Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the much-anticipated 2025 Honda Rebel 500 in India, marking a significant addition to its premium motorcycle lineup. Priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), the Rebel 500 is set to rival the likes of the Kawasaki Eliminator, Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, and Super Meteor 650 in the mid-capacity cruiser segment.
Design & Styling: Classic Bobber Appeal
The 2025 Honda Rebel 500 boasts a minimalist ‘bobber’ design, characterized by its stripped-back aesthetics and blacked-out components. The motorcycle features a steeply raked fuel tank, wide handlebars, and a low seat height of 690 mm, ensuring a comfortable ride for a wide range of riders. The Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic color scheme enhances its aggressive stance, complemented by an all-LED lighting system, including a signature round headlight and compact tail lamp.
Engine & Performance: Smooth and Responsive
At the heart of the Rebel 500 lies a 471cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve parallel-twin engine, delivering 45.59 hp at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. This powerplant is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, ensuring smooth and responsive performance across various riding conditions.
Features & Equipment: Modern Meets Retro
The Rebel 500 seamlessly blends classic cruiser styling with modern features:
- Frame: Tubular steel frame for enhanced stability.
- Suspension: Telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers for a balanced ride.
- Braking: 296 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes, equipped with dual-channel ABS for optimal safety.
- Tyres: Dunlop tyres with 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear specifications.
- Instrumentation: Inverted LCD display providing essential ride information.
- Lighting: All-LED setup, including headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators.
With a kerb weight of 191 kg and an 11.2-liter fuel tank, the Rebel 500 strikes a balance between agility and long-distance cruising capability.
Availability & Booking Details
The Honda Rebel 500 will be available exclusively through BigWing Topline dealerships located in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Bookings are currently open, with deliveries scheduled to commence from June 2025. Interested customers can also book the motorcycle online via Honda BigWing India’s official website.
Market Positioning & Competition
By introducing the Rebel 500, Honda aims to capture a significant share of India’s growing mid-capacity cruiser segment. The motorcycle is positioned to compete with established models like the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, and Super Meteor 650, offering a unique blend of classic design and modern engineering.
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda Rebel 500 emerges as a compelling option for riders seeking a cruiser that combines timeless aesthetics with contemporary features. Its competitive pricing, coupled with Honda’s reputation for reliability, positions it as a strong contender in the mid-capacity cruiser market.
