Great learner bike when i've ridden it, honestly fantastic starter bike, wide front tyre (matches rear) makes the turn in in corners feel extremely smooth, weight is low to the ground so it feels planted, good for shorter riders as well cause it's a cruiser platform (lower to the ground in general), power is fine, like all cruisers, not huge amounts of power but plenty for the bike. Does everything well, but nothing unbelievably, but keeps you out of trouble more often than not. Bread.
The 500 was a good starter bike for me. Like you said, everyone eventually figures out what kind of rider they are, and starting out on an inexpensive motorcycle that can do a lot of different things is a great way to discover yourself. I still have the Rebel but I got a Tiger 900 not long after... and then I saw a used Speed Twin with low miles for what seemed like a good price, so I couldn't pass that up. I guess I'm still discovering myself... 😆
Don't know that I miss a tach. I learned to drive a stick in a '76 Gremlin with no tach, and I've found with the rest of my manual cars later in life I really never learned to pay attention to it, I just learned to drive by feel. For the Rebel, there's plenty of aftermarket mods that can improve most of those complaints you brought up. Mine, I put red dragon forward controls to move the foot controls forward 6 inches (15 cm), a Puig semi fairing for the wind, couple of saddle bags and top case for storage, grip puppies that slid right over the stock grips and made them perfect, Givi engine guards, and replaced the stock seat with a mustang seat. Now the only long drive limitation is the fuel tank size, not sure I want to mess with that yet. I'm a lot older than you, so for me the power is right in the range I feel comfortable with, I'm not looking for speed records getting from A to B, I just want to get out on a nice day and take a leisurely cruise to take in the countryside. I can easily see myself riding this bike until I'm too old for the saddle.
Great review. I've had my Rebel 500 for less than a week. It's my first bike and I just love it. I agree with you: It looks amazing. Actually, it's the best-looking bike I've ever seen.
With the speed limits and fines in Australia a 500 is more then big enough. I love the look of these. I got done on an Adelaide road nearly four years ago doing 69 ,trying to catch up with some people, in a 60 km zone and got a $210 fine and lost 2 points and the guy in front of me got done for ten kms over and he got a $420 fine and 3 points.
I wanted a Rebel 500 as my first bike but got a used 06 Honda Shadow 750 instead. I did see a Rebel 500 out in the wild the other day, it is a nice-looking bike.
Yea, it’s crazy what you can start on here in the US. The shadow 750 is pretty tame though for a 750 as long as you ride with in your limits like most bikes. It’s easy to maneuver too. Main draw back is it’s slow, but it is a cruiser after all. I love it, I will probably keep it even after moving on to other bikes.
A perfect assessment of the bike. It is faster than most cars off the line, so you can accelerate out of trouble if needed. If it wants to tip over, I found out that I can grab the bars and bring it back.
Watched so many of your videos before buying my rebel 500 last week. Before i even got on the road i ran a nice deep scratch up the tank with my jacket......Never been more gutted.
Great video, love the attitude and style! Packed so much information that I had to watch it twice, though I don't think you mentioned how tall you are? Especially when talking about the seating position, as lots of people say that the legs get cramped after 2-3 hours if you're a taller rider.
It's getting a bit small for the 1.9m crowd. You can resolve it by getting forward controls. Give a sit on one at a dealer, if its too cramped, scoot your heels to the top of the shifter and rear brake cuz thats where the forwards sorta go. If you find It's still too small, suss a vulcan
Hey Sergeant! Great review! Looking for my first bike and the Rebel 500 seems like a great start. I am 193cm tall and since I have not yet test-ridden one, I am wondering if I am too tall for it---considering the size of the bike (seat height, reach, etc). I want to stay on the tarmac and I don't plan any long distance rides right of the bat, although that's what I would want to do eventually. Should I start looking for a bigger ADV bike right now or would the Rebel 500 or perhaps the Triumph Speed/Rambler 400 and the like be better for me as a beginner? Thanks!
