Honda Rebel 500 vs Rivals: Price, Specs & Key Differences

Honda has introduced the Rebel 500 to the Indian market – its second model powered by the 471cc parallel-twin engine. Styled as a bobber, the Rebel squares off against the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 and the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. Here’s a comprehensive comparison covering performance, dimensions, hardware, features, and pricing.

Contents hide

1 Engine and Performance: Close Call Between the Japanese Twins

2 Dimensions and Ergonomics: Accessible vs Hefty

3 Suspension, Brakes, and Tyres: Shotgun Has the Edge on Paper

4 Features and Tech: Minimalist Trio

5 Pricing and Availability: RE is the Value King

6 Verdict: Which One’s for You?

Engine and Performance: Close Call Between the Japanese Twins

Specification	Honda Rebel 500	Kawasaki Eliminator 500	Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Engine	471cc, liquid-cooled, twin	451cc, liquid-cooled, twin	648cc, air/oil-cooled, twin
Power	46hp @ 8,500rpm	45hp @ 9,000rpm	47hp @ 7,250rpm
Torque	43.3Nm @ 6,000rpm	42.6Nm @ 7,500rpm	52.3Nm @ 5,650rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed
Power-to-Weight	240.84 hp/ton	255.68 hp/ton	195.83 hp/ton

The Rebel and Eliminator are neck-and-neck in output, both using liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engines. The Kawasaki edges out in power-to-weight thanks to being 15kg lighter. The Shotgun, with its larger and more traditional air/oil-cooled motor and 270-degree firing order, offers a more relaxed, character-rich cruiser experience but lags in outright performance-to-weight.

Dimensions and Ergonomics: Accessible vs Hefty

Specification	Honda Rebel 500	Kawasaki Eliminator 500	Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Kerb Weight	191kg	176kg	240kg
Seat Height	690mm	736mm	800mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.2 litres	13 litres	13.8 litres
Ground Clearance	125mm	150mm	140mm
Wheelbase	1490mm	1520mm	1465mm

The Rebel is by far the most beginner-friendly in terms of seat height but compromises ground clearance. The Eliminator offers a strong balance of low seat height and practical clearance for Indian roads. Meanwhile, the Shotgun is the most substantial – heavier and taller – which may challenge shorter or newer riders, especially with its engine bulge affecting leg room.

Suspension, Brakes, and Tyres: Shotgun Has the Edge on Paper

Specification	Honda Rebel 500	Kawasaki Eliminator 500	Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork	Telescopic fork	Upside-Down fork (USD)
Rear Suspension	Twin shock absorbers	Twin shock absorbers	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

The Shotgun stands out with premium suspension and the largest brakes, although real-world performance is balanced out by its significant weight. The Japanese rivals, though more basic in hardware, benefit from lighter builds. Tyre sizes reflect different philosophies – the Rebel goes full bobber with fat 16-inch wheels, the Kawasaki leans traditional cruiser, and the RE aims for a middle ground.

Features and Tech: Minimalist Trio

When it comes to equipment, none of these bikes is heavily loaded with electronics or digital wizardry.

Honda Rebel 500 & Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Both offer all-LED lighting and a minimal round LCD display without smartphone connectivity.
RE Shotgun 650: Features a unique digi-analogue console paired with the Tripper navigation pod for turn-by-turn directions. Only the headlamp and tail-lamp are LED by default; LED indicators are optional.

Pricing and Availability: RE is the Value King

Model	Price (Ex-showroom)
Honda Rebel 500	₹5.12 lakh (Haryana)
Kawasaki Eliminator 500	₹5.76 lakh (India-wide)
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650	₹3.59 – ₹3.73 lakh (Chennai)

The Shotgun is a clear winner in the value-for-money contest, being at least ₹2 lakh more affordable than the others. Both the Honda and Kawasaki are imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs), which explains their high pricing. Moreover, the Rebel’s availability is restricted to just three cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram – making it less accessible.

Verdict: Which One’s for You?

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650: Best value, strong character, premium brakes, but heavier and less beginner-friendly.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Most balanced in specs and usability; however, it comes at a steep price.
Honda Rebel 500: Ideal for new riders looking for a low-slung, classic bobber feel with urban charm – but availability and pricing are limiting factors.

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