Honda CB500F Vs Honda Rebel 500 Comparison

Whether it is about top-end high-performance super sports bikes or small-displacement low-powered scooters, Honda is known to do wonders in the motorcycling industry. The name “Honda” is synonymous with “success” and the company has proved it from time to time. Conquering both the extreme ends of the motorcycling world, Honda bridged the gap with its best-in-the-world CB500 and Rebel series in the middleweight category. This middleweight series powered by the iconic 471 cc inline-twin engine, became the trademark of reliability, longevity, and performance as expected.

The Honda CB500F and the Honda Rebel 500, the two popular models based on Honda’s 500 cc platform, are on top of the heads of riders looking for a mature beginner bike. Though both these motorcycles carry the same 471 cc parallel-twin power plant and produce the same power figures, their purposes are completely different. The Honda CB500F is a standard naked bike with an aggressive stance and footpegs below the rider seat. On the contrary, we have the Honda Rebel 500, a uniquely designed sports-style cruiser, prominent for its low-slung seat. Continue reading this article to learn more about the detailed specs and performance comparison of the Honda CB500F vs the Honda Rebel 500.

Being a naked bike, the Honda CB500F looks exactly like an aggressive sports bike without the fairings and panels. The dark-colored theme, sharp edges, and aggressive styling make this motorbike look quite spooky, yet attractive. The Honda CB500F is a modern-day standard bike for those riders who prefer to fit tightly on their sporty bikes and ride faster.

To improve its aggressive stance, the Honda CB500F features a dropped front-end look with a taller tail section. The passenger sits taller than the rider as the pillion seat is quite elevated compared to the motorcycle’s height. The rider can firmly fix himself on the seat in an aggressive riding style between the bulbous gas tank and raised passenger seat as seen on the sports bikes. The wide and bulky gas tank can proudly carry 4.5 gals of fuel.

The air intakes on both sides of the fuel tank towards the front are smoothly integrated, ensuring a one-unit look. The premium 41 mm Showa SFF-BP front fork has received a gold anodized finish. The headlamp is very brilliantly designed with a protruding binnacle, making it look like a character from the Transformer movie.

The best part is how the engine looks with blacked-out and bronze finishing elements. Though the bike has an overall dark theme, you can also see some chrome bits, including the exhaust pipes with a bulky blacked-out muffler. The tail end is quite pointed with a metal plate fitted to the bottom section, carrying the tail light, turn signals, and license plate bracket on the other end. To keep up with its sportier performance, the Honda CB500F is fitted with lightweight cast aluminum five-spoke wheels wrapped under Dunlop® Sportmax tires.

If you have acceptance for an unconventional-style cruiser, you will find the Honda Rebel 500 the most attractive bike in the market. Honda has proved that a motorcycle doesn’t need to be overly expensive, luxurious, and overloaded with hi-tech features to be called a modern bike. The Rebel 500 is renowned for its simplicity, yet it still carries a head-turning character.

The iconic round-shaped, punched-face headlamp, with a chrome bezel and four LED headlamps fitted inside, serves as the Rebel 500’s crown. The other thing that will immediately grab your attention is its fat tires, wrapped around bronze-finished 10-spoke wheels.

Towards the rear, you get a fully visible broad rear fender thanks to the bobber-style solo rider seat. The rear fender carries a smoothly integrated LED tail light and the Rebel signature engraved on it. The 2024 Rebel 500 also features a dark theme as it is available in only two single-tone dark-colored paint jobs with matte black finishing. The two-into-one exhaust system is also completely blacked-out which complements the overall look of this bike.

Right in the middle of the handlebars, there is an extended instrument gauge with a classic round-shaped small panel. The most awkward, yet very appealing feature of the Rebel 500 is its crosswise-mounted gas tank, resting on top of the frame.

The Honda Rebel 500 is one of the best-looking cruisers in the market with a slightly sporty and naked bike touch. The exposed engine and machinery look quite mesmerizing to most riders.

The 471 cc parallel-twin platform is well-established as the utmost user-friendly, versatile, and reliable engine ever produced by Honda. However, out of all the CB models, the Honda CB500F stands out due to its superior beginners’ compatibility. However, you must be familiar with the basic riding skills and road sense to ride this bike safely. This motorbike gained immense popularity and the attention of skilled riders alike due to its versatility and performance. The Honda CB500F provides a perfect balance between control and power delivery.

