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Honda

CMX500 Rebel

PC56· 2017-2023 cruiser Top pick
Price (AUD)
$6k–$9kest. Aug 2026
Type
Cruiser
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Honda's wildly successful take on the modern entry-level bobber. It repurposes the 471cc parallel twin from the CB500 range, re-tuned slightly for more low-end torque. It is extremely light, has an ultra-low seat, and carries Honda's bulletproof build quality where it counts. The 2020 update brought LED lighting across the board, a gear position indicator, a slipper clutch, and slightly stiffer suspension.

Engines & variants

471cc parallel twin (LAMS) LAMS approved

Natively LAMS compliant. The standard 471cc engine falls well below the 660cc and 150kW/tonne limits.

Finding it on the approved list

Compliance-plate model code: CMX500 or CMX500S ABS or CMX500A

  • One bike, three strings across two registers: NSW lists CMX500S ABS and CMX500, Queensland lists CMX500A. Any of them is this motorcycle.
  • Victoria's list leaves it out altogether. VicRoads says on that page its list is not exhaustive, so treat the gap as no evidence rather than a no, and use the VicRoads registration lookup if you need a definite answer.
NSW and QLD learner-approved registers, cross-checked Aug 2026 — Victoria's list omits it, but VicRoads states that list is not exhaustive
Engine
471cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
471cc
Power
34kW @ 8500rpm
Torque
43.3Nm @ 6000rpm
Seat height
690mm
Weight
190kg kerb
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
Fuel
11.2L
Service
12,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000kmunverified
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Extremely approachable 690mm seat height and light weight
  • Engine is incredibly reliable and forgiving for new riders
  • Nimble handling that feels more like a naked bike than a cruiser
  • Strong resale value in the Australian market

Cons

  • Seat is notoriously uncomfortable on rides over an hour
  • Rear suspension bottoms out easily with heavier riders
  • Instrument cluster can be hard to read in direct sunlight

Known problems

low
Water pump weep
A known quirk of the Honda 471cc platform. A small amount of coolant may occasionally weep from the water pump tell-tale hole, especially when cold. It is rarely a complete seal failure.
Fix: Monitor coolant levels. If it actively drips or pools, the mechanical seal needs replacing, but a minor weep is often considered normal by dealers.
Any
medium
Uncomfortable standard seat
The stock seat foam is thin and shaped poorly, leading to severe discomfort on longer rides. Almost universally complained about by owners.
Fix: Replace with a Honda accessory comfort seat, Mustang seat, or get it re-padded by an upholsterer.
Any

Common problems (all variants)

low
Corrosion on cheap hardware
While engine quality is superb, Honda saved money on fasteners. Axle nuts, mirror stems, and exhaust headers will develop surface rust if left in the elements.
Fix: Clean and protect with ACF-50 or replace badly rusted bolts with stainless hardware.
Any

unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.

Also worth looking at

Closest in class and capacity to the Honda CMX500 Rebel.

Harley-Davidson Street 500 2015-2020 Cruiser LAMS Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015-current Cruiser LAMS (some) Honda CB500F 2013-2018 Naked LAMS Honda CB500X 2013-2018 Adventure LAMS