All-New Honda CB500 Unveiled In India: A Bigger CB350 Or Much More?

Quick Highlights: 

• Gets a 501cc single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine

• Will be available in three variants, all manufactured in India 

• Honda CB350 series gets new colours

Honda India has unveiled the all-new CB 500 in India, and at first glance, it looks like a larger version of the popular Honda CB350 H’ness. The new motorcycle will be manufactured in India and follows a familiar retro roadster design language, but brings a bigger engine, slightly more premium hardware, appealing to retro enthusiasts looking for a bit more grunt.

It gets a round LED headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a long single-piece seat, and a classic roadster silhouette. Honda showcased three different colours of the motorcycle all giving the CB 500 a very distinctive and classy appearance. The motorcycle also had a brushed aluminium finish for the engine casing, which added a premium touch. There was also plenty of chrome used across the motorcycle, including the exhaust and other exterior elements. The Honda CB 500 will be available in three variants: Alloy, Spoke Tubeless, Spoke Tubeless with Graphics.

Powering the new Honda CB 500 is a 501cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine paired to a 5-speed gearbox. It produces 28.1 PS and 43.3 Nm. While the power figure may not sound particularly high for a 500cc motorcycle, the strong torque output should make the CB 500 well-suited for relaxed cruising and everyday riding.

The Honda CB 500 features a conventional telescopic fork with fork gaiters, while the rear suspension setup consists of gas-charged twin shock absorbers. This setup is from Showa and helps the bike stay true to it's classic roadster character. The bike was also seen with tubeless cross-spoke wheels, which are expected to be a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear setup. Staying true to its retro appeal, the bike gets a minimalistic looking analogue speedo, along with a small digital inset to show information like a gear position indicator, odometer and trip meters. Along with this, the bike gets dual channel ABS and a switchable traction control system. 

New Colours For The CB350 Series

Honda has also given its 350cc roadster family a visual refresh. The CB350, CB350RS and CB350C now feature updated graphics and darker styling elements, giving the motorcycles a more contemporary appearance. There are no mechanical changes as part of this update, with all three models continuing with their existing engines and hardware. However, the cosmetic revisions add a fresh touch to the range as Honda looks to keep its CB350 lineup competitive in the segment.

BikeDekho Says

The Honda CB 500 appears to be a larger, more powerful take on the CB350 formula. Its design is instantly familiar, but the bigger engine, larger wheels, gas-charged rear suspension, and premium finishes give it a more substantial presence. With its retro styling, relaxed engine tune, three variant options, and classic hardware, the CB 500 could appeal to riders looking for a more premium and powerful alternative to the CB350, while the new colour options help keep Honda’s existing 350cc lineup fresh. Currently there is no direct rival for the Honda CB 500, but as far as big retro bikes are concerned, it should compete with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the BSA Gold Star once launched.