Honda has expanded its 500cc lineup in India with the launch of the Rebel 500, powered by the same 471cc parallel-twin engine found in the NX500. While both motorcycles share the same heart, they cater to very different riding styles and preferences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how they differ.
Design & Ergonomics: Classic Bobber vs Adventure Tourer
The Rebel 500 adopts a low-slung, minimalist bobber design with an all-black theme and subtle styling. Its pulled-back handlebar and ultra-low 690mm seat height promote a laid-back, cruiser-style posture, ideal for relaxed city rides or short highway stints.
On the other hand, the NX500 leans towards a more rugged and upright stance, typical of an adventure-tourer. It has a taller 830mm seat height, allowing for better visibility and comfort on long-distance journeys, along with an upright riding triangle that suits touring.
Dimensions, Weight & Tyres
Despite being the more touring-oriented bike, the NX500 tips the scales at 196kg, just 5kg more than the Rebel 500. The extra weight primarily comes from its 17.5-litre fuel tank, which holds 6.3 litres more fuel than the Rebel.
Both bikes use the same braking setup, with identical disc diameters at the front and rear. However, they ride on different wheels and tyre profiles:
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Rebel 500: 16-inch wheels front and rear, with a wider 130-section front and 150-section rear tyre, enhancing its muscular bobber appearance.
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NX500: A more traditional 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, paired with 110-section front and 160-section rear tyres, better suited for highway and mild off-road conditions.
Features & Tech
LED lighting is standard on both bikes, but the NX500 edges ahead in tech. It comes with a 5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, and Honda’s selectable torque control (traction control) system.
In comparison, the Rebel 500 keeps things simple with a compact LCD screen and dual-channel ABS, staying true to its retro-modern character.
Price, Colours & Availability
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Rebel 500: Priced at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), it is more affordable than the NX500 by Rs 78,000. It’s available in a single Matte Black colour but is sold only through BigWing Topline dealerships in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram.
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NX500: Priced at Rs 5.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it justifies its premium with more features and wider availability. It’s offered in three colour options and sold through BigWing dealers across India.
Final Thoughts
If you’re drawn to retro styling and a relaxed cruiser experience, the Rebel 500 delivers a charming package with approachable ergonomics. However, for those seeking long-distance comfort, modern features, and broader usability, the NX500 is the more practical and versatile option.
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