Id suggest you go suss a sit on one in a dealer and see how you feel, remember, forwards would essentially move your heels to where the rear brake and shifter are. If the standard place is off, try your heels on them and see. If you dont like it, give the cl500 a suss!
@@sergeantwombat i'll do that! have a Honda dealership nearby. i will also look at the Triumph Speed 400 and the Moto Guzzi V7 (some have called it a great beginner bike--worth looking into definitely). thank you!
I put 1.5 inch bar risers , 100$ Amazon seat , way more cushion and forward controls and the bike feels a lot more like a proper cruiser now. Also chains are better for performance , belts are less maintenance but you actually loose power delivery with a belt opposed to chain.
I understand that the 500 is a good learners bike, I have sat on one and love the seat height, I can flat foot it and throw my old leg over the seat easy. Tried to get on the cb125f and couldn't get my leg over. Ducks disease, 27" (685mm inseam) 😂. Any idea on how well the 500 would handle the NSW M.O.S.T. test? Good review.👍
Gday sergeant wombat, been looking to get my first bike in Victoria, it won’t be my first bike ever, since I had been riding for 7 years. Rebel 500 sounds like a practical choice that doesn’t break the bank and would ease me into finding independent garages or learning to service a bit myself. however I am also thinking about a rebel 1100 because it has cruise control and extra power, and I do plan to do longer trips like 700km one way sort of trip into regional Victoria. Do you reckon rebel is up to the task, and most importantly not break my back or traumatise my butt?😂 And if yes, 500 or 1100? 👀
If you can get yourself an 1100, do it! The 500 will handle each task remarkably well also. But why give up more power? Unless you want to spend less :p Both bikes have seats and forward controls ready in the after market! The 1100 sounds better tho hehehe
now the question is... do i trade my current only car (2011 pos 190k miles honda civic EX) for a 2019 honda rebel 500 13k miles... i mean my wife has a car too i still need a m1 license though never riden before applied to the dmv lol
The tiny p*nis part sold me the bike lol, I have yet to pass the license here in France but I always wanted to ride a cruiser since I was a kid. that’s the only kind of bike that I want, I want it to chill, to enjoy the road. I was wavering between this one and the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 but I think the rebel 500 will be my first bike once I get the licence ^^
500 is more manageable with less chance of error. Id not get a dct at all lol unless you're unable to ride a manual but also. Get a normal bike first before you succumb to a dct
@@sergeantwombat this is only the case with the rebel for some reason, other bikes have a wide variety of legal slip ons that comepltely change the sound for the better, seems like the honda 500cc is hard to make its sound good, its literally the only thing that keeps me from buying it, the stock one make it sound like a moped
Great honest review.
20 minutes passed like 5.
Thanx.
Cheers 😀
@@sergeantwombat Cheers indeed.
Great learner bike when i've ridden it, honestly fantastic starter bike, wide front tyre (matches rear) makes the turn in in corners feel extremely smooth, weight is low to the ground so it feels planted, good for shorter riders as well cause it's a cruiser platform (lower to the ground in general), power is fine, like all cruisers, not huge amounts of power but plenty for the bike.
Does everything well, but nothing unbelievably, but keeps you out of trouble more often than not.
Bread.
Definitely
"HAPPY LITTLE BIKE" is how I would describe my Rebel 500 also! EXACTLY. It is a keeper. Thank you for this nice video!
It is indeed a happy little bike!
The 500 was a good starter bike for me. Like you said, everyone eventually figures out what kind of rider they are, and starting out on an inexpensive motorcycle that can do a lot of different things is a great way to discover yourself. I still have the Rebel but I got a Tiger 900 not long after... and then I saw a used Speed Twin with low miles for what seemed like a good price, so I couldn't pass that up. I guess I'm still discovering myself... 😆
It's a fun journey
Napapaswindle ka paminsan eh noh galing mo tol
Perfect video for rebel riders 👊🏻. Loved it. Cheers.
