2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS First Ride Review

[Hugh Janus]

The Honda Rebel 300 is the smallest displacement in the line of Big Red’s cruisers and is wholly approachable. (Adam Campbell/)

The Honda Rebel has a beginner-friendly pedigree like no other motorcycle cruiser. Since its launch in 1985, this small-bore hero has been introducing riders to motorcycling with its likable, easy-to-handle character. While the 2021 model remains unchanged after its 2020 updates, it retains the approachable nature for which it is very well known: a plucky engine with performance that won’t be outgrown too quickly, a low seat height that new and shorter-statured riders will feel comfortable swinging a leg over, and a low-slung chassis that’s easy to handle on the road and while stopped.

The 286cc liquid-cooled single produced 25 peak horsepower and 17.6 pound-feet of torque on our in-house dyno. (Adam Campbell/)

The Rebel’s 286cc liquid-cooled engine acts as a stressed member within what Honda calls a diamond-type steel frame. Its 25 Cycle World-measured peak horsepower put out by the quick-to-rev DOHC single is entertaining—but not quick to intimidate. The engine can hang at low speeds a gear high without bucking or shuddering and then sings at higher rpm and speeds. During testing we saw a high of 91 mph indicated on the LCD dash, just enough to keep up with California motorists while holding additional power in reserve for passing. With a CW-recorded quarter-mile time of 16.53 seconds at 75.93 mph, the Rebel covers the quarter more quickly than some of its competition. It gets up to 60 mph in 7.85 seconds, keeping most econoboxes off your tail off the line; engine performance is impressive for its small displacement and allows riders to improve their skills as they push the bike harder. It’s clear that Honda intends to keep the learning curve climbing too, with offerings in the 500 and now 1100 segments.

Shifting through the gears is precise. No false neutrals. (Adam Campbell/)

The throttle is easily modulated; the Rebel’s delivery of power is predictable and smooth thanks to well-sorted fuel mapping. The clutch lever pulls with minimal effort thanks to the cable-actuated slip and assist clutch. Shifting gears through the six-speed gearbox is precise; the Rebel does not give off a deep “thunk” confirming the gear-changing action like that made by some larger V-twins. It’s doing its job without fanfare or fuss.

With the darker colored paint scheme and blacked-out detailing, the Rebel makes a bold statement. (Adam Campbell/)

The Rebel carries over styling cues first seen in the 2017 redesign. Its 3.0-gallon peanut tank has bobberlike lines leading down to a 27.3-inch low solo seat. Blacked-out paint covers nearly every inch of components south of our test unit’s Pearl Blue tank and fender. The LED lighting package, which saw a redesign in 2020, is in typical high-quality Honda fashion and gives this bike a modern cruiser appearance.

A wide 130/90-16 Dunlop D404 front tire leads the way. (Adam Campbell/)

While the seat height and peg location cramps my 32-inch inseam slightly, the seat-to-bar stretch is more roomy. A shorter 5-foot-6 tester with a 31-inch inseam agreed that the seat was very low and the pegs high, though the reach to the bars was not an issue for him either. Seat cushioning, however, is firm and dense, contributing to a numb butt after about an hour and a half of riding.

Its composed chassis helps boost rider confidence in the turns. (Adam Campbell/)

The suspension is also on the firm side, with a sporty feel from both the 41mm telescopic fork and dual shocks allowing the rider to explore their limits on snaking roads. Small-bump compliance is good for soaking up minor imperfections in the road; it’s only when hitting large bumps that the rear finds the bottom of the Rebel’s 3.8 inches of travel. The bike carries its light 372 pounds hunkered down low, making it very maneuverable and quite fun on winding backroads.

If the Rebel had a résumé, it could add “excellent communication” to the list. The rear brake, specifically, communicated its actions very well to the rider. (Adam Campbell/)

Applying the Nissin brakes (296mm and 240mm discs, front/rear) demonstrates well-controlled fore and aft weight transfer, again thanks in part to the Rebel’s sub-400 pound mass. This also helped us record a 141.3-foot stopping distance from 60 mph to zero. Furthermore, both the front and rear brakes have a wonderful feel that lets you know when you are approaching imminent assistance from the ABS system. The rear brake has impressive power and can bring the bike to a purposeful stop on its own. Our test unit was equipped with ABS (MSRP $4,899); a non-ABS model is available for a total MSRP of $4,599.

The Rebel 300 (with ABS) is listed at a reasonable $4,899. (Adam Campbell/)

Motorcycle models come and go, but the Rebel’s 36-year run goes to show that approachability is always in demand. Riders who are just beginning to grow and develop their skills will find this bike a great place to start their motorcycle journey.

