Honda Launches the New Rebel 500 Motorcycle in India
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 available at select Bigwing dealerships, and the first deliveries are expected to commence in June 2025. This model marks a significant shift from the typical cruiser motorcycles commonly found in India, featuring a high-mounted fuel tank and elevated handlebars that contribute to its chopper-like aesthetic.
Design Features
The bike's design is further enhanced by its low seat and arrow-shaped tail, which add to its overall appeal. Honda appears to be cautiously entering this segment, launching the Rebel 500 in a single Matt Gunpowder black metallic color. This limited color option suggests that Honda is keen to gauge consumer reactions before expanding the range with additional variants.
Performance Specifications
Under the hood, the Honda Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc parallel twin engine, delivering 46BHP at 8500 RPM and a peak torque of 43.3Nm at 6000 RPM. It features a 6-speed gearbox and comes equipped with an LCD digital instrument cluster. The suspension system includes telescopic front forks and Showa twin shock absorbers at the rear, while braking is managed by a 296mm disc at 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 @ 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 with 6-step adjustable preload | Telescopic forks upfront with a Monoshock with linkage at the rear. | 41mm Front Suspension with Twin Coil-Over Shocks | Upside Down Big Piston Forks with 140 mm suspension travel | USD Forks with Twin Shocks, 101mm travel, 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 |
Rebel 500 vs Competitors
In comparison to other bikes in the segment, the Rebel 500 stands out.
| Comparison | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Honda CB 350 | TVS Ronin |
| Engine | 349.3 cc Single Cylinder Air Cooled Engine/ 20.2 BHP @ 6100 RPM | 348.66 cc, Single Cylinder Air Cooled Engine | 225.9 CC Single Cylinder Engine |
| Power | 20.2 BHP @ 6100 RPM | 20.7 bhp @ 5500 rpm | 20.1 BHP @ 7750 rpm |
| Torque | 27 NM @ 4000 rpm | 29.4 Nm @ 3000 rpm | 19.3Nm @ 3750 rpm |
| Suspension | Telescopic suspension at the front with Twin tube emulsion shock absorbers | Telescopic Front Suspension with Pressurized Nitrogen-Charged rear Suspension | 41dia. Upside Down Fork with Monoshock rear suspension |
| Price | Rs 1,49,900 to Rs 1,81,750 | Rs 2,14,771 to Rs 2,17,802 | Rs 1,35,064 to Rs 1,72,666 |