Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the Rebel 500 in India, introducing a mid-size cruiser that adds to its BigWing premium portfolio. Priced at Rs 5.12 lakh, the motorcycle will initially be available only in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries set to begin in June 2025.
The Honda Rebel 500 has long been available in international markets, and its entry into India has been awaited by cruiser enthusiasts. Known for its minimalist ‘bobber’ styling and accessible ergonomics, the Rebel 500 targets riders looking for a laid-back cruiser with a touch of urban versatility.
Engine and Mechanicals
Powering the Rebel 500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that also does duty in the Honda NX500. This 8-valve DOHC motor produces 45.59bhp at 8,500 rpm and 43.3Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle is built on a tubular steel frame and rides on fat-profile 16-inch tyres — 130/90 at the front and 150/80 at the rear. Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic front forks and dual Showa shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is managed by a 296mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. The low seat height of 690mm is among the lowest in the segment.
Design and Features
Visually, the Rebel stays true to its international version. It comes in a single variant and is offered only in Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic. Design cues like a raked fuel tank, blacked-out mechanicals, round LED headlamp, and bobber-style proportions give it a distinctive presence. The motorcycle also features an inverted LCD display that provides essential readouts.
Rivals and Price
In the Indian market, the Rebel 500 enters a segment already populated by rivals. The Kawasaki Eliminator, with its 451cc parallel-twin engine and similarly urban-friendly cruiser proportions, is priced slightly higher at Rs 5.62 lakh. On the other end is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which offers more displacement and a classic cruiser design, albeit at a much lower price (at Rs 3.83 lakh) and heavier build.
