Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Alright, brother, Honda’s finally dropped the Rebel 500 in India, and it’s got cruiser fans stoked as hell. At 5.12 lakh rupees (ex-showroom), this bad boy’s ready to slug it out with the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 in the Indian market. Both are Japanese beasts, which is kinda wild since cruisers usually scream American muscle or Royal Enfield’s turf. Let’s break it down, man-to-man, like we’re kicking back at a bike shop, and see how these two stack up in this head-to-head brawl.
Style and Looks
Honda Rebel 500: The Rebel’s got that classic, low-slung bobber look with a blacked-out vibe think minimalist, tough, and timeless. It’s got a round headlight, a low 27.2-inch seat height, and a clean, no-BS design. You can customize the shit out of it with aftermarket parts, from saddlebags to windscreens. It’s the kind of bike that looks like it belongs in a garage with a leather jacket hanging nearby.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500: The Eliminator goes for a retro-modern cruiser style, with a long, low profile and a teardrop tank that screams old-school cool. It’s got a bit more chrome than the Rebel, which gives it some flash, and the round LCD display adds a modern touch. The 28.9-inch seat height is a tad higher, but it still looks mean and sleek, like it’s ready to eat up the road. Ford Endeavour 2025 Comfort and Ride
Honda Rebel 500: The Rebel’s low seat height (27.2 inches) makes it a breeze for shorter guys or anyone who wants to plant both feet flat at a stop. The riding position is relaxed, with mid-mounted pegs and a slightly forward lean that’s comfy for cruising around town or on longer rides up to a couple hours. The suspension (41mm front forks and twin rear shocks) is decent but can feel stiff over rough roads, especially if you’re a heavier dude. The seat’s thin, so your ass might complain after 100 miles, but you can swap it for a cushier aftermarket one.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500: With a 28.9-inch seat height, it’s still accessible but not quite as low as the Rebel. The riding position is more stretched out, with your feet a bit more forward, which feels great for highway cruising but might cramp your legs in stop-and-go traffic. The suspension (also 41mm forks and twin shocks) is tuned softer, soaking up bumps better than the Rebel, but it can feel a bit willowy in corners if you push it. The seat’s a bit thicker, so it’s comfier for longer hauls.
Engine Performance
This is where the match-up gets real. Both bikes run liquid-cooled parallel-twin engines, but there are key differences that count.
Engine Specs Honda Rebel 500 Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Displacement 471cc 451cc
Power 45.5 bhp @ 8,500 rpm 44.7 bhp
Torque 43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm 42.6 Nm
Transmission 6-speed 6-speed
The Honda Rebel has a slightly bigger engine and makes a bit more power and torque. Its engine is tuned for smooth, easy power delivery, perfect for city riding and chill highway cruises. It won’t throw any sudden power surprises your way, so it’s easy to handle.The Kawasaki’s engine is from the Ninja 400 family, giving it a sportier feel. It makes a little less power on paper, but the Eliminator is 15 kg lighter than the Rebel, which could make it feel quicker and more responsive out on the road.
Neither bike has a quick shifter no surprise at this price. Both engines run smooth and should be good on fuel for their size. Ford Endeavour 2025
Features and Technology
Today’s bikes need to keep up with tech, and both these cruisers cover the basics well.
Features Honda Rebel 500 Kawasaki Eliminator 500
Display Negative LCD LCD cluster
Lighting Full LED Full LED
Connectivity No Yes (on SE variant)
USB Charging No Yes (on SE variant)
Cameras No Yes (on SE variant)
The Honda keeps it simple with a clear negative LCD that shows all the essentials easy to read and fits the bike’s clean, no-fuss style.The Kawasaki takes things up a notch, especially in the SE variant, adding smartphone connectivity and even front and rear cameras. These extras make the Eliminator feel more modern, but they also bump up the price a bit.
Target Audience
Honda Rebel 500: Ideal for beginners, shorter riders, or those wanting a stylish, customizable cruiser for city and short highway rides. Its low seat and smooth power make it approachable.
Kawasaki Eliminator 500: Suited for riders who want a sportier cruiser with classic styling and modern tech. Better for those comfortable with a slightly higher seat and seeking a bit more low-end punch.
Final Verdict
Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Both bikes are solid picks if you’re looking for a mid size cruiser. The Honda Rebel 500 scores with its price, easy ride, and no-nonsense design. It’s a great starting point affordable, reliable, and beginner-friendly. If you’re new to cruisers or just want a hassle-free daily rider, this bike delivers serious value.On the other hand, the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 brings more to the table. It leans into the full cruiser feel more suited for long rides, loaded with features, and styled with that classic attitude. Yes, it costs more, but you get a lot for that extra cash tech, touring ability, and a more planted road presence.
Bottom line? Both bikes show off the best of Japanese reliability and design. They’re miles ahead of what cruisers in this range used to be. The choice? It depends on your ride style, your budget, and what kind of vibe you want on the road.
For most first-timers, the Rebel 500 is tough to beat. But if you’re after that full-blown cruiser experience and are willing to pay for the extras, the Eliminator 500 is a strong contender and it won’t let you down.
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