Honda Rebel 500 Launched At INR 512,000 In India

Hoda Rebel 500

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the Rebel 500 motorcycle in India at INR 512,000. The cruiser motorcycle will be available at select BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru, with deliveries commencing from June.

The Rebel 500 is a retro-styled cruiser, which blends classic bobber aesthetics with modern design cues, It offers a distinctive option in the middleweight cruiser segment.

The motorcycle is built around a tubular steel frame that emphasises a minimalist design, highlighted by fat tyres, blacked-out components and a steeply raked fuel tank. A low seat height of just 690 mm makes it particularly accessible to a wide range of riders, offering both comfort and confidence, especially at lower speeds.

In India, the Rebel 500 will be available exclusively in the Standard variant and a single Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic colour scheme. The model features a two-up seat setup, accommodating both rider and pillion. Enhancing its modern appeal, the bike comes equipped with an all-LED lighting system, including a signature round headlamp and a compact inverted LCD instrument display.

Powering the Rebel 500 is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel twin-cylinder engine. It delivers 34 kW of maximum power at 8,500 RPM and 43.3 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 RPM, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The engine is tuned for a torque-rich low-end response and linear power delivery, making it suitable for both urban commuting and relaxed highway cruising. A stubby exhaust adds a characteristic cruiser soundtrack.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and Showa dual shock absorbers at the rear, designed to offer a smooth and stable ride. Braking is managed by a 296mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS for added safety. The Rebel 500 rides on Dunlop tyres, with a 130/90-16 section at the front and 150/80-16 at the rear.

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.”

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.”

VinFast Plots E-Scooter With Battery-Swap Tech For India Market

VinFast e-scooters

Vietnamese automotive company VinFast has unveiled a global business strategy for its electric scooter division, identifying the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Malaysia as its initial markets. The expansion follows the company’s performance in Vietnam, where it delivered 406,453 units in 2025 to secure the largest share of the domestic scooter market.

The company plans to introduce a portfolio of models including the VinFast Flazz, Evo, Feliz II and Viper e-scooters, which will come with battery-swapping technology.

VinFast has completed a master plan for three product lines categorised as mainstream, premium and sport. To support these products, the company is collaborating with V-Green to establish charging and battery-swapping infrastructure.

The Philippines will become the first market in this phase, where VinFast has partnered with five dealers: Maverick Racing Factory Inc., MotorCentral, New Nemar Development Corp., Supremebike Corporation and ARC Trading. Globally, the company targets the establishment of hundreds of retail outlets by 2027. The commercial model integrates dealer networks, workshops and financial solutions.

The strategy focuses on regions with high urban mobility demand and shifts toward sustainable transport. VinFast intends to use its manufacturing capabilities and a pricing strategy to compete in the regional scooter segment.

Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director, VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said, "Expanding our e-scooter business globally represents a strategic pillar in VinFast's long-term development roadmap. We have conducted in-depth market research, worked closely with local partners, and developed comprehensive plans for dealer network expansion, product portfolios, and service ecosystems. Through collaboration with reputable dealers and strategic partners worldwide, VinFast is committed to delivering smart, sustainable, and accessible electrified mobility solutions, contributing meaningfully to the green transformation of transportation in diverse markets."

Classic Legends Opens National Training Centre At Pithampur Facility

Classic Legends Opens National Training Centre At Pithampur Facility

In a significant step to elevate service standards across its network, Classic Legends has inaugurated an advanced National Training Centre at its Pithampur facility in Indore. This centre represents a substantial investment in cultivating future-ready talent through superior training infrastructure. Its core purpose is to enhance the technical competency of dealership technicians and service professionals, thereby standardising repair practices and ensuring consistent aftersales excellence.

The facility is equipped with cutting-edge resources, including a modern showroom, smart classrooms and specialised laboratories for engine, electrical and advanced troubleshooting work. Supported by latest diagnostic tools, it offers a structured learning pathway from foundational to advanced skill levels. The training emphasises hands-on, skill-oriented education in real-world diagnostics and precision repair, fostering deep root cause analysis capabilities.

Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the company's entire service ecosystem. It is designed to nurture highly skilled professionals and robustly support advanced training programmes. This investment ensures Classic Legends' expanding community of riders receives reliable, high-quality support, reinforcing a superior ownership experience for all its motorcycle enthusiasts.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “As our brands continue to grow, strengthening our service capability ecosystem becomes extremely important. The Advanced National Training Centre is a strategic investment in people, skills and infrastructure, aimed at building future-ready technicians and standardising service excellence across our network. This centre will play an important role in ensuring every JAWA, YEZDI and BSA rider enjoys a consistent and high-quality ownership experience.”