Nw lad!
Don't know that I miss a tach. I learned to drive a stick in a '76 Gremlin with no tach, and I've found with the rest of my manual cars later in life I really never learned to pay attention to it, I just learned to drive by feel. For the Rebel, there's plenty of aftermarket mods that can improve most of those complaints you brought up. Mine, I put red dragon forward controls to move the foot controls forward 6 inches (15 cm), a Puig semi fairing for the wind, couple of saddle bags and top case for storage, grip puppies that slid right over the stock grips and made them perfect, Givi engine guards, and replaced the stock seat with a mustang seat. Now the only long drive limitation is the fuel tank size, not sure I want to mess with that yet. I'm a lot older than you, so for me the power is right in the range I feel comfortable with, I'm not looking for speed records getting from A to B, I just want to get out on a nice day and take a leisurely cruise to take in the countryside. I can easily see myself riding this bike until I'm too old for the saddle.
The rebel certainly does it all rather well tbh, and for aus theres no need for huge power realistically cuz hwy patrol are asses sometimes hahaha
Great review. I've had my Rebel 500 for less than a week. It's my first bike and I just love it. I agree with you: It looks amazing. Actually, it's the best-looking bike I've ever seen.
You’ve got great taste!
With the speed limits and fines in Australia a 500 is more then big enough. I love the look of these. I got done on an Adelaide road nearly four years ago doing 69 ,trying to catch up with some people, in a 60 km zone and got a $210 fine and lost 2 points and the guy in front of me got done for ten kms over and he got a $420 fine and 3 points.
CALM DOWN THERE SIR! 9 WHOLE KILOMETRES OVER THE LIMIT YOU GOD DAMN ANIMAL
Love your videos brotha. Best motovlogger of the generation
Cheers homie!
I wanted a Rebel 500 as my first bike but got a used 06 Honda Shadow 750 instead. I did see a Rebel 500 out in the wild the other day, it is a nice-looking bike.
Shadows are sexy bikes too! We cant ride a 750 for first bikes in aus so cant even if i wanted to 😂
Yea, it’s crazy what you can start on here in the US.
The shadow 750 is pretty tame though for a 750 as long as you ride with in your limits like most bikes.
It’s easy to maneuver too. Main draw back is it’s slow, but it is a cruiser after all.
I love it, I will probably keep it even after moving on to other bikes.
cruisers prices will go up n up but they will always be tractors in terms of speed haha
You've just made this Scottish lad decide to get one. Bloody beaut of a bike
Fuck yeah, i expect a pic on discord or insta when you get it!
Im buying one of these next weekend in the USA. Your videos made me decide to do it thank you.
Ayyyy, i expect a pic in the discord!
I just signed for a 2024! Super excited just waiting for the phone call to say it’s ready.
Oh hell yeah dude
I have been leaning towards this bike as my first bike. Your video here has me leaning even more. Good videos too. New Subscriber.
Cheers mate! Go get one!
A perfect assessment of the bike. It is faster than most cars off the line, so you can accelerate out of trouble if needed. If it wants to tip over, I found out that I can grab the bars and bring it back.
Shes a simple ride hey
Watched so many of your videos before buying my rebel 500 last week. Before i even got on the road i ran a nice deep scratch up the tank with my jacket......Never been more gutted.
I kicked my tank withva rock in my boot after the very first clean i ever did and left a nice scratch on it lol dw
Great video, love the attitude and style! Packed so much information that I had to watch it twice, though I don't think you mentioned how tall you are? Especially when talking about the seating position, as lots of people say that the legs get cramped after 2-3 hours if you're a taller rider.
Oh whoops! Im 5"9 footpegs are defo a little cramped for super tall but red dragon makes forward control kits!
Where did you buy those grips and the seat? and what exhaust are you using?
the bike looks beautiful
Stock seat for s edition, two bros comp s exhaust and vans grips off amazon!
