All-New Honda CB500 Unveiled In India: A Bigger CB350 Or Much More?
Honda’s answer to the Royal Enfield Classic 500 6 years later!
Quick Highlights:
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Gets a 501cc single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine
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Will be available in three variants, all manufactured in India
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Honda CB350 series also 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 stays true to the motorcycle’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.
User Reviews
I chose this bike because mainly my routes are on highways and ofcourse, because of the japanese reliability honda offers, plus it's the best bike in the segment in my opinion as it gets a fair amount of safety features like traction control, dual channel abs and because of the slipper clutch provided, gear changing and overall the engine is butter smooth. Also it gives the best mileage in the segment too, as I have ridden a classic 350 before, I can definitely tell the difference. Rides are butter smooth, it's like the bike is gliding, absolutely 0 vibration, it's not that comfortable as the hness 350 as it has a more aggressive riding stanc than the hness, but it's fairly comfortable, not that bad, the only thing bugs me are the stock seats, it's very uncomfortable for the pillion and your rear may hurt a little on long rides, but overall I'll rate it a 4/5, which is not bad at all. If you want the best looking neo retro bike in the segment, the cb350 RS is for you hands down, it has great mileage, very low maintenance cost, fairly comfortable (change the stock seats) and it feels rarer than other bikes in the segment as the BigWing network is so limited, and that gives you the satisfaction you need.Read More
I have really enjoyed owining h'ness. The bike is smooth, powerfull and very comfortable with city commuting as well as weekend trips. I have done a trip from kochi to Dhanushkodi with this bike and that was a fantastic experience. I have maintained this bike well and it has also an entented warranty till 2030. If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish bike for your daily commute and trips, this bike will be a best choice.Read More
Engine is refined, no vibration even driving on speed 100, suspension is stiffer side which become positive for highway rides. Good highway if your continuously riding on highway. Will get 40 plus mileage on highway if cruising on 80 speed. Handling is good. Breaking is fantastic even on high speed braking will provide enough confidence to control on it. Bigger negative is, need to shift the gear during on city rides. I would its one of bad bike if you are driving on city. Go for it if you riding on highway, will get 40 plus mileage which is an edge of this bike. Smother and refined engine will provide an next level experience on highway. DUAL Channel abs and traction work fantastic and provide too much confidence during braking.Read More