Vespa Gallops Into Year Of Horse With New 946 Model And AL VENTO Fashion Drop

Vespa Gallops Into Year Of Horse With New 946 Model And AL VENTO Fashion Drop

Vespa has expanded its Lunar Collection with two new releases that embody elegance and symbolic meaning for the Year of the Horse: the limited-edition Vespa 946 Horse scooter and the IN SELLA fashion capsule, the third drop of the AL VENTO collection. The scooter is a tribute to the horse's regal and resilient spirit, while the apparel line offers a contemporary sartorial interpretation of the same theme, both crafted with meticulous Italian artistry.

The Vespa 946 Horse distinguishes itself through a deep bay colour, mirroring the glossy coat of a horse. Its steel body is reimagined with contrasting matte and gloss finishes, accented by refined golden details such as the V monogram set within a horseshoe beneath the saddle. Exemplifying Italian craftsmanship, the model features a hand-stitched leather saddle inspired by equestrian tack, with matching premium leather trims on the handlebars and mirrors. A coordinated set of accessories includes a practical leather rear bag and a jet helmet adorned with a three-dimensional gold V, reinforcing the edition’s strong identity.

Parallel to the scooter, the IN SELLA fashion collection is designed for those who view style as an authentic personal expression. It introduces a new Royal crest, a contemporary graphic featuring a symmetrically mirrored horse and dachshund, inspired by Vespa’s archives. This emblem is showcased on a wool varsity jacket enhanced with gold embroidery. The line utilises a timeless navy blue palette, with knitwear incorporating the V monogram and stitching details reminiscent of saddlery. The offering includes modern sweatshirts, T-shirts and an ironic poplin shirt depicting a man in a Vespa helmet and a horse enjoying espresso together. Completing the lifestyle range is the Vespa Royal blanket, crafted in soft wool with a jacquard logo and contrasting red fringes.

The Vespa 946 Horse is now available for pre-order on the company website and at the VESPA THE EMPTY SPACE store in Milan, where it is exclusively displayed. The IN SELLA collection launches simultaneously for purchase online and at the Milan store, where the matching Horse helmet will also be available for preview ahead of its limited release on 10 February.

KTM 390 Adventure R Launched In India

KTM 390 Adventure R Launched In India

KTM has launched its global-specification 390 Adventure R in India, with an ex-showroom Delhi price of INR 377,915, delivering rally-bred performance and uncompromised international hardware to the local adventure riding community. This model firmly expands the KTM R stable and redefines the potential of a middleweight adventure motorcycle.

At the heart of its rally-inspired design is a potent 399 cc engine, supported by a purpose-built chassis that promotes a low centre of gravity and nimble handling. The motorcycle is distinguished by its true off-road wheel setup, featuring a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel, combined with 230 mm of fully adjustable WP suspension. This configuration provides exceptional obstacle clearance, trail stability and precise rider feedback on the most challenging terrain.

Electronically, the 390 Adventure R is equipped to inspire confidence across all surfaces. Its suite includes Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control and Cornering ABS, enhancing safety and control during aggressive pavement riding. When the route turns to loose dirt, sand or gravel, the dedicated OFF ROAD Ride Mode and OFF ROAD ABS allow for controlled rear-wheel slip and locking, facilitating expert-level off-road manoeuvres. These electronic settings are persistently retained, even after an engine stall, ensuring immediate readiness to continue the journey.

Ergonomically, the motorcycle is crafted for serious adventure, offering an upright riding position, off-road footpegs and a rally-style windscreen designed for all-day comfort during long tours or technical trail riding. Interaction is facilitated through a modern 5-inch full-colour TFT display, which offers customisable data and excellent visibility. The system is further enhanced by KTMconnect, enabling smartphone integration for calls, music and optional navigation directly on the instrument cluster, while a standard USB Type-C port keeps devices charged. This combination of uncompromised hardware, advanced electronics and connected technology positions the KTM 390 Adventure R as a uniquely capable and comprehensive adventure platform.

Manik Nangia, President – Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “The KTM 390 Adventure R represents the purest expression of KTM’s rally and off-road DNA in the middleweight adventure segment. By bringing the international-spec model to India, we are offering adventure enthusiasts a machine that delivers confidence everywhere – on the road, off the road and beyond.”