More stories

  • in

    Honda Rebel 500 Vs Royal Enfield SM 650 Vs Kawasaki Vulcan S – Compared

    Honda Rebel 500 Vs Rivals – Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and Kawasaki Vulcan SIn a fight for the large displacement classic and retro motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield has its popular 650cc offerings. There have been more challengers now than ever before and the latest one is Honda Rebel 500, which directly takes on Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and Kawasaki Vulcas S. We compared specs and features of these motorcycles to see which is a better package on paper.
    Honda Rebel 500 Vs Rivals – Specs
    We have to start with pricing because Royal Enfield has achieved excellent prices and it is the most affordable, starting from Rs 3.68 lakh and goes till Rs 3.98 lakh (Ex-sh). At the other end of this price ladder, we have Kawasaki Vulcan S priced at Rs 7.10 lakh (Ex-sh). Just launched Honda Rebel 500 is positioned bang in the middle at Rs 5.12 lakh (Ex-sh).
    All three bikes get a parallel-twin engine and only Super Meteor is an inferior oil-cooled SOHC 2V build. One look at this spec sheet is enough to understand that Honda Rebel 500 has the smallest engine at 471cc. However, it makes up for it with its light-weight build, weighing at just 191 kg, while Super Meteor 650 weighs 241 kg and Vulcan S is bang in the middle at 229 kg.
    That said, the most performant offering in this trio is Kawasaki Vulcan S as it packs the highest numbers. However, it is the only one in this trio to lack a slipper clutch. Vulcan S also packs the longest wheelbase, Super Meteor 650 has highest ground clearance and Rebel 500 has lowest seat height.
    Honda Rebel 500 Vs Rivals – Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and Kawasaki Vulcan S
    Rebel 500 has the smallest fuel tank at 11.2L and it is Super Meteor 650 that has the largest at 15.7L. All three motorcycles offer different wheel size combinations at the front and rear. Rebel 500 has the widest front tyre and Vulcan S offers the widest rear tyre. Super Meteor 650 offers largest disc brakes, which could probably be because it is the heaviest bike in this trio.
    Rebel 500 is the lightest!
    All three motorcycles get dual-channel ABS and there are no riding modes, quick shifter or any other fancy gizmos. Only the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 gets USD telescopic front forks, while other two resort to RSU telescopic units. Interestingly, only the Vulcan S gets a rear mono-shock, which is also a single-sided type. Other two get twin shockers which are common with cruisers.
    Honda Rebel 500 is the only one to offer full LED lighting all around. Super Meteor 650 lacks LED indicators and Vulcan S lacks LED indicators and LED headlights. All three motorcycles get a semi-digital instrument cluster, but only the Royal Enfield offers Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation with its Tripper TFT screen. More

  • in

    New Honda Rebel 500 Cruiser India Launch Price Rs 5.12 Lakh

    New Honda Rebel 500 CruiserHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the much-awaited Rebel 500 in India at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). Bookings are now open at select BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries set to begin in June 2025.
    Classic Cruiser With Modern Touches
    The Rebel 500 is a global favourite and makes its India debut as part of Honda’s expanding premium motorcycle portfolio. Featuring a distinctive retro cruiser design with blacked-out styling, the bike gets a steeply raked fuel tank, round LED headlamp, and a low 690mm seat height that enhances ease of riding. It will be available in a single Standard variant and Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic colour.
    New Honda Rebel 500 Cruiser
    Engine and Performance
    Powering the Rebel 500 is a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine that develops 34 kW at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm torque at 6,000 RPM. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, tuned for strong low-end torque and a smooth delivery across the rev range. The stubby exhaust adds to the cruiser appeal with a deep exhaust note.
    Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are very excited to bring the Rebel 500 to Indian shores. It has been a motorcycle that riding enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for years, and it’s now finally here. Designed to let you express your individuality, the Rebel 500 blends timeless cruiser styling with modern touches to stand apart from the crowd. With its unmistakable street presence, torquey engine, and laid-back ergonomics, the Rebel 500 is perfect for riders looking for a machine that’s both engaging and a unique extension of their soul.”
    New Honda Rebel 500 Cruiser
    Chassis and Features
    Built on a tubular steel frame, the Rebel 500 comes equipped with telescopic front forks and twin rear Showa shock absorbers. Braking duties are handled by a 296mm front and 240mm rear disc setup, supported by dual-channel ABS. The cruiser rolls on 16-inch wheels shod with Dunlop tyres and also features an inverted LCD display for rider information.
    New Honda Rebel 500 Cruiser
    Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the globally acclaimed Rebel 500 in India. This much-anticipated cruiser motorcycle has received tremendous response across international markets, and we are confident it will appeal to Indian riders as well. The Rebel 500 is more than just a motorcycle — it’s a statement of style, performance, and freedom. With its distinctive design, punchy performance, and Honda’s trusted engineering, we believe it will resonate strongly with both seasoned and emerging riders across the country.”
    Limited Availability
    The Rebel 500 will be sold exclusively via BigWing Topline dealerships in three cities – Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. HMSI is positioning the Rebel 500 as a lifestyle offering for enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic styling, premium fit and finish, and Honda’s proven engineering.
    Price and Booking
    Honda Rebel 500 is priced from Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). Bookings can be made at Honda BigWing showrooms or online via the official website. The Rebel 500 is HMSI’s latest effort to tap into India’s growing premium motorcycle segment and marks the beginning of more lifestyle-focused launches in the future. More

