If you’re someone who dreams of weekend rides under open skies, the Honda Rebel 500 might just be your perfect partner. This mid-weight cruiser has everything you need—striking style, a powerful twin-cylinder engine, modern features, and now, with an attractive EMI starting from just ₹11,000/month, it’s also affordable. Whether you’re a young rider looking for an upgrade or a seasoned enthusiast who appreciates quality, the Rebel 500 delivers confidence and class.
Backed by Honda’s legendary reliability, this motorcycle brings a mix of urban usability and long-distance comfort. In a market where cruisers often cost a fortune, the Rebel 500 stands out with its smart tech, smooth ride, and distinct bobber look that turns heads at every signal.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this cruiser a dream ride for many bikers in India.
Rebel 500 at a Glance – Quick Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Engine | 471cc Parallel Twin, Liquid-Cooled |
| Max Power | 47.5 PS @ 8,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual |
| Mileage | Approx. 27 km/l |
| Kerb Weight | 191 kg |
| Seat Height | 690 mm (Low & Comfortable) |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹5.72 Lakh (Approx.) |
| Starting EMI | ₹11,000/month (Approx., varies by city) |
| Brakes | Disc Brakes with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Wheels & Tyres | 16-inch Alloy Wheels with Fat Tyres |
| Tech Features | LED Lighting, Digital Meter, Assist Slipper Clutch |
Honda Rebel 500: The Darling of Cruiser Lovers
The Honda Rebel 500 is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. For enthusiasts who admire American-style cruisers but prefer Japanese engineering, this bike is the perfect blend of both worlds. Riders love it for its low-slung design, relaxed riding posture, and a torquey engine that brings a smile every time you twist the throttle.
Unlike other performance machines, the Rebel doesn’t demand speed; it offers ease, control, and comfort. That’s why it has become a favorite among urban explorers, highway riders, and even those entering the mid-weight segment for the first time.
It’s a bike that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re heading to work or cruising through scenic mountain roads. And now, with flexible EMI options, more bikers can finally own this dream ride without burning a hole in their pocket.
Design & Styling: Bobber Beauty with Minimalist Vibe
The Rebel 500 follows the classic bobber-style design, featuring a stripped-down look with a bold attitude. It’s low, lean, and built to reflect individualism—perfect for riders who want their machine to make a statement.
Key styling elements include:
- Matte-finished fuel tank with classic curves
- Fat front and rear tyres that enhance road presence
- Round all-LED headlamp that adds a modern touch to retro styling
- Blackened engine bay and exhaust, giving it a stealthy attitude
- Low and wide handlebars that improve cruising comfort
Unlike overly flashy cruisers, the Rebel goes for subtle muscle, and that’s exactly what appeals to mature riders. You can even customize it with seats, racks, and accessories, making it uniquely yours.
Engine & Performance: The Perfect Balance of Power
Powering the Rebel 500 is a 471cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine—tuned for smooth, usable torque rather than aggressive outbursts. This is the same engine that powers Honda’s CBR500R and CB500X, but it’s tuned to match a cruiser’s DNA.
- Max Power: 47.5 PS @ 8,500 rpm
- Peak Torque: 43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with Assist and Slipper Clutch
What you get is a silky-smooth throttle response, perfect for relaxed highway cruising and city rides alike. The assist clutch reduces lever effort, while the slipper function prevents rear wheel hopping during aggressive downshifting.
Whether you’re climbing hills or overtaking on highways, the engine delivers linear power without any jerkiness. The mid-range torque makes it especially useful in Indian traffic conditions.
Ride Quality & Handling: Glide Through Streets with Control
Comfort and ride quality are key highlights of the Rebel 500. It’s not just about looking cool—it feels great to ride. With a low seat height of 690 mm, even shorter riders feel confident at stops.
