Honda Rebel 500 Roars into India: A Stylish Cruiser with Modern Flair

Honda Rebel 500 Roars into India Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled the much-anticipated Honda Rebel 500, a sleek and powerful addition to its premium motorcycle lineup. Priced at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), this retro-modern cruiser is set to captivate Indian riders with its bold design and robust performance.

Launched exclusively through Honda’s BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the Rebel 500 is poised to compete with rivals like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Bookings are now open, with deliveries slated to begin in June 2025.

A Timeless Design with Modern Appeal

The Honda Rebel 500 embodies the essence of a classic cruiser while incorporating contemporary engineering. Its low-slung 690mm seat height makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, and the high-mounted, well-sculpted 11.2-litre fuel tank adds to its distinctive bobber-style aesthetic. Available in a single Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic color, the bike exudes a stealthy, all-black charm.

The circular LED headlight, paired with round turn indicators, enhances its retro vibe, while the exposed 471cc parallel-twin engine gives it a bold, muscular road presence. The split seating arrangement prioritizes rider comfort but omits grab handles for the pillion, emphasizing its solo-cruiser spirit.

Power-Packed Performance

Under the hood, the Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, the same unit found in the Honda NX500. This engine delivers 46.2PS at 8,500rpm and 43.3Nm of torque at 6,000rpm, paired with a smooth 6-speed gearbox. Known for its refined power delivery, the engine ensures a balance of performance and efficiency, making it suitable for both city streets and highway cruising. The bike’s sub-195kg kerb weight keeps it agile, aligning it closer to Royal Enfield’s 350cc models in terms of maneuverability, despite its larger engine capacity.

Key Specifications

Feature

Specification

Engine

471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin

Power

46.2PS @ 8,500rpm

Torque

43.3Nm @ 6,000rpm

Gearbox

6-speed

Seat Height

690mm

Kerb Weight

Sub-195kg

Fuel Tank Capacity

11.2 litres

Brakes

296mm front disc, 240mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS

Suspension

Telescopic front fork, Showa twin rear shocks

Price

Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram)

Advanced Features for a Premium Ride

The Rebel 500 combines essential features with premium touches. It rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with a 296mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc brake, supported by dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. The suspension setup includes a conventional telescopic fork upfront and Showa twin rear shock absorbers, ensuring a comfortable ride across varied terrains. All-LED lighting and an inverted LCD display add a modern flair, keeping the bike functional yet stylish. However, its single-color option and limited availability in three cities may restrict its reach initially.

Honda’s Strategic Push in India

The launch of the Rebel 500 marks Honda’s aggressive expansion into India’s growing mid-capacity cruiser segment. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO of HMSI, expressed excitement about introducing the globally acclaimed model to Indian enthusiasts, emphasizing its unique blend of style and performance.

Available for booking through Honda’s BigWing website and select dealerships, the Rebel 500 targets riders seeking a blend of classic cruiser aesthetics with modern reliability. As Honda continues to strengthen its premium portfolio, the Rebel 500 is a bold step toward capturing the hearts of Indian motorcycling enthusiasts.

With its competitive pricing, striking design, and versatile performance, the Honda Rebel 500 is set to make waves in India’s premium motorcycle market, offering riders a compelling option for both urban commutes and open-road adventures.

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