Can you make a video on your recording gear and how you set it up?
I can get around to it eventually :)
Great review! ive been checking this bike for a while. would you say is it too small for someone on the +1.9meter height size?
It's getting a bit small for the 1.9m crowd. You can resolve it by getting forward controls. Give a sit on one at a dealer, if its too cramped, scoot your heels to the top of the shifter and rear brake cuz thats where the forwards sorta go.
If you find It's still too small, suss a vulcan
I have a 500 and it’s the best bike a beginner can get and handle very well.
The rear suspension is my challenge on bad roads. But great bike
ah yes it do be a bit how do ya do hey
Not only for beginners
Hey Sergeant! Great review!
Looking for my first bike and the Rebel 500 seems like a great start. I am 193cm tall and since I have not yet test-ridden one, I am wondering if I am too tall for it---considering the size of the bike (seat height, reach, etc). I want to stay on the tarmac and I don't plan any long distance rides right of the bat, although that's what I would want to do eventually. Should I start looking for a bigger ADV bike right now or would the Rebel 500 or perhaps the Triumph Speed/Rambler 400 and the like be better for me as a beginner? Thanks!
Id suggest you go suss a sit on one in a dealer and see how you feel, remember, forwards would essentially move your heels to where the rear brake and shifter are. If the standard place is off, try your heels on them and see. If you dont like it, give the cl500 a suss!
@@sergeantwombat i'll do that! have a Honda dealership nearby. i will also look at the Triumph Speed 400 and the Moto Guzzi V7 (some have called it a great beginner bike--worth looking into definitely). thank you!
Can't wait to get mine fixed, regoed and get my ticket. (Bought one that's been for a slide)
Slides not the worst at least
Is there an upgraded version coming this year? I want to get one. But waiting for latest one.
It's a rebel 500 mate, they dont exactly change lol
NICE BIKE MATE!
Cheers mate
I put 1.5 inch bar risers , 100$ Amazon seat , way more cushion and forward controls and the bike feels a lot more like a proper cruiser now. Also chains are better for performance , belts are less maintenance but you actually loose power delivery with a belt opposed to chain.
Im aware of the benefits of chains but like... shes a cruiser lol
😂 sorry. Your accent tripped me up. I thought you were saying chain aren’t as good for power delivery. My bad. Good vid mate!
Ive never once been told my accent is difficult that's funny as to me hahahah that's all goods mate :D
I understand that the 500 is a good learners bike, I have sat on one and love the seat height, I can flat foot it and throw my old leg over the seat easy. Tried to get on the cb125f and couldn't get my leg over. Ducks disease, 27" (685mm inseam) 😂. Any idea on how well the 500 would handle the NSW M.O.S.T. test? Good review.👍
Itd do it all just fine lol
Can you please put a link gor your exhaust? Sounds awesome.
@@Dongunawardena sus the two brothers comp s
Gday sergeant wombat, been looking to get my first bike in Victoria, it won’t be my first bike ever, since I had been riding for 7 years. Rebel 500 sounds like a practical choice that doesn’t break the bank and would ease me into finding independent garages or learning to service a bit myself. however I am also thinking about a rebel 1100 because it has cruise control and extra power, and I do plan to do longer trips like 700km one way sort of trip into regional Victoria. Do you reckon rebel is up to the task, and most importantly not break my back or traumatise my butt?😂 And if yes, 500 or 1100? 👀
If you can get yourself an 1100, do it! The 500 will handle each task remarkably well also. But why give up more power? Unless you want to spend less :p
Both bikes have seats and forward controls ready in the after market!
The 1100 sounds better tho hehehe
@@sergeantwombat I’ve literally just put down a deposit for a 1100 today, will probably get to pick it up next week!!
