Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Which one will you pick
The Indian mid-size cruiser segment has gained new contenders with the arrival of the Honda Rebel 500, which goes up against the Kawasaki Eliminator 500. While both motorcycles sit in a similar price bracket and share some common foundations, their design, ergonomics, and equipment cater to distinct rider expectations. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how the two compare across design, performance, features, and value.
Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Design
The Honda Rebel 500 design is clearly influenced by the bobber style. The low stance, chunky front and rear tires and minimalist look give you a distinct feel of a traditional motorcycle. The matte black finish, and simplicity of features, gives it a retro feel, and the low profile makes it less of a gap for the new riders.
Kawasaki opted for a contemporary design and the soft teardrop tank, sharp LED lighting, and sharper details suggest a more aggressive flair. The upright seating position, forward foot pegs and longer wheel base suggest a big motorcycle, and both motorcycles capture uniqueness. The Rebel represents a minimalist design while the Eliminator offers a more stylised, modern approach. Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Specs
Even though both bikes use liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engines and 6-speed gearboxes, some very fine differences in their specifications influence the riding characteristics. The Rebel 500 gets the larger 471cc engine producing 45.5 bhp and 43.3 Nm of torque. It's tuned for relaxed cruising, whether you're on the city street or the highway to work.
Also Read : Honda Two Wheelers surpasses 500 million production mark globally
The Eliminator 500 has the slightly smaller 451cc engine, making 44 bhp and 42.6 Nm but has a slipper clutch as well as refinements in the gearing, making it a bit more responsive to quick gear changes. Neither bike is a full performance bike by any stretch, but the Eliminator makes a slightly better case for flexible dynamics. Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Features and equipment
The Kawasaki Eliminator 500 stands out in terms of tech. It features an LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity via Kawasaki's Rideology app, which brings smartphone pairing, ride logs, and notification alerts. The bike also includes LED lighting all around, a preload-adjustable monoshock, and a chunkier 310mm front disc for added braking confidence.
By contrast, the Honda Rebel 500 prioritises simplicity. Its instrument panel is a simple monochrome affair showing the necessary information, and its round headlamp fits into the retro aesthetic. Twin rear shock absorbers and a 296mm front disc emphasise a no-frills configuration prioritising daily usability. Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Price
The Honda Rebel 500 is offered in one Standard variation priced at ₹ 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 also comes in a single variant, but is priced slightly higher at ₹ 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom).
Check out Upcoming Bikes In India.
First Published Date: 23 May 2025, 13:55 PM IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Mahindra acquires 59% controlling stake in SML Isuzu
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has announced that the company has acquired a 58.96 per cent take in SML Isuzu, expanding its presence in the commercial vehicle segment. The Indian auto giant has acquired the stake from Sumitomo Corporation, Japan, and Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan. The CV giant will be renamed 'SML Mahindra Limited', subject to regulatory approvals. Mahindra Acquires SML Isuzu The board of directors has appointed Vinod Sahay, President – Aerospace & Defence, Trucks, Buses & CE – Mahindra Group, as Executive Chairman of SML Isuzu, effective August 3, 2025. Dr. Venkat Srinivas has been appointed as the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of SML Isuzu Ltd., effective August 01, 2025. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Mahindra XUV500 2025 2179 cc 2179 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 12 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mahindra e20 NXT 15 kWh 15 kWh 140 km 140 km ₹ 6 - 8 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mahindra Thar E 75 kWh 75 kWh 400 km 400 km ₹ 25 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Mahindra XUV700 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 14.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Thar 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 11.50 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Scorpio Classic 2184 cc 2184 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 13.77 Lakhs Compare View Offers As part of the transaction, Mahindra will launch a mandatory open offer for acquisition of up to 26 per cent stake from eligible public shareholders of SML in accordance with the SEBI Takeover Regulations. Mahindra entered into the agreement to acquire SML Isuzu in April this year at ₹650 per share, representing a total investment of ₹555 crore. The move will help Mahindra establish a strong presence in the 3.5 tonne and above segment, where the company has a 3 per cent market share at present. Meanwhile, it has a 54.2 per cent market share in the sub-3.5 tonne LCV segment. The acquisition aims to double the brand's market share to 6 per cent with a plan to increase the same to 10-12 per cent by FY2031, and 20 per cent by FY2036. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Honda Amaze, Elevate Introduced With Elite Pack; Here's What It Gets
Honda Cars India has introduced a new "Elite Pack" for the Elevate SUV and the Amaze sedan sold in the Indian market. With this pack, both vehicles' additional features over the standard model on sale. Specifically, it adds a 360-degree camera and seven colour ambient lighting without any additional cost. The brand has brought this offer as part of the 'The Great Honda Fest' campaign. The Japanese manufacturer is also offering a 360-degree camera on certain variants of the Amaze and the Elevate as an accessory. This feature will be available for an extra cost and will be retrofitted at the dealerships. The third-party equipment will come with a two-year warranty from the supplier, from the date of purchase. Furthermore, the brand is also offering attractive schemes and benefits for the entire lineup, including the Amaze, Elevate, and City, under the ongoing The Great Honda Fest. Although the details of the schemes have not been specified. It is to be noted that these special offers will be available at all authorised dealerships of the brand across the nation. However, they are valid for a limited time and will vary depending on the model and variant. Coming back to the Elevate, the SUV competing against models like Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and other models in the segment is currently sold at a starting price of Rs 11.91 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the Amaze competes against models like Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor. It is currently sold at a starting price of Rs 8.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Auto Driver Drops Woman Passenger Midway, Questions Her Life Choices: 'Why'd You Take The Job...'
Auto rickshaws are ubiquitous in Indian cities and quite popular for cheap short-distance travel. Despite their utility, the autorickshaw rides often become a source of hassle for the customers as the drivers tend to have their share of tantrums. Recently, a woman travelling to work claimed that the autorickshaw driver not only abruptly ended the trip midway but also schooled her about the choices she had made in her life. "Yesterday, my auto driver dropped me off 1 km before my office. Mid-ride. Because madam, itna dur nahi jaa sakta (I cannot go that far)" wrote Aditi Ganvir in a LinkedIn post. She further claimed that the driver questioned her choice of workplace, allegedly asking, "Itni door kyun job liya?" (Why did you take a job so far away?) The driver even started calculating her salary and ranted about how he should have never accepted the ride. "Sometimes, your journey will be inconvenient for others and they will leave you in between. That's okay. Just rate them 1 star and move on." See the viral post here: 'Wonder if it was his own...' As the post went viral, social media users were left amused by the interaction and sided with Ms Ganvir. "When podcasters turn cab drivers," said one user, while another added: "Everybody is extremely clever in calculating the salary of others." A third commented: "18 km of dedication, and 1 km of unsolicited life advice. Auto rides in India really do offer full-stack experience." A fourth said: "While they are ready to do this to a customer. Wonder if it was his own daughter/wife/sister. Would he have dropped her 1km before their destination." Last month, a Bengaluru resident claimed that during a routine commute, the autorickshaw driver started scrolling Instagram -- even slowing the vehicle to stalk an actress' profile. Taking to Reddit, the user wrote: "What made it worse was that he came across a post by Sreeleela(Actor), and instead of just moving on, he actually slowed down the auto right in the middle of the main road to open her profile and scroll through her feed." The man who was in a hurry to reach the office said he was furious but "felt completely helpless" at the situation.
