Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Introduction
The goal of the Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 comparison is to discover a motorcycle that fits your riding style, aesthetic tastes, and price range. The Honda Rebel 500 is a sleek, contemporary bobber made for riders who want a simple, personalized style. It costs Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram) (Honda BigWing). The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a conventional cruiser with a larger engine and more features, making it a strong challenger in the mid-size sector. It starts at Rs 3.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Although both bikes are intended for cruiser aficionados, there is a strong comparison between them because to their disparities in price, performance, and design. This comparison of the Super Meteor 650 vs Honda Rebel 500 will help you make an informed decision, regardless of whether you ride in the city or on the highway.
Price and Value for Money
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Honda Rebel 500 | Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 5.12 lakh | Rs 3.68–3.99 lakh |
| Engine | 471cc, parallel-twin, 46.22 PS | 648cc, parallel-twin, 47 PS |
| Torque | 43.3 Nm | 52.3 Nm |
| Weight | 191 kg | 241 kg |
| Seat Height | 690mm | 740mm |
| Fuel Tank | 11.2 liters | 15.7 liters |
| Key Features | LED lighting, USB port, ABS | Tripper navigation, USD forks, ABS |
| Pros | Lightweight, modern design | Affordable, feature-rich |
| Cons | High price, fewer features | Heavier, less agile in traffic |
Design & Styling
Honda Rebel 500: The Urban Bobber:
- Honda Rebel 500: Minimalist, slab sided fuel tank, blacked out engine, and low, elongated stance evoke a modern bobber look. The fat 16-inch front wheel and stubby fenders add a rugged charm.
- The Honda CMX500 Rebel oozes minimalist cool with its low slung silhouette (690mm seat height), chopped fenders, and circular LED headlamp. Its blacked-out engine and matte finishes scream urban rebellion. At 2,200mm long and 191kg, it’s compact enough to dart through traffic.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: The Classic Cruiser:
- Super Meteor 650: Larger teardrop tank, sweeping side panels, and chromed exhaust headers give it a classic cruiser silhouette. Dual tone paint schemes and retro mounted headlamp nacelle amplify its vintage appeal.
- The Super Meteor 650 leans into retro charm with a teardrop tank, chrome accents, and a commanding 1,500mm wheelbase. Its 740mm seat height and 241kg weight give it a planted, muscular stance—ideal for highway dominance.
Engine & Performance
Honda Rebel 500: Smooth Operator
The Rebel’s 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin delivers:
- 46.9 BHP @ 8,500 RPM
- 43.4 Nm torque @ 6,000 RPM
- 27 km/l mileage
Its 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch ensures buttery shifts, while the liquid cooling keeps temps in check during stop-and-go traffic.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Raw Power
The Meteor’s 648cc air-oil cooled parallel-twin packs:
- 47 BHP @ 7,250 RPM
- 52.3 Nm torque @ 5,650 RPM
- 22 km/l mileage
Torque kicks in early, making overtaking effortless, but vibrations creep in past 90 km/h.
Performance Comparison Table
| Feature | Honda Rebel 500 | Super Meteor 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled | Air-oil cooled |
| Max Torque | 43.4 Nm @ 6,000 RPM | 52.3 Nm @ 5,650 RPM |
| Mileage | 27 km/l | 22 km/l |
| Weight | 191kg | 241kg |
Results
- Rebel 500: Better for daily commutes and fuel efficiency.
- Super Meteor 650: Highway king with brute force torque.
Features & Technology
Honda Rebel 500
The Honda Rebel 500 keeps things simple with a functional feature set:
- LCD instrument cluster (no Bluetooth connectivity).
- Full LED lighting for a premium look.
- USB charging port for on-the-go convenience.
- Dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Super Meteor 650 offers a more advanced feature set:
- Digi-analog instrument cluster with built-in Tripper navigation.
- USD front forks for improved handling and stability.
- 15.7-liter fuel tank for longer range compared to the Rebel’s 11.2 liters.
- LED headlamp and alloy wheels with tubeless tires.
Key Takeaway: Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, The Super Meteor 650 offers more modern features, making it better for tech savvy riders or long distance travelers. The Rebel 500 is simpler but functional for everyday use.
| Feature | Rebel 500 | Super Meteor 650 |
| ABS | Dual-Channel | Dual-Channel |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Ride Modes | No | No |
| LCD Instrument Cluster | Semi-Digital | Analogue+Digi Pod |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | No | RE Tripper GPS Mount |
Target Audience: Which Bike is Better for You?
- Honda Rebel 500:
- First time cruiser owners.
- Urban riders prioritizing ease and style.
- Honda loyalists valuing reliability.
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650:
- Traditional cruiser enthusiasts.
- Riders craving raw power and retro vibes.
- Highway adventurers on a budget.
Pros & Cons
Honda Rebel 500
✅ Lightweight, fuel-efficient, premium build.
❌ Stiff suspension, limited features.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
✅ Affordable, high torque, classic design.
❌ Heavy, frequent servicing, vibrations.
Conclusion
The Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 comparison boils down to priorities. If you’re looking for an affordable, feature-rich cruiser with a powerful engine and classic styling, the Super Meteor 650 is hard to beat. Its lower price, modern features like Tripper navigation, and torque-rich performance make it a versatile choice for both city and highway riding. However, if you’re drawn to a sleek, bobber-style design and value Honda’s refined engineering and lighter handling, the Rebel 500 is worth considering, despite its higher price.
Both bikes are excellent in their own right, and the best choice depends on your riding style, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Test-ride both to feel the difference and find your perfect cruiser.
Call to Action
Have you ridden the Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 ? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you’re still undecided, visit a dealership for a test ride and see which bike feels like your ride. Check out more cruiser comparisons on our site to explore your options
