Honda CB500: Same Price, Other Options
From retro roadsters to streetfighters, ADVs and electric bikes, here are alternatives to the Honda CB500
The Honda CB500 revives the charm of a big, long-stroke single-cylinder roadster, blending classic styling with modern features. Inspired by the legendary CB750, it gets a 501cc air/oil-cooled engine with a torque-focused character and a strong road presence. Its tubeless wire-spoke wheels and digi-analogue console reinforce its retro charm, while smartphone connectivity and LED lighting add a modern touch. The bike also gets an alloy wheel option, along with modern features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control and dual-channel ABS.
If the Honda CB500 doesn’t fit your riding style, the Indian market offers some interesting options in the Rs 2.75 lakh to Rs 3.02 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price range. Here are some alternatives, offering distinct characteristics.
1. Harley-Davidson X440 T
Price – Rs 2,86,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Harley-Davidson X440 T is another option for buyers who want a premium badge with impressive cruising comfort. Drawing inspiration from Harley-Davidson’s iconic XR series, the X440 T packs a 440cc air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces over 27PS and 38Nm of torque at just 4,000rpm.
Built around a rigid trellis frame, it features USD front forks, twin rear shock absorbers and alloy wheels wrapped in wide tyres, along with disc brakes at both ends, offering a good balance of stable handling and ride comfort. Harley-Davidson has also equipped the X440 T with switchable rear ABS, switchable traction control and Road and Rain riding modes. Its 3.5-inch TFT display features Bluetooth connectivity, music controls and call notifications. What sets the T version apart from the standard X440 is its bar-end mirrors, revised rear section and sportier graphics.
2. Triumph Bonneville T40
Price – Rs 2,79,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Triumph Bonneville needs no introduction in the modern-classic motorcycle segment, with its rich heritage and timeless styling making it a favourite among motorcycle enthusiasts and celebrities alike. The new Bonneville T4 brings that same timeless appeal to a wider audience, offering the classic Bonneville experience in a more accessible package. From its teardrop-shaped fuel tank and wire-spoke wheels to the peashooter exhaust, the Bonneville T4 carries all the classic design cues that have made the name iconic.
But under its old-school appearance hides a rev-happy 350cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 29.1bhp and 31.2Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Triumph adds a modern touch with a 4-inch circular connected TFT display featuring navigation, phone and music controls. Five riding modes, cruise control, lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control further enhance its feature set.
3. TVS Apache RTR 310 BTO 2
Price – Rs 2,85,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
For those who prefer an aggressive streetfighter over a classic roadster, the TVS Apache RTR 310 BTO is an interesting option. Its radical design gives it a seriously aggressive road presence, while the 312.12cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivers a healthy 35.6PS and 28.7Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch for smooth gear changes, while the BTO version gets a bi-directional quickshifter for aggressive clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The ride-by-wire system ensures crisp throttle response and unlocks five riding modes to suit different riding conditions.
It also gets the most sophisticated electronics pack in its segment, including cornering traction control and dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode. The package also brings rear-wheel lift-off control, wheelie control, slope-dependent control, launch control, cornering drag torque control, cruise control and even a tyre pressure monitoring system. All these features can be managed through the five-inch TFT console, which also offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity features. Clearly, the Apache RTR 310 is a great pick for riders who enjoy spirited city rides, quick gear changes and a feature-rich, sporty riding experience.
4. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Kaza Brown (Base)
Price – Rs 3,08,029 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If your idea of motorcycling involves long-distance touring and exploring roads beyond the city limits, an AVD like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 makes for a compelling alternative. Being a truly purpose-built motorcycle, it might look intimidating, but once you swing your leg over it, you most likely will feel at home. Its adventure-focused hardware includes 43mm USD front forks, a linkage-type rear monoshock and 200mm of suspension travel at both ends. It also gets durable wire-spoke wheels, including a 21-inch front wheel, wrapped in dual-purpose tyres for tackling varied terrain. The only drawback is that it comes with tube-type tyres as standard, making puncture repairs more cumbersome, especially on the go. However, the brand offers a tubeless spoke-wheel setup for an additional cost.
Performance is impressive too, as its 452cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces 40.02PS and 40Nm, and it also gets ride-by-wire for instant response. It also gets riding modes, switchable dual-channel ABS, a slipper clutch, and a 4-Inch round TFT display with phone connectivity, full map navigation and media controls.
5. Ultraviolette X47 Crossover Original+
Price – Rs 3,09,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Ultraviolette X47 Crossover offers something genuinely different, combining electric performance with touring capability. Unlike conventional electric scooters and motorcycles, this is a proper performance machine. Capable of reaching up to 145kmph without any motor vibrations, it claims a 0-60kmph sprint time of just 2.8 seconds, leaving many petrol-powered rivals struggling to keep up.
Its 7.1kWh battery pack offers a claimed IDC range of up to 211km on a single charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and even occasional touring. The onboard charger and parallel boost charging capability are added advantages, allowing riders to top up the battery quickly during breaks on longer journeys. What further strengthens its touring credentials is the UV Hypersense radar system, which offers useful rider-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear-collision warnings, lane-change assistance and overtake alerts. The motorcycle also gets an LTE+Bluetooth-connected 5-inch touchscreen, dual-channel switchable ABS, three-level traction control and 10-level regen braking. Plus, it even gets a secondary display for the rear camera feed.