Two-wheeler maker Honda has officially introduced its heritage roadster CB500 to the Indian market. This motorcycle arrives as part of the company's broader pipeline of 10 new products revealed in July, following the previously showcased ADV160 and Rebel 300 as the third new offering in the lineup. Produced locally under the Make in India initiative, the motorcycle carries a base ex-showroom price tag of Rs 2.75 lakh.
Variant Breakdown and Wheel Choices
Buyers can choose across three distinct trim levels depending on hardware preferences and styling treatments. The entry-level variant equipped with alloy wheels starts at Rs 2.75 lakh, while the mid-spec model fitted with spoke wheels is priced at Rs 3 lakh. Sitting at the top of the range is the highest-spec trim priced at Rs 3.02 lakh, which brings exclusive colorways and special graphic treatments. A notable highlight on the spoke-wheel iterations is the cross-spoke configuration engineered to support tubeless tires, successfully preserving retro visual appeal without forcing riders to compromise on easy puncture maintenance.
Heritage Design Inspired by Classic Roadsters
The visual identity of the CB500 draws heavy stylistic influence from the legendary CB750. Its classic posture is characterized by a circular headlamp unit, a sculpted retro fuel tank, and minimalist body paneling that collectively establish a vintage roadster profile. By introducing a large-displacement single-cylinder powertrain into this classic silhouette, the manufacturer targets enthusiast riders who value heritage aesthetics alongside relaxed touring character and low-end pulling power.
Electronic Aids and Modern Features
Beneath the vintage exterior, the motorcycle incorporates contemporary electronics and connected technologies. Instrumentation consists of a semi-digital cluster supporting Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity. Complete all-LED lighting hardware ensures optimal night visibility across varied road conditions. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends paired with a dual-channel ABS unit. Additionally, safety is reinforced by Honda Selectable Torque Control to manage rear-wheel traction, while a slipper clutch assembly prevents rear wheel hop and locking during rapid, aggressive downshifts.
Engine Specifications and Performance Delivery
Propelling the CB500 is a 501 cc air-and-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine configured to produce 28 horsepower alongside 43.3 Newton meters of peak torque. Unlike the parallel-twin powerplant used across Honda's global CB500 family, this Indian-market machine relies on a dedicated single-cylinder architecture tuned for accessible low-end torque delivery. Following the earlier phase-out of Royal Enfield's popular 500 cc models, this newly launched motorcycle occupies a fresh spot in the medium-displacement roadster category. Manufacturing operations for the bike are entirely based in India.
