Honda Bikes

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

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

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

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

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