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Honda Rebel 500 Launched in India at ₹5.12 Lakh: Complete Details, Features, Specs & Competitors

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India(HMSI) has finally launched the much-anticipated Rebel 500 cruiser bike in the Indian market. After years of speculation and demand from motorcycle enthusiasts, this mid-capacity bobber-style cruiser has arrived with a starting ex-showroom price of ₹5.12 lakh. The Rebel 500 marks Honda’s serious push in the premium cruiser segment, competing directly with the likes of Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, Kawasaki Eliminator 500, and Benelli 502C.

In this detailed post, we cover everything you need to know about the Honda Rebel 500 – from engine specs to design details, from rider ergonomics to technology features, and even what the competition doesn’t tell you.

New Honda Rebel 500 : Launch & Availability

The Honda Rebel 500 has been launched under the BigWing premium dealership network. Currently, the motorcycle is available at select BigWing showrooms in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Bookings are already open, and deliveries are expected to begin by June 2025.

Honda aims to evaluate customer response through these limited outlets before expanding its availability across India.

Design: Classic Bobber with Modern Appeal

The Rebel 500 is styled in line with classic bobbers. It features a low-slung frame, round LED headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and minimalist body panels. This results in a clean yet aggressive design that is sure to appeal to cruiser lovers.

The blacked-out engine casing, exhaust pipes, and wheels complement its stealthy matte Gunpowder Black Metallic paint scheme. Honda has maintained a balanced design language – neither too retro nor too futuristic – making it visually appealing to both young riders and seasoned bikers.

Ergonomics: Made for Comfort & Control

One of the biggest USPs of the Rebel 500 is its accessible ergonomics. With a seat height of just 690 mm, it is one of the lowest seaters in its segment, ideal for shorter riders. The footpegs are mid-mounted, and the handlebar is slightly pulled back, offering a relaxed and upright riding posture.

Thanks to a kerb weight of 191 kg, the bike is easy to maneuver at low speeds. The low center of gravity also ensures great stability on highways.

New Honda Rebel 500 : Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Honda Rebel 500 lies a 471cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that delivers a smooth and refined performance. It’s the same engine found in the Honda CB500X, tuned here to suit cruiser-style riding.

Max Power: 47 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
Peak Torque: 43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch

The engine offers a linear power delivery with strong low- and mid-range torque. This makes it ideal for city commutes, long-distance highway rides, and even beginner riders transitioning into the mid-capacity segment.

Chassis, Suspension & Braking

The Rebel 500 is built on a diamond-type steel frame with geometry optimized for low-speed handling and highway cruising stability.

Front Suspension: 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension: Dual shock absorbers
Brakes:
- Front: 296 mm disc
- Rear: 240 mm disc
- Dual-channel ABS standard
Tyres:
- Front: 130/90-16
- Rear: 150/80-16

These fat-profile tyres on 16-inch wheels not only enhance the stance but also improve road grip and comfort over rough patches.

New Honda Rebel 500 : Features & Technology

Although the Rebel 500 is a minimalist cruiser, Honda hasn’t compromised on necessary modern touches:

All-LED lighting (headlamp, tail lamp, indicators)
Inverted LCD display with gear position, trip meter, fuel gauge, and clock
Slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
Hazard lights
Optional USB-C charger under the seat

One notable omission is smartphone connectivity and navigation, which rivals like the Super Meteor 650 offer. However, the simplicity is also a plus for riders looking for distraction-free cruising.

New Honda Rebel 500 : Fuel Efficiency & Tank Range

While exact Indian mileage figures are yet to be tested, the global model returns around 27-30 kmpl in real-world riding. With a fuel tank capacity of 11.2 litres, you can expect a range of approximately 300 km on a full tank – decent for short weekend getaways.

Customization Options

One area where Honda has a strong global footprint is accessories. Internationally, the Rebel series comes with:

Windscreens
Saddlebags
Backrests
Luggage racks
Custom seats

While Honda India hasn’t officially announced accessory packages yet, they are expected to roll them out based on customer demand.

Riding Experience: Who Should Buy the Rebel 500?

The Rebel 500 is best suited for:

Riders upgrading from 250-350cc bikes like Classic 350 or Meteor
Shorter riders who want a low-seat premium bike
Touring enthusiasts who want a fuss-free, reliable twin-cylinder cruiser
Urban riders looking for a stylish and unique offering

It’s not ideal for riders looking for aggressive performance or extensive tech features. But for calm, confident cruising – it delivers perfectly.

What Competitor Blogs Missed

While most blogs covered the specs and pricing, here are a few important angles others missed:

1. Global Proven Platform

The Rebel 500 has been on sale internationally since 2017 and has proven itself for reliability, ease of use, and low maintenance. This history gives Indian buyers added confidence.

2. A2 License Friendly Globally

In European markets, the bike is A2-license compliant, which means it’s built to balance performance with safety – great for new riders. That DNA makes it an excellent choice for Indian riders stepping into the mid-size category.

3. Honda’s Low Maintenance Philosophy

The Rebel 500 requires fewer service intervals compared to its competition. Honda’s BigWing service is pricier than RE, but it offers greater refinement and durability – which many blogs ignore in favor of pure specs.

4. No Vibration Issues

Unlike single-cylinder cruisers, the Rebel 500 offers an ultra-smooth ride thanks to its twin-cylinder engine – something RE 350/500 owners upgrading will really appreciate.

Competitor Comparison

Model	Engine	Power	Torque	Price (Ex-showroom)	Notable Feature
Honda Rebel 500	471cc Twin	47 bhp	43.3 Nm	₹5.12 lakh	Low seat height, refined engine
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650	648cc Twin	47 bhp	52.3 Nm	₹5.54 lakh	Classic look, larger engine
Kawasaki Eliminator 500	451cc Twin	45.4 bhp	42.6 Nm	₹5.62 lakh	Lightweight, sporty handling
Benelli 502C	500cc Twin	47.5 bhp	46 Nm	₹5.85 lakh	Muscular design, adjustable levers

Verdict: Is the Honda Rebel 500 Worth It?

At ₹5.12 lakh, the Honda Rebel 500 is not cheap – but it’s competitively priced against its rivals. What you get in return is:

Honda’s legendary reliability
A premium twin-cylinder engine
Beginner-friendly ergonomics
Head-turning cruiser styling
A smooth, no-drama ride

If you’re looking for a mid-capacity cruiser that combines old-school charm with modern reliability and easy rideability, the Rebel 500 is a worthy choice.

FAQs about Honda Rebel 500

Q1. Is the Honda Rebel 500 good for beginners?
Yes, its low seat height, smooth engine, and friendly power delivery make it a great entry-level big bike.

Q2. Is it better than the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650?
It depends. The Super Meteor offers more torque and features, but the Rebel 500 is lighter and smoother for everyday use.

Q3. When will it be available in other cities?
Currently, it’s available only in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Expansion to other BigWing outlets is expected later in 2025.

Q4. Can it be used for touring?
Yes, it’s ideal for solo touring and short weekend rides. You might want to add a windshield and luggage for longer rides

New Honda Rebel 500 Launched in India at ₹5.12 Lakh