A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Honda Rebels have been around since 1985 with its 250 model, but in 2017, the 300 was released. The smaller displacement allows smaller or entry-level riders to experience the laid-back positioning popular among many larger cruiser models. For Honda, the Rebel series has marked a great success story for its motorcycle division, and in 2023, it released the new, very modestly updated Honda Rebel 300. The tried and true small cruiser doesn’t need much upgrading, as it has proven itself to be an all-around great bike. The precision fuel delivery system provides just enough power to keep riders satisfied without it being too intimidating for new riders. Honda also provides excellent support for first-time buyers. Combined with the proven longevity, there is little to worry about when purchasing.

What’s New for 2023?

Aside from the year-to-year slight price increments, the Honda Rebel hasn’t changed much since 2017. However, fans of black motorcycles are sure to get excited as the 2023 model has done away with the gray and replaced it with Matte Black Metallic. And those who weren’t impressed with the blue option in 2022 might be interested in the Candy Diesel Red. It’s a deep crimson that breaks up the neutral dark tones of the rest of the Rebel in a minimal way without detracting from the cool factor.

2023 Model Highlights

• Blacked-out style
• Low seat height
• Flat-foot friendly
• Slipper Clutch

2023 Honda Rebel 300 Performance And Capability

For a little extra cash, Honda will supply an anti-lock braking system for the Rebel 300, with the option to opt-out at a lower price. The difference won’t lighten your wallet as much as a wreck would, should an incident occur where the brakes lock up without the added ABS. While the system can be advantageous for riders who are still learning how to brake safely, it’s important to consider your riding style and the terrain before choosing the upgrade. Still, the urban-style cruiser could benefit from an improved system for most people.

Whatever option you choose, the Rebel 300 will still come with the same 6-speed fuel-injected reliable engine as Honda is known for. With 10.7:1 compression, the tight little 286cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder will provide a snappy enough response for riders zipping around town while maintaining high speeds on the interstate. Not to mention, it’s lightweight at about 364 pounds for its base model, so riders can easily swing the little cruiser around in the twisties.

Performance Specifications

Honda has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and the Rebel 300 is no exception. With a 38 mm throttle body and programmed fuel injection, the bike ensures optimal fuel delivery and efficiency, contributing to both performance and environmental considerations.

At roughly 3 gallons in the gas tank, the Rebel can take you wherever you need to go. Comfortable enough to sit back and ride for a couple of hours, it can easily tackle 120+ miles of riding before alerting for the next refill.

The only thing left to consider is size; while the bike sits pretty low, the design makes it comfortable enough for taller riders, but riders at around 5 foot 5 inches might feel perfectly fit for it. The dual suspension also provides enough travel and stiffness to handle most riders up to 340 pounds. The rear suspension is nitrogen-filled, providing ample response to any sudden impact and making riders feel grounded on the road.

Design And Styling

The Rebel 300 showcases a blacked-out style, from its frame to the wheels, engine, and everything, emphasizing a sleek and minimalist appearance. Of course, you can get it in any color you want, whether red or black. It has steep lines that give the bike a nice bobber appearance while putting people in a very comfortable seating position with arms stretched straight out to the controls, putting little to no weight on the wrists. The well-centered foot pegs also provide a comfortable leg angle that supports the feet without over-exerting thigh tension.

The low seat height, measuring 27.2 inches, adds to the cruiser’s approachability, allowing a broad spectrum of riders to touch the ground comfortably. Ideally, riders should be somewhere between 5 and 6 feet tall to benefit from the ride height. A lower center of gravity can also give its rider a greater sense of confidence to maneuver at slow speeds without fear of tipping.

The bike does not automatically come with a passenger pillion. Still, the solid steel rear fender has the adequate support necessary to ride two up should you decide to purchase an optional seat. Of course, an extra set of pegs will also be required to ride with a passenger, which Honda can undoubtedly set you up with, along with extra saddlebags or any gear you may want.

The instrument cluster won’t look out of place on the bike as it’s designed with a classic look while retaining an LCD screen to display much of the advanced information that Honda has developed with the PGM-FI models. The LED lights that surround the bike also enhance the rider experience with long-lasting brightness, and the circular single front headlight is as effective as it is stylish for the classic cruiser look. It also helps to know that this sleek blacked-out bike will be easily visible when riding into the night.

Specifications And Dimensions

Chassis And Handling

The chassis and handling of the 2023 Rebel 300 contribute to its overall appeal. The front suspension features a 41 mm fork with 4.8 inches of travel; it’s thick and gives off a big chopper look with the 28.0-degree rake, while the rear incorporates nitrogen-filled dual shocks with 5.5 inches of travel. This setup balances comfort with responsiveness, with the ability to handle various road conditions.

The braking system is noteworthy, with a single 296 mm disc at the front and a single 240 mm disc at the rear, both optionally equipped with ABS. This enhances safety and reflects Honda’s commitment to providing advanced features even in their entry-level models. The purpose of ABS is to prevent a rider from locking up, and the difference is obvious when pulling the front brake hard in an emergency. When this happens, the front end would normally wash out to one side or the other, potentially sending the rider off the bike, but this problem is significantly diminished with the reasonable $300 option.

Diving deeper into the ride height, an extremely important feature for the Rebel 300, the lower center of gravity helps riders gain confidence in the turns and helps the bike’s aerodynamics at higher speeds. As a bonus, it takes far less effort to shuffle the bike around in the garage or to find a parking spot, and riders can stop at intersections like a pro. The Rebel won’t give riders a tipping sensation that be found on many taller bikes, reducing the chance of a slightly embarrassing spill while at a standstill.

