HONDA CMX450 Rebel (1986-1987) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda CMX450, also known as the Rebel 450, was a cruiser-style motorcycle part of the CM series that comprised machines of various shapes, sizes, and displacements. The bike was manufactured only in 1986 and 1987.

Compared to the Rebel 250, the CMX450 had a larger engine. Both were cited as a way for Honda to attract female riders to the world of motorcycling due to their low seat heights, low center of gravity, and easy-to-handle capabilities.

In September 1985, when the Rebel was first introduced, Motorcyclist magazine stated, "By targeting the bike to a young audience, such as those who watch MTV, Honda hopes to attract newcomers and expand the motorcycle market ... Honda is not marketing this motorcycle as a woman's bike".

The bike had a double cradle steel frame packing a 38 mm telescopic fork with 140 mm of wheel travel handling the front suspension, while the rear end was operated by dual spring preload-adjustable shock absorbers.

A 240 mm disc bolted to the wheel with a dual-piston caliper handled the bike's front stopping power, while the rear wheel was fitted with a rod-operated 230 mm drum unit, offering optimum braking performance.

Under its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, the 1987 Honda CMX450 Rebel packed a 447cc air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine fed by two Keihin carburetors, delivering 38 hp at 8,000 rpm.

The only gauge on the bike was a speedometer with gear recommendations based on speed, without a tachometer.