Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The 2026 Honda Rebel 500 is the stronger specification-led starting point if you prioritize a lower published seat height or want a documented Honda option for passenger seating and rear footpegs. The 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator is the better fit on paper if you prioritize lower manufacturer-listed curb weight, a larger fuel tank, or a lower starting MSRP for a non-ABS model. Neither specification sheet can tell you which bike fits your body or feels better on the road, so sit on both and, if possible, test-ride the exact trims you are considering.
2026 Honda Rebel 500 vs. Kawasaki Eliminator: specifications
This is a U.S.-market comparison of the 2026 models. The figures below come from the manufacturers’ current listings, not a same-day independent test. In particular, each maker’s curb-weight figure is a published specification; the available information does not establish a shared weighing method between the brands.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Specification | 2026 Honda Rebel 500 | 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin | 451cc liquid-cooled two-cylinder DOHC |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with slipper clutch | Six-speed return shift |
| Published seat height | 27.2 inches | 28.9 inches |
| Published curb weight | 414 lb | 388.1 lb ABS; 385.9 lb non-ABS |
| Fuel capacity | 3.0 gallons | 3.4 gallons |
| ABS availability | ABS specified on the listed model | ABS and non-ABS versions listed |
| Base MSRP | $6,799; $600 destination charge listed separately | $6,499 non-ABS; $6,799 ABS |
| Warranty listed | One-year transferable limited warranty | 12-month limited warranty on the specification sheet |
Sources: Honda’s 2026 Rebel 500 listing and Kawasaki’s 2026 Eliminator listing. MSRP is not an out-the-door price. Dealer fees, taxes, freight treatment, and inventory can change the final amount; request a written quote for the exact trim.
How the differences matter when choosing
Seat height and fit
The Rebel’s published seat is 1.7 inches lower than the Eliminator’s. That makes the Honda a sensible first bike to sit on if a shorter reach to the ground is a priority. It does not prove that every rider will feel more secure on the Rebel: inseam, seat shape, suspension sag, and body proportions also affect how a motorcycle fits. The listed seat-height number is a comparison point, not a substitute for sitting on the bike in riding gear.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible with】Our waterproof motorcycle cover fits perfectly for Honda Rebel 300/300 ABS, 500/500 ABS/500 ABS SE, 1100/1100 DCT/1100T DCT/1100T. Dimensions: 86"L x 31"W x 43"H. In order to provide you with a satisfactory shopping experience, please measure the size of your motorcycle before purchasing! Make sure the motorcycle body is dry and clean before installing the cover. Enjoy a wonderful motorcycle touring trip with our excellent rebel motorcycle cover!
- 【Upgraded Material】Our multi-layer rebel motorcycle cover can effectively protect your motorbike from sun, uv-rays, rains, dust, snow in all seasons. Made of higher density 210T polyester taffeta to ensure the cover is breathable, abrasion resistant and tear resistant. The highly reflective coating provides excellent uv protection and keeps the motorcycle cool in the summer. Softer cotton lining prevents scratches and better protects motorcycle's paintwork.
- 【Unique Design】1. The breathable air vents effectively prevent moisture accumulation under the cover and make the seat dry and clean. 2. The reflective strips on both sides of the rebel motorcycle cover improve visibility and remind other vehicles or pedestrians not to collide with your motorbike at night. 3. Anti-theft locking holes on the front wheel allow you to easily lock your motorcycle and protect your rebel motorcycle cover from being stolen. 4. The 2 handle straps on the top of the cover are designed for easy removal of the motorcycle cover.
- 【Windproof Design】1. The adjustable windproof buckle at bottom ensure that your rebel motorcycle cover won't be blown away in windy weather. 2. Elastic hems at the front and back secure the cover to the motorbike tightly and ensure a perfect custom fit. 3. The seams are all designed with double-needle reinforced stitching for tear resistance and durability.
