Introduction to the Honda Rebel 500
Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India has officially introduced the Honda Rebel 500 to the Indian market, with a starting price of Rs 5.12 Lakh ex-showroom. Bookings are now open at select Bigwing dealerships, and the first deliveries are expected to commence in June 2025. This model marks a significant shift from the typical streetfighter bikes prevalent in the country, showcasing a design that leans towards a cruiser-chopper aesthetic, characterized by its high-mounted fuel tank and elevated handlebars.
Design Features
The Rebel 500 boasts several appealing design elements, including a low seat and an arrow-shaped tail, enhancing its overall cruiser vibe. Honda appears to be cautiously entering this segment, launching the bike in a single Matt Gunpowder black metallic color to gauge consumer interest before expanding its color options and variants.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Honda Rebel 500 is equipped with a 471cc parallel twin engine, generating 46 BHP at 8500 RPM and a peak torque of 43.3Nm at 6000 RPM. It features a 6-speed gearbox and comes with a modern LCD digital instrument cluster. The bike's suspension system includes telescopic front forks and Showa twin shock absorbers at the rear, while braking is managed by a 296mm disc in the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, with ABS as standard.
Comparative Analysis
| Comparison | Honda Rebel 500 | Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Royal Enfield Scram 440 | Royal Enfield Continental GT/Interceptor | Triumph Thruxton 400 | Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650cc |
| Engine/Power | 471cc parallel twin engine producing 46bhp at 8500 RPM | 452 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine/39.47 BHP @8000 RPM | 349.3 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine/20.2 BHP @ 6100 RPM | Single-cylinder 443 CC engine with 25.4 BHP @6250 RPM | Inline twin-cylinder/SOHC engine with 47.4 BHP @7250 RPM | 398 cc single-cylinder engine with 39.5 BHP @8000 RPM | 648CC parallel twin engine with 46.3 BHP @7250 RPM |
| Torque | 43.3Nm at 6000 RPM | 40 Nm @ 5500 | 27 Nm @ 4000 RPM | 34 Nm @ 4000 RPM | 52.3 Nm @ 5150 RPM | 37.5 Nm @6500 RPM | Peak torque output @ 52.3 Nm |
| Suspension | Telescopic front forks and Showa twin shock absorbers at the rear | Telescopic suspension upfront and monoshock absorbers at the rear | Telescopic suspension at the front with twin tube emulsion shock absorbers | Telescopic forks upfront with a monoshock at the rear | 41mm front suspension with twin coil-over shocks | Upside down big piston forks with gas monoshock RSU | USD forks with twin shocks, preload adjustable |
| Price | Rs 5.12 Lakh ex-showroom | Rs 2,39,000 - Rs 2,54,000 | Rs 1,49,900 to Rs 1,74,430 | Rs 2,08,000 to Rs 2,15,000 | Rs 3,18,418 | Rs 2,40,159 | Rs 4,00,119 |
Conclusion
As the Rebel 500 is a completely built unit (CBU) import, it offers a unique and exclusive riding experience. For those seeking a distinctive motorcycle, the Rebel 500 could be an ideal choice.
