Honda Rebel 500 Launched in India at Rs.5.12 lakh: Bookings Open Specifications and Features

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Key Points

The Honda Rebel 500 is launched in India at Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram).
Bookings are open at select BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Deliveries are scheduled to start in June 2025.
It features a 471cc engine, cruiser design, and modern features like LED lighting and ABS.

Launch Details

The Honda Rebel 500, a premium cruiser motorcycle, has been officially launched in India at Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). Bookings are now open at select BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries set to begin in June 2025. This launch marks Honda’s entry into the cruiser segment in India, targeting riders looking for style and performance.

Specifications and Features

The bike is powered by a 471cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, delivering 45.5 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. It boasts a retro cruiser design with a low 690mm seat height, all-LED lighting, an LCD instrument cluster, and dual-channel ABS for safety. The color option is Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, enhancing its classic appeal.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Honda Rebel 500 Launch in India

The Honda Rebel 500, a much-anticipated cruiser motorcycle, has been launched in India, marking a significant addition to Honda’s premium motorcycle lineup. This survey note provides a detailed examination of the launch, specifications, availability, and market positioning, based on recent announcements and online discussions as of May 20, 2025.

Launch Overview

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) officially launched the Rebel 500 on May 19, 2025, at a price of Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). The launch was announced across multiple platforms, including automotive websites and social media, with bookings opening immediately at select BigWing Topline dealerships. The availability is currently limited to Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries scheduled to commence in June 2025. This phased rollout suggests Honda’s strategy to gauge initial market response before expanding to other regions.

X posts from accounts like rushlane and bikedekho highlighted the launch, emphasizing the price and cruiser styling, indicating strong initial buzz among bike enthusiasts. For instance, YoungistaanT noted the bike’s features, reinforcing its appeal to the Indian market.

Technical Specifications

The Honda Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, producing 45.5 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. This engine configuration is known for its balance of performance and efficiency, suitable for urban and highway cruising. The bike’s design is inspired by classic cruisers, featuring a low seat height of 690mm, which enhances accessibility for riders of varying statures.

Additional specifications include:

Suspension: Telescopic front forks and Showa twin shock absorbers at the rear for a comfortable ride.
Braking: 296mm front disc and 240mm rear disc, both equipped with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
Wheels: 16-inch alloy wheels with 130-section front and 150-section rear tires, offering stability and a robust look.
Fuel Capacity: 11.2 liters, suitable for long rides.
Kerb Weight: 191 kg, making it manageable for most riders.

The bike also features modern amenities like all-LED lighting for better visibility and a negatively-lit LCD instrument cluster for clear readability. It is available in a single color option, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, which complements its blacked-out theme and retro aesthetic.

Market Positioning and Competition

The Honda Rebel 500 is positioned as a premium cruiser, competing directly with models like the Kawasaki Eliminator and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Its pricing at Rs. 5.12 lakh places it in a competitive segment, offering a blend of classic styling and modern technology. Compared to the Royal Enfield, it offers a more refined engine and advanced features, while the Kawasaki Eliminator provides a similar cruiser experience with potentially different styling cues.

Online discussions, such as those on BikeWale, suggest that the bike’s low seat height and accessible ergonomics could appeal to a broad audience, though some users noted concerns about ground clearance (136mm) for Indian road conditions. The single color option might limit choices for buyers, but the overall reception, as seen in X posts, leans positive, with users like hashtagbharaat praising its style and performance.

Availability and Booking Process

Bookings are currently open at BigWing Topline dealerships in the mentioned cities, and Honda has also enabled online bookings through its official channels. The delivery timeline starting in June 2025 indicates a structured rollout, likely to manage initial demand and ensure quality service. For potential buyers, this means planning ahead, as availability might be limited initially. Websites like ZigWheels provide EMI options, starting at Rs. 14,018, which could ease the financial burden for interested customers.

Detailed Comparison Table

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of key specifications with its competitors:

Feature	Honda Rebel 500	Kawasaki Eliminator	Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Engine	471cc, Parallel-Twin	451cc, Single-Cylinder	648cc, Parallel-Twin
Power	45.5 bhp @ 8,500 rpm	44.75 bhp @ 9,000 rpm	46.4 bhp @ 7,250 rpm
Torque	43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm	42.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm	52.3 Nm @ 5,650 rpm
Price (Ex-Showroom)	Rs. 5.12 lakh	Approx. Rs. 5.62 lakh	Rs. 3.63 lakh – Rs. 3.99 lakh
Seat Height	690mm	735mm	740mm
Weight	191 kg	176 kg	241 kg
ABS	Dual-Channel	Dual-Channel	Dual-Channel

This table highlights the Honda Rebel 500’s competitive positioning, particularly in terms of seat height and weight, which could be advantageous for urban riders.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Honda Rebel 500’s launch in India is a strategic move to capture the growing demand for premium cruisers. Its combination of classic styling, modern features, and a competitive price point positions it well against rivals. However, the limited initial availability and single color option might pose challenges. As deliveries begin in June 2025, market response will be crucial in determining Honda’s next steps, potentially including expansion to other cities and additional color variants.

For enthusiasts, this launch offers a new option in the cruiser segment, and online platforms like 91Wheels provide further details on on-road prices and reviews, aiding in decision-making.