Honda Rebel 500 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Spec Comparison

Published March 10, 2020
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How does Honda’s urban cruiser stack up against the British roadster from India?

Honda is planning to bring the Rebel 500 to India. Built around the company’s 471cc parallel-twin engine, the Rebel 500 is for those who are seeking a relaxed and mature riding experience. However, we already have the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 in India, which offers the same experience. How does the Honda stack up against the Enfield then?

Powertrain:

	Honda CMX500 Rebel	Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Specs	471cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC motor	648cc parallel-twin air-cooled SOHC motor with an oil-cooler
Power	45.54PS @ 8500rpm	47.6PS @ 7250rpm
Torque	44.6Nm @ 6000rpm	52Nm @ 5250rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual

The Interceptor turns out to be fractionally more powerful and a lot torquier than the Rebel. The 270-degree crank offset angle stays true with the classical British roadster heritage of the Enfield, as it is able to churn out nearly 80 per cent of torque from as low as 2500rpm. The Honda engine is likely to be lazier with wider powerbands. But the 12kg weight deficit should be enough to make sure that the Rebel is as peppy as the Interceptor. And it is the more sophisticated engine of the two here with liquid-cooling and a DOHC setup.

Underpinnings:

	Honda CMX500 Rebel	Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Frame	Double downtube chassis	Double downtube chassis
Front suspension	41mm telescopic fork	41mm telescopic fork, 110mm travel
Rear suspension	Showa twin shocks with pro-link system	Preload-adjustable twin shocks, 88mm wheel travel
Brakes	Disc brakes at both ends	Front: 320mm discs, Bybre 2-piston calipers Rear: 240mm disc, Bybre 2-piston caliper
Tyres	Front: 130/90-16 Rear: 150/80-16	Front: 100/90-18 Rear: 130/70-18

On paper, the two motorcycles are quite similar in this department. The smaller 16-inch rims and chunky rubber does lend the Rebel 500 a cruiser vibe while the 18 inchers on the Interceptor are synonymous with twin-cylinder British roadsters.

Also Read: Here’s All The Dope On The India-bound Honda Rebel 500

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Dimension:

	Honda CMX500 Rebel	Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Wheelbase	1488mm	1400mm
Ground clearance	136mm	174mm
Seat height	690mm	804mm
Kerb weight	190kg	202kg
Fuel tank capacity	11.2-litres	13.7-litres

The Rebel has a lower seat height and is 12kg lighter than the Interceptor 650. It should be a zippy motorcycle about town. However, 136mm of ground clearance is a bit too low for our road conditions and the small fuel tank will force you to take more stops on the highway than the Interceptor.

Price (ex-showroom Delhi):

Honda CMX500 Rebel	Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Expected Rs 4.5 lakh	Rs 2.65 lakh

Given that the Honda Rebel 500 is going to be brought to India via the CKD route, it will certainly be a premium alternative to the Interceptor. Judging by what’s on offer, you aren’t missing out on anything by opting for the Enfield.

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Saurav | 4 years ago There is a price difference of 2 lakhs!!!! 1 Reply

Shariq | 4 years ago This is HMSI we're talking about.. They're probably busy plotting another scooter launch. 0 Reply