CMX250 → CMX500
Total redesign 2017
Honda's old CMX250C Rebel (1985-2016) was a 234cc air-cooled parallel-twin — entry-level, dated styling, 16bhp. The 2017 CMX500 was a clean-sheet redesign — 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin from CB500F, 47bhp, modern proportions. Same 'low seat, friendly cruiser' philosophy but much more capable bike.
A2-licence economics
Major win
Rebel 500 with A2 restrictor (47bhp → 47.5bhp legal max) is one of the cheapest paths to a proper big-bike experience for new licence holders. £6,099 new in UK, $6,599 in US — competitive with parallel-twin nakeds (MT-07 £8,510) but with cruiser ergonomics. Honda dealer support strong globally.
vs Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Different category
Bolt R-Spec (942cc V-twin, 53bhp, 251kg wet, £8,200): bigger, V-twin character, more traditional cruiser. Rebel 500 (471cc parallel-twin, 47bhp, 191kg wet, £6,099): smaller, modern, A2-friendly. Different riders. Bolt is for V-twin character lovers; Rebel is for new riders or shorter-distance commuters.
Real cost trajectory
Held position
£3,200 CMX250 in 1996 (£6,400 today) → £6,099 Rebel 500 in 2026 — basically flat in real terms. Modern bike has more electronics (ABS, FI, slipper clutch on later models). Used market in 2026: 2017-2019 Rebel 500 £3.5-4.5k, 2020-2023 £4-5.5k for clean low-mile. Strong residual value.
Rider aids count (1996 → 2026)
0 → 4
Old CMX250 had nothing. Modern Rebel 500 has ABS, FI, slipper clutch (2020+ models), LCD dash. Modest by 2026 standards but appropriate for the bike's role and price point.
Cheapest way in
£3,500 (used)
A clean 2017-2019 Rebel 500 from a sensible owner. 47bhp parallel-twin, low seat, A2-friendly with restrictor. The cheapest A2-cruiser path. Pay attention to fuel pump on early bikes (2017), reg/rec, and chain wear (Rebel uses chain not belt). Honda dealer network strong globally for parts and service.
vs Eliminator 500 (Kawasaki rival)
Same money, different bike
Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (2024+, 451cc parallel-twin, 45bhp, 176kg wet, £6,649): newer, lighter. Rebel 500 (471cc, 47bhp, 191kg wet, £6,099): more proven, cheaper. Both are A2-friendly mid-cruisers; both target new riders. Honda has the dealer network advantage in UK and globally.