- Suspension Setup:
- 41mm telescopic forks (front)
- Dual shock absorbers (rear)
- 41mm telescopic forks (front)
- Brakes:
- 296mm front disc
- 240mm rear disc with Dual Channel ABS
- 296mm front disc
The fat tyres and wide handlebars offer stability and grip, while the relatively light weight of 191 kg ensures that the bike remains nimble and easy to maneuver.
In corners, it holds its line well, and on highways, it eats up the miles effortlessly. Whether you’re riding solo or with luggage, the Rebel offers plush comfort.
Smart Features & Advanced Tech – Minimalist Yet Functional
While it stays true to its retro roots, the Rebel 500 packs essential smart tech that enhances usability:
- Full LED Lighting: From headlamp to indicators, all lighting units are LED for better visibility and style.
- Digital LCD Instrument Console: Clean and compact, it displays speed, gear position, fuel level, time, and trip meter.
- Assist and Slipper Clutch: Smooth gear shifts with less fatigue, and better control during downshifting.
- Dual-Channel ABS: For safer braking on varied terrains.
This motorcycle focuses on rider needs without overloading the interface. No flashy touchscreens, just reliable, essential features.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency – Better Than You’d Expect
Despite being a 500cc twin-cylinder cruiser, the Rebel 500 offers impressive mileage for its class.
- Claimed Mileage: 27 km/l (approx.)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.2 liters
This means you can expect a range of nearly 300 km on a full tank, making it ideal for weekend getaways and urban commutes alike. Thanks to Honda’s fuel-injection technology and refined engine mapping, the bike is tuned for efficiency without compromising performance.
Price & Variants in India – Premium Yet Accessible
The Rebel 500 is positioned as a premium mid-weight cruiser in India.
- Ex-showroom Price: ₹5.72 lakh (may vary slightly across states)
- Available in multiple color options, including Matte Grey Metallic, Pearl Smoky Grey, and Matte Axis Grey.
It’s sold as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), which justifies its premium pricing. Still, when compared to Harley-Davidson or Triumph bikes in this category, the Rebel offers more value per rupee.
Downpayments & EMI Offers – Ride Now, Pay Smartly
Thanks to flexible finance schemes from Honda’s authorized dealerships, you can now own the Rebel 500 for just ₹11,000/month (depending on your down payment and credit profile).
Typical Finance Plan:
- On-road Price (Approx.): ₹6.3 – ₹6.5 lakh
- Minimum Downpayment: ₹1.25 – ₹1.5 lakh
- EMI Tenure: 48 – 60 months
- Monthly EMI: Starts from ₹11,000/month
- Interest Rate: Around 6.5% to 9% (based on lender)
You can also get add-ons like zero dep insurance, extended warranty, and roadside assistance bundled with the finance plan. Some dealers even offer exchange bonuses and instant loan approvals.
FAQs
Q1: Is Honda Rebel 500 good for beginners?
Yes, especially for taller beginners or those moving up from 250cc bikes. It has manageable power and predictable handling.
Q2: Is the seat comfortable for long rides?
Absolutely. The low-slung seat and upright posture ensure long-distance comfort. You can even add an optional pillion seat or backrest.
Q3: Does it have Bluetooth or navigation?
No, the Rebel focuses on analog-style simplicity. But you can use mobile mounts or aftermarket Bluetooth accessories.
Q4: Is it available in BS6/OBD2-compliant version?
Yes, the latest version is BS6-compliant and ready for current emission norms.
Q5: Where can I test ride the Rebel 500?
It’s available at select Honda BigWing showrooms across metro cities and tier-1 towns.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium cruiser with timeless design, reliable performance, and smart financing options, the Honda Rebel 500 deserves your attention. It checks all the boxes—style, comfort, tech, and performance—and doesn’t burden you with excessive tech or cost.
It’s a motorcycle that’s built for the real rider—not just to show off but to enjoy the road, mile after mile. With EMIs starting from ₹11,000/month, it’s more accessible than ever to own a world-class cruiser in India.
So, if your heart says “freedom,” let your wheels be the Honda Rebel 500.