2017 Honda CMX500 ‘Rebel’
New retro learner lightweight 500 from Honda
Development of the new Rebel began in North America, with an outlook geared toward firing the imagination of a younger generation of riders in a different way to traditional cruiser motorcycles.
Powered by the same modern 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine that power the current CB500F and CBR500R to speeds in excess of 170km/h, with strong bottom end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery while the CBR600RR derived shift mechanism makes swapping cogs a joy.
It’s also slim, with a low seat height and therefore easy to manage at low speeds. The riding position is relaxed and neutral, with gently outstretched arms matched to mid-mounted footpegs.
The Rebel’s tubular steel frame is brand new and emphasises the fat-tyred ‘bobber’ style. Blacked out, with the minimum of paint, it also switches from solo-only to pillion-possible via two bolts.
Everything that can be is blacked out, which highlights the Rebel’s design as well as underlining the subtle paintwork. Set high up front the round headlight features a 135mm diameter glass lens and die-cast aluminium mount.
The ‘one button’ speedo is a compact 100mm dial with negative LCD display and blue backlight, while the ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.
The Rebel will be available in the following colour options:
- Graphite Black
- Matte Armored Silver Metallic
- Millennium Red
The Rebel’s 471cc eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine is drawn from the sporty CBR500R. For cruising duties, revised PGM-FI fuel injection mapping has shifted its character away from the high rpm-focused performance of the CBR to a torque-heavy bottom-end output, with smooth and linear delivery throughout the rev-range.
Punchy maximum torque of 44.6Nm torque at 6000rpm combines with peak power of 33.5kW at 8500rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm with compression ratio of 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 has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against dust. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.
Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidisation membrane.
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 is designed to offer effortless changes, especially around town.
The two-into-one exhaust scrubs spent gases in its catalyser then speeds them through its first chamber into the second resonator chamber. The muffler outlines a 120mm diameter ‘shotgun’ style, and the sound produced has a heavy-duty pulsing feel that fits the torque delivery.
To support the Rebel’s low-slung look its tubular steel frame grips the engine in three places and is designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam. Trail is set at 110mm with 28° rake; the forks are offset at 30° and the result, combined with the 1488mm wheelbase, is a low 690mm seat height and mid-mounted footpegs, for balanced and neutral steering.
The frame includes an innovative rear loop that separates the seat from the textured metal mudguard and the bolt-on cast aluminium subframe provides further scope for customisation.
At 230mm apart the 41mm front fork stanchions are set wide for handling rigidity, comfort and style. The tubular steel swingarm has a 45mm diameter and works twin shock absorbers that feature 2 step preload settings.
Dunlop tyres are fitted as standard sized 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear. The style of the 16-inch cast aluminium wheels is crisp and simple, with the 264mm front disc acting as mirror to the spoke pattern. A twin-piston front caliper is matched by a single-piston rear; ABS is fitted as standard.
The pillion pad and rear footpegs are easily removed, and a number of tailor-made accessories will be available for the Rebel, including a tubular rear rack, saddlebags, screen and 12V socket.
2017 Honda CMX500 Rebel LAMS specifications
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin-cylinder, 471cc, 67 x 66.8mm, 10.7:1 compression ratio
- Max Power: 33.5kW@8500rpm
- Max Torque: 44.6Nm@6000rm
- Clutch: Wet multi-plate hydraulic
- Transmission: Six-speed
- Final drive: Chain
- Frame: Steel diamond-type
- Front Suspension: 41mm forks
- Rear suspension: Dual Showa shocks, Pro-Link system, preload adjustable
- Wheels: 3.00 x 16in, 3.00 x 16in
- Tyres: 130/90 – 16in, 150/80 – 16in
- Brakes: ABS, 264mm rotor (f) twin-piston caliper, single-piston rear caliper
- Seat height: 690mm
- Wheelbase:1488mm
- Caster Angle: 28 degrees
- Trail: 110mm
- Wet weight: 190kg
- Instruments: Digital
