Honda CB500 Launched in India at Rs 2.75 Lakh

Himanshu M

Sep 21

2 min read

Honda has launched the much-awaited CB500 in India at a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). The motorcycle is available in three variants: Alloy, Spoke and Spoke with Stripe. Prices for the three versions are Rs 2.75 lakh, Rs 2.99 lakh and Rs 3.01 lakh, respectively. Bookings have officially begun through Honda BigWing dealerships across the country.

The Honda CB500 is powered by a new 501cc, single-cylinder engine that is both air and oil-cooled. It produces 27.6bhp and 43.3Nm of torque, giving the bike a strong low and mid-range character. This should make it suitable for daily commuting as well as relaxed highway rides. The motorcycle also brings back the appeal of a large retro-style single-cylinder bike, a category that has been missing from the Indian market since the Royal Enfield Classic 500 was discontinued.

In terms of design, the CB500 follows a classic roadster-inspired styling theme. The base Alloy variant gets alloy wheels, while the Spoke variant comes with cross-spoke tubeless rims. The top-spec Spoke with Stripe version adds exclusive colour options and graphics, giving it a more distinctive appearance. The motorcycle is expected to attract riders who prefer a simple, traditional design combined with modern equipment.

Honda has equipped the CB500 with several useful features, including Honda Selectable Torque Control, a slipper clutch, an analogue-digital instrument console and Honda RoadSync connectivity. These features add convenience and safety without taking away from the motorcycle’s retro character. The slipper clutch should also make gear changes smoother, especially during spirited riding or downshifts.

The CB500 is manufactured in India, helping Honda keep its pricing competitive despite the higher GST applicable to motorcycles above 350cc. It is positioned above the Honda CB350 range and below the Royal Enfield 650 twins in terms of price.

With its 500cc engine, classic styling and practical features, the Honda CB500 fills an interesting gap in Honda’s Indian motorcycle line-up. It offers a middle ground for riders who want more performance than a 350cc motorcycle but prefer the character and simplicity of a single-cylinder engine over a larger twin-cylinder bike.