[Webike Moto Report] REBEL250 and REBEL500

[Webike Moto Report] REBEL250 and REBEL500

REBEL250
https://japan.webike.net/HONDA/Rebel+250/13877/mtop/

REBEL500
https://japan.webike.net/HONDA/Rebel+500/13820/mtop/

It is Kenny Sagawa of a motorcycle journalist.
The test ride this time is Honda, REBEL 250 and 500.
It is a full model change for the first time in 31 years.
REBEL is a model with very long history.
Especially, it is a popular model in the USA.
It was developed mainly targeting North America.
HONDA seems to have done quite a research in North America.

It was developed for concept that they want as many as people enjoy lifestyle with motorcycle.
They have 3 type of engine model for according to user’s needs. Firstly is 250cc, secondly is 300cc that is export model and finally 500cc.

First I tried riding from 250 cc.

The first impression was very light, compact and slim.
I felt that it was light and extremely easy to ride with a slightly different feeling from the concept of a conventional cruiser.
Water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 4 valve, single cylinder
The engine is based on CBR 250R’s of 250cc super sports.
Although it is a single cylinder engine, I feel a pulse like a sports model.
Furthermore, the engine revs up to high revolution.
The engine has beating feeling at low rotation and revs up to high rotation smoothly.
It is a very energetic engine.

Next, 500 cc.

Water cooling, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, in-line 2 cylinder
Because the displacement is large, there is a feeling of torque, the starting is very easy.
Acceleration power is also more powerful than 250 cc.
The ride feeling is massive.
Because the engine is large, it is heavier than 250 cc by 20 kg.
Its weight creates a sense of stability, and it is safe even when cornering or wind is strong.

Let’s straddle.
The feet are very good.
Since the seat height is 690 mm and the body is slim, the feet reach ground easily.
The handle is an ordinary pipe handle, but because the seat height is low, it feels relatively high.
It is a very handy riding position.
The pedal is in the right position with the middle mount. It has height and bank angle secured.
Since it is the same dimension as 250 cc, handling of Rebel 500 is basically the same.
In a nutshell, it is very light.
There is a feeling of lightness different from the conventional big cruiser.
You can also make a U-turn easily. The steering angle is also sufficient.
I felt handling was very straightforward.
The slant angle is set at 2 ° C, and it looks like an elegant style like a cruiser type.
Since it is not necessary to extend the trail amount, light handling is created.
The too much over steering at low speed which was many occurred in the cruiser type bike is suppressed.
Actually, I was also made a U-turn at low speed, I did not feel the too much over steering.
It was turning like a naked model and it was natural handling.

I think that it can be said that both 250 cc and 500 cc are very friendly bikes.
This motorcycle is very easy to ride and naturally that anyone can ride.
If you want to feel sense of ownership or massive feeling, 500cc is recommended.
250cc is recommended for those who want lighter feeling, or want to use it as town riding and everyday traveling.