Honda CB500 Bookings Open in India Before Launch: Retro Roadster Set to Challenge Royal Enfield, BSA Rivals…

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially begun accepting bookings for the highly anticipated Honda CB500, bringing the premium neo-retro motorcycle one step closer to its Indian launch. Customers can now reserve the motorcycle through Honda BigWing dealerships across the country, while the official price announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

The CB500 was recently showcased in India during Honda’s premium motorcycle event, where the company also unveiled the Rebel 300 cruiser and the XR300L dual-sport motorcycle. Among the three, the CB500 is the first model to enter the booking phase, signaling that its market launch is imminent.

Made-in-India Flagship for Honda’s Modern CB Lineup

Honda has confirmed that the CB500 will be manufactured in India, making it the flagship motorcycle in the company’s modern CB series for the domestic market. Local production is expected to help Honda price the motorcycle competitively while strengthening its presence in India’s growing middleweight motorcycle segment.

The move also reflects Honda’s strategy of expanding its premium motorcycle portfolio with models that combine classic styling and modern engineering.

501cc Engine with Flexible Fuel Compatibility

Powering the Honda CB500 is a 501cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that supports E85 fuel compatibility and is also E20 compliant, aligning with India’s push toward cleaner fuel options.

The engine delivers 27.76 bhp of maximum power and 43 Nm of peak torque, paired with a five-speed gearbox. The setup is designed to offer a balance of everyday rideability and relaxed touring performance.

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Classic Styling Meets Modern Features

The new Honda CB500 adopts a timeless neo-retro design that blends vintage-inspired styling with contemporary technology.

Key design highlights include:

• Round LED headlamp
• Muscular sculpted fuel tank
• Ribbed single-piece seat
• Minimalist rear section
• 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels

The display model showcased by Honda features tubeless cross-spoke wheels wrapped in Maxxis tyres, while lower variants are expected to come equipped with alloy wheels.

Comfortable Ride and Standard Safety Equipment

Honda has equipped the CB500 with upside-down (USD) front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, aiming to deliver a comfortable ride across varied road conditions.

Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both the front and rear, while dual-channel ABS comes as standard, enhancing rider confidence and safety.

Ready to Take on Royal Enfield and BSA

Once launched, the Honda CB500 will compete in India’s increasingly popular middleweight retro motorcycle segment. It is expected to rival motorcycles such as the BSA Gold Star 650, Royal Enfield Bullet 650, and Royal Enfield Classic 650.

Although Honda has not yet revealed the official pricing, local manufacturing could help the company offer an attractive price tag in this competitive category.

With bookings now open and launch preparations underway, the Honda CB500 is set to become an important addition to Honda’s premium motorcycle lineup and another strong option for riders seeking a blend of retro styling, modern technology, and dependable performance.