For the 2025 model year, the engine on the Honda CMX500 Rebel has been enhanced with new ECU settings and an OBD2-2 exhaust sensor. In addition to visual paint upgrades, the 2025 model focuses on rider comfort through a new seat material, optimized handlebar position, and reshaped rear shock bump stop rubbers. Furthermore, the LCD display is now more visible in bright light.
The CMX500 Rebel’s tubular steel frame incorporates fresh, contemporary lines into a stripped-back, fat-tyred ‘bobber’ style. Maximally blacked out with minimal paint, it can easily be converted from a solo-only to a pillion-possible configuration with just two bolts.
The 2025 CMX500 Rebel will be available in the following color options: Mat Dim Gray Metallic (NEW), Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic. The 2025 CMX500 Rebel ‘S’ Edition will be available in the following color option: Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Energy Orange (NEW).
Key Features:
Honda CMX500 Rebel Styling & Equipment:
- Lean and low ‘bobber’ styling, a minimalist design exercise
- Negative LCD display with enhanced visibility in bright light
- More comfortable rider’s seat; pillion pad and rear pegs easily removable for customization
- Factory-fitted Genuine Honda Accessories ‘S’ option remains available
The Rebel’s development program emphasized ‘Simple’ and ‘Raw.’ Achieving so much with so little is an art form in itself, an exercise in minimalist design where every detail matters. The 25YM Rebel does not disappoint, featuring fat tires, a low and lean ‘bobber’ silhouette topped by the signature steeply raked 11.2L fuel tank, and newly optimized for comfort fat handlebars. Its stripped-back form expresses a distinct individuality from every angle.
Everything that can be is blacked out, accentuating the Rebel’s lithe design and subtle paintwork. All lighting is LED, and the evocative round headlight features a compact 175mm diameter lens and die-cast aluminum mount. The ultra-thin oval tail-light and license plate light match the Rebel’s low-down stance; mini circular LED indicators measure only 55mm in diameter, with a circular position light included in the front indicators.
The compact 100mm dial speedo with negative LCD display and white backlight is both striking and effective. It displays key data, including a gear position indicator and fuel consumption display. The ignition is located below the left side of the fuel tank.
Rider comfort has been improved for the 25YM through the use of a new urethane foam material for the seat. Both the pillion pad and rear footpegs are easily removable to facilitate transitions between pillion and single occupancy, as well as to accommodate a range of accessories from the comprehensive lineup. Optional extras include a rear rack, backrest, tank pads, flyscreen, nylon or leather saddlebags, and much more.
The ‘S’ edition continues for 25YM and comes complete with a factory-fit headlight cowl with smoke screen, retro front fork covers and gaiters, and a special brown diamond-stitch style seat and bronze wheels.
Honda CMX500 Rebel Engine:
- 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, A2 license compatible
- Torque heavy bottom-end delivers an effortless ride
- 120mm ‘shotgun’ style exhaust provides a suitable cruiser soundtrack
The 471cc 8-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine is shared across Honda’s extensive range of A2 license machines. For cruising duties, revised PGM-FI fuel injection mapping, bespoke valve and ignition timings have been tailored to focus on a torque-heavy bottom-end output, with smooth and linear delivery throughout the rev-range. Punchy maximum torque of 43.3Nm torque @ 6,000rpm combines with peak power of 34kW @ 8,500rpm.
This power unit strikes a great balance between physical size and flexible output. Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm respectively, with compression ratio set at 10.7:1. Internally, the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain with Vanadium-treated pin surfaces reduces friction and protects against dust. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.
Friction is further reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt, which introduces gaps for oil flow, enhancing lubrication. An AB 1 salt bath process forms a protective oxidation membrane after isonite nitriding.
The crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3.2L. Slick to use up or down, the six-speed gearbox offers effortless changes, especially around town. An assist/slipper clutch makes the shift lighter and smoother, and controls rear wheel ‘hop’ on rapid downshifting.
The 2-1 exhaust scrubs spent gases in its catalyser, which then speeds them through its first chamber into the second resonator chamber; the sound produced has a heavy-duty pulsing feel that complements the torque delivery. Breathing through a 120mm diameter ‘shotgun’ style muffler, a Linear Air Flow (LAF) sensor, revised ECU settings, and a new OBD2-2 exhaust sensor ensure EURO5+ compliance.
Honda CMX500 Rebel Chassis:
- Low slung tubular steel frame with newly optimized handlebar position
- Compliant, supple damping front and rear; shocks nitrogen charged with revised bump stop rubbers
- 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear tyres
The Rebel’s low-slung look is facilitated by an attractive tubular steel frame that encases the engine in three places. Designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam, the frame includes an innovative rear loop that separates the thicker seat from the textured metal mudguard. At the rear, the bolt-on cast aluminum subframe provides further scope for customization.
Trail is set at 110mm with 28° rake; the 30° off-set of the forks, combined with a 1490mm wheelbase allows for a low 690mm seat height. The Rebel’s footpeg placement ensures a natural, comfortable riding position, with balanced and neutral steering. The handlebar position has been finely tuned for 25YM to further enhance rider comfort.
Spaced 230mm apart, the 41mm front fork stanchions are set wide for handling rigidity, comfort, and style; spring rates and oil volume are optimized to provide compliant damping and a smooth ride. The tubular steel swingarm has a 45mm diameter and works twin, nitrogen-charged shock absorbers that feature 5 step preload settings and revised bump stop rubbers for a smoother ride.
Dunlop tyres are fitted as standard in sizes 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear. The classic style of the 16-inch cast aluminum wheels complements the crisp and simple design, with the 296mm front disc mirroring the spoke pattern. A twin-piston front caliper is paired with a single-piston rear caliper.
