With a green cast: the new Honda CMX 500 Rebel (2022)!

The CMX500 Rebel is a beginner-friendly, half-liter parallel twin machine in a striking, individual bobber style. The standard equipment includes a slipper clutch, LED lighting technology all around and a gear indicator. The S version enhanced with extras - lamp cladding, fork bellows and a driver's seat with a diamond-stitch look - rounds off the offer for prospective buyers. The technology will remain unchanged for 2022, but the color palette will be enriched with ´Pearl Organic Green`.

Content:

1. Introduction
2. Model overview
3. Key Features
4. Technical data

1. Introduction

The next generation of motorcycles between the ages of 20 and 30 belong to Generation Z. These young people are “digital natives” who demand more from a motorcycle than getting from A to B. Individual lifestyle as well as fashion and scene trends play an important role in the purchase decision. The demands of these buyers differ from other target groups and must be addressed accordingly; the bike has to fit the lifestyle and offer plenty of scope for customization. This is exactly what the CMX500 was developed for - with fresh ideas for new perspectives.

Honda has combined a classic, timeless look with a future-oriented style. The result was an unmistakable half-liter machine that stimulates the imagination and invites you to individualize it. Simple and easy to use, distinctive and extremely individual. The CMX500 Rebel already proved to be a hit when it was launched in 2017. The continued popularity - also with female drivers, who make up 33% of buyers - made the Rebel one of the best-selling custom models in 2021.

For the model year 2021, the CMX500 Rebel has already received more comfort and functionality thanks to revised seat and suspension settings as well as a gear indicator. In addition to the headlights and taillights, the indicators were also equipped with LED lighting technology. A revised exhaust system and a new exhaust gas sensor ensured Euro5 conformity. Uncomplicated, reliable and easy to drive, this is how the CMX500 captured the hearts of its fan base. This recipe for success is adhered to. The CMX500 Rebel will appear mechanically unchanged in 2022, but a new color (Pearl Organic Green) expands the range and allows an aesthetic boost in terms of visual appearance.

2. Model overview

The development of the Rebel began in North America. The aim was to attract the attention of a new generation of cruiser fans. The motorcycle is powered by a 471 cm³ Parallel twin, which is characterized by a strong torque in the low speed range and a smooth, linear power development. In addition, the bike is ideally suited for the A2 driving license. It is characterized by slim dimensions, low seat height, as well as the best handling and is particularly easy to drive. An upright sitting position with slightly outstretched arms, combined with normally positioned footrests, supports ease of control.

The pulled down steel frame allows a bike with modern, unconventional lines in the suggested "bobber" style and with comparatively wide tires. The color black dominates, only a few parts have a glossy finish. The conversion from a one-seater to a two-seater can be done quickly and easily using two screw connections. The Honda CMX500 Rebel model year 2022 is available in these colors:

• Pearl Organic Green (***NEW**)
• Matt Jeans Blue Metallic
• Graphite Black
• Mat Axis Gray Metallic

3. Features

3.1 Styling & equipment

• Slim, custom half-liter bobber-styled bike
• LCD display with white backlight and gear indicator
• Easily removable pillion cushion and rear footpegs
• The S version is still available with the accessory kit installed

Two English terms shaped the development of the Honda Rebel: "Simple" and "Raw". The trick was to make a lot out of a little. Every detail counted in the minimalist design. The Rebel impresses with its distinctive bobber silhouette and wide tires. The driver feels perfectly integrated behind the high 11,2 liter tank and the wide handlebars. The majority of the components are black. The design and the few painted components look even more impressive. The round headlight has a diameter of 175 mm; the bracket for this is made of cast aluminum. The oval rear light and the license plate light go perfectly with the look. The LED indicators measure just 55 mm in diameter, and a circular position light is integrated in the front indicators.

The speedometer in the round housing shines with an LCD display and white background lighting. From 2020, the currently used gear and fuel consumption will also be displayed. The ignition lock has found its place on the left-hand side below the tank. The standard pillion seat and footrests can be easily removed. For 2020, the range of accessories has been expanded to include a new rear rack, a backrest, tank pads and a display glare protection. In addition to the leather bags, nylon saddle bags are also available. An “S” edition is also available in Matte Axis Gray Metallic, which comes with additional accessories ex works: headlight trim with tinted glass, dip tube bellows, black fork tube protectors and a special seat in diamond stitch style.

