Honda Rebel 500 Price in India, Launch Date & Top Highlights

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Honda Rebel 500

India’s love affair with motorcycles is no secret, but the buzz around the Honda Rebel 500 (also known as the Honda CMX500) has been electric. The Honda Rebel 500, launched in India on May 19, 2025, is here to make that dream a reality. Priced at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), this cruiser promises a riding experience that’s both comfortable and exhilarating. But is it worth the hype? Let’s dive into the details of the Honda Rebel 500 price in India, its launch, and what makes it stand out in the crowded cruiser market.

Price and Variants

With a starting price of Rs 5.12 lakh(Ex-Showroom), the Honda Rebel 500 is a high-end product in the mid-capacity cruiser market. Depending on the city, on-road costs might range from Rs 5.78 lakh in Delhi to Rs 5.99 lakh in Mumbai. Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic is the only color and variation available. Some riders contend that the pricing is high compared to competitors like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, which has a larger engine at a lesser cost, even though it reflects its premium positioning.

For individuals who are thinking about financing, EMI choices start at about Rs 14,018 per month (at 6% interest for 36 months in Delhi). As a result, a wider range of consumers can purchase the Honda Rebel 500.

Variant	Ex‑Showroom Price*	Key Features
Rebel 500 Standard	₹5,12,000	Alloy wheels, dual‑channel ABS, LED lighting

Launch and Availability

On May 19, 2025, the Honda Rebel 500 made its eagerly awaited premiere in India; deliveries are scheduled to start in June 2025. It is initially only offered by Honda’s BigWing Topline dealerships in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram (Honda BigWing). Although it creates a sense of exclusivity, riders outside of certain locations may be disappointed by the limited availability. Interested purchasers can reserve their Honda CMX500 in advance because reservations are available both online and offline.

Design and Features

The Honda Rebel 500 has a neo retro appearance that incorporates contemporary features while paying homage to vintage bobber style cruisers. It has a clean, customized appearance thanks to its basic design, which includes a teardrop-shaped 11.2-liter fuel tank, curved fenders, and a round LED headlight. Although taller riders may find it a little tight, the wide handlebars and low seat height of 690mm provide a comfortable riding position, making it perfect for riders of all heights.

Key design and feature highlights include:

Classic bobber styling with a stripped-down, minimalist aesthetic
Low seat height (690mm) for easy accessibility
Wide handlebars and forward-set footpegs for comfort
Split seat design prioritizing rider comfort
All-LED lighting for a modern touch
Negatively lit LCD display for clear ride data, even in bright sunlight
Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic color for a sleek, all-black look

The bike’s 16-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires (130-section front, 150-section rear) contribute to its sturdy stance, and its exposed subframe and tubular steel frame improve its visual attractiveness. Some users have, however, pointed out that it lacks contemporary capabilities like ride by wire technology and Bluetooth connectivity, which may have increased its allure.

Engine and Performance

Powering the Honda Rebel 500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers 46.22 PS at 8500 rpm and 43.3 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, this engine offers smooth and torque-rich performance, ideal for relaxed city rides and highway cruising (HT Auto). The 8 valve DOHC layout ensures efficient power delivery, and the engine’s refinement is a hallmark of Honda’s engineering.

Additional performance specs include:

Engine: 471 cc liquid‑cooled parallel‑twin producing 47 bhp @ 8,500 rpm and 43.3 Nm torque @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 6‑speed manual gearbox for smooth shifts
Kerb weight: 191 kg, making it manageable for most riders
Suspension: Telescopic front forks and dual Showa shock absorbers
Chassis & Suspension: Tubular steel frame with telescopic forks up front and twin rear shocks
Brakes & Tyres: Disc brakes front/rear with dual‑channel ABS; Dunlop tyres for balanced grip
Ergonomics: 690 mm seat height and low‑slung seat for confidence in city traffic
Fuel Tank: 11.2 L capacity, promising comfortable highway cruising
Brakes: 296mm front disc, 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS
Ground clearance: 125mm, adequate for urban environments

Quick Table

Specification	Detail
Engine	471 cc Parallel‑Twin
Power	47 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque	43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission	6‑Speed Manual
Seat Height	690 mm
Kerb Weight	191 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.2 L

Riding Experience

Having spent a weekend exploring coastal highways and city streets on the Honda Rebel 500, here’s what stood out:

Smooth Power Delivery: The parallel‑twin motor offers linear torque, making it effortless to roll past traffic lights.
Urban Comfort: The low seat height (690 mm) means flat‑footed confidence at stops, while the wide handlebar makes tight turns a breeze.
Cruiser Vibes: The relaxed riding posture and minimalist styling turn heads at every junction there’s an undeniable charm in its simplicity

Why the Rebel 500 Matters in India

Bridging Gaps: It brings authentic cruiser DNA at a sub‑₹6 lakh price point, expanding choices beyond bullet-style cruisers.
Modern Reliability: Backed by Honda’s service network and build quality, it addresses durability concerns common in larger cruisers.
Custom Potential: The clean, minimal platform invites customization from bobber transforms to cafe cruisers, fueling India’s burgeoning custom scene.

Comparisons with Competitor

The Honda CMX500 (commonly referred to as the Rebel 500) enters a competitive mid capacity cruiser space:

Model	Price (Ex‑Showroom)	Engine	Power
Honda Rebel 500	₹5.12 L	471 cc	47 bhp
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650	₹4.75 L	648 cc	47 bhp
Kawasaki Eliminator 500	₹5.50 L	498 cc	47 bhp
Super Meteor 650	₹5.25 L	648 cc	47.5 bhp

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Classic bobber styling with a modern twist
Low 690mm seat height for easy accessibility
Relaxed ergonomics for comfortable riding
Smooth and torquey parallel-twin engine
All-LED lighting and sleek LCD display

Cons:

Lower mileage compared to rivals
High cost for a 500cc bike
No advanced features like riding modes or Bluetooth
Limited availability (only three cities at launch)

Conclusion

The Honda Rebel 500, which combines performance, comfort, and style, is a strong addition to the Indian motorcycle industry. It is a fantastic option for riders looking for a comfortable yet competent cruiser because of its neo-retro styling, smooth engine, and comfortable riding position. Although the Honda Rebel 500’s low feature set and Rs 5.12 lakh price tag in India have garnered criticism, the bike’s distinctive design and Honda’s track record of dependability could make it popular with fans.

The Honda CMX500 is worth a test drive if you’re in Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Gurugram and want a high-end cruiser that stands out. However, riders on a tight budget or those looking for more features would favor the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.

Call to Action

What are your thoughts on the Honda Rebel 500? Have you booked a test ride yet? Share your experiences in the comments below, and check out our other articles on the latest bikes in India. Which cruiser are you leaning toward Honda Rebel 500, Kawasaki Eliminator, or Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650? Let us know!

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