KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Rebel 500 launched at Rs. 5.12 lakh ex-showroom.
- Competes directly with Super Meteor, Kawasaki Eliminator.
- Available via Honda BigWing in select cities.
- 471cc twin-cylinder engine offers smooth, torquey performance.
- Classic bobber design with modern cruiser features.
Honda Rebel 500: After years of anticipation, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the Rebel 500 cruiser in India, setting the stage for a fresh rivalry in the middleweight cruiser segment. Priced at Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom Gurugram), the Rebel 500 enters the market as a direct competitor to Royal Enfield's Super Meteor 650 and Kawasaki Eliminator. The Rebel 500 offers minimalist cruiser aesthetics with modern-day reliability. Check out more details here and do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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A Global Favourite, Now Made Local
Already a popular name in international markets, the Rebel 500's Indian debut marks a strategic expansion of Honda's premium motorcycle portfolio. However, instead of a nationwide rollout, Honda has opted for a focused approach - making the Rebel 500 available exclusively through its BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Deliveries are set to begin in June 2025, with bookings now open both online and offline.
Honda Rebel 500: Design
The Rebel 500 brings a mix of old-school cruiser character and subtle modernity. It sticks to the classic 'bobber' silhouette with a clean, stripped-down look - a low-slung stance, fat tyres, and minimal chrome. What truly stands out is the attention to proportion: a low seat height of 690mm makes it extremely accessible to newer riders, while the beefy front forks and wide handlebars give it the commanding presence cruiser fans crave.
Finished in a bold Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, the India-spec model comes in a single variant with dual seating. From its signature round LED headlamp to the raked fuel tank and chunky rear fender, the Rebel 500 makes a bold style statement that's difficult to overlook.
Powertrain: Smooth Torque
Underneath the rugged bodywork lies a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine tuned for refined yet torquey performance. The engine produces 34 kW of power at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM - numbers that promise ample grunt for highway cruising without overwhelming city performance. Paired with a 6-speed transmission, the Rebel 500 focuses on linear power delivery and relaxed ergonomics - staying true to its easy-going cruiser DNA. The stubby exhaust, tuned for a low-end rumble, adds to the emotional appeal while still staying compliant with emission norms.
Honda Rebel 500: Hardware
Built around a tubular steel frame, the Rebel 500 is suspended by 41mm telescopic forks at the front and twin Showa shock absorbers at the rear - both tuned for a comfortable, planted ride. Braking duties are handled by a 296mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS for added safety.
It rides on Dunlop rubber - a 130/90-16 at the front and 150/80-16 at the rear - giving it that chunky, planted cruiser look and feel. A compact LCD dash keeps things minimal but informative, showing essentials like gear position, fuel level, and speed in a crisp layout.
Honda Rebel 500: Made for All
The Honda Rebel 500 isn't trying to dominate the spec sheet - instead, it focuses on delivering an intuitive, approachable cruiser experience that allows riders to connect with the machine. It's a bike that speaks more to the rider's soul than the stopwatch and that's where its biggest strength lies.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast looking for something relaxed or a new rider exploring the world of cruisers, the Rebel 500 promises a balanced blend of style, comfort, and dependability - all wrapped in Honda's legacy of build quality and after-sales support.
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Verdict
Honda's Rebel 500 isn't just a new model - it's a new beginning for Honda's middleweight cruiser lineup in India. While the Super Meteor 650 may hold the edge in terms of outright displacement and touring flair, the Rebel 500 strikes back with better accessibility, a lighter feel, and a design that speaks to those who value clean simplicity over grandiosity.
Whether it will tilt the scales in Honda's favor remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure - the Indian cruiser segment just got a whole lot more interesting.