- 【Package Include】Package includes: 1 x waterproof rebel motorcycle cover+1 x storage bag. When you are not using the cover, you can clean the cover with a damp cloth and store it in storage bag. Save your space and easy to carry. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us. We will try our best to solve it for you at the first time.
When you test-sit, notice whether you can place your feet where you want at a stop, whether the seat and tank let you settle into a natural position, and whether the controls are within comfortable reach. Those are individual fit checks; the manufacturer listings do not establish which model is more comfortable for a particular rider.
Try the fit in the posture you expect to use on the road, rather than relying only on a quick showroom perch. Check whether your knees feel comfortable around the tank and whether you can reach the bars and controls without straining. If you are comparing multiple bikes at once, use the same boots and note which one feels easiest to mount, settle into, and hold upright while stationary. These observations can help you decide what to test-ride, but they do not replace riding the bike in a safe, dealer-approved setting.
Published weight and low-speed handling
Kawasaki lists the Eliminator at 388.1 pounds in ABS trim and 385.9 pounds without ABS; Honda lists the Rebel at 414 pounds. Those figures make the Kawasaki the lighter published option, but they are not results from a controlled, same-scale comparison. Nor do they predict by themselves how either motorcycle will feel when backing out of a space, balancing at a stop, or making a tight turn.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If weight is a deciding factor, compare the exact version you would buy and ask the dealer to confirm the listed specification. Then assess the practical question directly: sit on each bike, move it only with the dealer’s permission and guidance, and test-ride it if you can. A spec-sheet difference is useful for narrowing a shortlist, not a guarantee about confidence or maneuverability.
Remember that the quoted Eliminator numbers differ slightly by ABS trim: the non-ABS version is listed at 385.9 pounds and the ABS version at 388.1 pounds. If you are looking at a particular bike in a showroom, make sure you know which trim its specification refers to. The Honda-to-Kawasaki difference on paper is substantial, but balance, how the weight is carried, your reach, and the space you need to maneuver all affect how a bike feels in ordinary handling. The listings do not measure those sensations.
ABS trim and price
The U.S. 2026 Eliminator is listed in ABS and non-ABS versions, with a $300 difference in base MSRP between those trims. The 2026 Rebel listing specifies ABS and a $6,799 base MSRP, with a $600 destination charge shown separately. These are not identical advertised configurations: compare the ABS-equipped Kawasaki price with the listed Rebel, and make sure each quote includes the same categories of charges before deciding that one costs less.
Rank #2
- [Fitment]：Luggage rack fit for Honda CMX 500 Rebel CMX 300 CMX500 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022.
- [Material]: High Quality Detachable Backrest Sissy Bar,instruction is not included.
- [Driver Rider Backrest]: Finished with a black powder coating ,with excellent quality and could be used for a long time.
- [Sissy Bar Backrest]:Filled with sponge, which provides softness and sufficient support for the back, give our passengers a comfortable condition in the long-haul trip.
- [Sweet Tip]:We provide different models and years backrests for our buyers, you could enter our shop to choose the best part for you motorcycle. And Please exact the best fitment model/year part before you purchase it, thanks!
On the published numbers, Honda’s $6,799 Rebel MSRP plus its separately listed $600 destination charge comes to $7,399 before taxes, dealer fees, accessories, or other charges. Kawasaki lists the 2026 Eliminator at $6,499 non-ABS and $6,799 ABS, but the figures here do not establish a matching destination or freight treatment for Kawasaki. So those arithmetic comparisons are a starting point, not final price rankings: ask both dealers for itemized out-the-door totals and confirm what each quote includes.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsABS is a braking-system feature, but the manufacturer listings do not provide a comparative braking test. If you are deciding between the Eliminator trims, confirm which one is on the dealer’s quote and consider your preference for ABS rather than comparing only the lowest advertised number. If considering the Rebel, verify the exact model and equipment on the paperwork.
Tank capacity is not a range estimate
Kawasaki lists a 3.4-gallon tank, compared with Honda’s 3.0 gallons. The larger listed capacity may be relevant if you value carrying more fuel between fill-ups, but tank size alone does not establish riding range. No comparable current fuel-economy figures were established for these models, so there is not enough evidence here to name a range or fuel-economy winner.