  • in

    2025 Honda XL750 Transalp Debuts – New Features, Improvements

    2025 Honda XL750 TransalpIt is possible that 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp could be introduced in India later this year or in early 2026
    Ahead of its 29th May launch in Japan, Honda has revealed the details of 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp. The bike gets multiple updates, although the engine remains similar to its predecessor. In India, Honda XL750 Transalp competes with the likes of Triumph Tiger 900, BMW F 850 GS and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. Let’s check out all the updates introduced with the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp.
    2025 Honda XL750 Transalp – What’s new?
    At the front, the 2025 XL750 Transalp gets dual projector headlamps for improved illumination. The sharper lighting setup also enhances the bike’s visual appeal. At the front, the windscreen has been updated as well. While the basic shape of the windscreen seems familiar, the material used is Durabio, an environmentally friendly bio-engineered plastic.
    2025 XL750 Transalp
    Made from isosorbide derived from renewable plants, Durabio is known for its scratch-resistant properties and superior toughness. Honda has also added an intake duct in the centre, which helps channel air away from the rider. This will be useful in reducing rider fatigue and discomfort during long-distance touring at high speeds.
    Ride comfort has been further enhanced with changes to the front and rear suspension. Users can expect a better overall experience across both paved roads and rough surfaces. With these multiple changes, the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp now weighs 210 kg. That’s 2 kg heavier than the current model. Dimensionally, the new model is largely the same as the existing version. The only exception is a 5mm reduction in overall height. This is likely due to the updated windscreen.
    2025 XL750 Transalp
    Seat height of 850 mm is the same as earlier. The bike has 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, wrapped in 90/90 front and 150/70 rear tyres. Braking setup comprises double discs at front and a single disk at the rear. Fuel tank capacity is 16 litres. With mileage at 23.1km/L (As per WMTC standards), overall range on a full tank works out at around 370 km.
    2025 XL750 Transalp – New Colour
    New colour
    For the Japanese market, Honda has introduced a new Pearl Deep Mud Gray colour option with the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp. The earlier colour options of Ross White and Graphite Black have been carried over. In India, the existing Honda XL750 Transalp is available in colour options of Ross White and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.
    Performance
    2025 Honda XL750 Transalp retains the 755cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC (Unicam) 4-valve parallel 2-cylinder engine that generates 91 PS and 75 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Honda has introduced some tweaks to the fuel injection settings to enhance throttle response. Users can expect a more refined riding experience, especially at low-to-mid RPMs. It is possible that the engine’s electronic management system could also have undergone some adjustments to improve overall performance.
    2025 XL750 Transalp
    Pricing
    In Japan, the 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp is available at 1.32 million yen (Rs 7.74 lakh). That’s an increase of around 55,000 yen (Rs 32,000) over the outgoing model. Due to import duties, the price of XL750 Transalp is higher in India at Rs 10.99 lakh. Earlier this year in March, Honda had announced a cash discount of Rs 80,000 on the XL750 Transalp. The new model, when launched, could be priced at around Rs 11.5 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. More

