Europe's best-selling custom-category motorcycle gets its most meaningful refresh since 25YM. The 27YM Honda CMX500 Rebel adds Honda E-Clutch technology, a new 3.5-inch circular TFT dash and a six-button handlebar module. And don't forget, two new paint options.
For an A2-friendly cruiser that has topped the custom sales charts in Europe every year since 2021, this is a well-timed step forward.
Honda E-Clutch comes to the Rebel
The headline change is the arrival of Honda E-Clutch on the CMX500 Rebel, a first for the Rebel family. The system is Honda's clutch-automation technology that lets riders pull away, stop and shift gear without touching the clutch lever.
The clutch lever still works as normal if a rider wants it. E-Clutch re-engages after use with no interruption to the ride, in less than a second above a certain engine rpm.
For a new rider on an A2 licence, that removes one of the trickier parts of early motorcycling: clutch feel at low speeds. Three operation modes (Hard, Medium and Soft) can be chosen independently for upshifts and downshifts.
The system can also be turned off from the left handlebar for a traditional feel, with an 'M' indicator shown on the dash. In Honda's own words, E-Clutch Large Project Leader Junya Ono describes the system as designed to "add peace of mind and comfort to town riding or the daily commute".
A new 3.5-inch circular TFT
The second big change is the dash. The CMX500 Rebel's old 100mm negative LCD gives way to an all-new 3.5-inch circular full-colour TFT display. Crisper graphics and a cleaner layout match the Rebel's custom aesthetic, with the round form keeping the bobber look intact.
Paired with the new screen is a six-button control module on the left handlebar, up from the previous four-button set-up. Honda describes the result as a 'second-generation HMI', with faster menu navigation and richer data on the display.
Honda RoadSync connectivity is included, bringing turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone pairing to the Rebel for the first time at this screen size.
The 471cc parallel twin, unchanged
Under the Rebel's low-slung tank sits the 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that it has always used. The block comes from the CBR500R, recalibrated for cruiser duties. Peak power is 34kW at 8,500rpm, with 43.3Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.
The 180° phased crank gives the bike a smooth, linear delivery through the mid-range. The 2-into-1 exhaust exits through a 120mm 'shotgun' style muffler for a pulsing bass note that fits the cruiser brief.
A 25YM ECU update brought EURO5+ compliance and an OBD2-2 sensor. The assist/slipper clutch stays standard, which keeps shifts smooth on E-Clutch and controls rear-wheel hop on rapid downshifts.
Fuel economy is quoted at 3.6 litres per 100km with 84g/km CO2. The 11.2-litre tank is good for weekend touring without constant fuel stops.
The low-slung bobber chassis
The CMX500 Rebel's tubular steel frame carries over from 25YM. So do the 41mm telescopic forks and nitrogen-charged twin rear shocks. The handlebar position was fine-tuned in that update for a more comfortable riding posture.
Seat height is a low 690mm, approachable for shorter riders and newer riders alike. Kerb weight sits at 191kg for the standard Rebel, 192kg for the 'S' Edition.
Dunlop tyres run 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear on 16-inch cast aluminium wheels. The 296mm front disc is grabbed by a twin-piston caliper, with a single-piston caliper at the rear. Two-channel ABS is standard.
The 'S' Edition adds a factory-fit headlight cowl with smoked screen, retro fork gaiters and a brown diamond-stitch seat on bronze wheels.
Two new colours for 27YM
The CMX500 Rebel standard trim gains Matte Fresco Brown as a new colour, with Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic carrying over. The 'S' Edition picks up Candy Rosy Red, with Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic again as the carryover option.
Who the 27YM Rebel suits
New riders stepping up from a CBT or A2 licence are still the first audience for the Rebel. More experienced riders looking for a stylish second bike for town and short runs are the other.
The E-Clutch update makes the first case more compelling. It takes clutch-stall anxiety off the table in traffic, which is where new riders feel most exposed.
For riders wanting a canvas for customisation, the Genuine Honda Accessories catalogue stays comprehensive. Comfort, Travel and Style packs are available alongside individual parts.
See it at Vertu Motorcycles
To see the 27YM Rebel in Matte Fresco Brown or Candy Rosy Red, or to try Honda E-Clutch for yourself, drop into your nearest Vertu Honda Bikes retailer. Colleagues across the Vertu Motorcycles network can arrange test rides.
They can walk you through the second-generation HMI and talk through finance options for A2 licence holders.
Book an appointment at Vertu Honda Bikes to try the 27YM CMX500 Rebel.
To look at the wider Honda cruiser range first, explore Honda CMX models at Vertu for the current line-up.
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