Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has introduced the highly anticipated Rebel 500 cruiser in India, marking its entry into the mid-capacity premium segment. This bold newcomer blends classic bobber aesthetics with modern engineering and features. Priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s available exclusively through BigWing dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with bookings already open and deliveries beginning June 2025.
Distinctive Bobber-Inspired Design
- Bare-bones, minimalist styling: Embracing the authentic bobber look, the Rebel 500 features chopped rear fenders, fat 16‑inch tyres, a chopped rear mudguard, and a compact 11.2 L teardrop fuel tank, creating a rugged, no-frills appearance.
- Low seat & rider ergonomics: With a seat height of just 690 mm, it offers easy reach to the ground—great for beginner riders and those seeking confidence at stops.
- LED lighting and blacked-out finishes: A round LED headlamp, full LED lighting package, matte blacked engine components, and compact digital console blend classic form with modern function.
Engine & Performance
- 471 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin: Same engine found in the NX500, producing around 46 hp (~47.5 bhp) at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—ideal for urban riding and highway cruising.
- 6-speed gearbox with slipper-clutch: Equipped with an assist & slipper clutch, it ensures smooth, confident downshifts, reducing rear-wheel chatter.
- Strong mid-range torque: The engine delivers linear power from low to mid RPM, offering sharp acceleration off the line and comfortable high-speed cruising.
Braking & Safety Features
- Disc brakes front & rear: With a 296 mm front and 240 mm rear disc paired with dual-channel ABS as standard, riders get strong, predictable stopping power.
- All-LED lighting: Improves nighttime visibility and adds to the bike’s sharp, modern look.
- Compact LCD instrument cluster: Displays speed, gear position, fuel level, trip info, and time clearly—even under sunlight—while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
- Wheelbase & dimensions: 2,205 mm long, 810 mm wide, 1,090 mm tall, with a 1,490 mm wheelbase provide a stable and easy ride at speed.
- Ground clearance: Measures 125 mm, balanced for city commuting and occasional highway use.
- Fuel capacity: A modest 11.2 L tank supports city and short touring ranges, befitting the bike’s urban‑cruiser character.
- Weight advantage: At ~191 kg, it’s significantly lighter than rivals like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 or Kawasaki Eliminator 500, offering more approachable handling.
Variants & Accessories
- Global trim options: Honda powersports in the U.S. offers Rebel 500, Rebel 500 ABS, and Rebel 500 ABS SE trims, priced from $6,499 to $6,999 plus destination. The Indian launch currently includes standard ABS trim.
- Customisation potential: Honda offers 22 genuine accessories—from saddlebags and rear racks to flyscreens—enabling personalization for touring comfort.
- Colour option: Currently available in Matte Black Metallic, with more options expected later.
Pricing & Competitor Landscape
- Honda Rebel 500: ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom) India.
- Global MSRP: U.S. pricing starts at $6,499 plus $600 destination charge (ABS and SE trims cost more) .
- Competitors:
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: ₹3.68 lakh ex-showroom.
- Royal Enfield Shotgun 650: ₹3.59 lakh.
- Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Positioned close but ₹64,000 less expensive.
- Vulcan S: Another close rival with similar positioning.
- Comparison: While more expensive, the Rebel justifies its pricing with superior reliability, modern features, light handling, and lower maintenance cost expected from Honda .
Early Market Response
- Dealership rollout: Deliveries began mid-June 2025 in select cities: Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- Consumer reaction: Indian biking community appreciates the Rebel’s approachability, aesthetic, and light weight. Some feel the ₹5.12 lakh tag is steep for a CBU (completely built-up) import: “Love the Rebel’s minimalist bobber vibe and approachability, but at 5.12L, Honda’s really testing brand loyalty in India.”
Final Verdict
The 2025 Honda Rebel 500 brings an exciting new chapter in the mid-capacity cruiser segment in India. Its fusion of timeless bobber aesthetics, refined parallel-twin powertrain, lightweight chassis, and tech-savvy features (ABS, LED lighting, slipper clutch) deliver a compelling package. It may be positioned at a premium, but for enthusiasts seeking style, modernity, and daily usability—without the bulk of 650cc alternatives—it stands out as a serious contender. The Rebel 500 is not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement of individuality and passion on two wheels. For riders dreaming of cruising in comfort and style, this Rebel could be the perfect ride.