The Honda CB500 has finally arrived in India, bringing something rather unusual to the modern motorcycle market—a large-capacity, single-cylinder retro roadster. With a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), the CB500 sits above Honda’s CB350 family and combines classic styling with a newly developed 501cc engine and useful modern technology.
But with alternatives such as the BSA Gold Star 650 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 available to buyers, does the new Honda make sense? Here are 10 important things to know before buying the Honda CB500.
1. Honda CB500 Starts at Rs 2.75 Lakh
Honda offers 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
Prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru.
The base version gets alloy wheels, while the two more expensive variants use cross-spoke wheels compatible with tubeless tyres.
2. It Gets a Big 501cc Single-Cylinder Engine
The biggest talking point is undoubtedly the engine.
The CB500 uses an all-new 501cc, single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine producing approximately 28hp and 43.3Nm.
Rather than chasing high horsepower figures, Honda has focused on torque and accessible performance. The large single-cylinder configuration should suit riders looking for relaxed city riding and highway cruising rather than outright acceleration.
It is also currently a rare engine configuration in the Indian market.
3. There’s Only a 5-Speed Gearbox
Despite its 501cc displacement, the Honda CB500 uses a 5-speed gearbox rather than the six-speed transmissions commonly found on many modern middleweight motorcycles.
Whether this becomes a drawback will depend on the gearing and real-world highway performance.
Honda has clearly designed the engine around strong torque rather than high-rpm performance, so the five-speed gearbox may suit the motorcycle’s relaxed character. Nevertheless, riders planning frequent highway trips should pay attention to cruising refinement during a test ride.
Related: Yamaha R2: 10 Things to Know Before Buying
4. You Get 43.3Nm of Torque
Don’t judge the CB500 purely by its 28hp output.
Its 43.3Nm peak torque is arguably a more important figure for the type of motorcycle Honda has created.
Strong torque should make the bike easier to ride without constantly changing gears and could provide satisfying roll-on acceleration at everyday speeds.
That’s exactly where a large-capacity single-cylinder roadster is expected to shine.
5. Modern Features Hide Under the Retro Styling
Although the CB500 looks deliberately old-school, its equipment isn’t.
Honda offers Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS and an analogue-digital instrument console.
It also gets Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, adding connected functionality to an otherwise traditional-looking motorcycle.
All-LED lighting further brings the CB500 into the modern era without compromising its retro appearance.
6. Cross-Spoke Tubeless Wheels Are Available
The base CB500 uses alloy wheels, but spending more gets you one of the motorcycle’s most interesting features.
The CB500 Spoke gets cross-spoke tubeless wheels.
This setup combines the classic appearance of wire-spoke wheels with the convenience of tubeless tyres. That’s particularly useful for touring because many punctures can be repaired without removing the wheel.
However, the Spoke variant costs roughly Rs 25,000 more than the base Alloy model, so buyers need to decide whether the appearance and wheel design justify the premium.
Related: Honda Rebel 300 Launched in India at Rs 2.22 Lakh
7. There Are Three Variants, but Mechanical Differences Are Limited
Choosing a CB500 variant is relatively straightforward because the core motorcycle remains the same.
All three versions share the 501cc engine, HSTC, slipper clutch, RoadSync connectivity and other major equipment.
The biggest difference is the wheels.
The Alloy version is the most affordable. The Spoke variant adds cross-spoke tubeless wheels, while the flagship Spoke with Stripes combines the spoke-wheel setup with exclusive colours and tank graphics.
Therefore, you don’t need to buy the most expensive CB500 to get its key performance and technology features.
8. It’s Made in India
Another important fact is that the Honda CB500 is manufactured in India.
Local production has helped Honda achieve its Rs 2.75 lakh starting price despite motorcycles above 350cc attracting a higher GST rate.
It also makes the CB500 particularly interesting because this isn’t simply an imported global Honda model sold at a premium. The motorcycle has been developed and positioned specifically to compete in India’s growing premium retro-bike segment.
