Honda Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 unveiled ahead of India launch

Honda has unveiled a total of 10 motorcycles for the Indian market, comprising both all-new and existing models, with the Rebel 300 and the Rebel 500 among them. The Rebel 500 was previously sold in India as a CBU at Rs 5.12 lakh, but now Honda says 50-percent of the parts for the Rebel 500 will be sourced locally, with the engine being imported. With that in mind, we can expect more competitive pricing when they go on sale.

1. Honda Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 to be available in standard and E-Clutch variants
2. Rebel 300 uses a 286cc single-cylinder engine
3. Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine

Honda Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 India details

Both bikes will be available with Honda's E-Clutch system, enabling automated clutch action

As members of the same family, the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 share the same bobber-style cruiser design, including a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round LED headlight, a two-piece seat and a short, stubby exhaust.

The Rebel 300 is powered by a 286cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine producing around 30hp and 27.5Nm. The Rebel 500, meanwhile, uses a 471cc parallel-twin engine producing 46hp at 8,500rpm and 43.3Nm at 6,000rpm. Both motorcycles use a 6-speed gearbox and will be offered in standard and E-Clutch variants. Honda’s E-Clutch system allows riders to shift gears without operating the clutch lever while still retaining the option to use the clutch manually whenever they choose.

Both feature a low 690mm seat height, making them among the most accessible motorcycles on sale in our market. Combined with an upright handlebar and forward-set foot pegs, the low seat height should provide a relaxed cruiser riding position. Suspension duties are handled by a conventional telescopic fork at the front and twin rear shock absorbers. Both motorcycles also share the same tyre sizes, with a 130/90-16 front and a 150/80-16 rear setup. The Rebel 300 has a kerb weight of 172kg, while the larger Rebel 500 tips the scales at 191kg.

On the features front, both motorcycles remain relatively simple and stay true to their old-school cruiser ethos, doing without modern electronics such as riding modes and traction control. The bikes come equipped with dual-channel ABS. Interestingly, the India-spec Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 debut a new circular TFT display in place of the LCD unit offered on international models – suggesting that the locally manufactured versions could be previewing a feature that may well make its way to the global range in due course.

Honda is yet to announce prices or a launch timeline for either motorcycle. More details are expected in the coming weeks, and we’ll update this story as they are announced.