Rides - Episode 3 - 2017 Honda Rebel 500
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- MERCH IS NOW AVAILABLE!
motochooch.threadless.com
First ride review of the 2017 Honda Rebel 500. The Chooch tries to answer if this will be a good starter or beginner bike, or if Honda missed the mark. Can this be a better alternative to the Harley Street Rod? Watch to find out!
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I'm seriously considering one as my first bike, I've seen reviews where many veteran riders hate it because it's too slow, suspension is too soft and they don't like the low seat.......well as a 5'9" 190lb guy I like the idea of being able to plant my feet if I have to, I can always upgrade the suspension and I'm not looking to become a record breaker in the speed department, I just want to enjoy the feeling of being on a bike and learn the ropes. Thanks so much for this review, once i finish my course I'm going to go and feel one out for myself
Zap Actionsdower I say you owe it to yourself to give it a once over. There is a fairly large weight difference between us so the suspension might suit you much better. I wouldn’t be so fast to spend extra money upgrading because I can see this as a first bike only sticking around for maybe a year before you feel comfortable enough to want something with a little more to offer in a few different departments. Still think this would be an excellent first bike choice. Good luck and keep the shiny side up!
Zap, I bought on of these last year for my first bike. Love it and highly recommend it!
I ended up buying one a few days after posting this comment lol and yeah I'm loving it, it does get a little pingy on the legs and butt at 75 (lots of inclines here so lower gear) but in the city it's a dream and so far it's saved me a TON of money compared to my car
Iืn this review I'm not sure that the level of rear suspension was adjusted different from factory setting. Normally it was set to level 2. try to adjust to 4 or 5 up to your weight.
A kid could make the suspension bottom out . Seriously road test before buying. Am not impressed at all with it .
I have watched several reviews of this bike now. In all of them it makes the riders laugh with surprise and pleasure - never found that with any other bike reviews so far. In the black or grey livery the Rebel looks like it rode straight out of a 'Mad Max' movie. Will definitely be getting one as I can see there's more to be gained from 'sing than bling' . It seems that it's scot-free optional extra is a big grin. EVERYONE seems to sing the praises of this quirky chunk of iron!
took my driving test on one of these, i did the box by simply letting out of the clutch, no need for gas or anything it idles at a smooth 6 miles an hour and is amazingly stable.
I just bought the 2021 500S with ABS as my first bike and I'm eagerly waiting for the dealership to deliver it. I've ridden plenty of mopeds and dirtbikes and decided to get something to commute with instead of my car during the summer time (in Denmark) and it's been a dream of mine to get a motorcycle for many years :D
What are your thoughts on it after riding it for one year?
@@seanbrah93 agreed
Best bike for beginner riders and best bike for experienced riders that have extra room on their garage for a nice looking reliable bike to run errands and the occasional 400 miles trip to the outback, love it😎
So the dealers around me do not allow test drives (understandable). could you tell me if for a short (5ft6) heavy (180 lbs) guy, would this be a good bike for highway driving like 100 mile trips at 65 mph? everyone at the dealer is really pushing me this bike but i have an older '75 cb400f and it does not like freeway driving at all. Asking a lot of people for their opinion on it.
Mark _ hi mate, Honda products are if I might say the friendliest bike in the market, my first Honda was a knightshadow 250cc, and that bike was smooth as butter, then I had a cbr600, and finally moved to a cbr1000, every bike has been a pleasure to ride, I am considering to buy that rebel 500, now if u feel the same way there are two things u might want to consider ... since it is a naked bike u will benefit having a windscreen, and one more thing I would add is a steering damper, that little simple device has saved me more times I can count from being in trouble, one more thing I can add is dont rush to buy anything, get the bike u like and u feel more comfortable with, it is true many dealers wont let u test ride bikes, but with Honda honestly u cant go wrong, as I say those bikes are built in a way that fit any riding style, and they are very tempered bikes as well, I have ride kawasaki, and those bikes are way to snatchy for my taste, Suzuki is ok, not a big fan of that brand, Yamaha makes good bikes as well, I would say Honda first, then Yamaha, kawasaki, Suzuki... any ways no matter what bike u ride, u should always be aware of distracted or aggressive car drivers out there, just be safe regardless of what bike u decide to get, if u can check cycle trader, u might find a very good deal on a new rebel 500 or any other bike u like, anyways good luck on your bike shopping, and remember always wear protective gear all the time
@@m_6866 Hi Mark, I am about your size if not smaller. I have a chance to have a test ride here in Sydney with a Honda Rebel. Have to say it can handle highway speed and city ride very easy. Don't hesitate to buy a Honda product. Hope it's not to late to answer your question. Cheers mate
@@m_6866 I have seen 4'11 women ride it, to 6'0 tall men riding it, all of them love it.
