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Honda Unveils New Rebel 500 for 2017

Honda is back into the small-displacement cruiser segment with the new 2017 Rebel model that brings ‘simple’ and ‘raw’ back in a modern shape and with decent performance.
2017 Honda Rebel 54 photos
Photo: Honda
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The new Rebel 500 revolves around the 471cc 8-valve, liquid cooled parallel-twin engine found on the CBR500RR. However, in this case, the engine has been retuned for bottom-end torque and a linear delivery throughout the rev range. This results in 45 HP @ 8,500 rpm and a maximum of 44.6 Nm (33 lb-ft) of torque available at 6,000 rpm.

Gripping the engine in three places is a new tubular steel chassis designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam. Trail has been set at 110 mm with a 28 degrees rake, while the forks are offset at 30 degrees.

Seat height is set at 690 mm while the footpegs have been mounted in a mid-way position. Combined with the 1488 mm wheelbase and beefy, bobber-like rims, the bike is said to offer a balanced and neutral steering.

The frame also includes a new rear loop that separates the seat from the textured metal mudguard, while the bolt-on cast aluminum subframe provides more customization options.

Overall, the new Rebel 500 (which is said to be also offered in a 300 version) retains the shape of its ancestor; simple, with beefy tires, single sided exhaust, and a very raked gas tank, all contributing for a very neo-retro look.

Everything that can be is blacked out, which highlights the Rebel’s lithe design as well as underlining the subtle paintwork. Set high up front the evocative round headlight features a 135mm diameter glass lens and die-cast aluminum mount.

The ‘dashboard’ is made out of a single compact 100 mm dial featuring a negative LCD with a blue backlight, while the ignition is classically mounted bellow the left side of the fuel tank.

The passenger seat and rear footpegs are easily removable, and a number of tailor-made accessories will be available for the Rebel; these include a tubular rear rack, saddlebags, screen and 12V socket.

There will be three color options (Graphite Black, Matte Armored Silver Metallic, and Millennium Red), and, although not specified yet, we hope it will be priced somewhere around $4,000-5,000.
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