New Honda Rebel 500 Launched in India at Rs 5.12 Lakh

Great news for motorcycle lovers in India! Honda has officially launched the much-awaited Rebel 500. This powerful and stylish cruiser has been a popular model internationally, and now Indian riders finally have the chance to experience it. Priced at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), the Rebel 500 comes in a fully-loaded single variant, meaning you get all the features in one complete package.

Bookings are already open at select BigWing Topline dealerships, and Honda has confirmed that deliveries will begin in June 2025. If you’re someone who enjoys relaxed cruising with a blend of old-school charm and modern tech, the Rebel 500 might just be the bike you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s take a deep look at what this motorcycle has to offer—its design, features, performance, and why it stands out.

Classic Cruiser Design with a Modern Twist

The Honda Rebel 500 stands out with its clean and bold cruiser design. It’s built to make a statement without going over the top. If you love minimalist bikes with strong visual appeal, this is the one to look at.

• The first thing you’ll notice is its low-slung stance. The seat height is just 690 mm, which is great for riders of all heights, especially beginners or those who feel more confident when both feet can touch the ground easily.
• It uses a tubular steel frame, which adds strength without making the bike feel too heavy.
• The bike comes in a single color option—Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic—a matte black shade that gives it a stealthy, muscular appearance.

The overall design screams “bobber,” a style popular among cruiser fans. This includes a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide handlebars, thick front and rear tyres, and a low seat with a chopped rear fender.

The Rebel 500 also has LED lighting all around, including a round headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators. This gives it a modern feel while keeping the vintage styling intact.

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Comfortable Ergonomics for Long Rides

Cruiser motorcycles are known for their relaxed riding position, and the Rebel 500 doesn’t disappoint. It features:

• Laid-back foot pegs and a slightly raised handlebar that allows riders to sit upright with ease.
• The seat is wide and cushioned, offering good comfort for both the rider and the passenger. While it has a pillion seat, the Rebel 500 is more of a solo rider’s dream machine.

Whether you’re cruising on highways or riding through city traffic, the bike is designed to keep you comfortable for longer durations. The riding triangle (the relationship between seat, handlebar, and foot pegs) is ideal for those who want a stress-free ride.

Powerful Engine for Smooth Cruising

At the heart of the Rebel 500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 4-stroke engine. This engine has already proven itself in other Honda models like the CB500X and CBR500R, known for their refinement and reliability.

• It produces 34 kW of power at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM.
• The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, allowing riders to enjoy smooth gear changes and effortless cruising on highways.
• The power delivery is tuned for low-end and mid-range torque, which means you get strong acceleration even at lower speeds—perfect for overtaking or climbing steep roads.

And let’s not forget the short, low-mounted exhaust, which produces a deep, throaty sound that enhances the cruiser experience. It’s not loud or harsh but gives just the right growl that many riders love.

High-Quality Suspension and Brakes for Better Ride and Safety

Honda has equipped the Rebel 500 with a good suspension setup to match Indian road conditions:

• Telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers from Showa provide a comfortable ride. Whether you’re riding on smooth highways or bumpy streets, the bike stays stable and balanced.
• For braking, you get disc brakes on both ends—296 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc—supported by dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This ensures that the wheels don’t lock up during sudden braking, even on slippery surfaces.

The tyres are chunky Dunlop tyres designed for grip and stability:

• Front Tyre: 130/90-16
• Rear Tyre: 150/80-16

These fat tyres not only add to the bike’s appearance but also offer better control on different terrains.

Modern Features with Minimal Clutter

Even though the Rebel 500 has a retro design, it doesn’t compromise on modern features. One of the highlights is its inverted LCD display, which sits compactly on the handlebar.

This display shows:

• Speed
• Gear position
• Fuel level
• Trip meter
• Clock and more

While it’s not a full-color TFT like in some premium bikes, the screen is bright and clear, even in sunlight. It gives you all the important information without distracting you from the road.

Who Should Buy the Rebel 500?

The Rebel 500 is perfect for:

• Riders upgrading from a 150cc or 300cc bike who want more power and comfort.
• Older riders looking for a relaxed motorcycle with low seat height.
• City and weekend riders who enjoy both style and performance.
• Tourers who prefer cruiser-style bikes for long-distance riding.

However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for high-speed performance like a sportbike. The Rebel is more about relaxed power, road presence, and emotional connection.

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What Honda Says About the Launch

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, shared his excitement:

“We are very excited to bring the Rebel 500 to Indian shores. It has been a motorcycle that riding enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for years, and it’s now finally here. Designed to let you express your individuality, the Rebel 500 blends timeless cruiser styling with modern touches to stand apart from the crowd. With its unmistakable street presence, torquey engine, and laid-back ergonomics, the Rebel 500 is perfect for riders looking for a machine that’s both engaging and a unique extension of their soul.”

This clearly shows that Honda sees the Rebel 500 not just as a motorcycle, but as a lifestyle statement—something that reflects the rider’s personality and passion.

Final Thoughts

With the launch of the Honda Rebel 500, Indian motorcycling enthusiasts finally have access to a premium mid-size cruiser that blends timeless design with modern features. It’s powerful yet friendly, stylish yet simple, and comfortable for daily use as well as weekend escapes.

At Rs 5.12 lakh, it’s not the cheapest motorcycle in its segment, but it certainly brings a lot to the table in terms of brand trust, smooth performance, and global appeal.

If you’ve been waiting for a bike that feels like an extension of your own style and soul, the Honda Rebel 500 might just be your perfect match.

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