your riding gear is very sensible. it will keep you visible in bad weather and at night. i do really like it for myself.
I'm planning on starting out with the 500 because I've seen mostly positive reviews, its been highly recommended for noobies and im gonna become a tech for Honda soon so its a golden opportunity.
I don't think you can go wrong with it.
My second motorcycle was a cb450 Honda. Hondas biggest bike at the time. I owned two over time. Glade to see the great grandchild of the CB450 Hondas still going strong. The new generation of middle weight twin cylinder Hondas are priced right and still a great bike. If a CB450 fell on its left side the shift lever would go right thru the aluminum side plate of the engine. Opps.
Awesome review, really appreciate honest coverage of all pluses and minuses. Frankly speaking, "fun to ride" doesn't always mean it will be same fun for everyday commuting :)
I love how everyone says it's for new riders, and it is for sure, super easy and fun to ride, but it also has no tach, doesn't tell you which way your blinker is going, nothing to keep track of your gear, definitely some beginner unfriendly qualities. The bike looks great and is a blast to ride. Slow? How fast can you really go on a cruiser, sitting upwards, no wind shield, wind hits you like a wall, I dunno.
The high beam man 😂 All time in the test is on 😁
SON OF A! I'm so used to keeping my high on because it activates my modulators :(
Back when I got my cycle endorsement, all the bike manuals told you to ride with it on during the day, helps people to see you. Unless they changed that law, but I got my endoresment in 1997
For a stock bike, that exhaust actually sounds nice from the factory when you were getting on it. I currently have a 2009 Rebel 250, which I spent the last two years on and put a few thousand miles on it cruising around Pike and Wayne counties in PA, going in NY from Narrowsburg to Port Jervis (Rt 97 Hawks Nest), and around Sussex County NJ. So, I have put some good use on the Rebel 250. Cost is a major factor. I like that new Rebel 500 though.
The bike is perfect for me, I'm 5'10 and weight 195 pounds. Never bouncy at all! I guess after a certain height and weight it'll be noticable.
Great review of the bike! You basically said everything good and bad that it has. For me ( new rider ) it seems like something I could be on for about a good year maybe a little more.
Thailand custom parts can make this thing look incredible. Shame thats on the other side of the planet for me :(
steve L i know :(
Hashtag eBay
I'm 5'3" and can flat foot it. I'm currently riding a 650 adventure touring, and when I'm done with it, this bike is definitely on my list. Been riding for 40 years. The beginner label this bike has doesn't bother me a bit.
Just got a 2019 3 days ago. I’m small so the suspension is fine for me🙂. 🥰 love this bike
If Honda made a Rebel 800 and 1000 They would rule bobber class cruisers. Honda should step up and push the Rebel into intermediate class cruisers. Bobber class as it were. I hope they do. Please know, I will buy a Rebel 500. BUT. i would love to see a 750 850 or 1000. I think that they would take over. Just my opinion.
there is a rumor that Honda will release a Rebel 1000 using the same engine as the Africa Twin
phúc nguyễn .....Really? Wow. I have to look into that. What is that a 998 parallel twin? Thats exactly what I mean. If they do that. That would place them smack in the middle of the bobber class. If they can keep that price point within reach, ( Im thinking maybe 8800 to 9300) Look out. I hope you're right about this friend. If you are, that would be very significant.
yes
that 998cc parallel twin with 270 degree crank shaft is so damn good
but that is a rumor
i read that on a local magazine
no confirmation :D
phúc nguyễn .....Understood friend. That is the nature of rumors. You just can't know how legit they are. But even if its just folly, maybe it's an Idea worthy of development. I do hope they are at least exploring the idea. Because I think they should. They IMO took the Rebel and made a platform worthy of attention. I love the cosmetic and aesthetic look of that motercycle. If they can cost effectively take it high end, I do hope they do it. Some of us would just love to see it.
