Honda CB500 Launched in India: Prices Start at INR 2.75 Lakh

Honda has officially launched the new CB500 in India, bringing a new 500cc motorcycle to the country's premium modern-classic segment. Prices start at INR 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level version and go up to INR 3.02 lakh for the range-topping variant.

The CB500 was showcased in India earlier this year as part of Honda's upcoming product plans and it is also manufactured in India, which helps Honda position it below its larger 650cc motorcycles.

Powering the CB500 is an all-new 501cc single-cylinder engine with air- and oil-cooling. It produces 28hp and 43.3Nm of torque and is paired with a five-speed gearbox. Honda has also equipped the motorcycle with a slipper-and-assist clutch.

The new engine makes the CB500 particularly interesting because large-capacity single-cylinder motorcycles have become relatively uncommon in the Indian market. The motorcycle also arrives in a segment once occupied by Royal Enfield's 500cc models, which were discontinued several years ago.

Honda is offering the CB500 in three variants. The base Alloy version costs INR 2.75 lakh, while the Spoke Tubeless variant is priced at Rs INR lakh and gets cross-spoke tubeless wheels. The top version costs INR 3.02 lakh and adds different colour and graphic options.

Styling follows Honda's modern-classic approach, with some clear similarities to the CB350. However, the CB500 has been given a larger fuel tank, ribbed seat, bigger fenders, revised rear section and a more substantial exhaust. Its design also carries subtle references to Honda's older CB models, including the legendary CB750.

The motorcycle uses a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, with a telescopic fork at the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Disc brakes are fitted at both ends and dual-channel ABS is standard.

Despite its traditional appearance, the CB500 gets several modern features. Honda Selectable Torque Control, a semi-digital instrument console, Honda RoadSync connectivity and the slipper-and-assist clutch are part of the package.

With the new motorcycle, Honda is positioning the CB500 above its CB350 range while keeping it below the Royal Enfield 650 twins in terms of Indian pricing. Its combination of a large single-cylinder engine, classic styling and locally manufactured platform gives Honda a new option in a segment that has had limited activity in recent years.

For Nepal, however, the CB500 remains unconfirmed. Honda has not announced a Nepal launch, pricing or availability for the motorcycle yet. Its Indian production does make it an interesting model to watch, particularly given Honda's established presence in Nepal.

If introduced here, the CB500 would bring a relatively unusual 501cc single-cylinder format to Nepal's premium motorcycle market. For now, though, the motorcycle is confirmed only for India.