Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Honda Rebel 500 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are among the most cross-shopped cruiser bikes of 2026. The Honda Rebel 500 undercuts the Kawasaki Vulcan S by about $1,151, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Vulcan S leads on power with 61 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickHonda
Honda Rebel 500
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Vulcan SThe verdict
The Honda Rebel 500 edges it overall at 7.9/10, but the Kawasaki Vulcan S wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Honda Rebel 500
A2-legal, 46 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
61 hp and 0.27 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Honda Rebel 500
Our 7.9/10 at $6,499, the most bike per dollar.
Honda Rebel 500
188 kg with an 690 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Honda Rebel 500
Our top score in this matchup at 7.9/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Honda Rebel 500 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Honda Rebel 500 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The Kawasaki Vulcan S makes the most power at 61 hp and 63 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Honda Rebel 500 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The Honda Rebel 500 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $6,499.
Which is lighter, the Honda Rebel 500 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
The Honda Rebel 500 is the lightest at 188 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Honda Rebel 500 or the Kawasaki Vulcan S?
For a new rider we'd point to the Honda Rebel 500: A2-legal, 46 hp and 188 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
