Honda Rebel CMX 250 Accessories

The Honda Rebel is a popular motorcycle, but is well known for not having any extra electrical capacity so there are limits on what can be installed. However LED lighting offers an opportunity because the electrical requirements for LED lighting can be measured in the milliamp range.

Flexible LED lights are easy to install on the Honda Rebel and provide extra lighting for safety as well as letting the owner add a bit of customization. The other benefit of LED lighting is that it is inexpensive compared to the costs for other accessories. I wanted to place one LED strip under the fuel tank on both sides of the engine to provide a bit of safety lighting as well as add a unique look.

I purchased two 4.7" flexible lighting strips for $6.79 from Oznium.com, a switch at the local radio shack ($1.99) and an inline fuse from a local auto shop ($2.99). The installation after a few missteps went well. The purpose of this article is to explain the process for installation on the Honda Rebel and help someone avoid a few pitfalls.

I am mechanically challenged so I know that if I can do it, anyone can. After a few problems with wiring, I found a picture (not a diagram) that clearly and unambiguously showed how to wire the LEDs. It is available at http://www.boogey.com/installation.htm (click on the pdf file titled Installation Guide with Wiring Diagram). This picture clearly shows how to connect the LED lighting.

Make sure you use a waterproof switch as well as the battery connectors. Heat shrink looks like a good idea, but I didn't do it. Boogey.com offers a complete kit for $20 although you can purchase what you need at local Radio Shack or Ace Hardware for about half that price. I did not use the butt connectors as I soldered the wires together and then taped them. I also would recommend a 3 amp inline fuse which works fine. I will admit to wiring it incorrectly before I discovered the picture which caused several fuses to blow out and a few sparks were encountered which kept me alert.

Where to place the switch on the Honda Rebel was the most difficult decision. A small hole can be drilled in the battery cover and the switch can be placed on the top or side of the cover. I didn't want to do that so I placed the switch in a 35mm film container by drilling a hole in the top cover for the switch and a hole in the bottom for the wires to pass through. I then used two zip ties and secured the switch container to the bike frame so that it is under the battery cover and only the top of the toggle switch extends between the bike frame and the battery cover. It is barely visible. I recommended the waterproof switch because it probably could be accommodated much better if you didn't want to drill a hole in the battery cover. The switch is actually on the wrong side of the bike (throttle hand side), but I was unable to find a suitable location on the other side and when riding at night I will either turn on the lights ahead of time or stop for a second to toggle the switch.

Measure well so you don't have a lot of wire remaining under the battery cover or conversely do not have enough wire to place the LEDs under the fuel tank. I attached the LEDs under the tank using the 3M double sided tape which came with the LEDs.

There is a rubber piece under the fuel tank that means that the LEDs need to be installed in front or behind that obstruction. I think I will install an additional flexible LED strip on either side to the rear of that rubber piece in the near future to make the bike even more visible.

Before you start take a good look at where you want to place the LED's and note the rubber obstruction just to the rear of the cylinder. I hope this article makes the process easier for Rebel riders.

Clock/Thermometer

I purchased a clock that can be mounted on the handlebars (7/8 inch on the Honda Rebel - 1 inch for some other bikes) from a very friendly fellow named Ross Harjes. He lives in rural Madison County, Mississippi and makes the bike clocks himself. Mine is a black faced model. He also has a white faced model and you can purchase them with a lighted dial if you want. He also makes a thermometer and several other styles of clocks. Call him if you are interested - toll free 866-856-5825 or visit his web site at http://www.clocks4bikes.com/

Engine Crash Guard/Sissy Bar/Rear Rack

MC Enterprises makes these accessories for the Honda Rebel and then sells them primarily through distributors. Sometimes there is a wide range of pricing on these items. I've found that Jack's Honda Rebel Warehouse sells these items at the best price. Occasionally MC Enterprises will sell items that are going out of stock, have blemishes or are overstocked items. I purchased a sissy bar (without the pad) for the bargain price of $66. Installation of these items is simple. Make sure you check the bolts to insure they stay secure, especially when the first ride after installation is completed.