Bobberism .... Honda's New 500cc Twin Bobber

[Penderic]

"It wasn t seen at either INTERMOT or EICMA, probably because it was born out a project started by Honda North America, but quietly, and via press release, Honda have taken the wraps off of their new A2 license-friendly Rebel bobber."

http://www.motofire.com/2016/11/news/honda-quietly-launch-500cc-rebel-bobber/

 



 

[bigbikerrick]

I Think, in a bike of this genre, I like  the yamaha bolt much better. something about the gas tank on the little honda doesnt look "right"IMHO.
Rick.

[Aaron D.]

There's a 250 version too. Kind of odd, more like it takes inspiration from the Ruckus than old school American style.

I kind of like it.

[stevet]

I would like to thank Honda for a new product with a sane size engine.  I am a proponent nowadays for the 500-800cc segment, good for them.  They should have thrown a parade rather than quietly put it out there.

Yes, that upright tank may take a little getting used to, sitting on the diagonal between the (relatively) high head tube and the (relatively) low seat.  It looks better at different angles.

But the earth-shattering part for me is that it is a small Rebel... without a rear drum brake!  (GASP!!!)

Steve.

[Air-Cooled]

What makes this a bobber? Looks more like a cruiser.

[fotoguzzi]

Meh..

[rocker59]

I Think, in a bike of this genre, I like  the yamaha bolt much better. 

Bolt is not in the same class with Rebel.  The Bolt should be better than this updated Rebel entry-level bike.

[cruzziguzzi]

I like it. I see; Monster-esque frame, Hugger smallness, Honda reliability and not a little nod to "Speedway" style.

I'd commute the hell outa one if I had a commute and needed a new bike.


Todd.

[Triple Jim]

Very low seat, feet semi-forward, Harleyesque styling, oversized front tire... "Honey, learn on this, and if you do OK, we'll buy you a Harley."

[Adan]

Through the eyes of an experienced rider, the flaws will jump out first.  I showed a picture of it to a fellow I work with who's shopping for his first bike.  His eyes popped out.  I've been steering him towards a Honda 500 anyway.  This hits the spot even more than the current CB's.

[Rough Edge racing]

 I'm a retro bike hater...But looking at the Honda it's just a smaller bike with a low seat. Typically Honda with styling toned down for a wide appeal to casual/newer/smaller  riders...Not every one on a bike cares about styling trends, state of the art handling or rides for long distances...The rider's car would be small SUV or Japanese sports coupe...

[LowRyter]

whatever........... ...

[jas67]

Meh..

 :1:

[willowstreetguzziguy]

IMHO Ugliest gas tank I've ever seen!

[Cool Runnings]

Nice chick bike.  Looks to be painful for a average sized man.

[Penderic]

IMHO Ugliest gas tank I've ever seen!

That big ugly seam along the bottom of the tank also looks real cheap.

[Aaron D.]

Bet they sell tons of them.

[kenvil1]

The Rebel uses a choice of engines from the current CB lineup; it's available as a 500cc twin or a 300cc single. Honda is doing really well when it comes to building a variety of models from existing drivetrains, and it's nice that they are making an effort at providing affordable and efficient motorcycles for all walks of life. My first motorcycle was a 1971 SL175, so I'll always have a soft spot for Honda motorcycles.

[fotoguzzi]

reminds me of the last run of Buell Blast's.

[Penderic]

They had a second last run too.


 

[Rough Edge racing]

 This photo is circa 1950 and is a nicely done "Bob Job" or Cut Down" as they were called then...Knucklehead engine and the bobbed fenders....


                     

[JJ]

This photo is circa 1950 and is a nicely done "Bob Job" or Cut Down" as they were called then...Knucklehead engine and the bobbed fenders....


                     

That is a GREAT vintage photo!!   

Actually, if you look closely, those two new Honda's look similar to a V9 Bobber / Roamer! (IMHO) 

[Rough Edge racing]

 More of the same " Booze Fighters" club fun....probably at the infamous Hollister bike meet

       

       

[JJ]

More of the same " Booze Fighters" club fun....probably at the infamous Hollister bike meet

       

     

  :1: - - This photo is in the book "The Original Wild Ones - Tales of the Boozefighters" - by Bill Hayes....an excellent read for anyone who is interested in the history of post WW II motorcycle riders. 

[Daleroso]

Triumph got it right.

[Rough Edge racing]

 JJ, thanks for the heads up on the book, I just ordered it on Amazon...

[Triple Jim]

Actually, if you look closely, those two new Hondas look similar to a V9 Bobber / Roamer! (IMHO)

Not to say there aren't similarities, but the Guzzi doesn't have the Harley styling cues, like the curved rear fender bracket, the low seat, and the exaggerated peanut-derivitive tank.

[rocker59]

Not to say there aren't similarities, but the Guzzi doesn't have the Harley styling cues, like the curved rear fender bracket, the low seat, and the exaggerated peanut-derivitive tank.

Which Harleys have had "curved rear fender brackets" ??

[Triple Jim]

The good ones like shovelheads, etc..  Not necessarily the same curve, but curved.




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[redrider]

Bet they sell tons of them.

Ugly. The local dealer has tons of new leftover street bikes from the past several years. ATVs and generators outsell the bikes.