1986 Honda CMX450C Rebel Motorcycle Owners Manual

The 1986 Honda CMX450C Rebel is a 450cc V-twin cruiser motorcycle featuring a reliable air-cooled engine, five-speed transmission, low seat height for easy handling, and classic cruiser styling. This manual covers safety information, operation procedures, maintenance schedules, specifications, and troubleshooting for proper ownership and care of your Honda Rebel motorcycle.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Operation Controls 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Basic Maintenance Procedures 7. Troubleshooting 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 450cc V-twin engine, five-speed transmission, low seat height, cruiser styling, easy handling characteristics.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	450cc air-cooled V-twin
Transmission	5-speed constant mesh
Seat Height	Low profile for easy reach
Fuel System	Carburetor with manual choke
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum
Suspension	Telescopic front forks, dual rear shocks
Fuel Capacity	2.8 gallons
Weight	Approximately 400 lbs
Instrumentation	Speedometer, odometer, neutral indicator
Lighting	Standard headlight, taillight, turn signals

Safety Information

Always wear proper protective gear and follow safe riding practices.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Perform pre-ride inspection: tires, brakes, lights, controls, fluid levels.
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Follow all traffic laws and ride defensively.
Maintain safe following distance and be aware of road conditions.

WARNING! Motorcycles offer no crash protection. Always ride with extreme caution and proper training.

Operation Controls

Familiarize yourself with all controls before riding.

Ignition switch: Located on right side of handlebars.
Throttle: Right handlebar grip - rotate toward you to accelerate.
Front brake lever: Right handlebar.
Rear brake pedal: Right foot control.
Clutch lever: Left handlebar.
Gear shift lever: Left foot control.
Choke: Left side of handlebars for cold starts.
Fuel valve: Under left side of fuel tank.

CAUTION! Practice in safe area until comfortable with all controls.

Specifications

Engine: 450cc air-cooled V-twin, SOHC
Bore x Stroke: 70.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel System: Single carburetor
Ignition: CDI electronic
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: Chain
Suspension Front: Telescopic fork
Suspension Rear: Dual shocks adjustable preload
Brakes Front: Hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Mechanical drum
Tires Front: 100/90-19
Tires Rear: 130/90-16
Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons
Oil Capacity: 2.5 quarts with filter change

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and safety.

Item	Every 600 mi	Every 4000 mi	Every 8000 mi
Engine oil	Replace	Replace	Replace
Oil filter	-	Replace	Replace
Air filter	Inspect	Clean/Replace	Clean/Replace
Spark plugs	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Brake fluid	Inspect	Replace	Replace
Chain adjustment	Adjust	Adjust	Adjust
Tire pressure	Check	Check	Check
Valve clearance	-	Check/Adjust	Check/Adjust

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Essential maintenance tasks for Rebel owners.

Oil change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with 10W-40 motorcycle oil.
Chain adjustment: Maintain 1-1.5 inches of free play, lubricate regularly.
Tire inspection: Check pressure (front 28 psi, rear 32 psi), inspect for wear/damage.
Brake inspection: Check pad wear, fluid level, lever/pedal operation.
Battery maintenance: Check electrolyte level, clean terminals, ensure secure connections.
Air filter: Clean foam element in solvent, re-oil lightly.
Spark plugs: Check gap (0.028-0.031 in), replace if electrodes worn.

Tip: Use only Honda Genuine parts or equivalents for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, battery	Check fuel valve, choke operation, spark plugs, battery charge.
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, carburetor	Clean air filter, check carburetor jets, adjust if necessary.
Hard shifting	Chain tension, clutch	Adjust chain, check clutch cable free play, change oil.
Brakes weak	Worn pads, air in lines	Inspect pads, bleed brake system if spongy.
Electrical issues	Battery, connections	Check battery voltage, clean terminals, inspect fuses.

Note: Complex repairs should be performed by qualified Honda technician.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage during periods of non-use.

Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil and filter before storage.
Remove battery, clean terminals, store fully charged.
Clean motorcycle thoroughly and apply wax to painted surfaces.
Inflate tires to maximum pressure and store on center stand.
Cover motorcycle with breathable cover in dry location.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in carburetor - drain or run until empty.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty coverage for 1986 Honda CMX450C Rebel. Original warranty period has expired. For service information and parts, contact authorized Honda dealerships. Honda customer service: 1-866-784-1870. For technical information and parts diagrams, consult Honda service manuals or authorized service centers.