  • in

    2025 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) Debuts – New LED Lights, Digital Display

    2025 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) DebutsTargeted at A1 class license holders in Germany, Honda CB 125 F ranked as the 14th bestselling light motorcycle in the country in 2024
    Honda had introduced the CB 125 F (SP125) in Europe in 2015. Key USPs were affordable pricing and optimal fuel efficiency. In Germany, cumulative sales of the CB 125 F are at around 82,000 units. Honda will be introducing the new 2026 model version of CB 125 F in Germany in May with multiple new updates. Let’s take a look?
    2026 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) – What’s new?
    Honda has updated the 2026 CB 125 F in Germany with the automatic start-stop system. With this update, the 2026 Honda CB 125 F has tech superiority over most other bikes in the 125cc segment. This feature is already offered with the SP125 in India. The engine shuts off automatically when idle and restarts when the rider engages the clutch. It saves fuel at traffic stops as well as in stop-and-go situations often experienced in cities.
    2025 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) Debuts
    Along with automatic start-stop, Honda CB 125 F has other mileage-boosting technologies such as eSP (Enhanced Smart Power). It works by reducing friction, which in turn improves both performance and fuel efficiency. The eSP also integrates the ACG starter, which ensures silent starts.
    With mileage-boosting technologies, Honda CB 125 F offers a high fuel efficiency of 100 km for every 1.4 litres of fuel (claimed). This is around 71 km per litre, which is a big number in the 125cc segment. Depending on user skills and riding conditions, real world mileage could be around 60-65 km/l. Honda CB 125 F has a 11-litre fuel tank, which means certified range of around 800 km.
    2025 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) Debuts
    Euro 5+ emission compliant, tech updates
    Similar to the stricter OBD 2B emission norms in India, the CB 125 F has been updated to comply with the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards. The 124cc engine generates 11 hp and 11 Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Top speed is rated at 95 km/h.
    2025 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) Debuts
    2026 Honda CB 125 F gets a new 4.2-inch TFT colour display with Road Sync connectivity suite. Users can make or manage calls, get real-time weather updates, manage messages via voice commands, access music and use turn-by-turn navigation. The TFT instrument console displays a range of information such as real-time mileage, average mileage, available range, gear position, eco indicator and maintenance alerts. 2026 Honda CB 125 F also gets a Type-C USB charging port.
    Specs
    Other hardware specs remain unchanged for 2026 Honda CB 125 F. The bike utilizes a diamond frame, with telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Braking setup comprises a disc at front and drum brake at the rear. Braking efficiency is enhanced with CBS. Seat height at 790 mm seems suitable for optimal control and agile handling.
    2025 Honda CB 125 F (SP125) Debuts
    2026 Honda CB 125 F – Price
    Even with multiple updates, Honda has not increased the pricing of 2026 Honda CB 125 F. The bike is available at a starting price of €3,199, which is approximately Rs 3.05 lakh. Honda CB 125 F is manufactured in India and exported to European markets. A total of three colour options are available with the 2026 Honda CB 125 F in Germany – Imperial Red Metallic, Matt Marvel Blue Metallic and Matt Axis Gray Metallic. In India, there are two additional colour options of Pearl Igneous Black and Pearl Siren Blue. More

