The Honda Rebel 500 2025 is that approachable mid-size cruiser that’s blending retro bobber style with smooth parallel-twin power, making it an ideal entry into big-bike riding for Indian enthusiasts who want comfort, confidence, and Honda’s rock-solid reliability. Priced at Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), it’s a premium yet accessible option for new riders, urban commuters, and weekend cruisers chasing a low-slung seat and easy handling. It competes with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Kawasaki Eliminator, and Bajaj Avenger 220, featuring a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS to inspire beginners. This review details its price, specifications, features, and performance.
Compact and Contemporary Design
The Rebel 500 2025 nails the bobber aesthetic with a low-slung frame, round LED headlamp, and blacked-out components that give it a minimalist, retro cool. It’s beginner-friendly at 2170 mm long, 820 mm wide, and 1090 mm high, with a 1445 mm wheelbase for stable cruising. Weighing 190 kg, it boasts 130 mm ground clearance and tubeless tires on 16-inch cast wheels (130/90 front, 150/80 rear). Available in a single Pearl Blue color scheme, it features a solo seat at 690 mm height—under-seat storage fits a small toolkit, and the 11.2-liter tank is ready for daily rides, radiating effortless urban charm.
Clear Display
The negative LCD instrument cluster is simple, showing speed, fuel, revs, gear position, and trip meters with basic tell-tales. No Bluetooth or touchscreen to keep it affordable, but handlebar switches are intuitive for lights and horn—it’s no-fuss, perfect for keeping eyes on the road during relaxed cruises, though a color TFT would add more appeal.
Punchy Performance
Powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine (45.5 bhp at 8500 rpm, 43.3 Nm at 6000 rpm), it mates with a 6-speed manual and chain drive with slipper clutch for smooth shifts. It’s tuned for low-end torque, claiming 25-27 km/l—real-world 22-25 km/l in mixed conditions, with a top speed of 160 km/h and 0-100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The 11.2-liter tank stretches 250-280 km, and telescopic front forks with twin rear shocks deliver a plush yet responsive ride—peppy for city sprints but composed on highways, ideal for beginners building confidence.
Advanced Safety System
Dual-channel ABS on the 296 mm front disc (rear 240 mm disc) ensures confident stops—no traction control to keep costs down, but the steel frame adds stability. LED taillight boosts visibility, and the side-stand engine cut-off provides basics—handles wet roads or swerves well, making it forgiving for new riders in Indian traffic.
Long-Lasting Fuel System
The 11.2-liter tank covers 250-280 km for 1-2 days of riding, refills under 2 minutes. Economy at Rs. 4-5/km, low vibes for quiet cruises—liquid cooling keeps it cool without fatigue.
Connectivity and Features
Halogen headlamp with LED DRL lights the way, with a USB port for charging—no Bluetooth standard, but optional accessories add nav. The slipper clutch smooths downshifts, with a long seat for comfort—no full audio, but earbuds pair for tunes. Extras like alloy wheels keep it stylish, loaded just enough without fluff.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at Rs. 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram), on-road in Delhi hits Rs. 5.80-6.00 lakh with RTO (Rs. 0.4-0.5 lakh) and insurance (Rs. 0.2-0.3 lakh). Launched May 19, 2025, bookings open at BigWing Topline dealers in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries from June 2025. Festive deals up to Rs. 10,000 off. Maintenance Rs. 4,000-6,000/year, 2-year/unlimited km warranty. Wait: 15-30 days.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Early riders praise the low 690 mm seat, smooth twin, and retro style—the 130 mm clearance suits smooth roads, and 25 km/l keeps costs low. ABS and ergonomics get thumbs up. But limited colors, firm seat on long rides, and no traction control irk—top speed caps at 160 km/h for highways.
Comparison with Competitors
In the Rs. 5.12 lakh cruiser bracket, the Rebel 500 undercuts Meteor 350 on price but trails Eliminator in torque. Matches Avenger 220’s comfort, Honda’s refinement edges for beginners.
Speculative Notes
Launched May 19, 2025, Rs. 5.12 lakh, 471cc twin, 25 km/l. Confirm with dealers for offers.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Rebel 500 2025, with its 2170 mm frame, smooth 471cc twin, and beginner-friendly soul at Rs. 5.12 lakh, is the cruiser that makes big-bike riding accessible for India’s roads. It’s not a torque monster or feature beast, but that comfort, mileage, and Honda trust make it a winner. With BigWing support, it’s ready to roll.
