Honda has officially launched the CB500 in India at a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). Positioned above the CB350 range, the new retro roadster brings a large 501cc single-cylinder engine, classic styling and modern features to Honda’s growing premium motorcycle portfolio.
The Honda CB500 is manufactured in India and is available in three variants, including versions equipped with cross-spoke tubeless wheels. Bookings have already opened through Honda BigWing dealerships across the country.
Honda CB500 Price and Variants
Honda is offering the CB500 in three variants:
- CB500 Alloy – Rs 2.75 lakh
- CB500 Spoke – Rs 2.99 lakh
- CB500 Spoke with Stripes – Rs 3.01 lakh
All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru.
The base version uses alloy wheels, while the Spoke variant gets cross-spoke tubeless wheels. The top-spec Spoke with Stripes version adds exclusive colours and graphics along with the tubeless cross-spoke setup.
Honda CB500 Engine and Performance
Powering the new CB500 is an all-new 501cc, single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine. It produces 28hp and 43.3Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
The power figure may appear modest for a 500cc motorcycle, but the CB500 is designed around strong torque and relaxed performance rather than outright speed.
With 43.3Nm available, the large-capacity single-cylinder engine should provide the characteristic low- and mid-range pull expected from a traditional retro roadster.
Related: Honda Rebel 300 Launched in India at Rs 2.22 Lakh
Honda CB500 Features
Despite its old-school appearance and air/oil-cooled engine, the CB500 comes with several modern features.
It gets Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which provides traction-control assistance, along with a slipper clutch.
The motorcycle also features an analogue-digital instrument console with Honda RoadSync connectivity, bringing connected functions to the retro-styled roadster.
Other highlights include a round LED headlight, disc brakes at both ends and tubeless cross-spoke wheels on the higher variants.
Honda CB500 Technical Specifications
The CB500 uses conventional hardware that matches its classic roadster positioning.
| Engine | 501cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled |
| Maximum power | 28hp |
| Maximum torque | 43.3Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Twin shock absorbers |
| Front wheel | 19-inch |
| Rear wheel | 17-inch |
| Brakes | Disc brakes at both ends |
| Traction control | Honda Selectable Torque Control |
| Clutch | Slipper clutch |
| Instrument console | Analogue-digital with Honda RoadSync |
Honda has gone with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination, reinforcing the CB500’s traditional roadster character.
Classic Honda CB Styling
Visually, the CB500 follows the design language established by Honda’s smaller CB350 motorcycles.
It gets a round LED headlight, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, ribbed single-piece seat and plenty of classic roadster styling cues. However, the larger 501cc engine gives it a more substantial road presence.
The combination of retro design with modern features should make the CB500 particularly interesting to riders who miss the character of large-capacity single-cylinder motorcycles.
Related: Honda ADV160 Launched in India at Rs 1.70 Lakh
Honda CB500 Rivals
The CB500 enters an interesting position in the Indian market. Its closest alternatives include the BSA Gold Star 650 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, although both use substantially different engine configurations.
Honda’s locally manufactured 501cc single-cylinder engine gives the CB500 a unique identity, especially since large-capacity single-cylinder roadsters have become rare in India.
Final Thoughts
At a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh, the new Honda CB500 offers an unusual combination of a big 501cc single-cylinder engine, retro styling and modern technology.
The 43.3Nm torque output, HSTC, slipper clutch and Honda RoadSync connectivity strengthen its appeal, while buyers willing to spend more can get practical cross-spoke tubeless wheels.
Most importantly, local manufacturing has allowed Honda to price the CB500 competitively despite motorcycles above 350cc attracting a higher GST rate.
With bookings now open through BigWing dealerships, the Honda CB500 could appeal to riders looking for a simple, torquey and old-school roadster without giving up useful modern features.
Would you choose the new Honda CB500 at Rs 2.75 lakh, or would you spend more for a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650? Tell us in the comments below!
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