The 0.4-gallon capacity difference is a specification difference, not a promise about how often you will stop for fuel. Actual consumption depends on conditions and use, and the current manufacturer listings do not give comparable fuel-economy figures to support a real-world range calculation. If riding range is important to your plans, ask whether the dealer can point you to current official consumption information, and avoid treating either bike’s tank size as a complete answer.
Passenger seating and accessories
Honda explicitly lists optional passenger seating and rear footpegs as bolt-on configuration options. If you expect to carry a passenger, ask the dealer to confirm that the seat and footpegs you plan to buy are compatible with your specific model year and trim. The 2026 Kawasaki materials reviewed do not establish an equivalent passenger-kit claim, which is not proof that no accessory exists; it means the listed evidence does not support treating the two accessory paths as equivalent.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFor a Honda accessory search, “Honda Rebel 500 passenger seat” is a useful starting phrase, but a marketplace listing that uses the model name is not necessarily an original Honda part or guaranteed to fit. Check the part number, model year and trim compatibility, and installation requirements with a dealer before ordering. If passenger use is central to your decision, confirm the complete arrangement—including the seat and rear footpegs—before purchase instead of assuming a bike can carry a passenger as delivered.
Rank #3
- Edwards Oil Change Kit for your Honda Rebel 500
- 3 quart of oil, oil filter, crush washer
- Convienient funnel, nitrile gloves
Engine, transmission, and performance claims
Both listings describe liquid-cooled two-cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions. Honda identifies a 471cc parallel twin and a six-speed manual transmission with a slipper clutch; Kawasaki lists a 451cc DOHC two-cylinder engine and a six-speed return-shift transmission. These descriptions help explain the basic layouts, but displacement and transmission labels alone do not determine which motorcycle will feel more responsive or easier to ride in traffic.
Kawasaki publishes a 51 hp figure measured under ISO 4106. That measurement standard differs from SAE horsepower measurement, and the Honda listing does not provide a directly comparable horsepower figure in the material available here. It would therefore be misleading to present Kawasaki’s number as a measured horsepower advantage over Honda. For acceleration, throttle response, clutch feel, and behavior in stop-and-go riding, a test ride is more useful than treating the unpaired figure as a verdict.
The Honda’s slipper clutch is part of its listed transmission specification; the Kawasaki’s listing describes a six-speed return-shift transmission. Those labels tell you what the makers publish, but they are not comparative measurements of clutch effort or shift quality. If you are new to manual motorcycles, ask the dealer what you can safely test while stationary and assess the controls during a test ride if one is available. Do not assume that engine displacement alone settles ease of use, acceleration, or comfort.
Which one should you shortlist?
Start with the Rebel if…
- A lower published seat height is high on your list, subject to checking your actual fit.
- You want a clearly documented Honda option for passenger seating and rear footpegs, with compatibility confirmed for the model year and trim.
- You want to compare the listed Rebel configuration, which specifies ABS, against the exact Eliminator trim being quoted.
Start with the Eliminator if…
- You prioritize lower manufacturer-listed curb weight and want to compare how the exact ABS or non-ABS version feels in person.
- You value its larger published tank capacity, while recognizing that capacity does not establish range.
- You are considering a lower base MSRP and are comfortable evaluating the non-ABS version as a distinct trim rather than treating it as a like-for-like price against the Rebel.
These are conditional shortlists based on published specifications, not universal judgments about comfort, skill level, handling, or value. Neither manufacturer listing settles how the bikes fit you, and no comparative riding test is available here to rank traffic behavior or ride quality.
If you have narrowed your choice to two dealer bikes, make the decision on the versions actually for sale rather than on a generic model name. For the Eliminator, that means keeping the ABS and non-ABS trims distinct in your notes and quote comparison. For the Rebel, check the listed ABS equipment and any accessories you intend to add. Then consider which bike feels right in a test-sit or test-ride and which written quote best matches the equipment you want.
