In May 2025, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) officially introduced the Honda Rebel 500 in India, marking its entry into the mid-size cruiser segment. Positioned as a neo‑retro bobber-style motorcycle, the Rebel 500 is designed to offer a blend of classic cruiser styling and modern engineering, appealing to riders seeking individuality, comfort, and torque-rich performance.
Available exclusively through Big WinG Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, bookings are open, with deliveries beginning in June 2025.
Summary Table : Honda Rebel 500 India Launch 2025
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
Launch Date |
May 19, 2025 |
Ex‑Showroom Price |
₹5.12 lakh (Gurugram et al.) |
Engine |
471 cc parallel‑twin, liquid‑cooled |
Power / Torque |
≈45.6 bhp / 43.3 Nm |
Transmission |
6‑speed box, assist‑and‑slipper clutch |
Seat Height |
690 mm |
Kerb Weight |
191 kg |
Brakes & ABS |
296 mm front, 240 mm rear; dual‑channel ABS |
Wheels / Tyres |
16‑inch alloy, 130/90‑16 front, 150/80‑16 rear |
Lighting |
Full LED system |
Instrumentation |
Circular LCD display |
Fuel Tank |
11.2 litres |
Rivals |
RE Super Meteor, Kawasaki Eliminator, Triumph |
Launch and Availability
Official Launch & Availability
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Launch Date: May 19, 2025, in India through HMSI’s Big WinG Topline showrooms in three cities Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
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Bookings: Open now via both dealerships and Honda’s official Big WinG website.
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Delivery Start: June 2025 onwards.
Pricing
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Ex‑showroom Price: ₹5.12 lakh (Gurugram/Mumbai/Bengaluru).
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Pricing may vary slightly in other cities due to local taxes and dealer charges.
Engine, Power & Mechanicals
Powertrain
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Engine: 471 cc liquid-cooled, 8‑valve DOHC parallel-twin.
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Power Output: 34 kW (≈45.6 bhp) @ 8,500 rpm.
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Torque: 43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm.
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Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox paired with assist-and-slipper clutch – though Honda hasn’t officially confirmed the slipper unit, reports suggest smooth low‑end response.
Chassis, Suspension & Braking
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Frame: Tubular steel diamond frame, blacked-out theme for raw aesthetics.
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Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
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Rear Suspension: Showa dual-shock absorbers with preload adjustment.
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Brakes: 296 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper, 240 mm rear disc; dual-channel ABS standard.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
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Seat Height: 690 mm – one of the lowest in its class, ensuring accessibility for most riders
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Kerb Weight: 191 kg – relatively lightweight for its segment.
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Gear Wheelbase: 1490 mm – steady and balanced for effortless cruising.
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Ground Clearance: 125 mm – low but suitable for urban use, less ideal for rough roads.
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Fuel Tank: 11.2 litres – minimal but adequate for cruiser release with modest expectations.
Design & Features
Styling
The Rebel 500 embraces a minimalist bobber-inspired aesthetic with:
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Single-tone Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic colour across body and frame.
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Round LED headlamp and LED turn signals with DRL styling
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Low seat silhouette coupled with wide, fat tyres and a raised fuel tank for visual presence
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Clean, exposed frame design enhancing its raw appeal.
Instrumentation & Features
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LCD instrument cluster housed in a round dial; gear position indicator, fuel gauge, trip meters are included.
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Full LED lighting for headlamp, tail lamp, indicators – adds clarity and modern touch.
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A charging socket is offered as an accessory in select markets.
Performance & Ride Quality
The Rebel 500 is tuned for smooth power delivery:
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Offers torque-rich mid-range performance, making it ideal for both urban cruising and relaxed highway riding.
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Claimed top speed is around 153 km/h, suitable for national highways.
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Comfortable ergonomics, thanks to low seat, relaxed handlebar positioning, and urethane foam seat padding.
Market Positioning & Competition
The Rebel 500 is poised to attract riders in the 400–500 cc cruiser segment. Key competitors include:
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Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 / Meteor 350
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Kawasaki Eliminator 450 / Vulcan S
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Triumph Speed 400 in the broader cruiser category.
Although priced higher than some rivals, the Honda Rebel impresses with its styling, modern engine, and ease of use.
Community Insights
Reddit and enthusiast forums reflect mixed but optimistic response:
“Would choose this any day over an RE.”
“Imported CBU units made earlier launches prohibitively expensive”
Some concerns center around limited ground clearance and accessory availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the Honda Rebel 500 be available in India?
A. It was launched on May 19, 2025, with bookings open in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Deliveries started in June 2025.
Q2. What is the price of the Rebel 500 in India?
A. The ex‑showroom price is ₹5.12 lakh, with on-road costs varying by location.
Q3. What engine powers the Rebel 500?
A. It is powered by a 471 cc liquid‑cooled parallel-twin engine, delivering 46 bhp and 43.3 Nm torque.
Q4. How accessible is the Rebel 500 in terms of seating and weight?
A. The bike has a low seat height of 690 mm and a kerb weight of 191 kg, making it accessible and easy to handle for most riders.
Q5. What features does the Rebel 500 offer?
A. It comes with full LED lighting, a round LCD instrument cluster, optional charging socket, dual-channel ABS, and premium steel frame design.
Q6. Who are the primary rivals of this bike?
A. Key competitors include the Royal Enfield Meteor/Super Meteor, Kawasaki Eliminator, and Triumph Speed 400, all of which target the mid-capacity cruiser segment.
Conclusion
The Honda Rebel 500 brings fresh energy to India’s mid-size cruiser segment. With its low seating stance, torque-rich parallel-twin engine, retro-modern styling, and Honda’s trusted engineering, it appeals to both new and experienced riders seeking bold expression and carefree cruising. While priced higher than some rivals, its character, build quality, and accessible ergonomics promise a rewarding ownership experience.
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