In its major addition to the premium motorcycle lineup, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the Rebel 500 in India officially.
The cruiser is priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram) and is available for booking at a selection of BigWing Topline showrooms present in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Deliveries will commence in June 2025.
This introduction marks Honda's strategic foray into India's rapidly growing mid-size cruiser motorcycle segment. Equipped with a well-balanced combination of retro-inspired design and advanced engineering, the Rebel 500 is designed to appeal to experienced riders as well as new riders looking for a civilized riding experience.
For motorcycling enthusiasts, the Rebel 500 offers a compelling blend of traditional cruiser features and modern performance, specifically crafted to deliver a unique experience on Indian roads.
Major Specifications of the Honda CMX500 Rebel
The heart of the Rebel 500 contains a 471cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled 46 hp unit that produces 43.3Nm of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Rebel 500 enters a competitive arena in comparison to motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 and the Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650 from Royal Enfield. The Royal Enfield variants, priced at ₹3.59 lakh and ₹3.68 lakh respectively, offer a cheaper option in terms of pricing.
Since it is brought in by import through the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route, the Rebel 500 comes with a higher price tag. Yet, it still trims Honda's NX500 by ₹78,000 and is ₹64,000 cheaper than the Kawasaki Eliminator 500.
The cruiser sits on unique 16-inch wheels at both ends, with a 130-section front tyre and a 150-section rear tyre. Standard dual-channel ABS comes as a standard fit, and there is a negative LCD instrument display.
Built on a tubular steel frame, the Rebel 500 has a seat height of 690mm to be friendly to the rider. Although its 11.2-litre fuel tank is not particularly large, the motorcycle is otherwise light with a kerb weight of less than 195kg — more in line with Royal Enfield's 350cc bikes than its 650cc rivals.
Price and Booking Details
The Rebel 500 is available at a price of ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram, Haryana). The motorcycle can be booked exclusively at BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Online bookings are also being accepted on Honda BigWing India's official website at HondaBigWing.in.
Official Quotes from Honda
Addressing at the launch, Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said:
"We are thrilled to bring the international award-winning Rebel 500 to India. This highly awaited cruiser bike has garnered huge enthusiasm in overseas markets, and we are sure it will find favor with Indian bikers too. The Rebel 500 is not just a bike — it's a declaration of style, performance, and freedom.". With its eye-catching design, snappy performance, and Honda's reliable engineering, we feel it will appeal powerfully to experienced and new riders alike throughout the nation."
Director of Sales and Marketing at HMSI Yogesh Mathur also spoke about it with excitement, as he said:
"We are extremely excited to introduce the Rebel 500 to Indian shores. It is a motorcycle for which bike enthusiasts have been waiting for years, and now it is here at last.". Built to allow you to be you, the Rebel 500 combines classic cruiser looks with contemporary styling to set it apart from the rest. With its unapologetic street presence, torque-laden engine, and relaxed ergonomics, the Rebel 500 is ideal for riders who crave a bike that's as much fun as it is a personal expression of your style.
Read also| Global Auto Giant Hit by Tariffs, Reports 21% Drop in Profits