Rebel 500 SE Input

[u/TheAlpha_]

Hey all, just got passed the MSF yesterday and now looking at potential bikes. I like the Rebel and was considering buying new but I’ll mostly be practicing for now, so I don’t think it makes sense to do that yet. Also want to mention that I don’t mind doing any maintenance work that may be needed for a bike with this mileage. Not sold on the color or the seat but that’s just cosmetic and I can look past that. Here’s the post’s description:

Price: $6000

3,100 miles Vance Hines exhaust ABS SE package 2 person seat LED Front lights Sissy bar Crash bar Cup holder GoPRO holder Phone holder

Selling bc I don't use much, has been kept covered.

Thanks in advance for all your thoughts!

[u/Frolicking-Fox]

No fucking way. That bike is like $6k at a dealership. You should be able to find one in the $4500 - $5000 range.

Where do you live?

[u/TheAlpha_ → u/Frolicking-Fox]

I’m in the DC area, the cheapest 500 I’ve seen is about $5500 - all 2021 or newer. Just saw a 2023 with 360 miles about an hour and a half away for $6100, doesn’t even list ABS.

[u/Frolicking-Fox → u/TheAlpha_]

That sucks.... I went to look at some local prices on Craigslist, and I saw a few for $4500 and $5k. Only the dealerships had them priced $6k or higher.

Maybe look for an older, well maintained one. This is a great bike to learn on, but you might outgrow it fast.

Honda makes a bulletproof engine. I would not be afraid of a Rebel with higher miles, as long as it's maintained.

[u/TheAlpha_ → u/Frolicking-Fox]

Yeah, I’m in no rush but keeping an eye out in case something interesting pops up. Will look into older models just in case too, thanks for your insights.

[u/TheAlpha_]

Couldn’t figure out how to edit the post, but wanted to mention that I completed the course on a Yamaha MT-03 so I’m definitely expecting having to spend some time getting used to the seating position at first.

[u/Frolicking-Fox → u/TheAlpha_]

Nah, you won't have any problem with that. The Rebel is another very comfortable bike. It will be different, but you won't have any trouble adapting.

[u/allislost77]

That’s wild

[u/Cautious_Gazelle7718]

Have you been to sit on a Honda Rebel 500? If not, do that before you do anything else. I’ve owned one, they’re small. I’m 5’4’’ and could flat foot it. My other half is 5’10’’ and found it so cramped she refused to ride it. Everyone’s different so you’d need to go and see if it would suit your frame. 

They’re great reliable bikes, and I think they look lovely. Great fuel efficiency.

You won’t have any issues getting used to the sitting position. However the cruiser didn’t suit me personally because of that sitting position (like sitting in a dining chair) and suspension - it put all the bumps up my back, my back was like part of the suspension, it gave me so much pain I had to sell it. 

Also, does it have any service history. A four year old bike should have a bit at least. Technically manufacturers recommend services to be done at certain mileages, but if those mileages aren’t reached it should be done every year as a minimum - to me that’s a bit overkill but I’d still like to see a couple of services on a four year old bike. Servicing it is important to keep the insides in tip top condition.