Discover the 2025 Honda Rebel 500 launch in India, priced at ₹5.12 lakh. Explore its features, specs, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Kawasaki Eliminator and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.
Introduction: A Bold New Cruiser Enters India
On May 19, 2025, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) launched the much-awaited Honda Rebel 500, a neo-retro cruiser designed to capture the imagination of Indian riders. Priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), this middleweight motorcycle blends classic bobber styling with modern performance, positioning it as a strong contender in India’s growing cruiser segment.
Available exclusively in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the Rebel 500 is set to hit BigWing Topline dealerships with deliveries starting in June 2025. This article explores the bike’s features, specifications, market positioning, and what it means for Indian motorcycle enthusiasts.
Key Features and Specifications
The Honda Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, delivering 45.59 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the engine offers smooth power delivery, ideal for both city cruising and highway touring. Its low 690mm seat height ensures accessibility for a wide range of riders, while the tubular steel frame and fat-tyred bobber design give it a distinctive, blacked-out aesthetic.
|
Specification |
Details 
|
|---|---|
|
Engine |
471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin |
|
Power |
45.59 hp @ 8,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
43.3 Nm @ 6,000 RPM |
|
Gearbox |
6-speed |
|
Seat Height |
690 mm |
|
Weight |
191 kg |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
11.2 liters |
|
Brakes |
Front: 296mm disc, Rear: 240mm disc |
|
ABS |
Dual-channel |
The bike features an all-LED lighting system, including a signature round headlight, and a negatively lit LCD display for improved readability. Its 41mm telescopic forks and gas-charged Showa twin shocks ensure a comfortable ride, while Dunlop tubeless tires (130/90-16 front, 150/80-16 rear) enhance grip and style.
Market Positioning and Rivals
Priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Rebel 500 is Honda’s first sub-500cc cruiser in India, targeting riders seeking a blend of style, performance, and affordability. It directly competes with the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 (₹5.62 lakh) and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (₹3.63–₹3.94 lakh). While the Eliminator offers similar power, the Rebel 500 stands out with its low seat height and modern features. Compared to the Super Meteor 650, it appeals to riders prioritizing maneuverability over raw power.
Honda’s decision to launch the Rebel 500 in select metro cities reflects a strategic focus on urban riders who value individuality and premium build quality. “The Rebel 500 is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a statement of style, performance, and freedom,” said Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, HMSI, at the launch event.
Design and Rider Comfort
The Rebel 500’s neo-retro bobber styling is a standout, featuring a steeply raked fuel tank, fat handlebars, and a minimalist design with a single Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic color option. The blacked-out engine, frame, and exhaust add to its sleek, aggressive look. Updates for 2025 include a reprofiled seat with urethane foam for enhanced comfort and repositioned handlebars for better ergonomics, making it ideal for long rides. The low seat height and narrow frame ensure easy handling, especially for shorter riders or those new to cruisers.
Performance and Ride Experience
The 471cc parallel-twin engine, borrowed from Honda’s CBR500R, is tuned for low-end torque, delivering instant acceleration that feels “like a rocket,” according to early user reviews. Its smooth power delivery and assist/slipper clutch make it user-friendly for city commuting while offering enough grunt for highway cruising. The bike’s 191 kg weight and balanced 28° rake ensure neutral steering, though some reviewers note limited passenger space due to the compact rear seat.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Rebel 500 has generated buzz, its limited availability in only three cities may restrict its reach. The single color option, while sleek, may not appeal to riders seeking more variety. Additionally, taller riders might find the low seat height slightly cramped for extended rides. Competition from Royal Enfield’s established cruiser lineup and the upcoming Bajaj CT 150X (expected September 2025) could also challenge its market share.
Expert and Consumer Sentiment
Industry experts have praised Honda’s pricing strategy, with analyst Bunny Punia calling the ₹5.12 lakh price tag a “sweet deal” for a premium cruiser. Social media posts on X reflect excitement among enthusiasts, with many highlighting the bike’s stylish design and torquey engine. However, some users expressed disappointment over the lack of color options and limited dealership availability.
FAQs
1. What is the price of the Honda Rebel 500 in India?
The Honda Rebel 500 is priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). On-road prices in Delhi start at ₹5.78 lakh.
2. Where is the Rebel 500 available in India?
It is available only at BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries starting in June 2025.
3. What are the key features of the Honda Rebel 500?
The bike features a 471cc parallel-twin engine, all-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, a 690mm seat height, and a negatively lit LCD display.
4. How does the Rebel 500 compare to its rivals?
It competes with the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, offering a balance of modern features, low seat height, and competitive pricing.
5. Is the Rebel 500 suitable for long rides?
Yes, its comfortable ergonomics, smooth engine, and low seat height make it ideal for city and highway riding, though passenger space is limited.