Honda has officially unveiled the all-new CB500 in India, introducing a brand-new motorcycle that sits above the CB350 range in its modern-retro lineup. The CB500 is particularly important because it is powered by an all-new 501cc single-cylinder engine and will be manufactured in India. Alongside the new motorcycle, Honda has also refreshed its CB350 family with updated colours and graphics for 2026. While the CB350 range continues with the same mechanical package, the CB500 brings a bigger engine, modern electronics and premium hardware, making it an exciting option for riders looking for a relaxed yet capable retro roadster. Here’s everything you need to know about Honda’s newest made-in-India motorcycle.
Design
The Honda CB500 follows the same classic roadster design philosophy seen on the CB350 but looks noticeably larger and more premium. It features a round LED headlamp, a sculpted teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a long single-piece seat and a wide handlebar that offers an upright riding posture. The brushed metal finish on the engine, chrome detailing and clean bodywork give the motorcycle a timeless appearance without looking outdated. Honda will offer the CB500 in multiple colour options, all of which complement its retro styling very well.
Engine & Performance
The biggest highlight of the CB500 is its newly developed 501cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine. It produces 28.1 PS of power and 43.3 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. While the power figure may not sound very high for a 500cc motorcycle, the strong torque output should deliver smooth acceleration and effortless cruising. The motorcycle also comes equipped with an assist and slipper clutch, making gear shifts lighter while improving stability during aggressive downshifts.
Underpinnings
Honda has kept the chassis setup simple and practical to match the motorcycle’s relaxed character. The CB500 gets a conventional telescopic front fork with fork gaiters and gas-charged twin rear shock absorbers. The motorcycle rides on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, offering a balanced combination of stability and comfort. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS for added confidence during emergency braking.
Features
Despite its retro appearance, the Honda CB500 comes loaded with modern technology. It gets a semi-digital instrument console that combines an analogue display with a digital information screen. Honda has also equipped the motorcycle with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to access navigation and connected features. Other highlights include all-LED lighting, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), dual-channel ABS and an assist and slipper clutch. These features make the CB500 one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles in Honda’s retro lineup.
Variants
Honda will offer the CB500 in three different variants to suit different buyer preferences.
| Variant | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Alloy | Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres |
| Spoke Tubeless | Cross-spoke wheels with tubeless tyres |
| Spoke Tubeless with Graphics | Cross-spoke wheels with exclusive graphics |
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 501cc, Single-Cylinder, Air & Oil-Cooled |
| Maximum Power | 28.1 PS |
| Peak Torque | 43.3 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Gas-Charged Twin Shock Absorbers |
| Front Wheel | 19-inch |
| Rear Wheel | 17-inch |
| Front Brake | Disc |
| Rear Brake | Disc |
| Safety | Dual-Channel ABS, Honda Selectable Torque Control |
| Lighting | Full LED |
| Connectivity | Honda RoadSync |
| Instrument Console | Semi-Digital Analogue-Digital Display |
CB350 Range Gets New Colours
Along with the launch of the CB500, Honda has also updated its CB350 lineup for 2026. The CB350, CB350RS and CB350C now receive new colour schemes and darker graphics that give the motorcycles a fresher appearance. Apart from these cosmetic updates, there are no mechanical changes, and all three motorcycles continue with the same engine, chassis and feature list.
Price & Rivals
Honda has not announced the official price of the CB500 yet. Since the motorcycle will be manufactured in India, buyers can expect competitive pricing compared to similarly positioned retro motorcycles. Once launched, it will primarily compete with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the BSA Gold Star 650, while also offering an alternative for riders planning to upgrade from Honda’s own CB350 range. Honda is expected to announce prices and booking details closer to the motorcycle’s launch.
Honda CB500 Specifications
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle Type | Premium Retro Roadster |
| Manufacturing | Made In India |
| Engine Capacity | 501cc |
| Engine Type | Single-Cylinder, Air & Oil-Cooled |
| Power | 28.1 PS |
| Torque | 43.3 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Wheel Options | Alloy & Cross-Spoke Tubeless |
| Riding Aids | HSTC, Dual-Channel ABS |
| Connectivity | Honda RoadSync |
| Lighting | All LED |
| CB350 Update | New Colours & Graphics Only |
The Honda CB500 brings something that has become increasingly rare in today’s motorcycle market—a large-capacity single-cylinder engine designed for relaxed riding rather than outright performance. Its retro styling, strong torque, premium hardware and modern rider aids make it a unique offering in Honda’s lineup. Local manufacturing could also help Honda price the motorcycle aggressively, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts who want a classic-looking roadster with modern features. At the same time, the refreshed CB350 range keeps Honda’s existing retro family up to date with new colours while continuing to offer the same proven package. If Honda gets the pricing right, the CB500 could become one of the most interesting retro motorcycles in the Indian market.
