2026 HONDA REBEL 300 E-CLUTCH
Base Price: $ 5,349 Website: Powersports. Honda. com Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles Engine Type: Liquid-cooled Single, DOHC w / 2 valves Displacement: 286cc Bore x Stroke: 76 x 63mm Horsepower: 31 hp @ 9,000 rpm( factory claim) Torque: 20.3 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm( factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed w / Honda E-Clutch Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 58.7 in. Rake / Trail: 28 degrees / 4.3 in. Seat Height: 27.2 in. Wet Weight: 379 lb Fuel Capacity: 3.0 gal.
smooth things out never felt as intuitive as feathering a clutch. However, the E-Clutch was every bit as smooth and predictable at slow speeds as I can manage with a manual clutch, with no herky-jerky movements. And if I wanted some extra control, all I had to do was reach out and grab the clutch lever to turn the E-Clutch off for a few seconds.
While cruising north to the Griffith Observatory and then west on Mulholland Drive toward our lunch stop in Studio City, I discovered that the system works best if the rider keeps the throttle steady while shifting. Shifts were clean and quick, whether slow-rolling
through traffic or chasing other journalists along twisty pavement.
Although the Rebel 300 returns otherwise unchanged with the exception of E-Clutch, this was my first time aboard one. I was pleased to discover that what I loved about my 2014 Rebel 250 carried over into the new generation. It’ s so easy to ride that it almost feels like cheating. The seating position is natural and upright with all controls within close reach, although I’ ll add a caveat that I’ m a shorter-than-average rider at 5-foot-1, and tall riders will most certainly feel scrunched with the close placement of the footpegs. The bike is a lightweight
at 379 lb, but it feels even lighter than that. The 286cc Single worked quite well for our around-town ride. One of the drawbacks of my Rebel 250 was that its 70ish-mph top speed made highway stints a bit scary. The extra 10-15 mph offered by the 300 provides just enough extra power to give the rider some confidence when traveling at higher speeds.
Regarding chassis components like brakes and suspension, the Rebel gets the job done without drama or glamor. In other words, they’ re perfectly adequate but nothing special. Single calipers front and rear pinch 296mm and 240mm discs respectively, and ABS is
Left top: The E-Clutch can handle the clutch work, but the rider still needs to shift using the foot lever. Left bottom: The solo saddle provides a nice perch.
16 / MARCH 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM