I have been cutting corners on the CMX500 Rebel from Honda, whizzing along the back roads of Surrey and West Sussex. It is a Naked Cruiser which you can ride on an A2 licence, but it performs like a larger cc bike.
I love the look of the 500 Rebel, and it is quintessentially a Cruiser, with wide bars, low saddle and custom styling. The 500 Rebel is the smaller sibling of the CMX 1100 Rebel but shares the same look and prowess. My test bike was all black, a strong statement that appealed to me. You can choose from blue, green and silver which all look fab.
The CMX 500 has a 471cc twin-cylinder engine producing 45bhp maximum output, putting it into the A2 licence market and ideal for those moving up in their motorcycling journey, those getting back into biking or even bikers wanting to downsize and still have a blast.
The acceleration is not thrilling but does the job well for the bike's capacity, and it happily cruises at 70 mph. The 11-litre tank is slender, and with its low weight, it can be thrown around easily, and you maintain confidence in its handling. The CMX500 riding position is lovely, as you sit low down and upright. The saddle height is only 690 mm, and you have to reach up for the wide bars, which gives you a comfortable position.
The downside of the fuel tank being 11 litres means you are stopping quite often on long rides when you could be going longer, as the CMX 500 is so comfy. The Honda has also been left a bit naked when it comes to technology which is minimal. You get a full set of LED lights but no ride modes or features except two-channel ABS.
You get a basic display with an easy-to-read clear speedo, and you can see the information quickly, but there isn't a Rev counter. You do get a gear indicator which is good.
The transmission is a 6-speed gearbox, and changing gears requires more planning than most bikes because the Rebel doesn't like low speeds and revs. It is fine when you reach higher speeds as the revs are higher, too, and you aren't changing gears as often. It would be best if you feathered the clutch a lot to allow smooth flow in traffic.
Rivals come from Triumph, Royal Enfield, and Indian Motorcycle, to name a few.
Royal Enfield 350 Meteor, https://cmwmotorcycles.com/products/royal-enfield-meteor-350-supernova
Indian Motorcycle https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-ca/scout-rogue/
The CMX 500 Rebel is fun to ride, light and agile, handles well and gives confidence in the corners. It looks good in true Cruiser style and is impressively comfortable with superb riding position. You can use the Rebel as a commuter, tourer or weekend day tripper.