9. Mileage Remains an Important Question
Honda hasn’t yet provided enough real-world ownership data to establish what the CB500 will consistently deliver in everyday Indian conditions.
A 501cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine designed around torque could potentially return reasonable fuel economy for its displacement, but buyers shouldn’t rely on unofficial mileage claims until proper road tests and long-term owner figures become available.
Your actual mileage will also depend heavily on city traffic, highway speeds, riding style and load.
For buyers planning to use the CB500 daily, real-world mileage is one specification worth watching closely.
Related: Honda ADV160 Launched in India at Rs 1.70 Lakh
10. Competition Gets Serious Around Rs 3 Lakh
The CB500’s starting price is attractive, but the situation becomes more interesting as you move towards the higher variants.
At around Rs 3 lakh, buyers have several retro and performance-oriented motorcycles to consider.
The BSA Gold Star 650 is an obvious alternative for riders attracted to the character of a big single, while the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 offers a 648cc parallel-twin engine for buyers willing to increase their budget.
The Honda therefore isn’t necessarily about delivering the highest horsepower for the money. Its appeal lies in its big-single character, torque-focused performance, classic CB styling, Honda engineering and relatively uncommon positioning.
Honda CB500 Key Specifications
| 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 |
Who Should Buy the Honda CB500?
The Honda CB500 should appeal to riders who value torque, simplicity and classic motorcycle character more than outright horsepower.
It could be particularly suitable for someone upgrading from a CB350 or another 300-400cc retro roadster who wants a larger engine without immediately moving to a heavy, high-powered motorcycle.
It should also appeal to riders nostalgic for the large-capacity single-cylinder motorcycles that have largely disappeared from the Indian market.
Performance-focused riders, however, may find more powerful alternatives for similar money.
Which Honda CB500 Variant Should You Buy?
For value-conscious buyers, the CB500 Alloy at Rs 2.75 lakh appears to be the logical choice because it retains the same engine and major features as the expensive variants.
Touring riders may find the CB500 Spoke more attractive. Its cross-spoke tubeless wheels provide the classic appearance of spoke wheels without the puncture-repair inconvenience associated with conventional tube-type tyres.
The Spoke with Stripes version is primarily for buyers who want its exclusive appearance.
Final Thoughts
The Honda CB500 is one of the more unusual new motorcycles in India because it isn’t trying to win a horsepower battle.
Instead, Honda has built a retro roadster around a 501cc big single producing 43.3Nm, combining old-school character with HSTC, a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS and smartphone connectivity.
At Rs 2.75 lakh, the base variant looks particularly interesting. However, buyers considering the Rs 3 lakh spoke-wheel versions should also test ride alternatives before making a decision.
If you want a relaxed, torquey retro motorcycle with Honda engineering and don’t care about chasing maximum horsepower, the CB500 deserves a place on your test-ride list.
FAQs
1. What is the Honda CB500 price in India?
The Honda CB500 starts at Rs 2.75 lakh ex-showroom, Bengaluru. The Spoke and Spoke with Stripes versions cost approximately Rs 3 lakh and Rs 3.02 lakh respectively.
2. What engine does the Honda CB500 use?
It uses a 501cc single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine producing around 28hp and 43.3Nm.
3. Does Honda CB500 have tubeless tyres?
Yes. The higher Spoke variants use cross-spoke wheels compatible with tubeless tyres. The base model uses alloy wheels.
4. Does the Honda CB500 have traction control?
Yes. The CB500 comes with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
5. How many gears does the Honda CB500 have?
The Honda CB500 uses a 5-speed gearbox.
6. Is the Honda CB500 worth buying?
The CB500 is worth considering for riders who prioritise strong torque, retro styling and a large single-cylinder engine over outright horsepower. A test ride against similarly priced alternatives is advisable before buying.
At Rs 2.75 lakh, would you choose the new Honda CB500, or would you increase your budget for a 650cc motorcycle? Tell us your choice in the comments below!
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