Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Spec Comparison: What's Different?

The Honda Rebel 500 and Kawasaki Eliminator 500 go head-to-head in the mid-size cruiser segment, but they cater to riders in slightly different ways. Both use parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engines – 471cc for the Rebel and 451cc for the Eliminator – with comparable performance figures, yet their overall setups diverge. The Rebel stands out with its low 690mm seat height, ideal for those who prefer an easy reach to the ground, while the Eliminator’s taller 150mm ground clearance may appeal to those riding over varied surfaces. Their braking systems reflect differing priorities too: the Eliminator features a sizable 310mm front disc, whereas the Rebel uses a 296mm front and a more robust 240mm rear disc. Fuel capacity is another point of difference – 13 litres on the Eliminator versus 11.2 litres on the Rebel. These contrasting elements highlight how each bike is designed with a distinct rider profile in mind, offering unique strengths in ergonomics and utility. Let’s take a closer look at more such differences between the two cruisers.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Spec Comparison: Price

The Honda Rebel 500 is available in a single Standard variant, finished in Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, and priced at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Honda Rebel 500 Launched in India at Rs 5.12 Lakh

In comparison, the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 also comes in just one variant, painted in Metallic Flat Black, and carries a higher ex-showroom price of Rs 5.76 lakh.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Spec Comparison: Engine and Gearbox

The Rebel 500 draws power from a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that generates 45.5bhp and 43.3Nm of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed transmission, delivering a smooth, predictable power curve suited for urban rides and highway journeys.

Meanwhile, the Eliminator 500 is equipped with a slightly smaller 451cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor, producing 44bhp and 42.6Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed return-type gearbox and features an assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear changes and reduced rider fatigue.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Spec Comparison: Suspension

The Rebel 500 is underpinned by a tubular steel frame and boasts a low seat height of 690mm. It features telescopic forks up front and twin Showa rear shock absorbers for suspension. Braking hardware includes a 296mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by standard dual-channel ABS. The bike runs on Dunlop tyres, sized 130/90-16 at the front and 150/80-16 at the rear.

In contrast, the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 is built around a high-tensile steel trellis frame, offering a balanced mix of strength and agility. It employs a telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock linked to a swingarm at the rear. The motorcycle rolls on 18-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels, shod with 130/70 and 150/80 section tyres, respectively. Braking duties are managed by a larger 310mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, paired with dual-channel ABS for safety.

Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Spec Comparison: Design and Features

The Honda model adopts a stripped-back aesthetic with a focus on simplicity, offering a low-slung single seat that can accommodate a pillion, a sharply contoured fuel tank, exposed metalwork with minimal use of painted surfaces, and a wide handlebar setup that completes its rugged, bobber-inspired silhouette.

On the functionality front, it features a vintage-style round headlamp that adds to its retro appeal, while a monochrome reverse-LCD console provides only the most necessary ride data, such as speed, gear indication, and fuel level, reinforcing the bike’s straightforward, rider-centric design philosophy.

Also Read: 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator Becomes Expensive by Rs 14,000 in India; Check New Prices

Coming to the Kawasaki offering, the Eliminator showcases a wide handlebar, sleek LED turn signals, a sculpted teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a signature 2-into-1 exhaust system that sets it apart. Its ergonomics are designed for comfort, offering an upright riding posture, forward-mounted foot controls, and a split-seat layout for added support.

In terms of tech, it is equipped with a classic round LCD digital instrument cluster that displays key metrics such as a bar-style tachometer, fuel gauge, trip info, and a digital clock. Riders can pair their smartphones using Bluetooth through Kawasaki’s Rideology The App, enabling features like call/message alerts, service notifications, fuel updates, and ride tracking.