The 2021 Honda Rebel 300 is one such sweet cruiser that’s light on the pocket, while also being accessible, classy, unintimidating, and easy to live with at the same time. Not to mention, it's one of the very few entry-level, pocket-friendly, and easy-to-handle cruiser motorcycles on the market. The other similar option you’ve got is the Royal Enfield Meteor.
The Rebel 300, however, makes a compelling case over rival brands because of the Honda badge and the 'Rebel' nameplate's years of lineage.
Let’s find out more about the 2021 Honda Rebel 300 by taking a detailed look at everything that’s on offer with this petite cruiser.
2021 Rebel 300: Little Cruiser, Big Smiles
The Rebel has typical cruiser styling cues – peanut-shaped tank, tall-and-wide handlebar, a single-seat, low center of gravity, a hardtail, and fat rubber on both ends. However, compared to bigger Harleys or Indians, Honda based the Rebel 300 around a liquid-cooled 286cc single-cylinder engine. It’s a four-valve engine with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). Although Honda doesn’t like to share the power output or torque of this engine, Cycle World reckons that it develops 25.01 hp @ 7,640 rpm and 17.59 lb.-ft. @ 7,320 rpm. These numbers are good enough to push this little 364-pound Rebel from naught to 60 mph in 7.85 seconds, says the publication.
A six-speed gearbox carries out transmission duties. A slip-and-assist clutch is standard. Honda claims the Rebel 300 returns a fuel efficiency of 78 mpg. It should offer a decent range over short rides as the bike’s fuel tank has a 2.96-gallon capacity.
2021 Rebel 300: A Modern Cruiser In True Sense
The Rebel 300 may be a nod to classic cruisers with its blacked-out styling and classic cruiser design elements, but in terms of features, equipment, suspension components, and brakes, it’s a thoroughly modern product. It gets all-LED lighting with a classic four-bulb round headlight, there’s a fully digital LCD display with a speedo, clock, gear position, odometer, trip meter, and fuel-consumption indicator.
The suspension setup comprises a 41mm front fork with 4.8-inch travel and dual shocks at the rear with 3.8-inch travel. It has a braking system sourced from Nissin – the front wheel gets a 296mm disc while the rear wheel gets a 240mm disc. Tires are chunky in typical cruiser fashion – 130/90-16 (front) and 150/80-16 (rear). ABS is available, but it’s not standard.
With a seat height of just 27.2 inches, the Rebel 300 is easily accessible and non-intimidating for new riders. Buyers can add a pillion seat for an extra $140.
2021 Honda Rebel 300 Costs And Options
Honda offers the 2021 Rebel 300 in two trims – Standard and ABS. The ABS version, as you’d have guessed, is the one that gets an anti-lock braking system. The Standard version starts at $4,599, whereas the ABS derivative commands a premium of $300 as it’s a sticker price of $4,899. Expect a flat $400 destination fee to apply as well.
There are two free-of-cost colors options on offer – Matte Gray Metallic and Pearl Blue.
There are quite a lot of customization options and accessories that are being offered with the Rebel 300. For example, you can add a pair of synthetic leather saddlebags for $210. But before that, you’ll have to fit saddle stays and brackets, which cost $180 and $70 (each), respectively.
If you want to fit the aforementioned passenger seat, it’s likely that you’d also want a passenger backrest – it’s available for $110. In case, you want to take your touring game to a whole new level, Honda also offers a rear carrier ($186) for mounting a top box.
There's a 12V accessory socket available for $44. To enhance its looks, Honda gives you the option to fit a headlight cowl ($96) and Meter Visor ($265). An adjustable brake lever is available for $28.
Last but not least, if you want a custom rider leather seat with cross-pattern diamond stitching, you can have it in exchange of $65. There are two colors available for the custom seat – Black and Brown.
Overall, the 2021 Honda Rebel can get quite expensive for an entry-level cruiser if you don’t stop in time with the accessories that are on offer. That said, it’s still one of a kind, and definitely looks the part. Not to mention, with Honda’s brand name and the company’s reputation of bullet-proof reliability, there’s hardly anything that can or will go wrong with this little Honda cruiser in the long term. And once you want to upgrade, you can always stick to the Honda Rebel family with bigger Rebel 500 and Rebel 1100 versions.