Parallel twin machine: the new Honda CMX500 Rebel!

Thomas Wachsmuth September 27, 2022 Honda, Motorcycle / Scooter News & Tuning

Reading time 8 Min.

The CMX500 Rebel shines as a beginner-friendly parallel twin machine with a distinctively individual bobber style. Easy handling and a low seat height stand out as plus points, the standard equipment includes an anti-hopping clutch, LED lighting technology all around and a gear indicator. The S-Edition upgraded with extras - with lamp covers, fork bellows and driver's seat with diamond-style stitching - completes the offer for interested parties. The technology remains unchanged for 2023, but the paint palette has been enriched with several cool colors.

Honda CMX500 Rebel

The next generation of motorcyclists between the ages of 20 and 30 belong to Generation Z. These young people are “digital natives” who demand more from a motorbike than just 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; the bike has to fit the respective lifestyle and should offer plenty of room for individualisation. This is exactly what the CMX500 Rebel was developed for - with fresh ideas for new perspectives.

Honda has combined a classic, timeless look with trendsetting style. The result is an unmistakable half-litre machine that stimulates the imagination and invites customization. Simple and easy to handle, striking in appearance and extremely individual. The CMX500 Rebel proved to be a hit when it was launched in 2017. Continued popularity, including among female riders, has made the Rebel the best-selling model in the custom category in Europe over the past two years. For the 2020 model year, the CMX500 Rebel received more comfort and functionality thanks to a revised seat and suspension as well as a gear indicator.

In addition to the headlights and taillights, the indicators were also equipped with LED lighting technology. A modified exhaust system and a new exhaust gas sensor ensured Euro5 compliance. Uncomplicated, reliable and easy to ride, this is how the beginner-friendly bike conquered the hearts of the fan community. This recipe for success will be adhered to. The CMX500 Rebel is mechanically unchanged for the 2023 vintage, but there are three cool new colors to choose from and allow an aesthetic boost in visual appearance. The additionally equipped S-Edition is also rolling out to dealers in a new metallic colour.

Model overview

The development of the CMX500 Rebel began in North America. The goal was to catch the attention of a new generation of cruiser fans. A parallel twin with a displacement of 471 cm³ provides propulsion, which is characterized by strong torque in the low speed range and a gentle, linear power development. In addition, the 46 hp bike is ideally suited for the A2 driver's license. It is characterized by a slim silhouette, low seat height and excellent handling and is particularly easy to ride. An upright seating position with slightly outstretched arms, combined with normally positioned footrests, supports good controllability. The low-slung steel frame allows a bike with modern, unconventional lines in a bobber style and with comparatively wide tires. Black components dominate, only a few parts have a glossy finish. The conversion from one to two-seater can be done easily and quickly using two screw connections.

The 500 CMX2023 Rebel is available in three new colors:

Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic **NEW**
Pearl Smoky Gray **NEW**
Candy Diesel Red **NEW**

The additional CMX500 Rebel 'S' also gets a new livery:

Titanium Metallic **NEW**

Styling & equipment

Slim, custom half-liter bobber-styled bike
LCD display with white backlight and gear indicator
Easily removable pillion cushion and rear footpegs
Available as S-Edition with mounted accessory kit
Three cool new colors for 2023, plus a new paint finish for the S version

Two English terms shaped the development of the CMX500 Rebel: "Simple" and "Raw". The art consisted of making a lot out of a little. With the simple design, every detail counts. That's why the bike flaunts a bobber silhouette and wide tires. The driver feels perfectly integrated behind the high 11,2 liter tank and the wide handlebars. Most of the components are black. This allows the design and the few painted components to unfold more impressively. The round LED headlight has a diameter of 175 mm; the bracket is made of cast aluminum. The oval rear light and the license plate light fit perfectly with the look. The indicators are equipped with LED lighting technology; A position light is also integrated in the front indicators.

The speedometer in the large round housing shines with a clear LCD display and white background lighting. Since 2020, the gear used and the fuel consumption are also displayed. The ignition lock has found its place on the left side below the tank. The stock passenger pillion and footpegs are easy to remove. The range of optional original accessories includes a rear carrier, backrest, tank pad and a display anti-glare protection. In addition to leather bags, nylon saddlebags are also available. An S-Edition is also available, which offers additional accessories ex works: headlight fairing with tinted glass, slider tube bellows, black fork tube protectors and a seat quilted in a diamond shape.

Motor

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

The liquid-cooled parallel twin with four valves per cylinder comes from the CBR500R and has a displacement of 471 cm³. For cruiser use, the engine was given a newly tuned PGM-FI injection, which changes the characteristics from sporty, high-revving to casual, high-torque. The linear, perfectly controllable power development over the entire speed range is remarkable. The maximum torque is 43,3 Nm at 6.000 rpm, the maximum engine output of 46 hp (34 kW) is achieved at 8.500 rpm.

