Honda Rebel 500 Price in India 2025 – Powerful Urban Cruiser Review

Honda has finally brought its much-loved Rebel 500 cruiser motorcycle to India, and it has instantly caught the attention of enthusiasts who want a mix of classic styling and modern performance. Launched in May 2025 at an ex-showroom price of ₹5.49 lakh (Delhi), the Rebel 500 slots itself in the premium mid-size cruiser segment, where it will take on rivals like the Kawasaki Eliminator, Benelli 502C, and the more affordable BSA Gold Star 650.

The Honda Rebel 500 is Honda’s attempt to revive the urban cruiser culture in India — something that Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki tried earlier. With its low 690 mm seat height, approachable weight of 191 kg, and parallel-twin engine, the Rebel is designed to be a comfortable yet powerful everyday ride. For Indian riders, especially those looking for a city-friendly cruiser that can also tour on weekends, the Rebel 500 offers a strong balance of style, comfort, and Honda reliability.

Engine, Mileage & Performance

Powering the Honda Rebel 500 is a 471 cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled DOHC engine producing 45.5 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. This motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and delivers smooth, linear power delivery, which makes it beginner-friendly yet engaging for experienced riders.

• Mileage: Expect around 24–26 kmpl in real-world Indian conditions, given its liquid-cooled twin-cylinder setup.
• Riding feel: The Rebel’s engine is refined and less vibey compared to single-cylinder cruisers, offering smooth acceleration.
• Highway performance: With a kerb weight of 191 kg and longer wheelbase, the bike feels planted at triple-digit speeds.
• City riding: Thanks to its low seat height and neutral steering, manoeuvrability in traffic is surprisingly easy.

Compared to rivals, the Rebel feels closer to the Benelli 502C in refinement but lighter and easier to handle than the Kawasaki Eliminator.

Design & Features

The Honda Rebel 500 carries a classic bobber-inspired design with modern elements. Its steel diamond frame keeps the proportions tight and muscular, while the round LED headlamp, LED tail lamp, and winkers add a modern touch.

• Comfort: The urethan foam seat with just 690 mm height is one of the lowest in the segment, making it accessible for shorter riders.
• Suspension: Front telescopic forks and Showa dual shock absorbers at the rear ensure comfort even on Indian roads.
• Practicality: The 11.2-litre fuel tank is smaller compared to some rivals, which limits long-distance touring, but the lighter weight makes it city-friendly.
• Modern touches: A digital LCD instrument cluster displays ride data clearly, while LED lighting all around ensures good visibility at night.

For Indian buyers, the Rebel’s blend of classic looks and modern reliability makes it stand out in a sea of heavy cruisers.

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Safety & Technology

Honda has equipped the Rebel 500 with essential safety features:

• Dual-channel ABS as standard.
• 296 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and 240 mm rear disc with single-piston caliper offer progressive and balanced braking.
• Grippy tyres: 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear tyres ensure stability on both wet and dry surfaces.

While the bike misses advanced rider aids like traction control or ride modes, its predictable handling and low centre of gravity inspire confidence, especially for new riders moving into the big-bike category.

Colours & Variants

Honda currently offers the Rebel 500 in Matte Black Metallic colour in India.

Variants:

• Rebel 500 Standard – equipped with LED lighting, LCD console, dual-channel ABS, and Showa suspension.

Honda may add more colour options later depending on demand, but for now, the single dark shade adds to its mean urban cruiser appeal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Smooth and refined parallel-twin engine.
• Accessible 690 mm seat height, friendly for shorter riders.
• Lightweight for a cruiser (191 kg) → easy city handling.
• Honda reliability and premium build quality.

Cons

• Premium pricing at ₹5.49 lakh makes it less value-for-money.
• Limited colour options (only Matte Black).
• Small 11.2-litre fuel tank restricts long touring.
• Lacks advanced features like traction control, ride modes, or smartphone connectivity.

Price & Rivals

• Price: ₹5,49,469 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
• On-road: Around ₹6.2–6.5 lakh depending on city.

Main Rivals in India:

• Benelli 502C (₹5.25 lakh) – more powerful, heavier.
• Kawasaki Eliminator (₹6.15 lakh) – sportier, but pricier.
• BSA Gold Star 650 (₹3.12 lakh) – retro charm, cheaper, but heavier and less refined.

Among these, the Rebel 500 sits between affordability and premium appeal, offering Honda’s reliability as a strong advantage.

Final Verdict

The Honda Rebel 500 is not just another cruiser; it’s Honda’s attempt to make big-bike cruising accessible to Indian riders. With its low seat height, manageable weight, refined twin-cylinder motor, and modern design, the Rebel 500 will appeal to both new riders stepping up from 250–300 cc bikes and experienced bikers wanting a comfortable city-friendly cruiser.

Yes, it is a bit pricey for what it offers, especially when compared to the BSA Gold Star, but the Honda brand trust, reliability, and easy usability make it worth considering. For urban riders who want something stylish yet practical, the Rebel 500 is one of the most beginner-friendly cruisers in India right now.

Frequently Ask Questions