CMX 500 REBEL - STOCK SUSPENSION

Why the Stock Suspension on the 2024 Honda Rebel CMX500 Might Let You Down

The 2024 Honda Rebel CMX500 continues to attract new riders with its low-slung design, lightweight frame, and approachable price point. But for all its strengths—like user-friendly ergonomics and stylish looks—there's one area where this bike frequently falls short: the stock suspension.

If you’re considering the Rebel 500 as your daily commuter or weekend cruiser, here’s what you need to know about its factory-fitted suspension—and why many riders feel it’s due for an upgrade.

A Budget-Friendly Build Comes at a Cost

Honda kept costs down with the Rebel by fitting it with a very basic suspension setup:

Front: 41mm non-adjustable telescopic fork with 4.8 inches of travel
Rear: Dual Showa shocks with 5-step preload adjustment and 4.7 inches of travel

At a glance, this seems decent for a mid-sized cruiser. But real-world performance tells a different story.

Harsh Ride Over Rough Roads

The biggest complaint from riders? The suspension is simply too harsh. While the Rebel 500’s stiff setup helps keep the bike composed at low speeds, it quickly becomes uncomfortable over bumpy city streets or uneven highways.

Front forks transmit a lot of road chatter directly to the handlebars.
Rear shocks struggle with absorbing potholes or speed bumps, especially for heavier riders.

This can make long rides fatiguing, especially if your route includes imperfect road surfaces—which, let’s face it, most do.

Limited Adjustability

Another issue is the lack of tuning options. The front suspension is completely non-adjustable, and the rear only offers preload adjustment. That means:

You can’t dial in compression or rebound damping.
You’re stuck with a "one-size-fits-all" suspension that often fits no one particularly well.

This lack of customization is especially noticeable if you carry a passenger or gear, or if you're on the lighter or heavier end of the rider spectrum.

Poor Performance in Spirited Riding

While the Rebel isn’t designed to be a performance machine, many riders still want a bike that can handle a twisty road without feeling skittish. Unfortunately, the stock suspension doesn’t inspire confidence during aggressive cornering or high-speed cruising. You’ll notice:

Excessive dive under braking
A vague, disconnected feeling at lean
Rear-end wallow on uneven turns

All of these issues stem from a soft and underdamped stock setup that struggles to keep up when pushed beyond relaxed cruising.

What Riders Are Doing About It

It’s no surprise that one of the most common upgrades Rebel owners make is swapping out the suspension.

Final Thoughts: Good Bones, But Room for Improvement

The 2024 Honda Rebel CMX500 is a fantastic bike for new and returning riders—but Honda clearly cut corners on the suspension to hit a price point. If you're planning short city rides, you might be able to live with it. But if you’re expecting anything close to touring comfort or sporty versatility, the stock suspension will likely disappoint.

The good news?

Here at Platinum Motorcycles we offer PMP3 setup. This provides:

Improved damping
Height adjustments
Better overall comfort and performance

Get in touch with Platinum Motorcycles Melbourne today if you feel this enhancement is necessary for your riding style.