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

The Honda Rebel 500 was previously sold in India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and is now set to make a comeback, though this time, the bike will be made right here in India. It was recently showcased in India alongside the smaller Rebel 300. With its low seat height and a 471cc engine, the Rebel 500 could be a good option for buyers looking for an accessible middle-weight cruiser. Here’s how it stacks up against the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650:

Design

• The Rebel 500 has a more compact and minimalist design, while the Super Meteor 650 looks more substantial.

• Both bikes feature round headlights, but the Rebel 500’s overall design looks modern and sporty, while the Super Meteor 650 has a more traditional cruiser appearance.

• The Super Meteor 650 can be optioned with a windscreen, which will help reduce wind blast at higher speeds.

• The Meteor 650 comes in 5 colour options, while the Rebel 500 comes in 3 colour options internationally, which we hope will come to India when launched. 

Overall, both bikes look stylish and eye-catching. The Royal Enfield takes a more traditional approach and looks much more substantial, while the Rebel 500 looks sleeker and more modern.

Engine & Gearbox

• The Super Meteor 650 gets a larger engine than the Rebel 500 and also produces considerably more torque. However, the two bikes make similar power figures.

• The Super Meteor 650’s engine is tuned for relaxed riding and strong low-end performance, while the Rebel 500 will feel sportier.

• The Rebel 500 gets an optional E-clutch system, which makes it easier to ride without changing gears manually.

• Both motorcycles should be comfortable on the highway, but the Rebel 500’s lighter weight could make it the easier motorcycle in the city.

The Super Meteor 650 is better suited to riders who prefer a laid-back riding experience. The Honda Rebel 500, on the other hand, should offer punchy performance with a smooth engine, along with Japanese reliability. The added benefit of an E-Clutch should make it easy to ride in the city while also making it a capable, relaxed highway cruiser.

Features

• Both motorcycles get all-LED lighting.

• The Super Meteor 650 uses a semi-analogue instrument console, while the Rebel 500 gets a modern TFT console.

• Both bikes offer useful connected features such as Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and call and SMS alerts.

• The Honda also gets switchable traction control, giving it an advantage over the Super Meteor 650 in terms of rider aids.

In terms of features, the Rebel 500 has the upper hand with its modern TFT console and switchable traction control system.

Underpinnings

• The Super Meteor 650 has a firm ride quality, which is uncomfortable even on the slightest undulated roads. The firm suspension will try to throw you off the seat. 

• The Rebel 500 gets a low 690mm seat height, which will make it more accessible than the Super Meteor for shorter riders.

• The Rebel 500 will be more manageable in the city due to its light kerb weight compared to the Royal Enfield bike. 

BikeDekho Says

Both bikes attempt the cruiser formula in very different ways. The Super Meteor 650’s larger 650cc engine produces strong low-end torque, making it suited to relaxed riding, while the Rebel 500 would appeal more to people looking for a lighter, sportier experience.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is priced from Rs 4.05 lakh to Rs 4.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai), while the Rebel 500 is expected to be priced at around Rs 5.5 lakh for the base and Rs 5.9 lakh for the E-clutch variant  (ex-showroom).

The Rebel 500 will be a more modern alternative to the Super Meteor with additional technology and stylish design, albeit at a slightly higher price point. It will also get a smooth parallel-twin engine with Japanese reliability, which would make it a good alternative to the Super Meteor 650.