Bikes

2020 Honda Rebel First Look

More practicality for the small-bore cruisers.

November 5, 2019

The Honda Rebel 500 returns for 2020, but sees various improvements aimed at practicality and comfort.Honda

The Honda Rebel 500 returns for 2020, but sees various improvements aimed at practicality and comfort.

Honda's Rebel 500 and smaller-sibling Rebel 300 are already attractive entry-level machines dressed in unique bobber style. For 2020, Big Red has tucked and tweaked the duo to make them a more tempting proposition.

It’s impossible to ignore the cosmetic upgrades, including the switch from a classic round-backed, chrome-ringed halogen headlight to a set of four LED lamps tucked inside a single casing. Clearly, there’s a hint of Harley Daymaker lighting influence here, but promises both practical and visual improvements. Turn signals have also been revised with clear lenses and colored LED bulbs, while a new LED taillamp is neatly integrated with the rear fender.

Honda has updated the LCD instrumentation on both models, now using a semi-circular panel with additional gear position and fuel level readouts.Honda

LCD instrumentation in the cockpit has also been updated on both 2020 models, now offering more information on a semi-circular panel. Additional readouts include gear position and fuel consumption info.

Honda also looked to improve rider comfort for the Rebel lineup, starting with a seat with optimized thickness and density. Front and rear suspension components receive internal changes, while the shock gets updated bumper rubber. Spring rates have also been stiffened to improve overall comfort and handling.

While both Rebel models powerplants have remained untouched, both bikes did receive an assist-and-slipper clutch design, aiding performance for less experienced riders.Honda

The smaller-displacement Rebel 300 receives the same changes as the Rebel 500, including the assist-and-slipper clutch design, suspension revisions, and new lighting.Honda

In addition to frontal lighting changes, the Rebel models receive a new LED taillamp.Honda

Both the Rebel 500’s 471cc DOHC water-cooled parallel-twin engine and the Rebel 300’s 286cc single-cylinder engine remain largely unchanged, but do receive a assist-and-slipper clutch design. The new clutch is said to reduce lever effort by 30 percent while improving deceleration characteristics. A nice touch for newer or less-experienced riders.

Prices for the updated bikes have yet to be announced, but both models are expected to hit dealers in March next year.

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