I think they will need a different frame to handle that power, but I really would like a bigger engine, my nighthawk 750 hasn't been running well.
I actually love that it's not too loud
I can tell you that having a tach for new riders can really screw with them. I remember learning to drive a standard by listening to the engine. The bikes and cages/cars will tell you when they are ready to shift. Forcing the transmission to shift before or after it wants to can mess with it.
I dig the bike. Not so much a fan of RPM. Every time I've been, they've left a bad taste in my mouth. If you're in the market for a Honda, there are 5 other area Honda dealers that will cut a better deal in my opinion. But your review is enthusiastic and encouraging to anyone considering the new Rebel. I know I am.
Am I the only one who noticed the handicapped parking.
Just strikes me funny for some reason.
Best review of this bike ever!
Thank you so much!!!
Totally agree with you re the analog gauge. Seems Honda went out of their way to make a cheap, ugly cluster. The rest of the bike shines.
Loved this review .....it's definitely swaying me to go with the 500 when I upgrade from my 250 in the spring :)
Dawn W - dansarani definitely go ride one for yourself and let us know what you think!
Best review ever...
Alex thanks boss!!!
the bolt is alot better then the rebel i had a rebel 500 then got the bolt r spec and i love it. its more beefy lookin i turned it into a bobber custom. cant ride street bikes coz my back but cruisers are great . my wife got a bolt as well she loves it
I had a 1979 Honda Custom CX 500... V twin, water cooled, shaft drive. Best bike of the 10 I have owned over the years. I trust Honda but why not give us something smaller than a shadow with a shaft drive. I HATE chains so I'm not getting this. No tachometer either. Great review and Thankyou.👍
Just bought one today..very nice bike.
How's the suspension?? Are you bouncing all over the road?
@@Jester93ish I am not bouncing all over, I weigh about 165lbs and don't feel much of anything even going over tracks and such..pretty comfortable and smooth for me.
@@Jester93ish my biggest problem with it is I don't like the blinkers and the mirrors..but that's just me.
@@joshwebber98 okay that's not too bad. I'm looking into getting a bike soon and this helps.
@@Jester93ish well this one is highly recommended from me especially if your a beginner..the CBR 500 is also the same price which is also a nice bike if your more into speed..just make sure to test drive a few before pulling the trigger bud.
First time seeing one of your reviews. Great video... the gorilla on a tricycle comment was priceless.
Why are all bike reviewers tall? I need someone that's newish and small to test ride this bike.
You're not gonna find anything easier to ride for a new and small rider.
Me being 5'2" / 140lb I can't ride most of the bikes on the road. I was looking at the Rebel but at round same price point I bought the Harley street 500. No brainier Harley has the COOL factor. Plus you can't ware any HD shirt / Leather Jacket, ect without someone asking "what Harley do you own?". - Me being of short stature I never dreamed I'd own a Harley. I sit flat footed on my bike.
You bought a harley so you can wear harley shirts? You're right bro, that is the COOL factor. No disrespect to your bike though.
I'm 5'10" and about 155 lbs. First timer looking for a bike. I love the look of the Rebel and feel confident with the low seat.
I am 5'6 with shorter legs. Both feet planted no problem.
sounds like fun and they need to make it one size bigger so us fat boys can enjoy it as much as you just did !
I love the look of this bike but I have a bit of a need for speed and want a 1300 version or so.
That hi vis is impressively and almost scarily hi vis!
Mine just came in. I'll probably have it in a couple days. I only weight 170 so maybe the suspension will be ok. I've read a lot of reviews on this bike and have yet to hear a bad one. They are pretty spunky from what I 've read.
It’s too bad they went out of business. I’ve seen you many times on the roads. It’s hard to miss you lol .