@@sammiesomething8403 fck yeah!
now the question is... do i trade my current only car (2011 pos 190k miles honda civic EX) for a 2019 honda rebel 500 13k miles... i mean my wife has a car too i still need a m1 license though never riden before applied to the dmv lol
Bike is life
It's a very powerful bike in south East Asia, because majority here ride on 100cc 125cc
So I've heard
My first bike 45000 kms later and no dramas at all
Treat her well and she takes care of you
Is this native exhaust? Nice sound
@@АлександрИаченко-ы4ф two brothers comp s
What are your thoughts on ABS. Some people find the stopping power mushy.
Id rather have it then not have it but the rebels brakes are pretty eh at best anyway... cant buy new bikes in aus without abs anymore unfortunately
Out of curiosity how tall are you?
5'9
The tiny p*nis part sold me the bike lol, I have yet to pass the license here in France but I always wanted to ride a cruiser since I was a kid. that’s the only kind of bike that I want, I want it to chill, to enjoy the road. I was wavering between this one and the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 but I think the rebel 500 will be my first bike once I get the licence ^^
The eliminator is kawasakis cheap copy of the og 😅
What kind of gear are you wearing? I like your gloves and jacket
The gloves are thinsulate i think?
Leather jacker is from bikersgear aus :)
you ffilmed this near me lol you rode past my apartment building xD
Hah! Love seeing local peoples recognise places!
What are your thoughts on the Rebel 500 (Manual) vs 1100 (DCT) as a first bike?
500 is more manageable with less chance of error. Id not get a dct at all lol unless you're unable to ride a manual but also. Get a normal bike first before you succumb to a dct
Hey I was wondering what exhaust it is. I did not watched whole video sorry if u already mentioned it.
Two bros comp s
Surely sub for that? 🤣
@@sergeantwombat sure brother
Will this bike be ok for me, I’m 167 cm tall
@@brad4231 youd be sweet on it
Do you reckon a learner could pass the MOST with it?
Ofc
@@sergeantwombat so hard to find one used at a reasonable price haha, everyone tries to resell for what they payed for it I reckon haha
@@xXJarvarXx yeah it's cuz its good lol
@@sergeantwombat what do you reckon of the new CFmoto CL-C 450?
@@xXJarvarXx i have no opinion, haven't a clue about them
Does everything well, but excells at nothing?
Love the sound of a 180 crank 🎉
I meant to say does it good but nothing well hahaha im pretty sure i corrected myself
Will the Rebel be fitting to a 185 cm tall guy ?
It will but id recommend buying a forward control kit as well
@@sergeantwombat thanks for the advice, cheers :) !!
How tall are you ?
5"9
@@sergeantwombat do you think for someone 6.4 it will suit me ? I will change to a forward control kit ! And a better seat when i will buy it
@@morphilou78 get a forward control kit
It’s a cruiser bike. Meant for people in the city “experience” real riding. It is what it is.
Cruisers are meant for them long distance experiences. The rebel is definitely a commuter over a real cruiser lol
After 1400km had to replace rear tire and chain!
I replaced my chain at 24,000kms lol, my rear tyre needs to be changed again tho
would be the perfect bike for me but it sounds horrible and good slip ons are illegal in europe, the ones that are legal barely change the sound
slip on's are barely legal anywhere haha, a good baffle makes a difference and can make a sewing machine sound good!
@@sergeantwombat this is only the case with the rebel for some reason, other bikes have a wide variety of legal slip ons that comepltely change the sound for the better, seems like the honda 500cc is hard to make its sound good, its literally the only thing that keeps me from buying it, the stock one make it sound like a moped
@@sharkpyro93 im sure theres a few out there, remember the 180° crank is very bland anyway for sound
Change camera direction slowly instead of fast, you're giving people headaches
Friend, i cannot just slow down my natural way of looking around
@@rosi6144 eh I'm not in a rush for fame 😅
WHAT THE FUCK IS A KILOMETER
🦅🦅🦅
She was jealous that you have a honda rebal and she doesn't.
Ofc hahaa
how tall are you?
5'9