Showing off your personality usually costs a lot of money but that’s not the case with the legendary Honda Rebel. The famous twin-cylinder bike comes new for 2022 and despite some pretty big novelties, it sticks to the original philosophy, which is mostly about a great mix of character and versatility. This big looks even more attractive now and offers an even more engaging chassis, which makes it a great performer on curvy roads. Also, the engine offers more torque and a better throttle response than before. Finally, the 2022 Honda Rebel 500 remains as affordable as it has always been.
The new model brings a couple of interesting novelties, starting from a new ABS version, which brings several unique features and accessories, as well as some pretty attractive color options. The new model comes with improved ergonomics and a more capable engine, and all this provides an even better riding experience than before.
2022 Honda Rebel 500 Engine
Of course, one of the most important features of this bike is its engine. As the name says, it comes with Honda’s well-known 475cc parallel-twin engine, which is designed in a pretty narrow fashion, in order to keep things compact and lightweight. In such a way, the 2022 Honda Rebel 500 offers a fantastic balance between power and light and maneuverable chassis.
The engine features plenty of torque in the whole rpm range, which makes it perfect for all ride conditions. Furthermore, we like its slipper clutch, which makes the ride more convenient. The six-speed transmission is super smooth but extremely durable at the same time, something you would expect from Honda engineering.
When it comes to fuel economy, you may count on about 69 miles per gallon. If you consider that the fuel tank is good for about 2.9 gallons, it turns out that you may count on over 180 miles of the range. That’s a pretty decent autonomy for a motorcycle of this size.
2022 Honda Rebel 500 Design
Besides the super-capable and durable engine, this Honda also offers many other impressive design solutions. As always, Honda engineering is at an impressive level and one of the first things that come to mind is the die-cast aluminum rear subframe, which is strong but super-light as well. The whole chassis is super-light and very well balanced, which ensures excellent handling and overall performance. A massive 16-inch rear wheel with a super fat tire ensures additional stability, and also makes the bike look super-cool.
The suspension setup is another thing we like about this bike. You may count on a 41mm fork at the front, with 4.8 inches of travel. On the rear end, there are dual shocks with 3.8 inches of travel. Also, both wheels are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes.
Standard models are available in two color options – Matte Gray Metallic, Matte Pearl White. On the other hand, the ABS SE version comes in just one variant, with the Matte Gray Metallic finish. However, this particular version is available with all kinds of accessories. There are things like Brown Diamond-Stich Seat, Black Fork Boots, Black Upper Fork Covers, and a Black Headlight Cowl.
Comfort and Ride Quality
We already mentioned the 2022 Honda Rebel’s well-balanced chassis. It perfectly fits the bike’s low riding position, which is just at around 27 inches. Furthermore, the bike is pretty narrow, which allows one to get on and off the bike pretty easily. The Rebel is designed for two, but if you want to keep its clean look, you don’t need the passenger seat on it, neither the footpeg kit. These are bolt-on parts, which means you can easily mount and unmounts them, depending on your needs.
Styling and Accessories
Besides impressive riding characteristics, the 2022 Honda Rebel also offers plenty of styling. Besides the attractive overall shape, it also comes with lots of amazing details. For example, there are nice four-bulb headlights, while the LED lighting package is also available. Furthermore, blacked-out muffler and steel fender bring a bit of a modern flavor to this retro motorcycle. Speaking of retro, the Rebel comes with classic instruments, which look nice and which are extremely easy to read, thanks to the LCD part, that’s installed on this classic piece.
Besides two very nice color options, we also like the engine pieces, frame, and bodywork elements, which are all blacked out, which is another bit of modern design solution. On the other hand, the steel rear fender is a classic piece that never gets old and which ensures that this bike will remain attractive in the following decades.
2022 Honda Rebel 500 Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2022 Honda Rebel 500 will hit the market by the end of this year, with a starting price of around 6.300 dollars. Models with ABS should go around 6.600 dollars, while the ABS SE model should go around $6.800.