Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has finally launched the highly-awaited Honda Rebel 500 in the country as a big foray into the mid-capacity cruiser space. Positioned at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), Rebel 500 is designed to take on established names such as the Kawasaki Eliminator 500. This release rides on the increasing demand for high-end but affordable motorcycles in India, where consumers are increasingly attracted to cruisers for their looks, comfort, and performance. Only available at BigWing dealerships across Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the bike is now available for booking, with deliveries starting from June 2025. This addition enhances Honda’s premium portfolio and resonates with Indian riders wanting to combine tradition with modernity.
The Honda Rebel 500 has a classic cruiser charm with its bobber-style design. Crafted on a tubular steel frame, it provides structural durability with retro appeal. The 11.2-liter fuel tank raked steeply and handlebars spread wide are signature features that impart the Rebel with its unique personality. Its retro looks get a touch of modernity with the all-LED lighting package consisting of a round headlight and LED indicators. The bike is offered in one color only: Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic. Its blacked-out engine and exhaust further add to its aggressive demeanor. The low-slung seat and slender tail section only serve to heighten its cruiser lineage, making it a head-turner on Indian roads.
At the center of the Rebel 500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor that produces 46.22 PS at 8500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. Coming with a 6-speed transmission, the engine delivers refined power and linear torque output, perfect for city travel as well as highway cruising. The refinement is such that even at higher RPMs, it delivers a quiet, vibration-free ride, which means more comfort during long trips. The performance of the engine is apt for Indian conditions too, as it has sufficient power for highway overtaking yet is easy to handle in city traffic.
Rebel 500 is all about keeping it simple and robust, and delivering necessary functions for a worry-free and enjoyable ride. It has dual-channel ABS with a 296mm single disc up front and 240mm single disc at the rear for assured braking. The suspension arrangement consists of a 41mm telescopic fork in the front and twin Showa shock absorbers in the back to provide a smooth ride on unpredictable road conditions. The instrument console is a circular, negatively lit LCD showing speed, odometer, tripmeter, and fuel gauge. Though it doesn’t have features like Bluetooth connectivity, the minimalist design keeps the primary focus on the riding experience. The low 690mm seat makes it available to riders of all sizes, especially those with shorter inseams.
The Rebel 500 is all about rider comfort, with forward-set footpegs and an upright riding position that encourages a relaxed riding stance, ideal for all-day cruising. Its low seat height means riders can put both feet flat on the ground, giving them added confidence at stoplights in heavy traffic. The bike handles predictably and stably, due to its evenly weighted suspension and sensitive steering. Weighing 191 kg, it feels planted yet manageable, making it suitable for both city streets and open highways. The smooth power delivery and refined engine make every ride enjoyable, whether navigating busy urban roads or cruising along scenic routes.
To gauge the Rebel 500’s market position, a comparison with its primary rival, the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, priced at Rs 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom), is essential.
The lower cost of the Rebel 500 makes it a relatively cheap choice when compared to the Eliminator 500. Its local availability in only some cities might limit it, whereas the Eliminator 500 probably has a higher network of distribution.
The Rebel 500’s seat height of 690mm is less than the Eliminator’s 735mm, so it will be easier for shorter riders to use. The Eliminator’s adjustable seat arrangement offers some flexibility, but the Rebel’s lower base height is a definite strength.
The Rebel 500 is in a lively 500cc market in India, where it’s competing with motorcycles such as the Royal Enfield Classic 650, Shotgun 650, and Keeway V302C. Royal Enfield models, featuring 648cc engines, provide a classic cruiser ride, meeting the needs of enthusiasts who value heritage and power. The Keeway V302C, featuring a 300cc engine, is aimed at budget-oriented consumers looking for neo-retro design. The Rebel 500 balances modern engineering, a low seat, and aggressive pricing, making it perfect for consumers moving up from mass-market cruisers.
India’s motorcycle market is experiencing an increase in demand for cruisers, with the growth in disposable incomes and the need for fashionable, comfortable bikes. The launch of the Rebel 500 comes in line with this trend, providing a good starting point for accessing the high-end cruiser market without spending the big bucks on Harley-Davidson or Indian.
The Rebel 500 captures a space in Honda’s Indian range with a mid-capacity cruiser that sits alongside its current offerings. It is aimed at riders seeking premium features without the premium price of top-end cruisers. Its aggressive pricing and rider-focused design can bring in a new crop of buyers, further popularizing Honda’s cruiser segment in India. With an aggressive BigWing expansion on the cards, the Rebel 500 will be at the forefront of consolidating Honda’s market position.
The Honda Rebel 500 is a versatile bike that presents style, power, and affordability. Its release in India addresses riders who desire a combination of retro looks and contemporary reliability. Though it does not have the fancy features of the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, its budget-friendly price tag and affordable design features make it a top choice. Bookings at chosen BigWing dealerships have opened with deliveries beginning in June 2025. For more information, please visit Honda BigWing or compare at NDTV Auto. The Rebel 500 is sure to be a popular choice with Indian riders seeking a cruiser that’s as much fun as it is practical.
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