GaadiWaadi –
India-made retro motorcycle, Honda CB 500, receives a new 501 cc engine, three variants and classic styling; to launch in the coming months
Honda has taken the wraps off the all-new CB500 – a retro-styled roadster that is set to become the flagship model in the brand’s CB lineup for India. The motorcycle has been developed and will be manufactured locally with prices and booking details expected to be announced in the coming months. Once launched, it will compete against the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, Triumph Speed T4 and the rest of Triumph’s 400 cc family.
The CB500 gets a traditional roadster silhouette with a round LED headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide handlebar and a long single-piece seat. The side profile is clean and uncluttered while brushed metal finishes, fork gaiters, wire-spoke wheels and twin rear shock absorbers contribute to its old-school character. The upswept exhaust, sculpted side panels and compact tail section give a modern touch without moving away from the motorcycle’s classic theme.
The display motorcycle shown by Honda rides on tubeless cross-spoke wheels but the CB500 will also be offered with alloy wheels. Buyers will have three choices comprising Alloy, Spoke Tubeless and Spoke Tubeless with Graphics. A 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel are standard across the range – wrapped in Maxxis tyres measuring 100/90-19 at the front and 150/70-17 at the rear.
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Power comes from an all-new 501 cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 27.76 bhp and 43.3 Nm. Honda has paired the engine with a five-speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch. As opposed to many rivals that pursue higher peak output, the CB500 is expected to focus on accessible low- and mid-range torque – complementing its relaxed retro-roadster character.
Equipment levels are competitive for the segment. The motorcycle is equipped with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, an analogue-digital instrument cluster, all-LED lighting, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), disc brakes at both ends and a dual-channel ABS system. The CB500 will enter a segment that has expanded rapidly over the past few years.
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The Triumph Speed T4 and Speed 400 place greater emphasis on outright performance and lighter weight while the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 provides stronger output from its Sherpa engine with a more road-based setup. Honda’s approach is noticeably different – placing more weight on classic proportions, relaxed riding manners and a torquey single-cylinder engine. That distinct character could help it carve out its own place in the segment.
Pricing will ultimately determine how competitive the CB500 becomes. If Honda positions it aggressively against the Triumph 400 range and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, the locally manufactured retro roadster could emerge as a compelling option – topped off by the reliability and smoothness the brand is traditionally renowned for.
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