The brand brings its innovative, ever-expanding E-Clutch tech (and some other goodies) to the already approachable 500.In case it was not already clear, Honda is pretty stoked about its E-Clutch tech (and the market appears to be as well).The shift-easing innovation continues its spread across the lineup as it reaches its entry-level middleweight cruiser, the Rebel 500.(We're seeing this across the pond in the bike they call the CMX500, meaning it should likely pop up stateside soon.)Behold definitive proof that the E-Clutch edition retains the clutch lever, even if you don't need to physically squeeze it. - Credit: HondaThe update could not have been too big a challenge for its engineers, as E-Clutch is already present in the smaller Rebel 300 and in a number of other middleweights, including XL750 Transalp, CB750 Hornet, NX500, CBR500R and CB500 Hornet.(Meanwhile, the biggest Rebel, the 1100, has long come with a DCT option, essentially an automatic.)In addition to the rider-friendly tech, the S edition of the Rebel 500 gets a new Candy Rosy Red paint job that pops. - Credit: HondaAs curmudgeonly as I am, I appreciate the fact that the tech is not so much twist-and-go (like a scooter) as it is semi-automatic.When your foot connects with the gear shift lever (pulling up or pushing down), the clutch automatically pulls in, then releases once you've made the shift. (You can still squeeze it in tandem with the action, but you don't need to.)A 3.5-inch high-resolution TFT display is one of the headlining non-powertrain changes on the updated Rebel 500. - Credit: HondaThis tech boosts the rider-friendliness of a bike that was already quite approachable, courtesy of the assist/slipper clutch, a seat height of just 27.2 inches and a base model curb weight of 421 pounds.It's zippy enough too, thanks to a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine making a claimed 45.6 bhp @ 8,500 rpm and 31.9 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm.Thankfully, the brand has retained the eternally badass Matte Gunpowder Black colorway. - Credit: HondaE-Clutch is not the only change, as the bike also gets a new 3.5-inch high-resolution TFT display that looks quite sharp.There are some paint scheme updates as well. Honda carries over Matte Gunpowder Black for both the base model and the S edition, which includes a color-matched headlight cowl, fork gaiters and a diamond-stitched seat.Bright LED lighting is a modern feature, whereas the roundness of the headlight and turn signals is reassuringly retro. - Credit: HondaIt remains the best hue for me, especially with the new base model colorway, Matte Fresco Brown, looking, in technical terms, "kinda blah." (See image below.)That said, the S's new Candy Rosy Red livery kinda rocks. Two outta three ain't bad.Availability and pricingThe 2027 Honda CMX500 Rebel E-Clutch just popped up on Honda's UK site. Pricing has not yet been announced.I'd expect a US announcement (hopefully with pricing) in the coming weeks. Time will tell whether the US editions get the same colors or different ones.Stateside, the 2026 Rebel 500 starts at $6,799. With the 2027 updates, I would not be surprised to see the price hit $7k or more.Honda CMX500 Rebel Learn More About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
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