Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500, 2017+) Maintenance

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Honda Rebel 500, a.k.a. the CMX500.

The Honda Rebel 500 is one of the two new cruiser motorcycles released in 2017 along with the Rebel 300. The Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin with strong bottom-end torque and smooth, linear power delivery.

The Rebel 500 is based on the same parallel twin engine platform as other Honda 500 motorcycles, like the sportier Honda CBR500R.

In 2021, Honda released a motorcycle that’s a clear upgrade path from the Rebel 500. So if you get tired of your 500 parallel-twin engine, upgrade to the class-leading 1100 parallel twin in the Honda Rebel 1100 (CMX1100).

Honda Rebel 500 in front of the city skyline

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Things you might need to service the Honda Rebel 500

So you want to service your own motorcycle, do you? Well, aside from the basic motorcycle maintenance tools, you will probably need some of the following parts.

Part	Honda Rebel 500 spec
Oil	Honda recommends SAE 10W-30, JASO T 903 standard MA. Pro Honda GN4 10W-30 is good. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
Oil filter	Honda’s standard part number for the oil filter is 15410-MFJ-D01 (used on many Hondas). You can also use Hiflofiltro HF204RC for the oil filter. Use a torque wrench to tighten it to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft).
Air filter	The K&N alternative air filter HA-2513 is a drop-in replacement.
Spark plugs	Use NGK spark plug part CPR8EA-9. Use a gapping tool to set the gap to 0.8-0.9mm.
Brake fluid	You can use any DOT 4 oil, but Honda recommends Honda DOT 4.
Brake pads (front)	Use EBC double-hardened front brake pads with part number FA196HH.
Brake pads (rear)	Use EBC double-hardened rear brake pads with part number FA496HH.
Coolant	Use coolant based on ethylene glycol — like Pro Honda Coolant or Zerex Asian Vehicle Coolant.

Honda Rebel 500 Consumables for maintenance

Honda Rebel 500 Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Honda Rebel 500.

Generally, the Rebel 500 has maintenance intervals of 4000 mils or 6400 km for minor checks, but it’s only at the 16000 mi (25600 km) that there’s a major service involving changing spark plugs and checking the valve clearance.

X: Intermediate. We recommend service by your Honda dealer, unless you have the necessary tools and are mechanically skilled.
XX: Technical. In the interest of safety, have your motorcycle serviced by your dealer.

Maintenance Procedures:

I: Inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace, if necessary
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean

x 1000 mi		0.6	4	8	12	16	20	24
x 1000 km	Dif.	1	6.4	12.8	19.2	25.6	32	38.4	Every
Fuel Line	X			I		I		I
Throttle Operation	X			I		I		I
Air Cleaner2 (HA-2513*)					R			R
Crankcase Breather*3			C	C	C	C	C	C
Spark Plug (NGK CPR8EA-9)	XX					R
Valve Clearance	XX					I
Engine Oil (Pro Honda GN4)		R		R		R		R	1 Year, R
Engine Oil Filter (HF204RC)		R				R
Engine Idle Speed	X			I		I		I
Radiator Coolant (Honda Coolant)				I		I		I	3 Years, R
Cooling System	X			I		I		I
Secondary Air Supply System	X					I
Evaporative Emission Control System	X					I
Drive Chain (Motul chain care kit)									600 mi (1000 km): I L
Brake Fluid (Honda DOT 4)			I	I	I	I	I	I	2 Years, R
Brake Pads Wear			I	I	I	I	I	I
Brake System				I		I		I
Brake Light Switch				I		I		I
Headlight Aim				I		I		I
Clutch System			I	I	I	I	I	I
Side Stand				I		I		I
Suspension	X			I		I		I
Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners	X			I		I		I
Wheels/Tires	XX			I		I		I
Steering Head Bearings	XX			I		I		I

Honda Rebel 500 maintenance schedule

Notes:

At higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
*2: Service more frequently if the motorcycle is ridden in unusually wet or dusty areas.
*3: Service more frequently when riding in rain or at full throttle.

Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Honda Rebel 500

The Honda Rebel 500 has the following tyres and tyre sizes standard. And the manual specifies the following recommended tyre pressures.

Tyre	Size	Tyre pressure
Front	130/90-16M/C 67H	29 psi (200 kPa)
Rear	150/80-16M/C 71H	29 psi (200 kPa)

Tyres and tyre pressures for Honda Rebel 500

The Rebel 500 ships with Dunlop D404 tyres stock.

About the Honda Rebel 500

Honda Rebel 500 on road, lifestyle photo — Honda Rebel 500 in use

The Honda Rebel 500 is a small “but not too small” cruiser motorcycle that has been very popular for new riders (and sometimes older riders who buy one “for their partner”).

The Honda Rebel has a low, lean silhouette that is crowned by a well-sculpted fuel tank, aggressively raked front end and fat 16-inch tires on large-diameter wheels. The stamped-steel rear fender and narrow frame body give it a stripped form and a very individual, unique look.

The Honda Rebel 500’s parallel-twin — shared by other 500-class motorcycles from Honda — has strong bottom-end torque and smooth, linear power delivery. In countries/regions where there are learner license schemes, the Honda Rebel 500 is A2 or LAMS-compliant.

The riding position on the Rebel 500 is relaxed and neutral. The rider’s gently outstretched arms match well to the mid-mounted footpegs, which leave a comfortable 90-degree bend in the knee.

What’s really unique about the Honda Rebel 500 is that it isn’t trying to be anything else. It’s not trying to be an alternative to V-twins, nor is it trying to be a big brother to the Rebel 300. It has its own chassis, a unique design, and it somehow looks classic and modern at the same time. Many people who don’t know much about motorcycles look at the Rebel 500 and say “wow, that looks cool.” It does look cool.

The round headlight up front (definitely part of the “cool” look) sits in an aluminium mount. The speedometer is a compact round dial with a digital display in it that has a tachometer in it too. And the Rebel 500 has a blacked-out aesthetic that is timeless.

As a nod to classic cruisers, though, the ignition is below the left side of the fuel tank. New cruiser riders might poke about a bit before they find it!

You can even take a passenger on the Honda Rebel 500 without too much fuss. You attach a rear seat with just two bolts.