How to compare them at a dealer
- Choose the exact versions first. Ask which 2026 Eliminator trim is being quoted, ABS or non-ABS, and confirm the equipment on the 2026 Rebel listing. Compare the same model year and write down each trim.
- Get itemized out-the-door quotes. The manufacturer base prices do not include every possible dealer charge, and Honda lists destination separately. Ask each dealer to break out destination or freight, dealer fees, taxes, and any accessories so you can compare final totals rather than headlines.
- Test-sit both motorcycles. Wear the footwear and gear you expect to ride in. Check ground reach, seat comfort, control reach, and whether the position feels natural. Treat the published seat heights as a starting point, not a fit guarantee.
- Ask to test-ride the exact trims if possible. Pay attention to clutch feel, control reach, traffic behavior, and comfort. These are personal judgments that the specifications cannot settle.
- Resolve accessory needs before signing. If passenger use matters, confirm the year- and trim-specific compatibility of the Rebel seat and rear footpegs. Do not assume a third-party listing fits or is an OEM part merely because it uses the model name.
- Verify warranty terms on the purchase documents. The listings state a one-year transferable limited warranty for Honda and a 12-month limited warranty for Kawasaki. Review the exact terms supplied with the motorcycle you are buying.
It can help to bring a short checklist to the showroom: exact model year and trim, ABS status, final quoted price, destination or freight, accessory part numbers, warranty paperwork, and whether a test ride is available. This keeps the conversation focused on differences that matter to your purchase. If one dealer has older stock, record that model year separately instead of assuming its equipment or quoted price matches a 2026 bike.
Rank #4
- 【WHICH MODEL IS SUITABLE】Our motorcycle cover is custom-made and compatible with the Rebel 250 300 500 1100, for Shadow 600 750 1100 / Vtx 1300 1800 / Fury / VT750. Size:101.4(L)*37(W)*45.5(H)in. Please kindly check the Product Description prior to your purchase.
- 【WHAT IS THE MATERIALS】The motorcycle covers are made from greater 420D Oxford & Cotton Lining Fabric. which are printed with PU coating. In other words, compared with others, we provide higher density textiles and better elasticity, so the cover are durable enough and fairly thick.There is also a significant increase in water resistance, with a maximum of up to 8,000 Pa of water pressure.
- 【HOW ABOUT THE DETAILS】1. Left and right sides each have a ventilation hole, which can prevent moisture under the cover. 2.Black PU waterproof coating: UV protection, high temperature protection, preventing the interior leather and plastic from cracking and deteriorating 3. Two full orange reflective strips to prevent collision at night and also help you find your motorcycle at a glance. 4. Anti-theft locking holes on the front wheel, perfect protection for your motorcycle, don't worry about losing your motorcycle.
- 【Windproof and Waterproof】Windproof buckle ensures the cover stays in place. Elasticized hem at the bottom prevents it from being lifted up by the wind and makes it fit more securely. Three center straps enhance the windproofness of the motorcycle cover even more, so it won't be affected even by big typhoons. waterproof pressing strip and double needle stitching to ensure that no water can drip through the seams.
- 【Heat Insulation】Add heat insulation cotton layer to the position of the exhaust pipe to prevent the cover from melting. This motorcycle cover is made of premium Oxford Fabric. Preserve your Vehicle and Paint Against All Rain,Pollen,Snow,Sun,Bird Droppings,Dust/Dirt - Approved for All Season Use. For a long-time use,it is best to put the cover back on after the engine has cooled.
What the specifications cannot answer
The manufacturer listings are useful for dimensions, listed equipment, MSRP, and the stated warranty, but they do not establish a comparative reliability record, insurance cost, dealer availability, or independent ownership experience. They also do not provide directly comparable current fuel-economy ratings. Do not treat a published tank size as proof of practical range, or a listed curb weight as a controlled cross-brand measurement.
