The Rebel Has A New Rival! How Do They Compare?

Published May 9, 2020
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2 min read

The Rebel 300 goes up against a fellow bobber, the Hyosung GV300S

We like the idea of a 300cc cruiser, especially when it’s in a butch, urban-friendly form like a bobber. Which is why we’ve prayed long and hard for Honda to bring the Rebel 300 to India, and our prayers are now finally being answered. But the little Rebel could have a fight on its hands from the recently announced Hyosung GV300S Bobber. Let’s see how the two stack up on paper:

Powertrain

Specifications	Honda Rebel 300	Hyosung GV300S Bobber
Engine	286cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC engine	296cc, V-twin, liquid and air-cooled, 8-valve SOHC engine
Bore x Stroke	76mm x 63mm	58mm x 56mm
Compression Ratio	10.7:1	11.8:1
Power	27.19PS	30PS @ 8,500rpm
Torque	27Nm	25.6Nm @ 6,500rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed

When you think of a cruiser, you think of a nice, big V-twin motor. While it isn’t a very big engine, the GV300S’ extra cylinder gives it an advantage in terms of character and exhaust note. And while it uses its displacement advantage to come out on top in the power department, it loses out a little when it comes to torque. But since it’s a V-twin and its cylinder dimensions are far more square than the Rebel’s oversquare combustion chamber, peak figures should arrive earlier, increasing usability.

Underpinnings

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Specifications	Honda Rebel 300	Hyosung GV300S
Frame	Double downtube cradle frame	Double downtube cradle frame with removable rear subframe
Suspension	F: 41mm conventional fork R: Twin shock absorbers	F: 35mm conventional fork R: Twin shock absorbers
Brakes	F: 296mm disc, 2-piston caliper R: 240mm disc, single-piston caliper	F: 270mm disc, 4-piston caliper R: 250mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Tyres	F: 130/90-16 R: 150/80-16	F: 120/80-16 R: 150/80-15

While both bikes are held together by similar frames, the Honda has an upper hand when it comes to cycle parts. Beefier suspension components, a larger front brake disc, chunkier rubber, and a larger rear wheel should mean a comfier and better riding experience than its Korean competitor. But the Hyosung’s 4-piston front caliper could translate to better brake bite and feel.

Dimensions & Weights

Specifications	Honda Rebel 300	Hyosung GV300S
Wheelbase	1,490mm	1,428mm
Rake/Trail	28 degrees/110mm	29 degrees/103.6mm
Ground clearance	150mm	150mm
Fuel tank capacity	11.2-litres	12.5-litres
Seat height	690mm	710mm
Kerb weight	168kg	169.5kg

Despite having a sharper rake angle than the GV, the Rebel actually has more trail, which combined with the considerably longer wheelbase, should make it the more stable motorcycle of the two. It’s also the friendlier, more welcoming option of the two, thanks to its lower seat height and slightly lighter weight. Its ultimate long-distance capabilities are a high priority though. The extra 1.3-litres offered by the Hyosung’s fuel-tank will help you cut down on the number of pit-stops on your journey.

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Dhananjay | 4 years ago These are still way expensive....yes they have power but i own an avenger 150 and find it more reliable, better handling, and more pocket friendly...you dont feel the need of high cc cruzer once u get used to 150 to 250 cc cruzer bikes...i always value bajaj avenger as a better all rounder cruzer than these two...yes you have to let go of the power...but the power delivered in avenger biks is sufficient.... ...Read More 0 Reply

Smruti | 4 years ago Honda will never launch Rebel in india.they will only launch Activate BS6, BS7 ... 2 Reply

Prashant | 4 years ago Nice comparison 0 Reply