Honda has officially launched the new CB500 motorcycle in India, expanding its premium motorcycle portfolio with a new heritage roadster. The motorcycle has been introduced with a starting ex showroom price of Rs 2.75 lakh and is positioned above Honda's CB350 range in terms of engine capacity and overall positioning.
The Honda CB500 was first unveiled in India in July 2026 as part of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's expanded Made in India product portfolio. At the time, the company announced that the motorcycle would be introduced in a phased manner. Honda has now confirmed the launch and opened bookings through its BigWing dealership network.
The CB500 is available in three variants in India. The entry level Alloy variant is priced at Rs 2.75 lakh ex showroom in Bengaluru. The Spoke variant is priced at Rs 2.99 lakh, while the range topping Spoke with Stripe variant costs Rs 3.01 lakh. The final on road price will vary depending on the city, insurance, registration and other applicable charges.
The three variants mainly differ in their wheel design and visual treatment. The standard Alloy version gets alloy wheels, while the two higher variants feature cross spoke wheels. The top variant also receives dedicated graphics that distinguish it from the other versions.
One of the biggest highlights of the Honda CB500 is its engine. The motorcycle uses a newly developed 501cc single cylinder engine. According to current launch reports, the engine produces 27.6 bhp and 43.3 Nm of peak torque. It uses an air cooled arrangement with an oil cooler and is paired with a five speed gearbox.
The engine configuration gives the CB500 a different character from motorcycles that use parallel twin engines in the same broad price category. Honda is positioning the motorcycle as a heritage roadster with an emphasis on torque and everyday usability rather than outright performance.
The 501cc engine is also significant because large capacity single cylinder motorcycles are relatively uncommon in the current Indian market. Honda's new motorcycle therefore occupies a distinct position between smaller single cylinder roadsters and larger capacity twin cylinder motorcycles.
Honda has combined the traditional roadster design with modern electronic equipment. The CB500 gets Honda Selectable Torque Control, commonly known as HSTC, which functions as a traction control system. The system can help manage rear wheel traction when the available grip changes.
The motorcycle also gets a slipper clutch. This feature helps reduce the effect of aggressive downshifts on the rear wheel and can make gear changes smoother during spirited riding. Together with traction control, the slipper clutch adds modern functionality to the motorcycle's traditional roadster character.
Another important feature is Honda RoadSync connectivity. The motorcycle uses a semi digital instrument console that supports connected functions through a compatible smartphone. Depending on the connected setup, riders can access features such as turn by turn navigation as well as call and SMS notifications.
The CB500 also comes with dual channel ABS as standard. Disc brakes are provided at both ends, adding to the motorcycle's safety equipment. The motorcycle uses a telescopic front fork and twin gas charged rear shock absorbers.
In terms of wheels, the motorcycle uses a 19 inch front wheel and a 17 inch rear wheel. The wheel configuration, upright riding position and roadster design are intended to make the CB500 suitable for everyday use as well as longer rides.
The styling follows Honda's modern interpretation of a classic roadster. The motorcycle gets a round LED headlamp, a teardrop shaped fuel tank, a ribbed seat and an upright riding position. Although there are similarities with the smaller CB350 family, the CB500 has a larger overall stance because of its 501cc engine and revised chassis package.
The colour options also vary according to the selected variant. The Alloy version is offered in Pearl Deep Ground Gray and Pearl Igneous Black. The Spoke variant is available in Rebel Red Metallic 2 and Mat Steel Silver Metallic, while the Spoke with Stripe version is offered in Pearl Igneous Black with its dedicated graphics.
Honda is manufacturing the CB500 for the Indian market as part of its broader localisation strategy. The company had announced in July that its expanded portfolio would include several new motorcycles developed for Indian customers. The CB500 was specifically described as the Honda Heritage Roadster and was announced with Alloy, Spoke tubeless and Spoke tubeless with graphics variants.
The motorcycle will compete in India's midsize roadster category. Its price and engine capacity put it in the same broader space as motorcycles such as the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and BSA Gold Star 650, although the Honda uses a single cylinder engine rather than a twin cylinder setup.
Honda has started accepting bookings for the CB500 through its BigWing dealerships. Deliveries are expected to follow the market launch. According to current reports, detailed specifications and delivery schedules will be rolled out in phases for the different variants.
The Honda CB500 therefore combines a large 501cc single cylinder engine with classic roadster styling and modern features. Its three variant lineup gives buyers the choice between alloy wheels and higher specification spoke wheel versions, while features such as traction control, RoadSync connectivity, a slipper clutch and dual channel ABS add modern functionality.
At a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh ex showroom, the Honda CB500 marks a new addition to the company's premium motorcycle range in India. More detailed ownership information, including final specifications, variant wise equipment and city specific on road prices, will become clearer as deliveries begin.