Recommended Free Tools
The warranty durations listed are both 12 months, though Honda specifically describes its one-year limited warranty as transferable. Do not assume the terms are otherwise identical: check the warranty document for the motorcycle being sold, including what is covered and any applicable conditions. The listing summaries alone do not answer those details.
Likewise, neither price table nor spec sheet settles your likely insurance premium or financing cost. Those depend on the buyer and transaction, and no comparative insurance quotes, financing offers, or dealer inventory checks are established here. Request individual insurance quotes and dealer terms if those costs affect your budget rather than estimating a winner from the MSRP.
Honda’s product copy describes the Rebel’s teardrop shape as “timeless but functional.” That is Honda’s promotional characterization, not an independent assessment of styling or usability. For an ownership decision, focus on the fit, equipment, quote, and ride feel you can verify for the particular motorcycles available to you.
Model-year context
This comparison uses the U.S. manufacturers’ 2026 listings for the stated figures and equipment. Earlier official pages are available for the 2025 Honda Rebel 500 and the 2025 Kawasaki Eliminator specification sheet, but prior-year specifications should not be assumed to match a 2026 motorcycle. Confirm the model year and exact trim on a dealer’s inventory listing and sales documents, especially when comparing a new bike with older stock.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike has the lower seat height, the Honda Rebel 500 or Kawasaki Eliminator?
The 2026 Honda Rebel 500 has a published seat height of 27.2 inches, compared with 28.9 inches for the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator. That 1.7-inch difference may matter, but inseam, seat shape, suspension sag, and body proportions affect actual fit. Test-sit both motorcycles.
Best Value
- Material:High Quality Thickened fabric
- Size:About 16cmX2.5cm
- Effect:As picture ( front and back)
- Package Include: 1pcs keyring
- Suit For :Motorcycle Automobile Bicycle As well as backpa
Is the Kawasaki Eliminator lighter than the Honda Rebel 500?
On the manufacturers’ published figures, yes. Kawasaki lists the 2026 Eliminator at 385.9 pounds without ABS and 388.1 pounds with ABS; Honda lists the 2026 Rebel 500 at 414 pounds. These are maker-published curb weights, not measurements from a shared controlled weighing test, and they do not predict exactly how either bike will feel at low speed.
Does the Kawasaki Eliminator have ABS, and how much does it cost?
Kawasaki lists 2026 Eliminator ABS and non-ABS versions. Their base MSRPs are $6,799 for ABS and $6,499 for non-ABS. The 2026 Honda Rebel 500 listing specifies ABS at a $6,799 base MSRP, with a $600 destination charge listed separately. Compare itemized dealer quotes for the exact trims before deciding which costs less.
Which motorcycle has the longer range?
The 2026 Eliminator has the larger listed tank, at 3.4 gallons versus 3.0 gallons for the Rebel. Tank capacity alone does not establish range, and the manufacturer listings do not provide comparable current fuel-economy figures here. There is not enough information to name a range winner.
Can I add passenger seating to the Honda Rebel 500?
Honda lists optional passenger seating and rear footpegs as bolt-on configuration options. Confirm compatibility for your specific model year and trim with a dealer. A marketplace listing that names the Rebel is not necessarily an OEM part or guaranteed to fit. The reviewed 2026 Kawasaki materials do not establish an equivalent passenger-kit claim.
Which one should I test first?
Start with the Rebel if its lower published seat height or documented Honda passenger-seat option matches your priorities. Start with the Eliminator if you prioritize its lower published curb weight, larger tank, or lower non-ABS base MSRP. The best choice depends on your fit and preferred exact trim, so test-sit and, if possible, test-ride both.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Honda Rebel 500 is the specification-led pick for a lower published seat and a documented passenger-seat and rear-footpeg option; the 2026 Kawasaki Eliminator is the one to shortlist for lower published curb weight, a larger tank, or a lower non-ABS starting MSRP. Neither spec sheet proves which will fit or ride better for you. Compare exact trims, get itemized out-the-door quotes, verify accessory compatibility, and test-sit or test-ride both before choosing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
