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Best slip-on exhausts for the Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500)

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The stock Rebel 500 exhaust is quiet, heavy, and — for most riders — the first thing they want to change. A slip-on is the simplest path: you keep the header, unbolt the muffler section, and bolt on the new can. No ECU flash required on most slip-ons, though a fuel controller can help if you go full-system later.

What “slip-on” actually means on the CMX500

The Rebel 500 runs a single-cylinder-equivalent exhaust layout (the parallel twin shares a collector under the engine). Most slip-ons replace everything from the mid-pipe back. That means:

  • No header work — the stock headers stay in place.
  • Weight savings of 2–5 kg depending on the can material.
  • Sound change is noticeable but not neighbor-hostile with the included DB killer / baffle in place.

Coffman’s Shorty 4″

The internet’s favourite budget slip-on for the CMX500. A short, straight-through can that is loud without the DB killer and civil with it. Stainless or black cerakote options. Sold direct from Coffman’s — availability on Amazon AU/US varies.

Fitment: CMX500 2017+. Confirm your model year when ordering — bracket geometry changed slightly across generations.

Vance & Hines Twin Slash / Cruzers

A well-known cruiser exhaust brand with multiple Rebel 500 listings. V&H pipes tend toward a deeper, more bassy note compared to the Coffman’s rasp. Build quality is high, and RevZilla stocks them with detailed fitment filters.

Fitment: Confirm “CMX500” specifically — some V&H listings cover different Honda cruisers and the mounting points are not interchangeable.

Two Brothers Comp-S

Stainless or carbon-fiber option with a distinctive look. Less common on the Rebel 500 than on sport bikes, but the Comp-S slip-on exists for select model years. Check current availability before committing — production runs can be limited.

Before you order

  • Measure your rear-axle bolt clearance. Some slip-ons free up space around the rear axle, making tire and chain work easier. Others sit close enough to complicate it.
  • Check local noise regulations. NZ does not have a universal dB limit for aftermarket exhausts, but WoF inspectors can flag “excessive noise” at their discretion. Keep the baffle.
  • No tune needed for most slip-ons. A full-system (header + can) may run lean without a fuel controller, but a slip-on swap alone is usually fine on the stock ECU.

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