Great job. I loved your video. Loved your excitement. You've just about sold me on the Honda Rebel 500. Only one question. How does it ride long distance on Freeway/Interstate?
great video MotoChooch, Never ridden before, but I am looking at using a Rebel 300 for my starter bike. I did get a kick out of the fact where you were riding.. in Farmers Branch. I used to work over there
Trust me just get the 500, I'm 2 years out on the 500 and sooo glad I went with the 500!
@@haileycaduto542 yeah, I am sure the little extra power goes a long way. I just have to save up a bit more for it. LOL
That was a very thorough review. Really enjoyed it. Thanks
Thank you!
I actually ended up getting the 2017 Rebel 300 used. Cool little bike.
Great review! I love your enthusiasm. This will be my next bike! :-)
GDUB awesome! Enjoy it and be safe!
MotoChooch - love the matching Hi-Vis gear. Who makes that? I am replacing my gear this year....
Olympia Airglide 5 Jacket and Airglide 4 pants.
nice input from from a seasonal rider as I am looking at this one plus the Indian bubber
I think the bike is designed for smaller people rather than that 255. And the shock might be the old style in the rear where they turn to make stiffer and maybe a little taller. Basically well done on the review though.
It doesn't seem that much like a toy! Years ago it wouldn't of been considered that small of bike.
How much handlebar vibration / buzz? I ride on the highway a lot.
Paul C not much at all. I’m very sensitive to those things too. Worth a test ride!
Thanks MotoChooch! I'm very sensitive to vibration from years of motorcycle riding and almost every review skips right over handlebar vibration; then I read on forums of new owners complaining about it and the usual suggestions - bar end weights, etc. I'm glad to know this bike isn't a shaker / buzz box. I'm in between this and the Honda CTX700.
Paul C personally I’d take the CTX700. I LOVED the nc700x dct. Same premise.
the colours are amazing
Thanks for music at the beginning. Watching video 11pm- all my family woke up }:/
A braided line and HH pads on the front will fix the brakes for very little money.
Stock Exhaust sounds weak. I would immediately change to the new muffler after i get this bike
@Bunnyshooter 223 that's what I meant. sorry
IWOOD BE WHEELING THE SHIT OUT OF THAT BIKE LOL
Hey bro I dont think I can see you, you might need more yellow gear
i love small bikes. i only wished there was a 500cc motor in my Rebel 250 instead, i always to say to folks. looks like they finally did it, but they didn't keep the old school styling. Honda, if you are listening, please please put a 500cc motor into a tiny Rebel250 classically styled bike. that would be perfect. for now i guess the CB1100 comes closest. or some Harleys too.
“A bike like my tire” 🤗
Im practicing on this bike for the msf course. Its a fun bike
My fiancé wants one so bad.
Wow. The MSF course definitely upgraded lol
I've never heard of twin front disc brakes. that should definitely be a thing
love love love... then it doesnt show RPM's... almost makes me not want to snag one after thinking i love it so much.
Uncomfortable seat, bouncy castles suspension , but the crankshaft case digging into my right ankle was the ultimate deal breaker. Such a shame they were brain dead in the R and D and road testing dept.
Great review!
Hey Chooch - on the fence: rebel 500 or vulcan s for a first bike? LOVE the peg position on the rebel 500, and the bike just feels great, perfect for me. Vulcan S is a bit forward for me, but also feels great and has more going for it in terms of power (not too much), gear indicator, tach, etc. Thoughts?
2020 rebel fixes all the existing issue already. Vulcan S is a bit too much for me.
Joey Ramone was neat.
lol. all the reviewers i watched that rode this bike always honks the horn when they indicate. It's Hilarious. Honda is like, you want to indicate? You honk horn, then indicate. We're saving lives.
re : Turn signals. I guess Honda went old skool on them. I'm old skool. I remember which way I'm supposed to turn without having to have a LED remind me.
Yeah, it was kind of a joke :)
I like your trousers, sorry, pants! What brand are they?
Traz pra Brasil, Brasil, Bradil ok
Thanks
Which one would you choose rebel 500 or Vulcan s?
