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Honda CB500 vs Honda Rebel 300: Price in India, Launch Details & Full Comparison (2026)
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Key Comparison Takeaways
- Honda CB500 Highlights: 501cc air/oil-cooled single, 28 PS power, massive 43.3 Nm torque, semi-digital console with RoadSync.
- Honda Rebel 300 Highlights: 286cc liquid-cooled engine, E-Clutch technology option, super low 690 mm seat height.
- Expected Pricing: Honda Rebel 300 estimated between ₹2.30 lakh – ₹2.90 lakh; Honda CB500 estimated in ₹3.50 lakh – ₹4.50 lakh range.
- Best Suited For: CB500 for regular highway touring and high mid-range torque; Rebel 300 for urban commuting and shorter riders.
Table of Contents
Honda has just unveiled a strong new lineup for India, and two models are already creating serious buzz — the all-new Honda CB500 and the Honda Rebel 300.
Along with these, Honda also showed the Honda XR 300, Honda XR 300L, Honda ADV 160 maxi scooter, and Honda Rebel 500. This big push shows Honda is serious about the mid-size and lifestyle segment in India.
In this detailed comparison, we look at the Honda CB500 and Honda Rebel 300 side by side — design, performance, expected Honda Rebel 300 price in India, features, and who should buy which bike.
1. Honda CB500 India Launch – What We Know So Far
The Honda CB500 (also searched as cb500, honda cb 500, and cb 500) is a completely new model made in India. It is a classic retro roadster powered by a 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine.
Key Highlights of the Honda CB500:
- 501cc single-cylinder engine
- Around 28 PS power
- Strong 43.3 Nm torque
- 5-speed gearbox
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Slipper clutch
- Dual-channel ABS
- Semi-digital console with RoadSync
- Available in alloy and spoke-wheel variants
The Honda CB500 India launch is expected before the end of FY2027. Pricing is still not announced, but it is likely to sit in the competitive mid-size retro segment.
2. Honda Rebel 300 – The Easy Cruiser
The Honda Rebel 300 (also called rebel 300) is a lightweight, low-seat cruiser that has been popular worldwide. For India, Honda is bringing it with the useful E-Clutch option.
Expected Honda Rebel 300 price in India is between ₹2.30 lakh to ₹2.90 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant. The E-Clutch version may cost a bit more.
Key Points of the Rebel 300:
- 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine
- Around 27–30 PS power
- 6-speed gearbox with E-Clutch option
- Extremely low 690 mm seat height
- Dual-channel ABS
- Relaxed cruiser riding position
3. Honda CB500 vs Honda Rebel 300 – Detailed Comparison
Design & Stance
The Honda CB500 has classic roadster looks — round headlight, teardrop tank, and upright posture. It feels more substantial and grown-up.
The Honda Rebel 300 is pure modern cruiser. Long, low, and stylish with a fat rear tyre. It looks cooler in the city and is easier for shorter riders because of the low seat.
Engine & Performance
The CB500 wins on torque. Its 43.3 Nm makes highway overtaking and long rides much more relaxed.
The Rebel 300 feels lighter and more playful in city traffic. With the E-Clutch, even new riders will find gear changes effortless.
Comfort Comparison
Honda CB500: Better for mixed city + highway use.
Honda Rebel 300: Better for pure city riding and riders who want a very low seat.
Features
CB500 offers traction control, slipper clutch, and better connectivity.
Rebel 300 focuses on simplicity and the game-changing E-Clutch.
| Specification / Feature | Honda CB500 | Honda Rebel 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 501cc Air/Oil-Cooled Single | 286cc Liquid-Cooled Single |
| Max Power | ~28 PS | ~27-30 PS |
| Max Torque | 43.3 Nm | ~27 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed with Slipper Clutch | 6-Speed with E-Clutch Option |
| Seat Height | Standard Upright Roadster | Extremely Low 690 mm |
| Expected Price Range | ₹3.50 – ₹4.50 Lakh (Est.) | ₹2.30 – ₹2.90 Lakh (Est.) |
4. Other Models in Honda’s 2026 Lineup
Along with the Honda CB500 and Honda Rebel 300, Honda also showcased:
- Honda XR 300 and Honda XR 300L (dual-sport adventure)
- Honda ADV 160 maxi scooter
- Honda Rebel 500
This shows Honda is covering almost every segment — retro, cruiser, adventure, and maxi-scooter.
5. Who Should Buy Which Bike?
| Buy the Honda Rebel 300 if: | Buy the Honda CB500 if: |
|---|---|
| • You are a new or returning rider. • Most of your riding is in the city. • You want a low seat and easy handling. • Budget is around ₹2.5–3 lakh. |
• You do regular highway rides. • You want stronger mid-range torque. • You prefer a classic roadster look and feel. • Features like traction control matter to you. |
6. Final Opinion & Verdict
The Honda CB500 and Honda Rebel 300 are two very different motorcycles. One is a torque-rich retro roadster, the other is a stylish and easy-to-ride cruiser.
Both are proper Honda products, so reliability and resale should be strong. Once the official Honda Rebel 300 price in India and Honda CB500 India launch date are announced, these two models are expected to become popular choices in their segments.
If you are shortlisting mid-size Honda bikes in 2026, both the cb500 and rebel 300 deserve a serious look. Sit on both at the dealership — the difference in character is clear within minutes.
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