Honda has introduced the CB500 in India at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹2,75,000 (Bengaluru). The motorcycle is offered in three variants — Alloy, Spoke and Spoke with Stripe — and is sold through Honda’s BigWing dealership network. Bookings are open, and deliveries are expected to begin on a phased basis.
The most important thing to understand about this motorcycle is that it is not the same CB500 that Honda sells in several international markets. The India-spec CB500 uses a 501cc single-cylinder engine, not the 471cc parallel-twin used in the overseas CB500 models. That distinction matters if you have been reading international reviews or specification sheets before deciding.
Honda CB500 Price in India
| Variant | Ex-showroom Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Honda CB500 Alloy | ₹2,75,000 |
| Honda CB500 Spoke | ₹2,99,900 |
| Honda CB500 Spoke with Stripe | ₹3,01,900 |
Two points to keep in mind:
- These are ex-showroom prices. They do not include RTO/registration charges, insurance, road tax or dealer-level charges.
- Ex-showroom prices vary between states. The Bengaluru figures should not be treated as on-road prices anywhere.
Your final on-road cost will depend on your state’s road tax and registration rules, the insurance cover you choose, and any dealer charges. Honda has not published city-wise on-road prices, so ask your BigWing dealership for a written breakup before booking.
The gap between the entry Alloy variant and the top Spoke with Stripe variant works out to ₹26,900. That entire difference is accounted for by the wheel type and the stripe graphics, since the engine and core equipment are common across all three.
Honda CB500 Variants Explained
Honda CB500 Alloy
The entry point into the range at ₹2,75,000. This variant runs on alloy wheels and is positioned as the most accessible version of the motorcycle. Reports suggest it will be the first variant to reach customers.
Honda CB500 Spoke
Priced at ₹2,99,900, this variant uses cross-spoke tubeless wheels instead of alloys. The premium over the Alloy variant is ₹24,900. Cross-spoke tubeless rims are a practical choice for riders who prefer the classic look of spokes but do not want the tube-related hassle of conventional wire-spoke wheels.
Honda CB500 Spoke with Stripe
The top variant at ₹3,01,900, adding an exclusive stripe/graphics treatment over the Spoke variant for an additional ₹2,000. If the stripe design is not something you specifically want, the standard Spoke variant offers the same hardware for less.
Honda has not confirmed any difference in engine output, suspension or braking hardware between the three variants. As things stand, the differences are wheels, colours and graphics.
Honda CB500 Engine and Performance
This is where the India-spec motorcycle stands apart from its international namesake.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 501cc |
| Configuration | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air and oil cooled |
| Power | Around 27.6–28 hp (reported) |
| Torque | 43.3 Nm (reported) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Assist and slipper clutch |
The exact official power figure has not been clearly confirmed at the time of writing, with sources quoting figures in the 27.6–28 hp band. Treat that range as reported rather than final until Honda publishes a definitive number.
What a 501cc single-cylinder with 43.3 Nm tells you, on paper, is where the motorcycle’s character is likely to sit. A large single typically delivers its torque low in the rev range, which suits relaxed riding, effortless overtakes at moderate speeds and long-distance cruising without constant gear changes. It is a different approach from a parallel-twin, which usually revs more freely and feels smoother at sustained high speeds.
That said, no independent road test of the India-spec CB500 is available yet. Nothing here should be read as a comment on refinement, vibration, ride quality or highway behaviour. Those judgements need real testing, and the specifications alone cannot answer them.
Honda has not disclosed an official mileage figure for the CB500. Do not estimate one from engine size — a 501cc single’s real-world efficiency depends heavily on gearing, riding style, load and traffic conditions.
Honda CB500 Features
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
This is Honda’s traction control system. It works to manage rear-wheel grip when the surface is slippery or when you apply throttle aggressively, and it can typically be adjusted or switched off depending on rider preference. On a torquey single, it is a sensible addition for wet roads.
Assist and slipper clutch
The slipper function reduces rear-wheel hopping during aggressive downshifts, while the assist function lightens clutch lever effort. In city traffic, the lighter lever pull is the part you will notice daily.
Analogue-digital instrument console
A hybrid layout — analogue dial for the primary readout, digital section for the rest. Honda has not confirmed the exact layout details.
Honda RoadSync connectivity
RoadSync pairs the motorcycle with a smartphone and supports functions such as navigation prompts, call alerts and message notifications, depending on the exact configuration. Honda has not published the full RoadSync feature list for this model, so confirm what is supported with your dealer rather than assuming every RoadSync function is enabled.