What makes it a remarkable option for riders with different skill levels is its ease of approachability, smoothness, and engaging performance. The CB500F can keep you hooked while riding this bike, doesn’t matter whether you are traveling within the city, cruising on open roads, or canyon carving in the countryside.

To provide you with the right picture, the Honda CB500F is not the fastest bike as its look may deceive you but it is decently punchier with a satisfying throttle response. It can be termed as one of the best bigger bikes in the beginner category.

The Honda CB500F’s 471 cc parallel-twin engine produces a reasonably satisfying horsepower of 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm and a torque of 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Though it produces the same power figures as the Honda Rebel 500, it is quicker with a top speed of 112 mph thanks to its sharp and aggressive styling.

Being fitted with the same engine technology, the Honda Rebel 500 does not feel different from the CB500F in terms of responsiveness. Though the Rebel 500 is a completely different design and style focussed more towards a comfortable riding experience, it still does not compromise even a bit on its agility and quick performance. The Rebel 500 produces the same amount of horsepower, which is 46.9 hp at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm as the Honda CB500F.

The Rebel 500 is not a normal cruiser, it is a modern-day bike with a sufficiently sportier vibe. The purpose behind installing a parallel-twin engine is to provide riders with an opportunity to use a unique platform. The Honda Rebel 500 may not be as aggressive and quick as a naked bike like the Honda CB500F, but it still can be ridden smoothly at a good speed. The acceleration and swiftness offered by the Rebel 500 can keep you entertained even if you have passed the beginner level.

On top of its punchier engine, the Honda CB500F’s lightweight design and chassis make it a highly agile and flickable bike. You can easily turn tight corners and change directions without having to slow down. Being a naked bike, the Honda CB500F does exactly what it is built for. The precise handling it offers allows riders to take on any challenge without being intimidated. Being a highly joyful-to-ride motorcycle, the Honda CB500F does not compromise on ride safety, stability, and balance while performing challenging maneuvers.

It would be true to say that the Honda Rebel 500 is one of the most perfect-to-handle and agile cruisers in the market thanks to its sportier stance and lightweight design. One thing that boasts the confidence of riders while riding this bike is its low-slung seat. The Rebel 500 is quite low to the ground and is light enough to handle and turn corners with super ease. Possessing the spirit of a naked bike, the Rebel 500 makes it to the list of cruisers that are highly flickable and you can change its direction without having to put in much effort.

The Honda CB500F received a suspension upgrade in 2022 with a premium 41 mm Showa SFF-BP front fork and it proved to be quite worthwhile. The front suspension holds enough character to provide several benefits, including improved stability, comfort, and light steering.

Towards the rear, there is a Pro-Link® single rear shock, offering nine-position spring preload adjustability. Both front and rear suspensions have a decently long wheel travel of 4.7 inches. Considering the price point, the rear shock is a good fit but can be improved. The suspension setup can easily overcome most of the bumps on the road without making you feel uncomfortable.

Another basic element of the Honda Rebel 500 is the suspension technology. There is nothing special about the 31 mm simple front fork and conventional-style dual rear shocks with no adjustability. Considering the price tag, the basic suspension setup on the Rebel 500 does a decent job of soaking up bumps and potholes during the ride. The front fork offers long wheel travel of 5.5 inches whereas, the rear shocks only have a 3.7 inches of wheel travel.

Other than being a thrilling performer, the Honda CB500F is unexpectedly comfortable as well for versatile riding. Nonetheless, it is still a naked bike with footrests that are placed below the rider seat and you may feel a bit cramped if you are a taller rider. Other than that, you can maintain an upright back posture, helping you to stay comfortable while riding around town and on open roads as well. Unlike most naked bikes, you can comfortably take the Honda CB500F to ride on highways.

Compared to the Honda CB500F, the Rebel 500 offers a more relaxing riding experience. Though unconventional, it is still a cruiser with ergonomics and a rider triangle that can withstand long-distance riding. However, the Rebel 500 is not as plush and laidback compared to a classic cruiser due to being slightly sportier and aggressive. The foot controls are mid-mounted but you can still adjust your legs comfortably thanks to the carefully positioned rider seat.

The handlebars are slightly far from the reach of shorter riders and it makes them sit a bit forward. However, if you are a taller rider, you can manage to sit with an upright back.

The most confidence-inspiring feature of the Rebel 500 is its low seat height of 27.2 inches which makes riders easily operate this bike with flat feet during stops. Being lower to the ground also means that you are more stable and very less likely to drop your bike even in challenging situations.

