OVERVIEW & PRICE
Performance and Engine
The Rebel 500 is equipped with a 471 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve parallel-twin engine. It produces 34 kW (approximately 46.22 PS) at 8,500 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 43.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm. This engine offers smooth power delivery with minimal vibration, making low-speed acceleration predictable and comfortable. Its narrow profile enhances rider ergonomics and ground accessibility.
Power is transmitted through a 6-speed manual gearbox, featuring well-spaced ratios that allow for good acceleration in the city and comfortable cruising on highways. While it lacks a slipper clutch, the wet multi-plate setup ensures reliable engagement and smooth downshifts.
Despite its cruiser design, the Rebel 500 boasts a top speed of 153 km/h, enabling spirited rides on open roads. This versatility allows it to function as both a relaxed boulevard cruiser and a competent tourer on straight stretches.
MILEAGE & FUEL EFFICIENCY
The Rebel 500 boasts an official fuel efficiency of 27 km/l according to ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), making it competitive in its segment with a good blend of performance and fuel economy for cruiser enthusiasts.
However, real-world reports indicate a more realistic mileage of about 21 km/l in urban and highway conditions. Various factors, such as riding style, traffic, and terrain, can impact these figures; however, overall, the mileage still reflects a solid balance of power and efficiency for a mid-capacity cruiser.
Features and Technology
- Powerful Engine – 4 stroke, 8 valve parallel twin DOHC, liquid cooled engine ensuring smooth power delivery and efficient thermal management.
- Advanced Circular LCD Instrument Cluster – Negative LCD display presents speed, gear position, fuel level, trip meters, and fuel consumption at a glance.
- Full LED Lighting – Round LED headlamp, LED tail lamp, and LED turn indicators for enhanced visibility and modern styling.
- Dual Channel ABS with Disc Brakes – 296 mm front disc (dual piston calliper) and 240 mm rear disc (single piston calliper) managed by dual channel ABS for progressive, safe braking.
- Steel Diamond Frame – A lightweight yet rigid tubular steel chassis offers neutral steering and confidence-inspiring handling.
- Suspension Setup – 41mm telescopic front forks and Showa twin-shock rear suspension (96mm travel) deliver a comfortable and controlled ride.
- 16 inch Alloy Wheels with Tubeless Dunlop Tyres – Front: 130/90 16 tubeless; Rear: 150/80 16 tubeless—providing grip and road feedback in varied conditions.
- Low Seat Height – 690 mm saddle height offers easy reach to the ground, catering to a wide range of rider statures.
- USB Charging Port – Convenient power outlet for charging devices on the go (available as part of the standard electrical package).
BUILD QUALITY
The Rebel 500 features a lightweight tubular steel diamond frame that offers rigidity. Its precisely welded joints and uniform powder-coat finish reflect Honda’s high-quality manufacturing standards, ensuring consistent panel gaps and long-lasting corrosion resistance. On the road, the Rebel’s 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear tyres provide excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions, enhancing the bike’s stability.
Launch coverage reveals that the Rebel 500 is built with strong steel components, meeting the same rigorous standards as Honda’s global models. Early owners have noted that the matte-black paint and chrome accents resist chipping and fading, demonstrating a build quality that competes with and sometimes exceeds that of its rivals.
HANDLING
The Rebel 500 offers neutral and predictable steering, thanks to its well-tuned rake and trail geometry, giving riders confidence in city traffic and on open roads.
Its suspension includes a 41mm conventional telescopic fork in the front and SHOWA twin shocks in the rear (96mm travel), effectively absorbing bumps without harshness, making it capable of handling diverse road surfaces in India without causing fatigue.
With a low seat height of 690mm and a laid-back ergonomic design, the rider’s weight is centred, allowing for precise weight shifts and easy counter-steering—perfect for both urban and long-distance riding.
COMFORT
The Rebel 500 has one of the lowest saddle heights in its class, allowing riders of all sizes to easily reach the ground. This low centre of gravity improves stability during stops and low-speed manoeuvres. The saddle is made of thick urethane foam, providing comfort over rough roads and reducing fatigue on both short commutes and longer rides. Owners report minimal soreness even after several hours in the saddle.
At the rear, twin SHOWA shocks with 96 mm of travel absorb bumps without harsh feedback. The spring and damping rates strike a balance between comfort on rough roads and responsiveness for spirited riding. The forward-set footpegs and broad, slightly angled handlebars encourage a relaxed “cruiser” posture. This setup reduces rider fatigue and supports natural weight distribution, which is beneficial in stop-and-go city traffic.
STYLING
The Rebel 500 features an 11.2-litre teardrop-shaped fuel tank, chopped fenders, and an exposed subframe for a clean, customised look. Its minimalist design highlights the bike’s low stance and muscular proportions.
A large circular LED headlamp with a chrome bezel gives a retro vibe while providing modern lighting. Compact LED indicators flanking it enhance the stylish front end. The exposed tubular steel diamond frame comes in a matte Gunpowder Black Metallic finish, complemented by polished chrome accents on the engine and exhaust.
This combination emphasises the bike’s rugged yet refined character. Instead of a bulky pillion cowl, the Rebel 500 has a slim loop-style grab rail that fits its stripped-down tail section, resulting in a sleek rear end in line with the bobber style. At launch, the Rebel 500 is available only in Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, a colour choice that allows its form and finishes to stand out, appealing to those who favour understated design.
COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
The Rebel 500 is offered exclusively in a single, understated matte finish.
- Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic
Underscoring its bobber-inspired, “just-customised” aesthetic without distraction.
Honda has opted for simplicity in its Indian lineup, offering the Rebel 500 in a single “STD” variant.
This standard configuration bundles all core features—parallel-twin engine, steel diamond frame, full-LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS—without additional sub-variants or optional packages.
VALUE FOR MONEY & PRICING
The Rebel 500 is priced at ₹ 5,12,000 lakh (Ex-showroom-Delhi), which is higher than many single-cylinder competitors, but it offers standout features. Its liquid-cooled 471 cc parallel-twin engine delivers 34 kW and 43.3 Nm of torque, complemented by full-LED lighting, an inverted LCD display, dual-channel ABS, and a steel diamond frame—features typically found on more expensive motorcycles. With Honda’s engineering and build quality, the Rebel 500 appeals to riders looking & PRICIfor reliable, torque-rich performance and cruiser-style ergonomics.
Key competitors for the Rebel 500 in the 400–500cc cruiser segment include:
- Aprilia RS 457
- Kawasaki Eliminator 500
- Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
- Triumph Speed 400
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
While some rivals are cheaper, few match the Rebel 500’s smooth twin-cylinder performance, premium suspension, and overall refinement. Riders seeking a budget-friendly entry into this segment might prefer the RS 457 or Eliminator 500. Still, those valuing long-term quality will find the Rebel 500 a worthwhile investment.
