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Review: Honda CMX 500 Rebel (Baujahr 2019)

The Gentle Rebel

23.06.2019

Isn't he cute? Honda's mini-rebel has been able to look really snuck since its 2016 presentation, and it has become a sales success. What else can the small moped do, does it mix up the 500 class? Our test clarifies the situation.

What kind of guy is that?

The first lap around the Honda CMX 500 Rebel does not provide any clarity: What is it? The thick tires, the short fenders, the minimalist nature – could it be a bobber? Or a cruiser, a chopper? The question will not be fully resolved during the test, but this may well be a compliment – not to be classified has something rebellious.

"Little" seems to be the appropriate description of the Rebel in many cases. It is a very narrow motorcycle despite the row twin. The seat height is also extremely low at 690 millimeters, the tank is small and the whole motorcycle is rather short. The thick appearance is of course brought by the balloon tires, which make the Bobber-Cruiser-Chopper stand stocky.

Under the tank is the well-known row twin of Honda's 500 series, namely the CBR 500 R. According to Honda, it should be tuned to a little more torque, with a maximum power output of 46 hp. By the way: We haven't tested the A2 version for new driver's license, there are only this.

The round instrument is digitally and bobberically reduced, because the gear display and rev counter are missing in the narrow display.

Overall, it looks great in the stand. Although we both drive more powerful machines, Dietmar and I are looking forward to the test. Then we let the little rebel off the leash.

Nothing for curve scratches

The indifferent in the type of rebel proves the sitting position. In fact, even very small people can easily get on the floor with their feet and sit well in the Honda. And big ones? Surprise: They sit just as well. This is certainly due to the unusual position of the footrests: one would have expected the feet to protrude far forward, but the rests sit in the middle: this should better integrate the rider into the motorcycle and integrate him more actively.

Let's see if that's true. What we are leaving out now, because it is the case with every Honda: The operation is as always simple and logical. Nothing hooks, nothing wobbles or is difficult to handle. Thank you, Honda. Go in and out ... and behold, Honda has kept this promise. Thanks to the normally placed footrests and the handlebars not far away, the result is a comfortable and, as it were, relaxed driving posture. You always have the feeling that you have the whole vehicle under control.

The first curve is approaching, two things stand out. The sluggish tyre coming out of the straight-line position as well as the high driving comfort lead to corner scratches having taken place on the wrong moped. But the rebel in us is naturally awakened, and we have tried the fast pace. Result: Let it be, the footrests start early, the tire remains too distant when cornering, and there are still the brakes.

Brakes rather 1b

Well, here Honda has chosen the reduced variant and donates only a single disc at the front. That's enough in everyday life. But this should take place rather less on serpentine-rich routes in the Alps, because the facility should be overwhelmed in case of doubt.
With a nice but not too loud sound, the engine supports the moderate driving style. It works and delivers , always against the background that it is a 500. It pulls out cleanly from below, so that at some point you don't focus on the technology, but simply on driving. And enjoys.

What more do you want?

Conclusion

So: thumbs up, or not? Clearly, thumbs up. Rarely can you ride a motorbike, which perhaps does not meet the personal taste and certainly not the riding style – but which nevertheless earns sympathy points without end.

It is a Honda, I want to say: High quality is guaranteed, easy operation as already mentioned. Perhaps the price prevents the purchase? No, it's 6075 Euros new price, so all the fun is for small money.

The test bike was provided to us by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.

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