2021 Honda Rebel 300

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS. (Honda/)

Ups

• Well-rounded beginner bike
• Quick-to-rev and plucky, yet no-intimidation 286cc liquid-cooled engine
• Firm and sporty suspension
• Impressive braking, plus an ABS option for added safety
• Entry-level price

Downs

• Cramped seat-to-peg ergonomics and seat cushion is firm
• Limited color options

Verdict

Overall, Honda’s Rebel 300 lives up to its heritage for being a great small-displacement cruiser with a well-rounded package that gives riders an opportunity to develop their skills.

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS. (Honda/)

Overview

Since 1985, the Rebel has been crucial in introducing motorcycling to riders. Its approachable engine, low seat height, and maneuverable handling make it an attractive small-bore bike for all skill levels. With 500 and 1100 options in the Rebel lineup, Honda makes it clear where riders can continue to grow.

Updates for 2021

With updates made just last year, the Rebel 300 does not see anything new for 2021 aside from a slight increase in price.

Pricing and Variants

Honda’s Rebel 300 comes in two forms: ABS ($4,899) and non-ABS ($4,599).

Competition

The Rebel 300 finds resistance in the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Yamaha Bolt, and even Indian’s Scout Sixty.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Previous generations of the Rebel were powered by a 234cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine. In 2017 a major overhaul was given to this small cruiser platform which resulted in the swap to a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is still seen in the current iteration. This engine is peppy and quick to rev. It can be ridden a gear high without shuddering—a forgiving characteristic for new riders. Its slipper-assist clutch offers a feather-light pull which limits hand fatigue too.

On the dyno, it produces a linear power delivery that climbs up to its Cycle World-measured 25 hp at 7,640 rpm. Its torque curve dips in the midrange, before sloping up to its peak 17.6 pound-feet at 7,320 rpm.

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS. (Honda/)

Handling

Measuring 372 pounds fully fueled on the Cycle World scales, the Rebel is easily maneuvered on snaking roads since its weight is carried low and stock suspension settings are firm. Riders can feel confident in pushing it hard in turns and down stretches of freeway.  A 41mm telescopic fork and dual shocks soak up minor imperfections on the road but harder bumps are felt when the 3.8 inches of rear travel hits its limit.

Brakes

Nissin calipers with 296mm and 240mm discs, front and rear, bring the Rebel to a purposeful stop and have excellent feel at the lever and pedal. During our testing the Rebel recorded a stopping distance of 141.3 feet from 60 mph to zero and 35.27 feet from 30 mph to zero. The model comes in either ABS or non-ABS trim levels.

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS. (Honda/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

We recorded an average mpg of 57.8 for the small Rebel.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Ergonomics from the seat to the bars is roomy with an outstretched reach, but 6-foot-tall testers did find the seat-to-peg measurement slightly cramped with knees raised to the 3.0-gallon tank.

It doesn’t get much lower than a 27.3-inch measured seat height, though. Swinging a leg over is easy as is flat-footing at stops—these are some of the reasons the Rebel is so approachable. When it comes to saddletime, the seat cushion is firm which could be uncomfortable after about an hour and a half.

Electronics

A white-on-black LCD display, full LED lighting, and ABS (optional) are electronics seen on the 300/ABS.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A transferable, one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is available.

Quality

Honda sets a high-quality standard with its neat and tidy details. if there were any gripes, it would be the limit of two colors to choose from and a plastic side panel and front fender. Overall, price is kept to a reasonable $4,599–$4,899.

2021 Honda Rebel 300 ABS. (Honda/)

2021 Honda Rebel 300 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$4,599–$4,899
Engine:	286cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	76.0 x 63.0mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle bodies
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:	NA
Frame:	Diamond-type steel
Front Suspension:	41mm telescopic fork; 4.8 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Twin shocks, preload adjustable, 3.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin hydraulic caliper w/ 296mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	Nissin hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 3.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop D404; 130/90-16 / 150/80-16
Rake/Trail:	28.0º/4.3 in.
Wheelbase:	58.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.9 in.
Seat Height:	27.2 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.0 gal.
Wet Weight:	364 lb.
Contact:	powersports.honda.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	27.3 in.
Wet Weight:	372 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	25.01 hp @ 7,640 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	17.59 lb.-ft. @ 7,320 rpm
0–60 mph:	7.85 sec.
1/4-mile:	16.53 sec. @ 75.93 mph
Braking 30–0 mph:	35.27 ft.
Braking 60–0 mph:	141.3 ft.

Source

[Buckster]

Perfect for women. Or Six.

[Six30]

46 minutes ago, Buckster said:

Perfect for women. Or Six.

rather get the bus or walk .

[Tym]

1 hour ago, Buckster said:

P Or Six.

Single seat isnt a deal breaker like  Suks can get a date lol, maybe they should call the bike the Spinster in Suk's honour. 

[Six30]

3 minutes ago, Tym said:

Single seat isnt a deal breaker like  Suks can get a date lol, maybe they should call the bike the Spinster in Suk's honour. 

When you go any where near a lady the Jaws music starts playing 

[Tym]

Once again you have no depth, your trolling is weak at first then fails even to keep up with the weak standards set by the initial weak troll,

 

then only to follow up with a boring comment only a cunt would think of,

 

@Buckster really needs to sdend this one back to 101 fishing school.

[Buckster]

2 minutes ago, Tym said:

Once again you have no depth, your trolling is weak at first then fails even to keep up with the weak standards set by the initial weak troll,

 

then only to follow up with a boring comment only a cunt would think of,

 

@Buckster really needs to sdend this one back to 101 fishing school.

He’s fuck all to do with me, he is @XTreme’s protege.

[XTreme]

1 minute ago, Buckster said:

He’s fuck all to do with me, he is @XTreme’s protege.