[TusharK]

According to a media report, Honda is planning to launch a range of 500cc bikes in India. These include the Rebel 500, CB500X, CBR500R & CB500F.



The Rebel 500 is a cruiser bike that will reportedly be imported as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit. It is powered by a 471cc, parallel-twin cylinder engine that produces 45 BHP @ 8,500 rpm and 44.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm.



The CBR500R is a fully-faired sports bike. The CB500F is a naked a version of the CBR500R, while the CB500X is an adventure touring bike. These bikes are powered by the same engine as the Rebel 500. However, in these bikes, the unit produces 47 BHP @ 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.





Source

Link to Team-BHP News

[Axe77]

What a beautiful set of bikes. I hope Honda can get them at Kawasaki type retail prices via the CKD route. Cost of ownership wise Honda is the cheapest anyway.

I really do wish to own a Honda at some point but most likely I'll want it to be an inline 4.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

The way Honda prices their motorcycles, I'm expecting these motorcycles to go up directly against the Kawasaki 650 range!

Even then, looking forward to the CB500X! Have only heard good things about this motorcycle, and should be a good alternative to the ageing Versys 650.

Hope Honda has sensible prices in mind! Else they will be taught a lesson by the KTM ~500cc twin-cylinder machines getting ready to be manufactured by Bajaj!

Originally Posted by Axe77

What a beautiful set of bikes. I hope Honda can get them at Kawasaki type retail prices via the CKD route.

There was a mention during the Africa Twin launch yesterday that the 500cc bikes will be 'Made in India'! But I wouldn't keep my hopes too high regarding the price though - remember the CBR650F story when it was launched originally?

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

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just saw the Forza 300 as well in that image. That's another product I am waiting for with baited breath.

[Xaos636]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

There was a mention during the Africa Twin launch yesterday that the 500cc bikes will be 'Made in India'! But I wouldn't keep my hopes too high regarding the price though - remember the CBR650F story when it was launched originally?

Did they specifically say 500cc? I was under the impression that it was the CB300R and CBR650R which would be localized. Looks like my wait for a superbike would go on and on or will end up on a less used street triple. The coming soon pics are of the CB1000R, CBR650R and the two fireblade versions, all of them in the BS6 avatar, if I am not wrong. I wish they had shown the 500's in the coming soon list.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by Xaos636

Did they specifically say 500cc? I was under the impression that it was the CB300R and CBR650R which would be localized.

No, they didn't. The exact phrase was 'Expanding mass production of select big bikes in India from their current CBU, CKD operations"

But - considering localization and mass production - the 500 platform with its parts sharing across four different models makes a lot more sense IMHO as compared to the existing bikes like the 300R and the 650R.

[rohitoasis]

Fingers crossed this rumour turns out to be true.

I am making an exception and going to temple tomorrow to pray this happens.

Have been ruminating for years between 300/321 cc twin, 400 cc twin, 373 cc single and desperately wanting a twin as an upgrade which would be significant enough bump from my 200cc single now.

[bf1983]

I think this will be welcome news to a lot of people. For too long the Kawasaki twins have had no real competition in its segment. Though hopefully Honda can price these sensibly. Considering kawasaki priced the ninja 400 so high I don't have the best hopes that Honda can do a better job price wise. Only hope is they do a part localization like the Ninja 300 where the fairings, tyres and other parts are made locally with only the engine and frame imported. That can make the bikes competitively priced

[Madhu_Bengaluru]

Originally Posted by Xaos636

The coming soon pics are of the CB1000R, CBR650R and the two fireblade versions, all of them in the BS6 avatar, if I am not wrong. I wish they had shown the 500's in the coming soon list.

Absolutely right, none of them are the 500s, I still don't believe this rumor. They are not bringing the 500cc bikes this year for sure. Honda as always are the lazy bunch, they never get the most relevant bikes to our market . I was so much looking forward for the 550X.

[ScepticSkeptic]

Unicorn, Shine, Activa, Dream, Dio ��, Aviator, Navi etc etc. And now Trigger and Rebel? Honda going from nice guy to militant/anarchist? Need a good spanking!

[samyD]

Is there an actual media report from where this 'rumour' has started? (would like to know the basis/source) Or is it like those rumours which are just blindly copy pasted from one site to another creating a never ending chain of articles?

There is a market in our country for all the bikes from this 500cc platform. If only Honda gives up its risk averse approach.....

[evil_grin]

If true, this is great news. We'll finally not have to choose between "reliable" and "cruiser".

The review of the Rebel 500 in the Philippines is good: https://www.topgear.com.ph/moto-sapi...-20190605-lfrm

[Neo18]

Pricing is the key here and going by how much premium Honda charged for the 650, I don't have high hopes on the 500 range, unless the bike is heavily localized. If the 500X for example say is priced at close to 5 lakhs ex-showroom(which is a real possibility), it would easily cost upwards of 6 lakhs on road in Bangalore, at which point the 390 adventure starts looking even more attractive from an Adv perspective. Of course, Honda reliability means paying some premium up front but whether it can weather the storm of the Bajaj-Triumph alliance bikes and the upcoming 490 twins is to be seen.

[tushar9960]

I'm a big fan of the rebel. I know RE is the only dominant player in the cruiser category but would be nice to see a more modern take by Honda to challenge the Interceptor.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by evil_grin

We'll finally not have to choose between "reliable" and "cruiser".

There was the Vulcan 650 for that, but what it didn't have for a cruiser - was character! The parallel-twin 650 just doesn't appeal to the cruiser market.

Rebel also comes with parallel-twin motors and sounds rather commuter'ish - going by the international reviews. Honda will also have to play the value card with the Rebel, if they are planning to target the Harley Street 750 customer base.