Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Spec Comparison

For far too long, we have been waiting for Honda to bring more of its 500 cc twin-cylinder motorcycles. After the NX500, there has been quite a lull. Until now, as the Rebel 500 joins the Big Wing ranks. However, at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), it is almost a lakh and a half dearer than the tried and trusted Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Does it still make sense to go for the Japanese cruiser?

Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Engine And Transmission

Marginally more power but oodles of more torque will give the Super Meteor a distinct character of an old school chugging twin. Plus, you will have a great soundtrack to accompany you on all your rides. However, the Rebel being 50 kg lighter will be the more spirited and easier to manage bike of the two. It has the more sophisticated engine as well.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Frame, Suspension, Brakes 

Cruisers are generally comfortable motorcycles, provided the roads are smooth. In India, that is rare to find. Hence, while both bikes here benefit from Showa-sourced suspension hardware, the limitations of the format of motorcycle will make them inherently difficult to feel plush.

While the Super Meteor does have larger discs, we expect the Rebel to be better in braking performance for two primary reasons. Firstly, the tyres are chunkier and hence larger contact patches but more importantly, the weight advantage will play its part here as well.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Dimension

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is clearly the bigger bike here which also makes it the heaviest of the lot. The Honda Rebel 500 is almost 50 kg lighter in comparison, and it sits much lower than its competition here which should make it more manageable, easy to navigate through tight traffic conditions. But out on the highway, you’d be able to go for a longer duration before necessitating a fuel stop on the Super Meteor. 

Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Features

The Honda Rebel 500 is a much simpler bike. The full-LED headlight, tail light and turn indicator are the only noteworthy modern features on offer here. Its instrument console is a full-LCD unit which doesn’t even support Bluetooth connectivity. However, there is a C-type charger onboard to charge your electronic devices should you need to. 

Surprisingly, it is Royal Enfield that offers a more modern and feature-rich motorcycle. It was the first Royal Enfield bike to come with LED lighting all around, that retro-inspired digi-analog console is a nice beautiful touch, and the Tripper navigation pod is standard on the top Celestial trim. Also, it too has a USB charger and adjustable levers for upping its modern quotient.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Conclusion

At ₹3.68 lakh (ex-showroom), the Super Meteor 650 is unmatched for offering the most bang for your buck. And considering that there are far more Royal Enfield dealerships and service centres that will cater to the bike, you are not worried about your bike post purchase. It looks larger, classier and sexier than the Rebel, being a no-brainer for a cruiser buyer seeking a motorcycle in this space.

However, the Rebel 500 will have the Honda trust and reliability factor associated with it. It might not have the size but the butch appeal along with the minimal build will make for a more manageable ride. Plus, it will be an exclusive club as the bike will initially be offered from just Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru. And considering the premium that you will be paying over the Super Meteor 650, you won’t find many of these Rebels on the road as well. 

Hence, the choice should be clear if you just choose one of these options: the exclusivity factor of the Rebel or the brotherhood that comes with the Royal Enfield family.