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Rebel 500 handlebar risers vs full bar swap — when is each worth it?

  • rebel-500
  • cmx500
  • ergonomics

The stock Rebel 500 handlebar position is neutral-to-low — fine for short urban rides, but taller riders or anyone with wrist strain will feel it after an hour. Two solutions exist: bolt-on risers that lift the stock bar, or a complete bar swap to a different geometry.

Risers: the quick win

A set of 1.5–2″ handlebar risers bolts between the top clamp and the bar. On most CMX500 model years, stock cables and wiring have enough slack for a 2″ lift without rerouting anything.

What to check:

  • Bar diameter. The Rebel 500 uses 7/8″ (22 mm) bars. Most universal risers accommodate this, but some list 1″ (25.4 mm) — double-check before ordering.
  • Cable slack. Pull the handlebars to full lock left and right after installing risers. If any cable pulls tight, you need longer replacements before riding.
  • KEMiMOTO Rebel-specific risers are a popular drop-in option designed to clear the CMX500 top clamp without spacers. Available on Amazon and the KEMiMOTO site.

Cost: $25–60 for a set of blocks and hardware. Install time under 30 minutes with basic tools.

Full bar swap: the bigger change

Replacing the entire handlebar changes the sweep, rise, and pullback simultaneously. Options range from Biltwell Tracker (flat, aggressive) to Biltwell Keystone (more pullback, relaxed) to classic drag bars.

What to budget beyond the bar:

  • Extended cables and brake lines. Any bar that is significantly taller or wider than stock will need longer throttle cables, clutch cable, and possibly a brake line extension. Budget $80–150 for a cable kit.
  • Wiring harness routing. The Rebel’s switch housings and internal wiring may need rerouting or extending. On the 2017–2019 models, internal wiring is shorter than on later years.
  • Grips. If you are already pulling the bar, it is the perfect time to upgrade to ProTaper or Renthal grips. A small cost that makes a big comfort difference.

Cost: $50–120 for the bar + $80–200 for cables/lines + grips. Total project: $150–350 and 2–4 hours of work.

When risers are enough

  • You like the overall riding position but just need 2–5 cm more height.
  • You do not want to deal with cable routing.
  • You plan to keep the bike stock-ish for resale value.

When a bar swap is worth it

  • You are over 180 cm / 5’11” and feel cramped even with risers.
  • You want a fundamentally different riding posture (drag, ape, tracker).
  • You are already planning other cockpit work (mirrors, grips, controls) and want to do it all at once.

Mirror options while you are in there

Swapping bars is a natural time to upgrade mirrors. Bar-end mirrors (TST Industries, KEMiMOTO) clean up the cockpit and improve rear visibility at speed. Note that the Honda Rebel 1100 SE ships with bar-end mirrors from the factory — the CMX500 does not, so it is an aftermarket add.

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