Honda has introduced its latest motorcycle, the Rebel 500, which is powered by the 471cc twin-cylinder engine. As a bobber, it stands tall among other similar models from both Japan and India.
Honda Rebel 500 vs Rivals: Engine and Output
Familiar Engines: Rebel and Eliminator
| Engine & Output | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Rebel 500 | Kawasaki Eliminator 500 | RE Shotgun 650 | |
| Engine | 471cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 451cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 648cc, twin-cylinder, air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 46hp at 8,500rpm | 45hp at 9,000rpm | 47hp at 7,250rpm |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 240.84hp per tonne | 255.68hp per tonne | 195.83hp per tonne |
| Torque | 43.3Nm at 6,000rpm | 42.6Nm at 7,500rpm | 52.3Nm at 5,650rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
The Honda Rebel 500 and the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 share similarities in engine architecture, displacement, and performance metrics. However, the Kawasaki boasts a superior power-to-weight ratio, benefiting from its 15 kg lighter frame compared to the Honda. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 employs a more traditional 270-degree firing order, which offers a distinct sound and riding experience unlike the 180-degree setup found in the Japanese models.
Honda Rebel 500 vs Rivals: Dimensions and Weight
The Shotgun is Heaviest, Rebel has Lowest Ground Clearance
| Dimensions and Weight | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Rebel 500 | Kawasaki Eliminator 500 | RE Shotgun 650 | |
| Kerb Weight | 191kg | 176kg | 240kg |
| Seat Height | 690mm | 736mm | 800mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.2 litres | 13 litres | 13.8 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 125mm | 150mm | 140mm |
| Wheelbase | 1490mm | 1520mm | 1465mm |
The Rebel 500 features the lowest seat height among these models, although this compromises its ground clearance, a characteristic typical of bobber designs. The RE Shotgun has the tallest seat height at 800mm, while the Kawasaki provides a balanced option with its 736mm height and adequate ground clearance of 150mm, making it suitable for varied road conditions.
The Royal Enfield’s weight disadvantage is notable, as it exceeds the Kawasaki by 64 kg, which may be a concern for shorter riders due to the way its engine configuration can affect leg positioning.
Honda Rebel 500 vs Rivals: Suspension, Tyres and Brakes
Diverse Tyre Sizes Across the Board
| Suspension, Tyres and Brakes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Rebel 500 | Kawasaki Eliminator 500 | RE Shotgun 650 | |
| Suspension (F/R) | Telescopic fork / Twin shock absorbers | Telescopic fork / Twin shock absorbers | USD fork / Twin shock absorbers |
| Brakes (F/R) | 296mm disc / 240mm disc | 310mm disc / 240mm disc | 320mm disc / 300mm disc |
| Tyres (F/R) | 130/90-16 / 150/80-16 | 130/70-18 / 150/80-16 | 100/90-18 / 150/70-R17 |
While the RE Shotgun boasts superior hardware, including a Showa USD fork and larger disc brakes, its real-world performance may differ due to its stiffer suspension. Both the Honda and Kawasaki display close similarities in brake and suspension performance, yet they diverge notably in wheel sizes.
The Rebel showcases its authentic bobber DNA with thick 16-inch tires at both ends, while the Kawasaki adopts a more cruiser-like size, placing the Shotgun in between these two styles.
Honda Rebel 500 vs Rivals: Features
Minimal Technology in All Models
Here, the Rebel and Eliminator have a lot in common, evident in their straightforward round LCD displays that lack Bluetooth capabilities. In contrast, the Shotgun offers a digital-analog speedometer with a Tripper TFT navigation system that enables turn-by-turn navigation. Both the Kawasaki and Honda feature all-LED lighting, while the Shotgun is equipped only with an LED headlamp and tail-lamps, with halogen indicators provided from the factory, though LED options are available as upgrades.
Honda Rebel 500 vs Rivals: Price
Higher Costs for Honda and Kawasaki Due to CBU Status
| Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Rebel 500 | Kawasaki Eliminator 500 | RE Shotgun 650 | |
| Price | Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Haryana) | Rs 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 3.59 – Rs 3.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai) |
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 presents a significant pricing advantage, being over Rs 2 lakh less than the Kawasaki Eliminator 500, which is the most expensive option among the three. The Honda Rebel 500, while less costly than the Kawasaki, still carries a hefty price, largely due to being imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). It’s noteworthy that the Rebel’s availability is currently limited to three cities—Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Mumbai—creating accessibility challenges for potential buyers. The pricing strategy of these Japanese models suggests they target a distinct segment compared to the Royal Enfield, which, due to its more attractive pricing, may appeal to a broader audience.