Tough choice there hey. I have the exact same bias right now. It has been a month and I still can not decide. Let me know what's your final decision.
@@diahinhleodoc I went for the Vulcan, after riding it, i really love it, i plan to get it to the highway and I think overall the Vulcan is a better ride. However.. The rebel has the looks.... Anyway I am really happy with the vulcan
Ive been thinking about one of these as my first bike, problem is, im 5'8" and on the heavier side. This bike seems like a good bike, but having to change the suspension kinda worries me a bit cause of cost and everything. Should I go for it, or should I look at another bike.
Check out the Kawasaki Vulcan S. Ergo fit system means you can tailor it to you.
What do you need a tack for? Can you not tell?
How about passenger seat and back rest? And top speed?
I am a new rider 510 190 pounds. Was considering this as my first bike versus a 2006 Harley sportster 883 low. Any thoughts?
This over any Harley. Personal opinion.
MotoChooch I am 5' 2 135 lbs. I am having hard time choosing first bike. I am thinking about the rebel 500 and the ninja 400. I sat on both bikes, the rebel 500 feels my size, very comfortable. The ninja I feel is a bit taller and bigger for me (If lowered 1 1/2 I will be able to flat foot it. I really cant decide with which one I should go with. Please advice.
Svetlozar Kachev both are excellent choices for a first bike but you did say you felt very comfortable on the Rebel so I would say go with that one. You won’t have to modify it to fit you better like you would the Ninja. Having said that if you could test ride both to get a better idea that would be ideal. Go with what feels best to you.
What's the bike in the background(red cruiser?)
Great beginner bike!!!!
Nice review man, but why are you riding around with full beam on? This is a great way to piss off other road users.
What is the ground clearance? Of the bike
Whole ride with the blue light on> Not cool.
Would I fit? I'm 6'0 about 150
How do you downshift with it?
Im 6ft2 and 220lb is this an ok bike for me? Looks awesome
I think you'd enjoy it. Only one way to find out?
I'm looking at getting one but I'm 5'7 it will be my first bike how cramped do you think I would be
*Cramped.*
it`s a little bit expansive for its features !!
kapan meluncur di indonesia
I want to see a guy Chooch's size ride a 2016 Honda Rebel.
uh yea, tips for being more consistent: same road conditions, review controls (throttle, brakes, clutch), maneuverability at different speeds as you do... but wind protection.. seat comfort, quality perception? and most importantly comparing every bike you ride in all the criteria you gathered like some of the above so maybe have a checklist? i had better feedback last time around to be honest but have a memory problem and can't as easily think something and remember long enough to put in writing. can you please do a ducati scrambler sixty2 after this, would be fun to see the parallels from something slightly less cc from a different brand and different style of bike. finally there's two reviewers that are i think above average like you so you can get a better idea the kind of information we expect in your reviews, car reviewer Alex on autos and bike reviewer cagerontwowheels, thanks!
I think the route I took these past few times is pretty good for consistency. Working on that. Unfortunately my brands are limited right now to what RPM Cycle provides so Ducati won't be on the list quite yet. If this grows and Ducati down in Dallas wants me to review their machines then maybe, but after my impressions of the Multi's I don't see that happening. I didn't mention wind protection since there was no screen on this bike, there really isn't any protection. Seat was mentioned. Definitely not trying to be like any other reviewer, my impressions are supposed to be from someone who isn't a professional like the reviewers you mentioned. I find riding a new bike and being naive about it helps me experience it in a more pure form. That might change some day though and I'll need to adapt. I appreciate the suggestions though thank you!
MotoChooch i think every bike has different wind protection even if slightly, that's what i mean by the information we expect from above average reviewers like you, need to notice that kind of stuff and its not like you never done comparisons.. if you didn't you would never have went for your 800 in particularly. cagerontwowheels is not professional and even tho ur very new to the reviewing game ur my favourite after cagerontwowheels and i consider myself a seasoned review watcher! i can watch 20 reviews everyday and must have watched like 500+ for cars and bikes, so trust me ur up there. i liked your early reviews better, it's when ur comparing different bikes but also how you describe how a bike handles so you can learn from cagerontwowheels, highly recommended. a question.. how is the seat compared to other bikes so far? any that stand out to you?
