All-new Honda CB500 unveiled in India

There was a time when large-displacement air-cooled single-cylinder bikes were a meaningful part of India’s motorcycle landscape. Royal Enfield’s 500cc UCE engine powered several notable models, but after its discontinuation in 2020, nothing has quite filled that space. That is where the all-new Honda CB500 intends to slot in. Unveiled earlier today, the CB500 is a 501cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled roadster that will be manufactured in India.

1. New 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine produces 28hp and 43.3Nm
2. Will be manufactured in India; pricing yet to be announced
3. CB500 will be available in three variants

Honda CB500 details

Torque output comes close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

The CB500 is powered by an all-new 501cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine producing 28hp and 43.3Nm. While the power output is modest, the torque figure is impressive, putting it remarkably close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which produces 47.4hp and 52.3Nm from its much larger 648cc parallel-twin engine. The CB500 uses a 5-speed gearbox.

Honda is yet to reveal the motorcycle’s complete specifications, but we do know that the CB500 will feature a conventional telescopic fork, twin rear shock absorbers and disc brakes at both ends. The overall design draws inspiration from the familiar CB350, with classic styling cues including a round LED headlight, a ribbed single-piece seat and a large teardrop-shaped fuel tank. It is paired with modern features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch and an analogue-digital instrument console with Honda RoadSync connectivity.

Honda will offer the CB500 in three variants: a standard alloy-wheel version, a cross-spoke tubeless-wheel variant and a range-topping cross-spoke tubeless variant with exclusive graphics.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but with local manufacturing confirmed, Honda is expected to price the CB500 competitively in the midsize retro segment, where it will likely rival and possibly undercut the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the BSA Gold Star 650.