The Rebel 300 further improves its stability with extra wide tires, which enhance the bike’s overall appearance. The rear tire size is 150/80-16, with 150 mm in reference to the width. That size is significantly wider than even many big Harley-Davidson setups. At nearly half the weight, the surface area of this tire covers plenty of ground to support the little Rebel. The front wheel is just as impressive at 130 mm, a perfect balance for the bike’s 58.7-inch wheelbase.

Chassis And Suspension

2023 Honda Rebel 300 Price and Availability

Priced at $4,749, the Rebel 300 positions itself as an affordable entry point into the cruiser market. Prospective buyers are advised to check with local dealerships for specific details on pricing and availability.

Pricing And Features

2023 Honda Rebel 300 Versus Its Competitors

To truly understand the value proposition of the 2023 Honda Rebel 300, let’s compare it to two notable competitors in the entry-level cruiser segment:

How the Honda Rebel 300 Compares To The Yamaha V-Star 250

• 

  2023 Yamaha V-Star 250

  The Yamaha V-Star 250 is a compact and lightweight cruiser with a low seat height and comfortable ergonomics. The responsive 249cc V-twin engine produces smooth, manageable power with a fuel-efficient nature making it a suitable commuter or a fit for a weekend getaway.

  Model

  V-Star

  Engine:

  249cc V-twin

  Torque

  15.2-lbs.ft. @ 6,000 RPM

  Transmission

  Five-speed manual

  MSRP

  $4,699

• 

  2023 Honda Rebel

  Expert Opinion: The Honda Rebel 300 is an agile little cruiser that carries modern features such as LED lighting and digital instrumentation. With a history of a rebellious spirit, the Rebel 300 has a lightweight chassis and responsive handling in an approachable and affordable package.

  Model

  Rebel 300

  Engine:

  286 cc single-cylinder

  Torque

  19.9 LB-FT

  Transmission

  Six-speed manual

  MSRP

  $4,749

The Yamaha V-Star 250 is a stalwart in the entry-level cruiser category. With a classic cruiser design, it competes directly with the Rebel 300 in terms of displacement and market positioning. The V-Star 250 features a 249cc V-twin engine, delivering a different riding experience compared to the Rebel’s single-cylinder. The downside to the V-Star, most notably, is the carbureted system, which can’t really compare to the fuel-injected system that Honda has perfected. The Yamaha also uses more inexpensive components, which is concerning, considering the V-Star is just about $150 cheaper. Aside from the technical specs, it comes down to which bike fits best for you, with a slightly different foot peg position and slight difference in shape; if the Yamaha V-Star 250 feels more comfortable to ride, then that’s all that really matters.

How the Honda Rebel 300 Compares To The Kawasaki Eliminator

• 

  2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450

  Expert Opinion: Derived from both the Z400 and the Ninja 400, the Eliminator 450 makes its mark on the sporty-cruiser market. The low seat height, manageable power delivery, and confidence inspiring rider position put the Eliminator in both the “new rider” and the “I just want to have fun” categories.

  Model

  Eliminator 450

  Torque

  31.7 LB-FT

  Transmission

  6-Speed manual

  MSRP

  $6,649

  Engine:

  451 cc Parallel Twin

  Driveline

  RWD

• 

  2023 Honda Rebel

  Expert Opinion: The Honda Rebel 300 is an agile little cruiser that carries modern features such as LED lighting and digital instrumentation. With a history of a rebellious spirit, the Rebel 300 has a lightweight chassis and responsive handling in an approachable and affordable package.

  Model

  Rebel 300

  Torque

  19.9 LB-FT

  Transmission

  Six-speed manual

  MSRP

  $4,749

  Engine:

  286 cc single-cylinder

  Driveline

  RWD

The Kawasaki Eliminator 450 attempts to fill the gap between the Honda Rebel 300 and 500. It’s technically a more well-equipped bike than the Rebel 300, and with its larger displacement, it’s shy of 20 pounds heavier, but the biggest concern when comparing the two comes down to price. At $6,649 for the base model, the Eliminator 400 is nearly $2,000 more expensive than the Rebel 300 and around $150 more expensive than the Rebel 500. If you want the biggest bang for your buck, the Eliminator leaves a lot to be desired in comparison to the Honda lineup, but it certainly delivers more power than the Rebel 300. This choice might most be influenced by style and riding choice. While the Eliminator is the Kawasaki version of a small cruiser, the riding position and design differ greatly from the Rebel, leaving it up to personal preference as to which one looks and feels better.

Is It Worth Buying a 2023 Honda Rebel 300?

Keeping in mind the size and engine displacement of the Honda Rebel 300, it certainly fills a necessary hole in the market. While there may be a few other options in the sub 400cc cruiser motorcycle category, Honda makes a very compelling argument about why the Rebel is head and shoulders above the rest. Apart from the smooth, controllable ride, the Rebel 300 also comes with a one-year warranty and an impressive unlimited mileage guarantee. Honda also has an optional extended warranty available called the HondaCare Protection Plan®. If the buyer needs a reliable bike without the worry of maintaining it themselves, this could be the perfect option.

That being said, the bike’s smaller nature leaves the potential for riders to outgrow it, which is vital to consider before committing to a Rebel 300. Take care to feel the bike out, make sure it is a great fit, and have a realistic expectation of how often you will be able to ride. The bike’s notorious reliability might outweigh the need for any extended warranties. Ask around to get an expectation for the annual cost of maintenance and have a game plan for whatever suits your needs.