2012 Honda Rebel Review

2012 Honda Rebel Review

Although not continuously in Honda’s stable of steel horses every year since its 1985 introduction, the Rebel has become one of those cult symbols of motorcycling – it’s been around seemingly for eons and hasn’t changed significantly in all this time. It’s one of those motorcycles that almost everyone knows about, even if they haven’t ridden one.
Factor in optional $500 ABS for the CBR, and the thoroughly modern, performance-oriented CBR250R seems like it should cost a thousand dollars or more when put next to the aging Rebel. Sure, the CBR uses a single-cylinder engine and is built in Thailand, but we wonder why the long-serving twin-cylinder Rebel costs more than its stablemate. We’d like to see a lower MSRP for the ol’ Rebel, but its continued presence in Honda’s lineup implies that lots of riders see this motorcycle as a heckofa bargain.