- 501.7cc single makes 27.5bhp and 43.3Nm
- Kerb weight stands at 189kg
- Prices range from Rs 2.75 lakh to Rs 3.02 lakh
Honda CB500 has finally received its complete technical specification for India filling in one of the biggest gaps since the motorcycle was announced earlier this year. It comes with a large 501.7cc single-cylinder engine with modest peak power but plenty of low-down torque. Its Rs 2.75 lakh starting price places it almost directly against the new Triumph Bonneville T40 and below the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
The 501.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine is supported by an oil cooler. It develops 27.5bhp at 5,250rpm and peak torque that stands at a much healthier 43.3Nm at just 3,750rpm. Honda has clearly not designed this engine to chase revs or outright acceleration. Peak torque arriving below 4,000rpm should give the motorcycle a strong, relaxed response at everyday speeds, with fewer reasons to constantly work the gearbox. That is very much in keeping with the old-school roadster theme.
It also comes with a five-speed transmission rather than six gears, paired with a multiplate wet clutch. An assist and slipper clutch is standard. It is slightly surprising to see five ratios on a new 500cc motorcycle in 2026, particularly when similarly priced rivals use six-speed gearboxes, but the broad torque spread may reduce the need for an extra ratio in normal riding.
CB500 weighs a very manageable 189kg at kerb and has a 1,439mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is fair at 168mm and the fuel tank holds 15.2 litres. Overall length measures 2,164mm making this a fairly substantial motorcycle despite the simple single-cylinder layout. It is actually lighter than the smaller-capacity Bonneville T40, which Triumph lists at 195kg wet, and substantially lighter than the 218kg Interceptor 650.
Wheel combination is a 100/90-19 front tyre and a much wider 150/70-17 rear. Disc brakes at both ends come with dual-channel ABS. Suspension remains simple with a conventional telescopic fork at the front and gas-charged twin shock absorbers at the rear.
Electronics package is slightly more modern than the chassis layout. Honda Selectable Torque Control is standard, and so is dual-channel ABS. You also get LED lighting, digi-analogue instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity through Honda RoadSync, turn-by-turn navigation and a USB Type-C charging port.
Also the analogue-digital instrument retains some of the visual character expected from a traditional CB roadster while still supporting connected functions. Honda has stopped short of loading the CB500 with riding modes and complicated electronics, which arguably suits the straightforward engine and chassis philosophy.
