The Honda CB500 was one of multiple models that Honda showcased in July as part of its broader product plans for India, and arguably the one that many enthusiasts were most eagerly awaiting. The CB500 brings an engine configuration that has long been missing from our market – a big, air-cooled single – and is now on sale, with prices starting at Rs 2.75 lakh.
- CB500 will be available in three variants
- 501cc air- and oil-cooled engine produces 28hp and 43.3Nm
Honda CB500 price and engine details
The CB500 fills a segment gap left by the discontinued Royal Enfield 500cc range
The CB500 is powered by an all-new 501cc, single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine producing 28hp and 43.3Nm of torque, making it Honda's largest air-cooled, single-cylinder motorcycle in our market.
The CB500 will be available in three variants. The base Alloy variant is priced at Rs 2.75 lakh. The mid-spec Spoke variant steps up to cross-spoke tubeless rims and is priced at Rs 3 lakh, while the range-topping variant adds exclusive colours and graphics options to the spoke-wheel setup and is priced at Rs 3.02 lakh. Features across all variants include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch, an analogue-digital instrument console and Honda RoadSync connectivity.
The CB500 is manufactured in India, which has helped keep pricing competitive despite the 40 percent GST rate applicable to motorcycles above 350cc. It slots in below the Royal Enfield 650 twins, which start at Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai), and occupies a space that has been largely vacant since Royal Enfield discontinued its 500cc UCE models in 2020.
Ved Janve
Stephen Raj Antony
