Honda Rebel 500 Deliveries Begin in India: Bold Design, ₹5.12 Lakh Price, and a Shot at Royal Enfield’s Throne

Updated: 26-06-2025, 09.18 AM

New Delhi: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has officially begun deliveries of its much-anticipated Rebel 500, marking the brand’s serious foray into India’s middleweight cruiser segment. With a bold design language, refined mechanicals, and a competitive price tag of ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Rebel 500 is now available across major Honda BigWing dealerships in the country.

Honda Rebel 500

Poised to challenge Royal Enfield’s dominance, especially with the popular Super Meteor 650, Honda aims to attract a new generation of cruiser enthusiasts looking for an accessible, modern alternative with Japanese precision.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Launched at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Rebel 500 finds itself in the heart of the premium middleweight cruiser segment. Its chief rival is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which has already made a name for itself with a classic design and robust performance. Honda’s Rebel 500, however, banks on its lighter frame, lower seat height, and contemporary styling to sway buyers in its favor.

Engine and Performance Specs

At the core of the Rebel 500 is a 471cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, the same tried-and-tested unit that powers Honda’s global 500cc lineup. It delivers 46 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox.

This setup offers a responsive throttle, making it ideal for both city commutes and weekend highway rides. The parallel-twin configuration ensures refined power delivery with minimal vibrations — a significant draw for riders prioritizing comfort and composure.

Design: Minimalist, Yet Bold

The Rebel 500 makes a powerful visual statement with its Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic finish — the only color option available at launch. Honda has gone for a blacked-out cruiser aesthetic, appealing to riders who prefer subtle aggression over flamboyance.

Design highlights include:

16-inch alloy wheels for a muscular stance
Low-slung cruiser ergonomics
Round headlamp and exposed frame tubing
Minimalist rear fender and short tail section

It’s a bike that merges classic bobber elements with modern design sensibilities, crafted to stand out without trying too hard.

Features and Equipment

The Rebel 500 doesn’t overdo it on tech but provides essentials:

Full-digital LCD instrument cluster for speed, trip, and gear information
Dual-channel ABS
296mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes for confident stopping
Showa twin shock absorbers and telescopic front forks for a plush ride

These features ensure that the bike remains simple and rider-focused, aligning with the core cruiser ethos.

Lightweight Cruiser With Everyday Usability

At 191 kg kerb weight, the Rebel 500 is significantly lighter than many of its competitors, including the Super Meteor 650. This gives it an edge in urban traffic and tight turns, making it ideal for both seasoned riders and beginners.

The 690mm seat height is among the lowest in the segment, enhancing accessibility for shorter riders. However, with just 125mm ground clearance and an 11.2-litre fuel tank, long-distance touring may require careful route planning and more frequent fuel stops.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Honda Rebel 500 is a breath of fresh air in the Indian cruiser scene. While it won’t dethrone the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 overnight, it brings in Japanese refinement, lighter handling, and a minimalist-modern design that should resonate with a niche audience.

Whether you’re an urban commuter with cruiser dreams or a weekend rider looking for a sleek twin-cylinder machine, the Rebel 500 offers a compelling, if somewhat premium, choice in a segment long dominated by British-inspired machines.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.