Thank you! I really appreciate the compliment and the insight. I will try to be a little more consistent with my evaluations. The seat on this one wasn't as comfortable as the others I've ridden. A little on the hard side. I'd look into an upgrade for sure. Very subjective though, just like my NVH impressions. I think as I go I'll have more bikes in the classes to compare to each other. That should help tremendously.
MotoChooch sounds good! yea and for sure try to get a ducati sixty2 for review, personally considering that and i want to know what you have to say about it eventually. i don't remember what you had to say about the multi's that they wouldn't wna give you a sixty2 to redeem themselves... man you barely got on the map and already a shit talker tht ducati is watching out for you? lol j/k and you're welcome for the feedback, looking forward to more Chooch Rides.
Torn between this and vulcan s 650 . Any recommendations for a new rider (6'2 ft, 16st)
Vulcan imo
I'm in same situation
6 speed trans ? No freeway miles?
It can handle freeways by cruising at 70-80 mph easily
Well personally, I think your review was very good mate, never worry about getting your horn and indicators mixed up a few times, obviously, they are after all, different to where they are on your own Bike so pretty sure you'll not be the last person to do that a few times until they get used to it lol. You certainly seemed to like the Rebel and it gets a thumbs up from me mate, Although I don't intend to purchase another new bike untill the middle of next year, The Rebel seems to be ticking all the Boxes , Just hope it handles as good on our Rain soaked (Almost Every Day) roads over here in "Bonnie Scotland". .........Jimbo.
Jimbo. D. Thank you! I think you would enjoy it if it's in the class of what you're looking for.
i hate rebel speedometer digital not good read, lot better have old gauge style, and need be gear indicator display genuine too, and strongest rear suspensions. too soft now.bike have best little trip and city and cruise.biggest fail have uncomfort seat and metal curve back seat need cut out.
From afar it probably looked like a guy just hand gesturing at a motorcycle.
If you are 4ft 11ins this is a great bike you look cool any taller and it looks like you're riding a moped and very embarrassing .. lol
thanks Dave. I am exactly 4'11 and don't want to look silly lol
There are lots of reviews concerning the technical specs. So your enthusiasm is very telling and informative. But if you would talk in a more focused and calm way you could better get through to people who are not native English speakers. Nice review...
Even as an native English speaker he over does it, still I enjoyed the video.
I don't get it, why is this bike so expensive? The Ninja 400 is waaaaayyyyy better bike, it has a lot more to offer and its lighter, faster, with more tech. Better in every aspect, still it's way cheaper than this one, I just don't get it. Why is this bike so expensive?
Because it is geared toward a certain niche. Honda went out on a limb with this bike, but they still had to make some kind of profit whether it failed or not. Ninja's are kind of a basic bike and everyone knows about them so they can afford to drop the price on those because a bigger pool of people are likely to buy them, especially as beginner bikes.
Por que siempre terminan nombrando Harley Davidson ,;).
interesting bike but i looking many many rewiev and all say same, suspension need change harden front and back, seat need change biggest and fat, frame need change biggest big 2meter tall driver, footh not have comfortable long men, many problem but interesting good city bike and short trip.under 3500€ this is good option first bike rider. but ower 5000 too expensive, no thanks.
i would never buy the ugly thing, i wish they kept the cruiser look, I will get the Suzuki S40 over this
Besides Honda Motor .the bike sucks . Saddle is horrible. Front suspension bottoms out everytime .transmission sticks out on the right side ,need to position yr leg awkward wich creates pain in leg . Very sloppy front brake . If you get on them to hard it locks up and activates abs . The list goes on . Not worth the 7 grand . I'd spend little more money and buy a sportster. Just my opinion
You weigh 250 + and 6+ You are way too big for this bike , this is not a good review for the average Joe !
Good 👍🏼🌷🌹
hey yoooo,.. it is not a TWIN engine,... mistake,..haha
It's a single child....
u need to show the bike not the roads of america!!!!!!