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS Specs

MSRP:	$4,899 (ABS)
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	286cc
Bore x Stroke:	76.0 x 63.0mm
Compression Ratio:	10.7:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle bodies
Frame:	Diamond-type steel
Front Suspension:	41mm telescopic fork; 4.8 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Twin shocks, preload adjustable, 3.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin hydraulic caliper w/ 296mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	Nissin hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 3.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop D404; 130/90-16 / 150/80-16
Rake/Trail:	28.0º/4.3 in.
Wheelbase:	58.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.9 in.
Cycle World Measured Seat Height:	27.3 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.0 gal. (0.6 gal. reserve)
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight:	372 lb.
Contact:	powersports.honda.com

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS Performance Numbers

CW Measured Performance

Horsepower:	25.01 hp @ 7,640 rpm
Torque:	17.59 lb.-ft. @ 7,320 rpm
Quarter-Mile:	16.53 sec. @ 75.93 mph
0–30:	2.42 sec.
0–60:	7.85 sec.
0–100:	N/A
Top-Gear Roll-On, 40–60 mph:	9.22 sec.
Top-Gear Roll-On, 60–80 mph:	12.49 sec.
Braking, 30–0:	35.27 ft.
Braking, 60–0:	141.3 ft.

GEARBOX:

Helmet: Arai Regent-X

Jacket: Pando Moto Capo Cor 01

Pant: Pando Moto Kusari Kev 01

Gloves: See See Street Glove

Boots: Cortech Women’s Slayer Riding Shoe

The Pearl Blue paint is one of two colorway options for the small-displacement Rebel. (Adam Campbell/)
The Rebel has a 58.7-inch wheelbase, 28-degree rake, and 4.3-inch trail. (Adam Campbell/)
A close-up of the Rebel’s brake pedal and right peg. (Adam Campbell/)
The exhaust that sings out the single’s tune. (Adam Campbell/)
A Nissin caliper squeezes on a 296mm disc for front-end stopping power. (Adam Campbell/)
The four-bulb LED headlight that illuminates the road ahead. (Adam Campbell/)
A close-up of the radiator gives you a glimpse of the plumbing required to cool the Rebel engine. (Adam Campbell/)
Honda does a very admirable job of neatly wrapping wires and directing said wires to the appropriate locations. (Adam Campbell/)
A simplistic gauge shows pertinent information on a contrasting white-on-black LCD screen. (Adam Campbell/)
Many bikes have the ignition switch located by the instrument cluster, the Rebel’s is located on the left side just under the tank. (Adam Campbell/)
The 41mm telescopic fork has 4.8 inches of travel. (Adam Campbell/)
Dual shocks provide 3.8 inches of travel. (Adam Campbell/)
Decent lean is achieved before pegs start to scrape. (Adam Campbell/)
Looking for chrome? Well, there ain’t much. Only a small amount can be found on the fork tubes. (Adam Campbell/)
I want my, I want my, I want my LED. That’s how it goes, right? (Adam Campbell/)
A solo saddle gives the Rebel its bobberlike look, but the firmness of the cushion is uncomfortable on longer rides. (Adam Campbell/)
Knees up and arms outstretched make up the Rebel’s ergonomics. (Adam Campbell/)
The single-cylinder engine helps keep the bike slim. (Adam Campbell/)
A diamond-type frame holds the engine in place. (Adam Campbell/)
Fill ’er up. The Rebel has a 3.0-gallon fuel capacity. (Adam Campbell/)
The Rebel’s low center of gravity makes it easy to tip into turns. (Adam Campbell/)
Overall approachability makes the Rebel a-track-tive to new riders. (Adam Campbell/)
Cast aluminum wheels are shod with Dunlop rubber (Adam Campbell/)
Both front and rear wheels have 16-inch diameters. (Adam Campbell/)
With a 0–60 time of 7.85 seconds, the Rebel has impressive acceleration for its engine size. (Adam Campbell/)
A color-matched steel rear fender looks sleek. The plastic front fender, however, seems like a cost-saving touch. (Adam Campbell/)
In stock form, the Rebel is for the solo rider, however, there are accessories available that can cater to the two-up travelers. (Adam Campbell/)
Here’s a decent view of the Rebel’s underbelly. (Adam Campbell/)
The three most common final drives are belt, shaft, or chain. The Rebel is fitted with an O-ring-sealed chain. (Adam Campbell/)
Despite all the plumbing for the liquid-cooling there is still some negative space between the engine and frame. (Adam Campbell/)
The Rebel clocked a 16.53-sec quarter-mile time at 75.93 mph. (Adam Campbell/)
Who can ever say no to a winding road? (Adam Campbell/)

Source

[Buckster]

[boboneleg]

Buckster beat me to it

 

[Tym]

Nice little bike diesnt look like a bug, projection is strong in this thread...lol