Honda CB500 Price and Variants

The Honda CB500 is available in three variants, with prices going up to Rs 3.02 lakh (ex-showroom). The base variant comes with alloy wheels, while the higher variants feature cross-spoke wheels that can accommodate tubeless tyres.

The prices mentioned are ex-showroom, with the top-spec variant costing Rs 27,000 more than the entry-level variant.

Honda CB500 Engine and Performance

The highlight feature of the Honda CB500 is its 501cc single-cylinder engine. The air- and oil-cooled engine produces 28hp and 43.3Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

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While the CB500’s engine configuration is different from the parallel-twin engines of Honda’s international CB500 models, the motorcycle in India is promoted as a large-capacity retro roadster with a focus on strong low- and mid-range torque.

Honda CB500 Features

Despite its retro-inspired design, the Honda CB500 features several contemporary features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch and an analogue-digital instrument console.

Honda RoadSync connectivity is also offered, which allows compatible smartphone functions to be accessed on the motorcycle’s connected system. The CB500 also gets LED lighting, disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel ABS.

Honda CB500 Design

The Honda CB500 features a classic roadster design, with stylistic cues borrowed from Honda’s heritage motorcycles. It gets a round LED headlight, large teardrop-shaped fuel tank and ribbed single-piece seat.

While the spoke-wheel versions provide a more traditional look, they come with cross-spoke wheels that are compatible with tubeless tyres, providing an alternative to the standard alloy-wheel configuration.

Honda CB500 Rivals in India

The Honda CB500 is entering a niche segment in India. It is bigger and more powerful than Honda’s CB350 range, but cheaper than Royal Enfield’s 650cc motorcycles.

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With the starting price in mind, the CB500 will compete with motorcycles such as the Harley-Davidson X440, while the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and BSA Gold Star 650 are also relevant alternatives in the larger retro motorcycle space.

Honda CB500: Key Specifications

Honda CB500 Launch: What Makes It Different?

The CB500 brings a 501cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine to a segment that has had few options in recent years. Royal Enfield discontinued its 500cc UCE motorcycles in 2020, which leaves a gap between conventional 350cc motorcycles and larger 650cc machines.

With local manufacturing, three variants and a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh, Honda has straddled the space between its CB350 range and larger motorcycles such as the Royal Enfield 650 twins.