All-LED lighting
LED headlamp, tail lamp and indicators.
Dual-channel ABS
Both wheels are covered by anti-lock braking. This is a safety feature, not a performance one, and on Indian roads it is a meaningful inclusion.
Honda has not confirmed the presence of riding modes, cornering ABS, IMU-based electronics or a quickshifter. Do not assume they are included.
Honda CB500 Design
The CB500 follows a neo-retro roadster template. Based on the design language, you can expect:
- A round headlamp
- A sculpted fuel tank with a classic profile
- Simple side panels
- A flat-ish seat
- A conventional exhaust layout
- A relatively upright riding position
The two wheel choices change the visual character noticeably. The alloy variant leans toward a cleaner, more modern look, while the cross-spoke tubeless setup gives the motorcycle a more traditional roadster appearance. That is largely why the Spoke variants exist and why buyers pay more for them.
Honda has not disclosed seat height, kerb weight, wheelbase or ground clearance for the India-spec CB500. Without those numbers, it is not possible to comment on how the motorcycle will suit shorter or taller riders, or how it will behave in tight city traffic.
Honda CB500 Wheels and Colours
Wheel types:
- Alloy wheels — CB500 Alloy
- Cross-spoke tubeless wheels — CB500 Spoke and Spoke with Stripe
Note the terminology carefully. These are cross-spoke tubeless rims, not conventional wire-spoke wheels. The distinction matters because tubeless rims can be repaired more easily in the event of a puncture, and they do not require a tube. Honda has not confirmed tyre sizes for the India-spec model.
Reported colour options:
- Pearl Deep Ground Grey
- Pearl Igneous Black
- Matte Steel Silver Metallic
- Rebel Red Metallic
The Spoke with Stripe variant carries an exclusive stripe/graphics treatment. Honda has not confirmed which colours map to which variant, so check with your dealership before assuming a specific shade is available on the variant you want. Colour availability can also vary by production batch and by dealership.
Honda CB500 Specifications
| Specification | Honda CB500 (India-spec) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 501cc single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air and oil cooled |
| Power | Around 27.6–28 hp (reported, not officially finalised) |
| Torque | 43.3 Nm (reported) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Assist and slipper |
| Traction control | Honda Selectable Torque Control |
| ABS | Dual-channel |
| Instrument cluster | Analogue-digital |
| Connectivity | Honda RoadSync |
| Lighting | LED |
| Front suspension | Not officially disclosed |
| Rear suspension | Not officially disclosed |
| Front brake | Disc |
| Rear brake | Disc |
| Kerb weight | Not officially disclosed |
| Seat height | Not officially disclosed |
| Wheelbase | Not officially disclosed |
| Fuel tank capacity | Not officially disclosed |
| Mileage | Not officially disclosed |
Fields marked “not officially disclosed” are left that way deliberately. Guessing them would not help you make a buying decision.
Honda CB500 Booking and Delivery
The CB500 is sold through Honda BigWing dealerships, Honda’s premium retail network. Not every Honda showroom sells BigWing products, so confirm that your nearest dealership actually handles this model before visiting.
Bookings: Open through BigWing dealerships.
Deliveries: Reported to be phased. The Alloy variant is expected to reach customers first, with the Spoke variants following later. Honda has not announced specific delivery dates.
This distinction matters: bookings being open does not mean deliveries have started. If a dealership tells you a delivery date, ask for it in writing and treat it as a dealership estimate, not a Honda commitment, until Honda officially confirms a timeline.
Honda has not publicly disclosed the booking amount, refund terms, waiting period or warranty details for the CB500. Get all of these in writing before paying anything.
India-Spec CB500 vs International CB500
This section is worth reading carefully, because it is the single most common source of confusion around this motorcycle.
Honda sells a CB500 in several international markets that uses a 471cc parallel-twin engine. That motorcycle has been around for years in various forms and has been reviewed extensively by international publications.
The motorcycle launched in India is not that motorcycle. The India-spec CB500 uses a 501cc single-cylinder, air-and-oil-cooled engine with a 5-speed gearbox.
Why the distinction matters:
- You cannot apply international CB500 performance reviews to this motorcycle
- Power and torque figures are different
- The engine character is different — a single versus a twin
- The gearing, weight and riding feel will not be the same
If you have been researching “Honda CB500” online and reading twin-cylinder reviews, start again with India-specific information.