  • in

    2025 Honda CB650 Launch Price Rs 9.6 L – India’s First E-Clutch Motorcycles

    2025 Honda CBR650RHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the all-new 2025 CB650R and CBR650R, making them the first motorcycles in India to feature the E-Clutch technology. This marks a significant leap in riding convenience and control, blending manual performance with automatic ease.
    Pricing and Availability
    Bookings are now open across Honda BigWing dealerships and online, with deliveries to begin by the end of May 2025. The 2025 Honda CB650R is priced at Rs. 9.60 lakh, while the faired CBR650R comes in at Rs. 10.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
    India’s First E-Clutch Motorcycles
    The E-Clutch system, developed by Honda in 2023, eliminates the need for clutch lever operation during starts, stops, and gear shifts. This system enhances rider comfort in daily traffic while maintaining the thrill of sporty riding, making it ideal for both new and experienced riders.
    Powertrain and Performance Specs
    2025 CB650R carries Honda’s Neo Sports Café design with a sculpted tank, round LED headlamp, and exposed steel frame. It is powered by a 649cc inline four-cylinder engine producing 70 kW at 12,000 RPM and 63 Nm at 9,500 RPM, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with the E-Clutch system. Suspension duties are handled by Showa 41 mm USD forks and a monoshock, while braking is managed by dual 310 mm front discs and a rear disc with dual-channel ABS. A 5.0-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity completes the feature list.
    2025 Honda CB650R
    2025 CBR650R offers a racier design with a full-faired look and aerodynamic styling. It shares the same engine, gearbox, and chassis as the CB650R, but adds Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for added safety. The CBR650R is available in Grand Prix Red and Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, while the CB650R comes in Candy Chromosphere Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
    A New Chapter in Honda’s BigWing Line-up
    Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are excited to bring the new CB650R and CBR650R for our Indian riders, with the revolutionary E-Clutch technology. The standard variants of both these models were introduced earlier this year & they received a phenomenal response. With the introduction of the E-Clutch equipped variants, we believe this will further elevate the customer’s riding experience while strengthening Honda’s position in the premium motorcycle space. These motorcycles perfectly balance performance, ease, and innovation – qualities that today’s riders value more than ever.”
    Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the latest additions to our premium motorcycle line-up – the CB650R and CBR650R – now equipped with Honda’s revolutionary E-Clutch technology. The premium motorcycling space has been experiencing remarkable growth in India, and with world-class products like the CB650R and CBR650R, we are confident they will set new benchmarks for performance and riding innovation. The introduction of E-Clutch is a step into the future, giving riders a unique blend of control and comfort, reinforcing Honda’s leadership in technological advancement.” More

  • in

    Honda CB650R E-Clutch Variant Teased – Launch Soon

    Honda Cb650R E-Clutch VariantAcross multiple global markets, the E-Clutch option is already available with Honda CB650R and its faired sibling CBR650R
    To unlock even more fun and engaging riding experiences, Honda will be introducing the E-Clutch with CB650R and CBR650R in India. The E-Clutch tech was first unveiled at the 2023 EICMA, making it the first of its kind to support both automatic and manual clutch operations. Similar technologies have been developed by other brands such as BMW Motorrad, KTM and Yamaha.
    Honda CB650R E-Clutch – How it works?
    With the E-Clutch, users need not use the clutch while starting or stopping the bike or when shifting gears. This unlocks a more hassle-free ride experience. Honda E-Clutch also allows riders the freedom to manually operate the clutch whenever they want. This is essentially like the best of both worlds, catering to the individual preferences of all riders.
    Honda E-Clutch setup adds approximately 2.8 kg extra weight. The standard clutch and transmission components are retained to allow manual operations. Various systems such as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), actuators and sensors work together to operate the E-Clutch. At the time of starting the bike, the E-Clutch engages automatically with the throttle input to avoid engine stalls.
    Honda Cb650R E-Clutch Variant Teased
    During gear shifts, the E-Clutch engages and disengages automatically, ensuring smooth operations. While slowing the bike to a stop, the E-Clutch disengages automatically to prevent stalls. Honda CB650R E-Clutch benefits both new and experienced riders. With the E-Clutch, new riders no longer have to worry about engine stalls.
    Moreover, they can focus more on other operations such as throttle, steering and braking. In case of experienced riders, automatic clutch operation reduces fatigue, especially during slow-moving heavy traffic. In aggressive riding scenarios, the quick-shifter performance is enhanced with the E-Clutch. Users who need a tactile feel can choose manual mode whenever they want.
    Powertrain, specs
    Apart from the E-Clutch, there won’t be any other changes to Honda CB650R. Powering the bike is a 649cc, inline 4, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that generates 94 hp and 63 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Suspension setup comprises Showa SFF USD forks at front and a mono-shock damper with 10-stage adjustable preload at the rear. The bike has 17-inch wheels at both ends, wrapped in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tyres.
    Honda Cb650R E-Clutch Variant
    Braking setup comprises a 310 mm x 4.5 mm double disc with a 4-piston calliper at front and a 240 mm x 5 mm single disc with single-piston calliper at the rear. The bike has a seat height of 810 mm and a ground clearance of 150 mm. Tech kit includes a 5-inch TFT instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity.
    Honda CB650R E-Clutch Price
    With the E-Clutch, Honda CB650R is expected to command a premium of around Rs 25k to Rs 30k. The standard model is available at a starting price of Rs 9.20 lakh. The faired sibling, CBR650R, will also witness a similar price hike with the E-Clutch update. The standard CBR650R is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh. More

