The Honda Rebel 500 has finally joined the Big Wing ranks, but its price tag of ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom) is a significant ₹1.5 lakh more than the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. To determine whether the Rebel 500 is worth the extra cost, a comparison with the Super Meteor 650 is necessary.
In terms of engine and transmission, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has a more powerful 648 cc, air-oil cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 46.37 bhp and 52.3 Nm of torque. In contrast, the Honda Rebel 500 has a 471 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 45.59 bhp and 43.3 Nm of torque. Although the Super Meteor 650 has more power and torque, the Rebel 500’s lighter weight makes it more spirited and easier to manage.
The suspension and braking systems of both bikes are also compared. The Rebel 500 has a 43 mm USD fork and dual-shock absorber, while the Super Meteor 650 has a 130/90-19 front tyre and 150/80-16 rear tyre, paired with a 320 mm front disc and 300 mm rear disc. Despite the Super Meteor 650’s larger discs, the Rebel 500’s lighter weight and chunkier tyres are expected to provide better braking performance.
In terms of dimensions, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is larger and heavier than the Honda Rebel 500, with a seat height of 740 mm and a kerb weight of 241 kg. The Rebel 500, on the other hand, has a seat height of 690 mm and a kerb weight of 191 kg, making it more manageable and easier to navigate through tight traffic conditions.
The features of both bikes are also compared, with the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 offering more modern features such as LED lighting, a retro-inspired digi-analog console, and a Tripper navigation pod. The Honda Rebel 500, on the other hand, has a simpler design with a full-LED headlight, tail light, and turn indicator, as well as a full-LCD instrument console.
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Rebel 500 and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 depends on the buyer’s priorities. The Super Meteor 650 offers more value for money, with a lower price tag and more features. However, the Rebel 500 has the advantage of Honda’s trust and reliability, as well as a more exclusive and manageable ride. With a significant price difference between the two bikes, the decision ultimately comes down to whether the buyer values exclusivity and reliability over price and features.