17YM Rebel

For 2017, Honda has released the Honda Rebel, a middleweight cruiser aimed squarely at the new rider market, as well as those wanting a mid-displacement machine for general riding duties. Designed to be easy to ride and accessible to all riders regardless of experience, the 2017 Rebel is also meant for the owner to stamp his or her own personality on the bike.

Taking the parallel-twin engine from Honda’s CB500-series bikes, the soft power delivery of the 471 cc, eight-valve engine puts out 45 hp at 8,500 rpm and 44.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Tuned for strong bottom-end torque and linear power, the Rebel is very rider-friendly and easy to manage.

The engine drives a six-speed gearbox, and the entire package is carried in a tubular steel frame. Front suspension is with OEM-brand 41 mm forks, while the rear is sprung with a Showa Pro-Link absorber.

17YM Rebel

For braking, Nissin calipers are used, with a single disc front and rear. ABS is fitted as standard to the Honda Rebel for the American market.

Carrying a distinctive silhouette in the “bobber” style, with thick tyres, the Rebel features a relaxed riding position, and has a very accommodating seat height of 690 mm. Fuel is carried in an 11.2-litre tank, and this middleweight cruiser weighs in at 190 kg.

17YM Rebel

No word from Boon Siew Honda Malaysia if the 2017 Honda Rebel will ever be brought in to this country to join its CB-siblings. In Malaysia, the full-fairing sports Honda CB500R retails for RM31,681, while the naked sports Honda CB500F goes for RM31,363.

On the dual-sports touring side, the 2017 Honda CB500 comes in two versions – with and without ABS. The Honda CB500X can be purchased for RM31,893, with the ABS-equipped Honda CB500XA going on sale at RM35,391. All prices include GST.