Photography: Arvind Salhan
The Honda Rebel 500the mid-size Honda cruiser, is now available across Honda’s BigWing Topline dealerships, and deliveries have already begun. Just a month ago, the Rebel 500 was launched in India at Rs. 5.12 lakh (Ex-showroom) in a single variant and is manufactured in Thailand. Based on Honda’s 471 cc, parallel-twin engine, the Rebel 500’s closest rival is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, which is also available in India, as well as the slightly bigger and more expensive Kawasaki Vulcan S. Here’s everything you need to know about the Honda Rebel 500.
Watch the detailed first look walkaround video of the 2025 Honda Rebel 500:
Also Read: 2025 Honda Rebel 500 Launched At Rs. 5.12 Lakh
471 cc, parallel-twin engine makes 45.59 bhp, 43.3 Nm
Honda Rebel 500: Engine & Performance
The Honda Rebel 500 is powered by a 471 cc, 8V, DOHC, parallel-twin engine which puts out 45.59 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine is shared with the Honda NX500 adventure sport touring motorcycle, formerly called the Honda CB500X. From our experience with the CB500Xthis parallel-twin is a refined unit, with excellent tractability and easygoing performance, and those qualities should trickle down to the Rebel 500 as well. On the Rebel 500, claimed maximum speed is 153 kmph.
Also Read: Honda Rebel 500 Vs Rivals Specifications Comparison
The Honda Rebel 500 has a typical cruiser stance and looks quite menacing in its blacked-out design.
Honda Rebel 500: Design & Features
The Rebel 500 has a typical cruiser design with a low-slung saddle, a slightly tall and wide handlebar, and a tear-drop shaped fuel tank and a circular headlight, although it’s LED. In fact, all lighting components are LED, including the turn indicators, taillight and headlight. The front turn indicators double up as a second set of daytime running lights, and the circular LCD console underscores the Rebel 500’s cruiser styling.
The LCD instrument console is basic, but gives all essential information.
The circular LCD unit gives out essential information to the rider, including a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, trip meters and fuel consumption figures. The Rebel 500’s anchoring duties are taken care of by a 296 mm front disc with a Nissin two-piston caliper and a 246 mm rear disc gripped by a single-piston caliper, and dual-channel ABS. A USB charging socket is not included in standard trim and is an optional accessory.
The Honda Rebel 500 looks muscular and has the typical cruiser design to the point.
Honda Rebel 500: Ergonomics & Dimensions
The Rebel 500 has typical cruiser motorcycle ergonomics with a low-slung seating position with a saddle height of just 690 mm. With a 1,490 mm wheelbase, it has decently long-ish dimensions, and a kerb weight of 191 kg is quite acceptable. What could be a spot of bother is the rather limited 125 mm ground clearance.
The Rebel 500 has a tubular steel chassis.
Honda Rebel 500: Chassis & Cycle Parts
The parallel-twin engine is mounted on a tubular steel chassis, and the Rebel 500’s 16-inch wheels are suspended from telescopic front forks and Showa dual shocks with 7-step preload adjustability at the rear. The fat Dunlop tyres, with a 130-section front and 150-section rear tyre add more visual muscle to the Rebel 500.
Honda Rebel 500: Price & Competition
The Honda Rebel 500 is available in a single variant and colour option, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic and is priced at Rs. 5.12 lakh (Ex-showroom). Depending on extended warranty duration, roadside assistance and insurance, the on-road price in Gurugram will roughly be around Rs. 5.90-6.10 lakh.
The Honda Rebel 500’s closest rival is the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, which is priced at Rs. 5.76 lakh (Ex-showroom). The Kawasaki Vulcan S is another rival, but the 650 cc cruiser is significantly more expensive at Rs. 7.10 lakh (Ex-showroom). The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is another distant rival with similar engine output but is significantly more affordable with prices beginning at Rs 3.68 lakh (Ex-showroom).
Honda Rebel 500 Photo Gallery:
