2017 Honda Rebel bobber

18th November 2016

471cc | Parallel twin | Review | Specifications

◄PREVIOUS STORY                     NEXT STORY►

It's A2 licence friendly, it's wielding a retuned 471cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve parallel twin engine "drawn" from the CBR550R, it's got a 180-degree firing stroke, it's rolling on 16-inch rubber front and rear, and it's got the mean and moody looks beloved of the bobber generation.

Honda has just released details of this bike which is badged as a Rebel. The bike is aimed at the younger market looking for reasonably cool and not-too-sophisticated transport. But, if Honda prices it right (which it probably will) we can see a few older riders being interested in this fairly modest motorcycle.

The power is said to be 44bhp @ 8,500rpm. The torque is 32lbs-ft (44.6Nm) @ 6,000rpm. And Honda reckons that this bike, with its predicted linear power delivery and reasonable low-end grunt, will find much favour among city dwellers. But the 8,500 rev-numbers suggest that this will actually feel a little buzzy for many.

The transmission is 6-speed. A 2-into-1 exhaust with a shotgun silencer gives the bike a modicum of sporting/bad-ass pretensions. The cast wheels will help cut maintenance. The foot controls are (sensibly) placed in the mid-position (as opposed to feet forward). The speedo is LCD. The seat height is a lowly 27-inch (690mm). And ABS is, as per EU regulations, standard.

Honda has hyped this bike a little too much with its launch at Long Beach, California (18th November 2016) and claims it's a "totally fresh take on custom cool". The firm also promises a range of accessories. But at present, that range doesn't look too impressive and comprises a rack, saddlebags, a windscreen and a 12-volt take off point. Maybe some other stuff will come along sooner or later.

Overall, however, it's a neat enough looking package. Colours are Graphite Black; Matte Armoured Silver Metallic; or Millennium Red. Honda hasn't yet attached a price tag.

◄PREVIOUS STORY                     NEXT STORY►