  • in

    Honda 2W Sales April 2025 – Registers MoM Growth, YoY Decline

    Honda ActivaIndia’s leading scooter manufacturer, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India, just announced the sale performance for the month April 2025. The company registered a total sales of 4,80,896 across motorcycles and scooters including sales in the domestic market and export global markets. Let’s break down the numbers.
    Honda 2W Sales April 2025
    For the month of April 2025, Honda registered a grand total sales of 4,80,896. This includes numbers from both the domestic market and international business (exports). The company witnessed a rather sizeable 11.26% YoY decline when compared to the 5,41,946 units sold in April 2024, losing 61,050 units in volume.
    However, the MoM sales aspect when compared to the 4,27,448 units sold in March 2025 garnered Honda a rather sizeable MoM growth of 12.50%. This led to a volume gain for the brand of 53,448 units MoM. Most of Honda’s sales come from its scooter lineup in the domestic market, especially the Activa.
    In the domestic market, Honda sold 4,22,931 units accounting for 87.95% of its total sales. When compared to the 4,81,046 units sold last year and 4,01,411 units sold in March 2025, Honda’s domestic sales registered a 12.08% YoY decline in sales, losing 58,115 units in volume YoY, but a 5.36% MoM growth gaining 21,520 units in volume MoM.
    Honda 2W Sales April 2025
    MoM growth across the charts
    The same trend was also seen with Honda’s exports as well. The company shipped 57,965 units to various global markets and registered a 4.82% YoY decline over the 60,900 units shipped last year, losing 2,935 units in volume and the numbers more than doubled MoM with 122.63% growth over 26,037 units shipped in March 2025, gaining 31,928 units in volume.
    The company has been busy in April 2025, launching updated versions of Dio 125 with new features, CB350, CB350 H’ness and CB350 RS among others. All these offerings were updated with BS6 P2 OBD2B emission standard compliant powertrains. Also, there was a voluntary recall issued on CB300R as well, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the quality of products and service. More

  • in

    2025 Honda Dio 125 Launched – Prices Start at Rs 96,749

    2025 Honda Dio 125 LaunchedHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the new 2025 Dio 125 in India, with prices starting at Rs. 96,749 (ex-showroom, Pune). Targeted at the youth, the updated Dio 125 comes with funkier design, upgraded features, and improved efficiency, further reinforcing its appeal as a sporty and stylish moto-scooter.
    Built for Gen Z, Packed with Tech
    The new Dio 125 is now OBD2B-compliant and comes powered by a 123.92cc, single-cylinder, PGM-Fi engine that produces 6.11 kW and 10.5 Nm of torque. It also gets an Idling Stop System for better fuel economy. Honda has retained the iconic design silhouette of the Dio while refreshing it with vibrant new graphics and colour options.
    2025 Honda Dio 125
    Key additions include a new 4.2-inch TFT display with real-time data like mileage, trip meter, range, and Eco indicators. The new model is also compatible with the Honda RoadSync app, enabling call/message alerts and navigation. Features like a Smart Key, USB Type-C charger, and engine start/stop system further enhance convenience and functionality.
    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “For over 21 years, the Dio has been an iconic name in the Indian market, standing as a symbol of style, performance, and trust. It has consistently been the first choice for customers looking for a trendy and reliable moto-scooter. With the launch of the new OBD2B Dio 125, we are excited to take forward its iconic legacy, keeping the core concept of moto-scooter intact, with added value and excitement for our customers.”
    2025 Honda Dio 125
    Funky New Colours
    It is available in two variants – DLX at Rs. 96,749 and H-Smart at Rs. 1,02,144 (both ex-showroom, Pune). Customers can choose from five colour options: Mat Marvel Blue Metallic, Pearl Deep Ground Gray, Pearl Sports Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, and Imperial Red.
    With these updates, Honda aims to strengthen Dio 125’s position in the 125cc sporty scooter segment and appeal to young riders seeking a connected and stylish riding experience. The new Dio 125 is now available at Honda dealerships across India. More