You’re standing in a dealership or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, and there it is. The 2019 Honda Rebel 500. It looks like a bobber that went to finishing school. It’s lean. It’s blacked out. It’s got that trellis frame that makes it look way more expensive than it actually is.
But is it actually a good bike? Or are you just falling for the aesthetic?
Honestly, the Rebel 500 is one of those rare machines that actually lives up to the hype, especially the 2019 model year. It sits in this perfect "Goldilocks" zone. By 2019, Honda had ironed out the first-gen jitters of the 2017 relaunch, but hadn't yet hiked the price up for the LED-heavy 2020 facelift. It’s a raw, mechanical sweet spot.
What People Get Wrong About the 471cc Engine
Most guys at the bike meet will tell you that a 500cc parallel-twin is a "starter bike." They’ll say you’ll be bored in two months. They're wrong.
The engine in the 2019 Honda Rebel 500 is the same 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin found in the CB500R and the CB500X. However, Honda retuned it. They shifted the power delivery to favor the low-end and midrange. It’s not about top-end screaming; it’s about pulling away from a stoplight with enough torque to make you grin without breaking your neck.
It makes about 45.9 horsepower and 31.9 lb-ft of torque. On paper? Modest. In reality? It’s enough to hit 100 mph if you’re tucked in and brave, but more importantly, it’s enough to cruise at 75 mph on the interstate without the handlebars vibrating your fillings loose.
I’ve seen riders who have been on Harleys for 20 years hop on a Rebel 500 and realize they’ve been working too hard. The slipper/assist clutch—which was a big talking point for this era—makes the lever pull feel like you’re squeezing a sponge. It’s effortless. If you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic in Austin or LA, your left hand will thank you.
The Ergonomics: Is It Too Small?
Here is the truth: the 2019 Honda Rebel 500 has a 27.2-inch seat height. That is low. Very low.
If you are 5'4", this is the greatest motorcycle ever built. You can plant both feet flat on the ground, which builds massive confidence. But if you’re 6'2"? You might feel like a circus bear on a bicycle.
The footpegs are mid-mounted. They aren't way out front like a traditional cruiser, and they aren't tucked back like a sportbike. They’re... neutral. For long-distance touring, this can be a bit polarizing. Some riders find their hips cramping after two hours because your knees are bent at a sharper angle than on, say, a Honda Shadow.
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But for city carving? It’s a weapon. The bike weighs about 408 lbs (414 lbs if you have the ABS model). That’s light. You can flick it into a corner with just a thought. It doesn't fight you. It doesn't feel top-heavy. It’s basically a sportbike chassis dressed up in leather and denim.
The Suspension Reality Check
If we’re being real, the 2019 suspension is where Honda saved some money. The 41mm front forks and the dual rear shocks are fine for smooth asphalt. They’re plush. They soak up minor cracks.
But hit a legitimate pothole? You’re going to feel it in your spine.
The rear shocks only have five positions of preload adjustment. If you’re planning on carrying a passenger—which, let's be honest, the 2019 Honda Rebel 500 isn't really "built" for despite having the pegs—you’ll need to crank that preload up. Most serious Rebel owners eventually swap the rear shocks for something like Progressive or Ohlins. It changes the bike completely.
Why 2019 Was the "Goldilocks" Year
You might wonder why someone would hunt for a 2019 instead of a brand-new 2025 model.
Price and Simplicity.
In 2020, Honda added the LED headlight and the gear position indicator. While those are nice, they also pushed the used market value up. The 2019 model uses a classic round halogen bulb. It’s got that old-school yellow glow that actually looks better on a "Rebel" than the futuristic LED rings do. Plus, it’s easier to customize.
You want to swap the headlight for a vintage bucket? It’s a 10-minute job on a 2019. On the newer ones with integrated LED boards? It’s a wiring nightmare.
Also, the 2019 doesn't have the gear position indicator on the dash. Some people hate that. But honestly, it teaches you to listen to the bike. You learn the engine’s "voice." You know you’re in 6th gear because the bike feels like it's finally breathing easy. It makes you a better rider.
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Maintenance and Reliability: The "Honda" Factor
There is a reason you see these bikes with 40,000 miles on them still selling for $5,000. They don't die.
