r/hondarebel

I’m a new rider and trying to find some cool saddlebags to hold basic stuff on my rebel 500, something more substantial than just those smalls bags for just paperwork and some tools. Would love to do touring in the future but for now looking for some minimalist style bags that look sick, are safe and are not crazy expensive.

If these exist I would love some recommendations and ofcourse photos if you got em!

Honda Rebel owners, how do you usually sit on your bike?

Do you sit close to the tank with your legs touching it, or do you sit more relaxed and slightly away from the tank? Do you tend to sit further forward or further back on the seat?

And what about your feet on the pegs? Do you ride with the balls of your feet on the pegs or with the middle/sole of your feet resting on them?

I started on a naked bike and learned that hugging the tank with the legs gives the most control and also takes pressure off the arms.

But I feel like that doesn't match with the cruiser spirit.

I spent too much time thinking about riding position to be free in mind, so clarification is much needed.

I'm curious to see what feels most comfortable for everyone.

I am getting close to purchasing my first motorcycle in several years (most likely a Honda Rebel 500), and I am trying to think through security before I bring it home.

Unfortunately, I do not have a garage, and I also do not have direct visibility of where the bike will be parked. It will be parked outside, so I want to do what I reasonably can to protect it without going overboard.

For those of you who park outside, what does your security setup look like?

Some things I have been considering:
Disc lock (with or without an alarm)
Heavy chain and lock
Motorcycle cover
AirTag or GPS tracker
Comprehensive insurance
LoJack or another recovery system

A few questions:
What security measures have actually been worth the money?
Is an alarmed disc lock worth it over a standard one?
Has anyone successfully recovered a stolen bike using an AirTag or GPS tracker?
Do you chain your bike to something every night?
Is LoJack or another professional tracking service worth it for a bike like a Rebel 500, or is that overkill?

I realize that if someone really wants a motorcycle, they’ll probably find a way to take it. My goal is simply to make my bike a much less attractive target than the one parked next to it.

I’d love to hear what your real-world security setup looks like and whether there is anything you wish you had done differently.

I have a 2026 CMX500 I bought at the end of May. Did my 1000km service two weeks ago, and last Friday after riding for about an hour the ABS light started flashing, and the speedometer reported 0kmh. When I braked to pull over, the speedometer started working normally, but ABS light continuously flashed.

I cycled the key and started the bike again. No issues for about 10 minutes, then it happened again. Did the same thing, then ten minutes later it happened again. I figured out I could just tap the front brake and get my speedometer back. Rode the rest of the way with the light flashing continuously.

About a half hour later almost at my destination, the engine would act like I cut the throttle for a second, and the red temp light and amber engine light would flash for that second, then return to normal. ABS continually flashing still. This happed a handful of times over the next 15km until I arrived and shut the bike off.

I took the seat off, gave the battery terminals a little tweak to make sure they were tight, checked all the wiring harnesses were connected fully, and made sure there was nothing stuck ondee the abs sensors and left it at that. Went for a test ride next day, no issues.

Rode the rest of the week, no problems, until Thursday, abs light started flashing again, speedometer says 0kmh. Tap the front brake and speedometer works normally. ABS continued to flash for about 10 seconds then went out. No issues for rest of ride, or yesterday on short run to work and back.

I’ve talked to the dealership, I’m booked for service on the 15th for diagnostics, but I am curious in the meantime if anyone has any experience with this kind of issue with the rebel, and has any idea what it could be.

Greatly appreciated! Safe riding!

I want to get a rebel for my first bike but I’m torn between a rebel 300 and a rebel 500. My only motorcycle experience was an MSF course which I failed mainly because I struggled with throttle control and the clutch on the rebel 300 I used, but I still want to get one and learn on it. My gut tells me to get a 300, but that I’ll also outgrow it eventually and get a 500. My question is: is the difference really that noticeable and would it be worth getting the smaller bike and sell it later to help pay for the 500?