3.2 Engine

• Liquid-cooled parallel twin with 471 cm³, meets Euro5 standard,
• Beginner-friendly and mobile with an A2 driver's license
• Torque curve with a lot of torque in the lower speed range
• Slipper clutch
• Shotgun style exhaust

The liquid-cooled parallel twin with four valves per cylinder comes from the sporty CBR500R with 471 cm³ Displacement. For use in a cruiser, the engine received a newly tuned PGM-FI injection, which changes its characteristics from sporty and easy-turning to casual and powerful. The linear, perfectly controllable power development across the entire speed range is also remarkable. The maximum torque is 43,3 Nm at 6.000 tours, the maximum engine output of 46 hp (34 kW) is achieved at 8.500 revolutions per minute.

The motor combines compact dimensions with flexible power output. Bore and stroke are 67 x 66,8 mm, the compression 10,7: 1. The cylinder head is equipped with low-friction roller rocker arms. Valve springs with low spring force help to keep friction losses as low as possible. The bolts of the smooth-running inverted tooth chain for driving the camshafts are made of vanadium steel, which reduces friction and promotes longevity. The diameter of the inlet valves is 26 mm and that of the outlet valves 21,5 mm. The friction is reduced by additional grooves in the piston skirt. This structural fineness increases the surface area and thus the oil flow. The result is improved lubrication.

The crankshaft journals are offset by 180 degrees. A balance shaft to compensate for primary vibrations is placed behind the cylinders for a compact design and a favorable center of gravity. The primary drive and the drive of the balance shaft take place via gear wheels that are braced against each other in order to compensate for the backlash. This construction helps to reduce mechanical noise. Carefully shaped crankshaft cheeks also optimize the smooth running.

The upper half of the motor housing and the cylinders are cast in one piece, the centrifugally cast cylinder liners are thin-walled. The entire construction is designed to avoid pumping losses due to the 180 degree firing sequence. The oil sump lubrication has 3,2 liters of lubricant. The six-speed transmission is optimized for the best shiftability and effortless gear changes - ideal for city traffic. The CMX500 Rebel is equipped with an anti-hopping clutch for smooth gear changes, even with sporty downshifts before bends. The regulated catalytic converter system of the 2-in-1 exhaust system reduces emissions. The pleasant sound harmonizes perfectly with the character of the machine, which is optimized for torque development. A linear air flow (LAF) sensor in the silencer in shotgun style contributes to EURO5 conformity.

3.3 chassis

• Tubular steel frame drawn down low for a low seat height
• Careful coordination of fork and rear suspension
• Big tire sizes 130 / 90-16 at the front and 150 / 80-16 at the rear

In order to support the typical look of the Rebel, the frame in the driver's area is tailored as narrow as possible. For this purpose, the geometry was tailored for a more comfortable driving behavior. The caster is set at 110 mm, the steering head angle at 28 degrees; together with the fork offset of 30 degrees and the wheelbase of 1.490 mm. The seat height is only 690 mm. Normally centrally mounted footrests allow a well-balanced sitting position and support the neutral steering behavior.

The rear of the frame has an innovative tubular structure that separates the seat from the metal rear fender. The screwed aluminum rear frame can be described as the ideal solution with a view to further customizing. The 41 mm fork tubes are led through wide fork bridges with a distance of 230 mm. The round steel tube for the swing arm is 45 mm in diameter, the stereo struts are adjustable in five stages. There are Dunlop tires in the dimensions 130 / 90-16 at the front and 150 / 80-16 at the rear. The styling of the 16-inch cast aluminum rims was noticeably filigree. The front brake disc measures 264 mm in diameter. A two-piston brake caliper decelerates on the front wheel, while a single-piston brake caliper works at the rear.

4. Accessories

For the CMX500 Rebel, Honda offers a collection of matching original accessories, individually or as part of "comfort" and "travel" packages:

• lamp panel
• Passenger back support
• Display anti-glare protection
• Adjustable brake lever
• Tank pads
• Luggage racks
• Throw-over saddlebags (leather or light nylon material)
• 12 volt socket

5. Technical data

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Honda CMX500 Rebel (2022)
Photo credit: Honda

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