The valve clearance check interval is 16,000 miles. Think about that. Most bikes need a look-over every 6,000 to 12,000. Honda basically built an engine that requires the bare minimum:
- Keep the oil fresh (10W-30).
- Clean and tension the chain every 500 miles.
- Don't let it sit with crappy gas in it.
That's it. There are no known "ticking time bombs" with the 2019 Honda Rebel 500. No stator failures like the old cruisers. No weird fuel pump recalls. It’s a tractor in a tuxedo.
Customization: The Blank Canvas
Nobody keeps a Rebel stock. It’s against the law. (Okay, not really, but it should be.)
The 2019 model is a dream for DIYers. The rear subframe is bolted on, not welded. That means if you want to turn it into a true solo bobber, you just unbolt the rear fender assembly. You don't need an angle grinder or a welding torch.
The aftermarket support is insane. Companies like Vance & Hines, Two Brothers, and Mustard Bikes make everything from exhaust systems to tail tidies. If you put a shorty slip-on exhaust on this 500, it actually sounds mean. It has a 180-degree crank, so it has a distinct "thump-thump" that sounds surprisingly close to a V-twin at idle.
Common Misconceptions
"It's too slow for the highway." False. I've taken a 2019 Rebel 500 from San Diego to Phoenix. Is it a Goldwing? No. Will you feel the wind? Yes, because there's no wind protection. But the engine won't fail you. It’ll sit at 80 mph all day long at about 6,000 RPM.
"The seat is a brick." True. Okay, this one isn't a misconception. The stock seat on the 2019 is... let’s call it "firm." After about 60 miles, you’ll be looking for a gas station just so you can stand up. Most owners buy the Honda "Tall" seat or go for a Mustang seat. It’s the single best investment you can make for this bike.
"ABS isn't necessary." Debatable. In 2019, ABS was an option. If you can find an ABS model, buy it. The Rebel uses a single-disc front brake. It’s good, but in a panic stop on wet pavement, that ABS is worth every penny of the $300 price jump it had back then.
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Real World Cost of Ownership
If you're buying a 2019 Honda Rebel 500 today, you're looking at a price range between $4,200 and $5,500 depending on mileage and mods.
Insurance is dirt cheap. Because it’s classified as a "cruiser" and has a 500cc displacement, insurance companies don't flag it as a high-risk bike like they do with a Ninja 400. You’re looking at maybe $20-$40 a month for decent coverage, depending on your record.
Fuel economy is another win. You’ll realistically get 55-62 mpg. With a 2.9-gallon tank, you’re looking at about 150 miles of range. It’s plenty for commuting, but you’ll be the first one in your riding group asking to stop for gas on a long trip.
The Verdict: Who is this bike for?
The 2019 Honda Rebel 500 is for the rider who wants a bike that works every single time they hit the starter. It's for the person who cares more about "cool" than "fast."
It’s not a bike for ego-tripping. It’s a bike for lane-splitting through traffic, riding to the beach, or taking a weekend trip through the mountains. It's approachable enough for a total novice but engaging enough that a veteran rider won't feel like they're on a toy.
It represents a specific moment in motorcycle history where Honda got the styling exactly right without over-complicating the tech.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Buyers
If you are seriously looking at a used 2019 Honda Rebel 500, do these three things before you hand over the cash:
- Check the Chain: Many Rebel owners are new riders. New riders often forget to lube their chains. If the chain is kinky or rusted, use that as a bargaining chip to drop the price by $200.
- Inspect the Tank "Seam": Look at the bottom edge of the peanut-style fuel tank. If there are signs of bubbling paint, it might indicate a slow leak or poor winter storage. It's rare, but it happens.
- Sit on it for 10 Minutes: Don't just hop on and off. Sit there. Feel the peg position. If your hips feel tight after a few minutes in the parking lot, you'll need to budget for forward controls or a different seat immediately.
Check the VIN to ensure it isn't part of any local dealer service bulletins, and if the tires are still the original Dunlops from 2019, replace them regardless of tread depth. Rubber hardens over six years, and fresh tires will make this bike feel like it's on rails.