The Honda Rebel is one of the best cruiser models on the market today. It comes with three different engine displacements; Rebel 300 (286 cc), 500 (471 cc) and 1100 (1084 cc). The Rebel 1100 is the most powerful, making 81 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque, while the Rebel 300 and 500 are ranked as some of the best small cruiser bikes for beginners. All these Honda bikes are budget-friendly and feature an approachable size for short riders. Additionally, they can be easily customized with unlimited aftermarket mods.
Customization completely changes the bike’s ergonomics to the rider’s preference. Motorbikes are cheap and easy to modify as compared to cars. Some mods are just for looks, while others boost the performance and handling. Whether you want to bolster performance, add a dose of personalized style, or simply tack on a few convenient amenities, these are the 10 best aftermarket modifications for the Honda Rebel.
10 Exhaust And Muffler
Aftermarket exhausts are a popular mod among the bikers’ community. They give the bike a new look and improve the engine’s performance. Then some love the rumbling note of the exhausts at higher revs.
Whether you change the muffler only or the entire system, an aftermarket performance exhaust system guarantees a little extra horsepower. You can also achieve significant weight reduction by installing an exhaust system made of carbon fiber, titanium, or other lightweight materials.
9 Crash bars
Dropping or falling with a bike is every rider’s nightmare. Even though sometimes accidents are inevitable, it’s better to be prepared in advance. Besides protecting the rider, crash bars protect the Honda Rebel from scratches, dents, and further damage to its engine and other fragile parts.
Additionally, with some crash bar designs, the rider can rest his legs on top of the bars, stretching out and giving them a break from the bike’s footpeg position when cruising on the highway. Some bars have a small bag set that blocks wind from hitting your legs. The bag also acts as a storage compartment.
8 Saddlebags
Two wheels offer much in terms of fun and adventure. Unfortunately, they offer limited options when it comes to storage. Every experienced rider knows how storage is vital on a bike. Most aftermarket manufacturers capitalize on this by providing tail bags, hard side cases, and backpacks.
A wide array of aftermarket saddlebags for the Honda Rebel flow naturally with the bike’s rear design and remain one of its most sought-after accessories.
7 License Plate Relocator
This mod doesn’t contribute to the bike’s performance or handling; it just adds to the aesthetics, giving the Rebel an attractive look. It’s also easy to install. You don’t need to seek help from a professional.
The stock plate holder hangs low on the Rebel’s rear. This doesn’t sit well with most riders who prefer to get a sleek plate relocator that holds the license plate on the fender. Aslo, the aftermarket plate relocator typically also relocates the stock turn signals.
6 Seat
While there is little to complain about the Honda Rebel, cruising for long distances on its stock saddle leaves you aching for a better-padded seat. Like the levers and tank pads, the seat is also a point of contact between you and the bike. Altering or upgrading it dramatically improves your riding experience.
Besides comfort, aftermarket seats are a way to raise or lower the ride height for taller or shorter riders. Wider seats are preferred because they distribute the rider’s weight evenly. There is a wide array of aftermarket seats for the Rebel, including performance-focused seats and seats for two.
5 Shocks And Spring Kit
Aftermarket suspension will always outdo stock suspension. Manufacturers simply fit shocks that match the bike’s price tag. For the vast majority, the standard suspension that comes with the Honda Rebel can handle the rider’s weight and a few pieces of luggage.
But if you want a smoother ride or improved handling, suspension upgrades are a worthy investment. Depending on the ride quality you want, you can raise or lower the ride height with aftermarket suspension. You can also choose between a comfy or sporty setting.
4 Air Filter
An aftermarket air filter does wonders when it comes to the bike’s performance. It’s an easy modification but it pays back with increased performance and better fuel economy. These aftermarket air filters beat the Rebel’s stock filter since it feeds the engine more air, which helps unleash the engine’s maximum performance.
The air intake mod requires a free-flowing aftermarket exhaust system to get max power. Good aftermarket performance air filters are quite costly, but they are worth every penny in the long run.
3 Tires
Better grip guarantees the bike’s improved handling – the two complement each other. However, manufacturers don’t invest a lot in tires because they wear out with time. Instead, they fit bikes with generic and multipurpose tires. Therefore, you should consider getting the right tires that match your riding style and weather.
Harder rubber compounds suit the Honda Rebel because it’s a cruiser bike for street commuting. Softer, stickier rubber bolsters grip and traction at the expense of shorter tire life, giving the bike better cornering ability. Additionally, they help instill more confidence in the rider while cruising on the highway.
2 Windscreen/ Fairing
The windscreen isn't loved by all bikers, with many claiming that it causes drag. Full-face helmets act as a small windshield to the rider. But that only keeps wind off the face; to protect the head and upper body from wind buffeting and bugs, a windscreen or fairing is what you want. Luckily, there is a variety of aftermarket windscreen fairings for the Rebel.
When appropriately fitted, the windscreen reduces drag by directing airflow around your body and bike. It also reduces fatigue caused by buffeting when on a long-mile touring. And yes, a windscreen fairing can add to the Rebel’s aesthetics, especially when color-matched to the bike.
1 Turn Signals
Aftermarket turn signals don’t contribute to performance upgrades, but their appearance on the bike surely makes up for it. Honda Rebel comes with ugly indicators that stick out on the outside. Luckily, you can get sexy-looking indicators in either standard or LED options.
You can also get flush turn signals that don’t stick out. Most of them come with visible LED lighting. Flush turn signals sit more against the bodywork, giving the Rebel a sleeker design. Their biggest benefit is making night riding safer because other motorists can clearly see you.