Sixteen-inch wheels are not a common size on motorcycles of today and limit your tire choices. Using smaller wheels is one of the many ways that the Rebel maintains its low seat height. Photography by Kevin Wing.

In The Beginning…There was the Rebel | 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS Review

The first motorcycle you own is the most important motorcycle you will ever own. On that bike you will earn key motorcycling merit badges ? learning proper throttle and clutch control, shifting, cornering techniques and brake application, to name a few. Those foundational riding skills need to be cultivated somewhere and it helps if they?re acquired on a bike as welcoming as the 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS. 

The Honda Rebel line is an unsung hero of the motorcycling world. Originally launched in 1985 with the Rebel 250, the spritely little cruiser was virtually unchanged over its 32-year run on the market and quickly became one of the quintessential beginner bikes due to its durability, unintimidating power, low seat height and user-friendliness. For those reasons, it was the bike of choice for numerous basic riding courses, allowing countless would-be motorcyclists to receive their motorcycle endorsements. 
Above all, it was cheap and built to take the harsh punishment that new riders dish out. Yes, the Rebel also helped riders earn other notable merit badges, such as learning the importance of fully extending your kickstand, or not overfilling your fuel tank and sp...