Honda has expanded its motorcycle line-up in India with the launch of the new CB500, a 501cc retro-styled roadster with a big, long wheelbase and taller single-cylinder engine that is now available in three variants and provides traction control, Honda RoadSync and slipper clutch. The new motorcycle is on sale now with reservations for the new bike and Honda will offer detailed specifications for each of the variants in a few months.
Honda CB500 is a locally manufactured motorcycle that will be offered in three versions, Alloy, Spoke and Spoke With Graphics. The prices for the three variants are between Rs. 2.75 lakh and Rs. 3.01 lakh, with the difference between them mainly in wheel design and graphics. The pricing structure is known but the details on the variant-wise specifications will be released separately.
Honda CB500 Price In India And Variants
The entry-level Honda CB500 Alloy is priced at Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). It has alloy wheels and is the most affordable of all the new CB500 models. The CB500 Spoke comes at Rs 2.99 lakh and the CB500 Spoke With Graphics at Rs 3.01 lakh.
Both the higher variants are equipped with spoke wheels, with the range-topping version adding graphics for a more distinctive appearance. Honda will work on a phased rollout for the detailed specifications so buyers will have to wait for the company to announce the complete equipment list for each version.
501cc Single-Cylinder Engine
The Honda CB500 has one of the most impressive features of the Honda CB500 is the 501cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. The motor also has an oil cooler and is reported to produce 28 hp and 43.3 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the rear wheel through a five-speed gearbox.
The engine does make the CB500 almost distinguish itself from the Honda CB350. While the CB350 has a 348.36cc engine, the new one has a much larger displacement. The CB500 therefore occupies a different position in Honda’s retro roadster family, and it has a classic design with bigger and bigger power.
Honda CB500 Features And Technology
Although it is a retro roadster, the CB500 has some modern features. The motorcycle has an analogue-digital instrument console and Honda RoadSync software. The connected system allows turn-by-turn navigation and call and SMS notifications for the rider to access smartphone-related information while riding.
Honda also built the motorcycle with Honda Selectable Torque Control, adding electronic traction management. A slipper clutch also works in to keep the downshifts smooth and avoid rear wheels getting stuck during strong braking.
Suspension, Wheels And Brakes
The CB500 is a conventional hardware setup with a telescopic front fork and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers. This will be used to balance motorcycle use for the everyday road and bigger engine and roadster character of the motorcycle.
The wheel sizes are 19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear. Braking is done by disc brakes at both ends, and dual-channel ABS is included in the safety package. The different wheel sizes are also key differences between the three variants.
Honda CB500 Bookings And Deliveries
Honda has already opened bookings for the CB500 in India. But the company is taking a phased approach to revealing the detailed specifications of the three versions.
The Alloy variant will be detailed in Q3 FY2026-27. Details for the CB500 Spoke and CB500 Spoke With Graphics will be provided in Q4 FY2026-27. The delivery will follow the specification announcement.
With its Rs 2.75 lakh starting price, 501cc single-cylinder engine, three variants and modern features, the Honda CB500 adds a new option to the company's premium motorcycle range in India. Details about the individual variants, including their equipment lists, will come out as Honda gets closer to the launch date.
