Both the cruiser motorcycles will challenge the dominance of Royal Enfield in the 350cc and 650cc segments in the Indian market
Honda showcased 10 motorcycles and scooters earlier today for the Indian market, which included seven all-new models and three facelifted versions of its existing bikes. The company made it official that all these two-wheelers will be locally developed, engineered and manufactured in India. However, in this piece, we will specifically talk about the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 cruiser motorcycles. While the former is an entry-level model in the cruiser segment, the latter is a mid-level lifestyle cruiser motorcycle.
Honda Rebel 300 in India
Adorning a bobber-inspired design and low-slung stance, Honda Rebel 300 will be launched in both Standard and E-Clutch variants. It flaunts a LED projector headlamp upfront as standard. Already available in several global markets, the India-spec Honda Rebel 300 will share the 286cc liquid-cooled engine with the CB300R. The cruiser will come with front and rear disc brakes alongside a dual-channel ABS.
Sitting on a unique frame, the bobber-styled cruiser motorcycle has a low saddle height of 690 mm. It tips the scale at just 170 kg. The Rebel 300 is positioned below the CB300R in global markets and therefore if the company can localize it in an identical manner, it is safe to assume a pricing around 2.20 lakh (ex-showroom) upon its launch in India. The cruiser bike can become a worthy contender against the 350cc bikes of Royal Enfield.
Honda Rebel 500 in India
Identical to the Rebel 300, it will also come with distinctive bobber-inspired design in Standard and E-Clutch variants. The Rebel 500 will be powered by a 471 cc twin cylinder liquid cooled engine which develops top power of 45.6 bhp at 8500 rpm and highest torque of 43.3 Nm at 6000 rpm. The engine will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Unlike the ongoing model, launched in May 2025 via the CBU route at Rs 5.12 lakh, the new Rebel 500 will be locally manufactured in India for an aggressive pricing.
Honda Rebel 500 will share multiple premium features with the Rebel 300 in the form of LED projector headlamp, front and rear disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, TFT instrument cluster with Honda RoadSync, and turn-by-turn navigation. In addition, it will be offered with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) as standard safety feature.
The suspension duties are likely to be carried by telescopic units at front and Showa-sourced dual-shock absorbers at the rear. The cruiser motorcycle is expected to ride on 16-inch wheels which could be shod with 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear Dunlop tyres. A few other highlights of the Rebel 500 will be all-LED lighting, signature circular headlamp, steeply raked fuel tank, low saddle height (690mm) and fat handlebars.