Both the Honda CB500F and the Honda Rebel 500 feature a six-speed transmission and chain final drive, allowing riders to enjoy a smooth riding experience. The six-speed gearbox makes them suitable for all kinds of adventures, requiring better acceleration.

Another good feature installed on both the CB500F and the Rebel 500 is the slipper & assist clutch, ensuring effortless clutch operation, gear shifting, and distraction-free riding experience.

In this department, the Honda CB500F and the Rebel 500 have no match thanks to the trusted powerplant technology and programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system found in both these bikes. Both these motorcycles provide the best range as much as you can expect from a 471 cc bike.

The Honda CB500F lives above expectations and ensures a remarkable fuel economy that you may not expect from a naked bike. The CB500F is estimated to provide a fuel mileage of above 70 mpg with ease. Above all, with a large fuel tank size of 4.5 gals, you will not need to be worried about refueling the bike for quite a while once your tank is full of gas.

The Honda Rebel 500 is estimated to provide a fuel economy of 67 mpg. For a motorbike like this, having such exceptional fuel mileage is a great advantage as it performs exceptionally well in both worlds, either if you plan to ride it within the city or on countryside open roads. One drawback that can be a problem for you if you love to go long miles is its low fuel tank capacity of 3 gals. 

With the addition of another disc towards the front in 2022, the Honda CB500F’s stopping power increased satisfactorily. If you are not used to hard braking bite, you must first get used to it by practicing it in empty spaces at slow speeds. You can easily stop the bike even at high speeds with the help of its 295 mm dual discs up front and a 240 mm single disc towards the rear, along with the standard ABS.

The braking equipment installed on the Honda Rebel 500 has nothing special as there is a single disc towards both the front and rear. They are still adequate to stop this bike safely thanks to its low weight and low-slung design which keeps the bike upright and stable. The ABS is an optional feature on this bike but we recommend riders, preferably new ones to go for the ABS version.

Considering the package you are getting at a price tag of $6,799, both the Honda CB500F and the Rebel 500 ABS are great bikes. You may not get a motorcycle like these two in the market at this price range with exceptional value for the money, superior durability, remarkable performance characteristics, top-end modern aesthetic, and whatnot.

Comparing both the Honda CB500F and the Rebel 500, the former is a bit superior in terms of quality parts and quick performance. However, the Rebel 500 still looks more prestigious and unique, attracting more riders, particularly if you are from the U.S.

Honda makes one of the most reliable motorcycles and you must be very well aware of that if you ride one of its bikes. Both the Honda CB500F and the Rebel 500 use bulletproof engine technology that can last longer. These motorcycles are not only affordable, they are easier to upkeep, and the repairs are cheaper as well, resulting in a better resale value. However, if you own one of these bikes, you will probably never want to sell it.

Both the Honda CB500F and the Honda Rebel 500 are exceptional and have no match. One thing that can make choosing one motorcycle between the two extremely difficult is the common engine technology they both share. The 471 cc parallel-twin engine is an engineering marvel by Honda which is considered to be of bulletproof quality and has the reputation to last forever.

Despite sharing the same engine platform, both the CB500F and the Rebel 500 are two bikes from different worlds. It depends on your preferences, what type of motorcycle you want, and which one you can handle comfortably. If you want a comfortable ride and love to go longer miles, the Honda Rebel 500 is your go-to bike.

Both the Honda CB500F and the Rebel 500 perfectly suit the needs of beginners and intermediate riders. Also, if you are an old returning rider who wants to start riding again, you may not be able to find a better option than these two.

If you are finding it tough to reach a decision, try sitting on both these motorcycles, and get a test ride if possible. You will be in a better position to make a wise decision. If you are new to riding and have only a little know-how of motorcycling, better choose the Rebel 500 as it will be safer and easier for you, considering it has a low seat height and confidence-inspiring handling.

By dressing your bike up, you can avail several benefits without needing to tweak your motorcycle engine and interfere with its performance. Viking Bags , an established brand in the motorcycle luggage bags and parts industry, has a fully-fledged catalog of superior-quality luggage options that neatly fit on your bike. We have tank bags , backpacks , tour packs , sissy bar bags , handlebar bags , and much more in the cruiser category.

If you are a proud owner of the Honda Rebel 500, you can transform this basic-looking bike into a dapper with tailor-made saddlebags , sissy bars , and backrests .