Honda CB500 Launched in India at Rs 2.75 Lakh

Honda has officially launched the CB500 in India, introducing a new 501cc single-cylinder heritage roadster to its domestic lineup. The motorcycle, which was first showcased in July as part of a broader product expansion, is now available for booking with a starting price of Rs 2.75 lakh for the base alloy-wheel variant.

Honda mandates a first service at 750–1,000 km, followed by periodic service intervals every 6,000 km or 6 months. Additionally, dealerships offer structured Annual Maintenance Contracts and periodic service packages to cap scheduled routine maintenance expenses.

The CB500 is positioned to offer buyers multiple aesthetic and functional configurations. The entry-level Alloy variant is priced at Rs 2.75 lakh. A mid-spec Spoke variant, which features cross-spoke wheels compatible with tubeless tyres, is priced at Rs 3 lakh. The range-topping variant, which retains the tubeless-compatible spoke setup while adding exclusive colour schemes and graphics, is priced at Rs 3.02 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.

At the heart of the CB500 is an all-new 501cc single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine. This unit produces 28hp and 43.3Nm of torque. The configuration marks a return of the large-capacity air-cooled single to the Indian market, a segment that has seen limited activity since the discontinuation of Royal Enfield's 500cc UCE models in 2020. The motorcycle is manufactured locally in India, a factor that has allowed Honda to maintain competitive pricing despite the 40 percent GST bracket applicable to motorcycles with displacements exceeding 350cc.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 produces 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. Honda withheld official kerb weight and seat height figures at the CB500's launch.

The CB500 draws design inspiration from Honda's heritage CB family, featuring a round LED headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and brushed aluminium engine finishes. Despite its retro aesthetic, the bike includes modern rider aids such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch, and an analogue-digital instrument console with Honda RoadSync connectivity. Safety equipment includes disc brakes at both ends paired with dual-channel ABS as standard. The bike is available in four colour options: Pearl Igneous Black, Rebel Red Metallic, Mat Steel Silver Metallic, and Pearl Deep Ground Gray. It slots into the company's portfolio above the existing CB350 range, offering a distinct alternative to twin-cylinder motorcycles in the same price segment.