Honda launches CB 500 in India with 501cc engine, priced from Rs 2.75 lakh

Honda has launched its new CB 500 roadster motorcycle in the Indian market. It is part of the company's BigWing portfolio and has a starting ex-showroom Bengaluru price of Rs 2.75 lakh. The bike will be available in three variants, with the top variant priced up to Rs 3,01,900. Bookings have begun at Honda BigWing dealerships.

The motorcycle gets a new 501cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine paired with an oil cooler. The engine generates 28 hp of power and 43.3 Nm of peak torque. It comes with a 5-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch, which reduces sudden pressure on the rear wheel while downshifting.

In terms of design, the CB 500 has a heritage roadster look. A round LED headlamp, muscular fuel tank, long ribbed seat and straight handlebar give it a classic style. It also features chrome finishing and old-style mudguards, along with modern features such as full LED lighting.

Honda has introduced the CB 500 in three variants. The base Alloy variant comes with alloy wheels. The Spoke Tubeless variant above it gets cross-spoke wheels and tubeless tyres. The top variant has the same wheel setup with special stripe graphics. The price difference is thus linked to the wheels and cosmetic updates.

In terms of features, the CB 500 gets Honda Selectable Torque Control, dual-channel ABS and disc brakes on both wheels. It also comes with an analog-digital instrument console and Honda RoadSync connectivity, which allows navigation and some communication functions to be used by pairing with a smartphone.

For suspension, it has a telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. Honda has manufactured the CB 500 in India. Full details of kerb weight, seat height, fuel tank capacity and tyres have not yet been revealed.

In terms of pricing, the CB 500 will compete with larger-capacity retro roadster models. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and BSA Gold Star 650 are models that attract similar customers. With this, Honda has launched a new option in the 500cc segment backed by local production.