Compare the 2025 Honda Rebel 500 and NX500, powered by the same 471cc engine but designed for different riders. Explore their price, specs, features, and which bike suits you best.
Two Bikes, One Engine, Distinct Personalities
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has recently launched the Rebel 500, a bobber-style cruiser, joining the adventure-focused NX500 in its 2025 lineup. Both motorcycles share the same 471cc parallel-twin engine but cater to vastly different riding styles, making them intriguing options for Indian riders.
Priced at ₹5.12 lakh for the Rebel 500 and ₹5.90 lakh for the NX500 (ex-showroom), these bikes target distinct audiences, from urban cruisers to long-distance adventurers. This article compares their design, performance, features, and suitability, helping riders decide which Honda suits their needs.
Design and Ergonomics: Cruiser vs. Adventure
The Honda Rebel 500 embodies a low-slung, bobber aesthetic with blacked-out components, a minimalist design, and a retro-inspired round LED headlight. Its 690mm seat height is one of the lowest in its class, making it accessible for shorter riders and ideal for relaxed city cruising. The pulled-back handlebar and forward-set footpegs create a laid-back riding posture, emphasizing style and comfort for short to medium rides.
In contrast, the NX500 is a road-biased adventure tourer with a taller, more purposeful stance. Its 830mm seat height and upright riding position cater to long-distance comfort, with a taller windscreen and ergonomic handlebar designed for extended journeys. The NX500’s rugged design, with angular fairings and a higher ground clearance of 181mm, suits light off-road trails, unlike the Rebel’s 124mm clearance, which prioritizes low-center-of-gravity stability.
|
Design Feature 
|
Rebel 500 |
NX500 |
|---|---|---|
|
Seat Height |
690mm |
830mm |
|
Ground Clearance |
124mm |
181mm |
|
Weight |
191kg |
196kg |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
11.2 liters |
17.5 liters |
Engine and Performance: Shared Heart, Different Souls
Both bikes are powered by a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, but their tuning and performance characteristics differ slightly to match their riding styles. The Rebel 500 produces 46.22 PS at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm at 6,000 RPM, optimized for low-end torque and smooth cruising.
The NX500, slightly more powerful, delivers 47.5 PS at 8,600 RPM and 43 Nm at 6,500 RPM, tuned for sustained performance on highways and light trails. Both feature a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch, ensuring smooth shifts and reduced wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
The NX500’s marginally higher power output and taller gearing make it better suited for long-distance touring, while the Rebel 500’s low-end grunt excels in stop-and-go traffic. User reviews on ZigWheels suggest the NX500 feels more responsive at higher RPMs, while the Rebel 500 offers a relaxed, torquey ride.
|
Performance Spec |
Rebel 500 |
NX500 |
|---|---|---|
|
Power |
46.22 PS |
47.5 PS |
|
Torque |
43.3 Nm |
43 Nm |
|
Top Speed (est.) |
170 km/h |
175 km/h |
|
Mileage (claimed) |
26 kmpl |
27.78 kmpl |
Features and Technology: Modern vs. Practical
The Rebel 500 features a simple, round LCD display with basic readouts like speed, fuel, and gear position, paired with all-LED lighting and dual-channel ABS. Its minimalist approach prioritizes style over tech, lacking advanced features like smartphone connectivity or traction control. The NX500, however, boasts a 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, navigation, and traction control, offering a more tech-forward experience for adventure riders. Both bikes share identical 296mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes, ensuring consistent stopping power despite the NX500’s slightly heavier 196kg weight.
Pricing and Availability: Value vs. Versatility
Priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Rebel 500 is ₹78,000 cheaper than the NX500’s ₹5.90 lakh price tag, making it a more affordable entry into Honda’s 500cc lineup. However, the Rebel 500 is available only in matte black and sold exclusively at BigWing Topline dealerships in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Mumbai. The NX500, offered in three colors (red, white, black), is available nationwide at BigWing dealerships, enhancing its accessibility. The Rebel’s CBU (Completely Built Unit) status contributes to its premium pricing, while the NX500’s broader availability and richer feature set justify its cost.
Market Positioning and Rivals
The Rebel 500 competes with bobber-style cruisers like the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (₹5.62 lakh) and Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 (₹3.59–₹3.73 lakh), appealing to riders prioritizing style and urban usability. The NX500 targets adventure enthusiasts, rivaling the KTM 390 Adventure (₹3.39 lakh) and Suzuki V-Strom SX (₹2.14 lakh). The Rebel’s low seat height gives it an edge for shorter riders, while the NX500’s versatility suits those tackling longer, varied terrains.
Consumer Sentiment and Challenges
Posts on X reflect excitement for the Rebel 500’s sleek design but note its limited availability as a drawback. The NX500 has been praised for its touring capabilities, though some riders find its seat height challenging. Both bikes benefit from Honda’s reliability, but the Rebel’s lack of advanced tech and the NX500’s higher price could deter some buyers.
FAQs
1. What is the price difference between the Honda Rebel 500 and NX500?
The Rebel 500 costs ₹5.12 lakh, while the NX500 is priced at ₹5.90 lakh (ex-showroom), a ₹78,000 difference.
2. Do both bikes have the same engine?
Yes, both share a 471cc parallel-twin engine, but the NX500 produces slightly more power (47.5 PS vs. 46.22 PS).
3. Which bike is better for long-distance riding?
The NX500, with its 830mm seat height, 17.5-liter fuel tank, and traction control, is better suited for long-distance touring.
4. Is the Rebel 500 available nationwide?
No, it’s sold only at BigWing Topline dealerships in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Mumbai, unlike the NX500’s nationwide availability.
5. Which bike is better for beginners?
The Rebel 500’s 690mm seat height and relaxed posture make it more beginner-friendly than the taller NX500.