Honda CB500 vs Rivals
At ₹2.75 lakh to ₹3.02 lakh ex-showroom, the CB500 sits in a segment with several established alternatives. Here are the factual differences worth understanding.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
A 648cc parallel-twin with a considerably larger engine, priced in a similar bracket depending on variant and state. The engine configuration is fundamentally different — twin versus single — which means a different character, different refinement characteristics at speed and different torque delivery. Verify current pricing in your city before comparing, as it changes with revisions and offers.
BSA Gold Star 650
A 652cc single-cylinder retro roadster. Interestingly, this is the closest comparison in terms of engine philosophy — a large single in a retro package. Prices and specifications should be verified against current data before drawing conclusions.
Honda CB350 range
Honda’s own 348cc single-cylinder family, priced substantially below the CB500. If your budget is closer to ₹2 lakh, the CB350, CB350C and CB350RS remain the relevant options. The CB500 is positioned above them.
Other options in the ₹2.75–3.5 lakh band
Several motorcycles sit in this price range, including models from Royal Enfield, KTM, Triumph and others. Each differs in engine layout, riding position, equipment and intended use.
No winner should be declared here. The relevant question is not which is best, but which engine layout, riding position and feature set suits how you actually ride. A large single and a parallel-twin feel very different in daily use, and only a test ride will tell you which you prefer.
Things to Know Before Buying the Honda CB500
Confirm you are near a BigWing dealership. The CB500 is not sold through the standard Honda network. If your nearest BigWing outlet is far away, factor in the travel for service visits.
Get the on-road price in writing. ₹2,75,000 is ex-showroom Bengaluru. Your on-road cost will be higher and will vary by state.
Decide whether you want spokes. The ₹24,900 premium for the Spoke variant is entirely about wheels. If you prefer alloy wheels, the entry variant saves you money.
The stripe costs ₹2,000. The Spoke with Stripe adds only graphics over the Spoke. Decide if that is worth it to you.
Ask about the delivery timeline specifically. Honda has not confirmed dates. Ask for an expected window and get it in writing.
Ask for warranty terms in writing. Honda has not publicly disclosed the warranty for the CB500. This is standard information you should have before paying.
Test ride before deciding. The India-spec motorcycle uses a single-cylinder engine that is mechanically different from the international CB500. Any expectations built from overseas reviews need to be reset.
Check tyre size and type on your variant. Cross-spoke tubeless rims and alloy rims behave differently in puncture situations, and tyre availability matters for long-distance riders.
Ask about service intervals and costs. These have not been publicly disclosed. Get them from the dealership.
Honda CB500 FAQs
What is the Honda CB500 price in India?
₹2,75,000 ex-showroom Bengaluru for the Alloy variant, ₹2,99,900 for the Spoke and ₹3,01,900 for the Spoke with Stripe. On-road prices are higher and vary by state.
What is the Honda CB500 engine capacity?
501cc, single-cylinder, air and oil cooled.
Is the Indian Honda CB500 a twin-cylinder motorcycle?
No. The India-spec CB500 is a 501cc single-cylinder. Honda’s international CB500 models use a 471cc parallel-twin, which is a different motorcycle.
What is the Honda CB500 power and torque?
Reported at around 27.6–28 hp and 43.3 Nm. Honda has not clearly confirmed a final official power figure at the time of writing.
How many variants of the Honda CB500 are available?
Three — Alloy, Spoke and Spoke with Stripe.
What is the price of the Honda CB500 Spoke variant?
₹2,99,900 ex-showroom Bengaluru.
Where can I book the Honda CB500?
Through Honda BigWing dealerships.
When will Honda CB500 deliveries start?
Deliveries are expected to be phased, with the Alloy variant likely first. Honda has not announced specific delivery dates.
Final Thoughts
The Honda CB500 brings a 501cc single-cylinder retro roadster to India at ₹2,75,000 ex-showroom, with three variants differentiated mainly by wheels and graphics. It is sold through BigWing dealerships, bookings are open, and deliveries are expected to roll out in phases.
The key things to keep straight: this is not the international twin-cylinder CB500, the power figure is still reported rather than finalised, and several specifications — weight, seat height, fuel capacity and mileage — have not been officially disclosed.
If you are in the market at this price point, a test ride should be your first step. The single-cylinder character is the biggest variable, and no specification sheet can tell you whether it suits you.