The engine combines compact dimensions with flexible power output. Bore and stroke are 67mm x 66,8mm, compression is 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 toothed chain that drives the camshafts are made of vanadium steel, which reduces friction and promotes longevity. The diameter of the intake valves is 26 mm and that of the exhaust valves is 21,5 mm. Friction is reduced by additional grooves in the piston skirt. This design refinement increases the surface and thus the oil flow. The result is improved lubrication.

The journals of the crankshaft are offset by 180 degrees. A balancer shaft to compensate for primary vibrations is placed behind the cylinders for a compact design and favorable center of gravity. The primary drive and the drive of the balancer shaft take place via gears 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 running smoothness. The upper half of the housing and the cylinders are cast in one piece, the centrifugally cast cylinder liners are thin-walled. The design 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.

For smooth gear changes, even with sporty downshifts before corners, the CMX500 Rebel is equipped with a slipper clutch to suppress rear wheel heave before corners. The controlled catalytic converter system of the 2-in-1 exhaust system reduces emissions. The pleasant sound harmonises perfectly with the character of the machine, which has been optimized for beautiful torque development. A Linear Air Flow (LAF) sensor in the shotgun style silencer contributes to Euro5 compliance.

Chassis

Tubular steel frame drawn low for a low seat height
Careful tuning of fork and rear suspension
Fat tire sizes 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear

In order to support the cruiser look of the CMX500 Rebel, the frame in the driver's area is tapered as narrowly as possible. In addition, the geometry is designed for safe and comfortable handling. The steering head angle is 28 degrees, trail is 110 mm and the wheelbase is 1.490 mm. The seat height is only 690 mm. Comparatively normal, centrally mounted footrests allow a well-balanced seating position and support neutral steering behavior. The rear of the frame features an innovative tubular structure that separates the seat from the metal rear fender. The bolted-on rear frame made of aluminum can be described as the ideal solution with a view to further customizing.

The 41mm fork stanchions are routed through wide triple clamps that have a fork offset of 30 degrees. The round steel tube for the swing arm has a diameter of 45 mm, the stereo spring struts can be adjusted in five stages for the spring preload. Dunlop tires are fitted in the dimensions 130/90-16 at the front and 150/80-16 at the rear. The styling of the cast aluminum rims is attractively filigree. The front wheel brake disc measures 264 mm in diameter. A two-piston brake caliper decelerates at the front wheel, and a single-piston brake caliper works at the rear.

Accessories

As a custom bike, the CMX500 Rebel is particularly suitable for subsequent customization. Ergo, Honda offers a whole collection of matching genuine accessories. These parts are available individually or (with price advantage) in packages. Quality, accuracy of fit and easy assembly of the parts meet the highest expectations.

The Special Edition package underlines the rebellious character of the half-litre cruiser. This includes:

headlight mask
Bellows
Black diamond stitch style driver's seat
Lateral tank pads

The travel package increases practicality by allowing luggage to be taken along. It contains:

Right saddlebag with bracket
Left saddlebag with bracket

The comfort package completes the equipment and increases the feeling of well-being. It includes:

luggage rack
Passenger backrest
Headlight wind deflector
12 volt socket
Adjustable brake lever

Technical data

MOTOR
Type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin
Capacity	471 cm³
Valves per cylinder	4
Bore x stroke	67 x 66,8 mm
compression	10.7:1
Maximum power	46 PS (34 kW) at 8.500 RPM
Max. Torque	43,3 Nm at 6.000 rpm
Engine oil quantity	3,2 liters
Standing noise	93 dB (A)
FUEL SYSTEM
mixture preparation	PGM-FI fuel injection
Tankinhalt	11,2 liters
Consumption**	3,7 liters per 100 km (WMTC)
ELECTRICS
Starter	E-Starter
Battery	12 volt
Alternator power	0,5 kW
POWER TRANSFER
Clutch	Multi-disc clutch in an oil bath
Transmission	6 gears
Final drive	O-ring chain
LANDING GEAR
Type	steel frame
Dimensions (LxWxH)	2.205 x 820 x 1.090 mm
wheelbase	1.490 mm
Steering head angle	28°
trailing	110 mm
seat height	690 mm
ground clearance	125 mm
Weight with a full tank	191 kg
turning circle	2,8 meters
WHEEL SUSPENSION
your Front Wheel.	41mm telescopic fork
behind	Swingarm, two Showa shock absorbers
BIKES
Rim in front	Cast aluminum, 16M/C x MT3.00
Rim at the back	Cast aluminum, 16M/C x MT3.50
Front tire	130 / 90-16M / C 67H
Tire behind	150 / 80-16M / C 71H
BRAKES
ABS	2-channel
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
cockpit instrument	Digital
headlights	LED
Taillight	LED

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