Honda CB500 2026: New 501cc Retro Roadster Coming to India
The Honda CB500 2026 is one of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India's upcoming middleweight motorcycles. Honda unveiled the new CB500 in India in July 2026, positioning it above the CB350 range. The motorcycle is designed as a retro-style roadster and will be manufactured in India.
Honda CB500 2026 Launch Date
Current reports differ on the exact launch timing. Some September 2026 listings indicate a September launch, while more recent reports from Autocar India and Car&Bike point toward an October 2026 or October-November 2026 launch window. Therefore, the final launch date should be confirmed by Honda.
Engine and Performance
The Honda CB500 gets a newly developed 501cc, single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled petrol engine. The engine is reported to produce around 28 hp and 43.3 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with a manual transmission.
The relatively high torque figure is expected to make the CB500 suitable for everyday riding, city use and relaxed highway cruising. Honda is focusing on a torque-oriented riding character rather than outright performance.
Design and Styling
The CB500 follows a classic roadster design inspired by Honda's heritage motorcycles. It features a round LED headlamp, muscular fuel tank, minimal bodywork and a long, spacious seat. Honda says the styling takes inspiration from the legendary CB750.
The motorcycle is expected to be offered in three variants:
CB500 Alloy
CB500 Spoke Tubeless
CB500 Spoke Tubeless with Graphics
The spoke-tubeless versions combine a traditional appearance with the convenience of tubeless tyres.
Features
The Honda CB500 is expected to offer several modern features while retaining its retro styling. Reported equipment includes:
All-LED lighting
Analog-digital instrument cluster
Honda RoadSync connectivity
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
Dual-channel ABS
Front and rear disc brakes
Assist and slipper clutch
Honda's official information confirms HSTC, all-LED lighting, an analog-digital meter and dual-channel ABS.
Wheels and Touring Ability
Reports indicate that the CB500 uses a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, with road-focused tyres. Its upright roadster ergonomics and torque-oriented engine are expected to make it suitable for both daily commuting and longer rides.
Expected Price
The expected price varies between current sources. ZigWheels lists approximately ₹2.80 lakh to ₹3.15 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant, while Autocar India estimates around ₹2.80 lakh to ₹3.00 lakh. The final Honda price has not yet been announced.
Expected Rivals
The Honda CB500 is expected to compete in the premium 400-650cc roadster space. Potential alternatives include the Harley-Davidson X440 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Honda CB500 2026 Key Specifications
Specification Honda CB500 2026
Engine 501cc single-cylinder
Cooling Air + oil cooled
Fuel Petrol
Power Around 28 hp
Torque 43.3 Nm
Transmission Manual
ABS Dual-channel
Front Wheel 19-inch
Rear Wheel 17-inch
Variants 3
Expected Launch Sep-Oct / Oct-Nov 2026
Expected Price Around ₹2.80-3.15 lakh
Conclusion
The Honda CB500 2026 brings a larger 501cc single-cylinder engine, classic Honda roadster styling and modern electronic features to India's middleweight motorcycle segment. With local manufacturing and three variants planned, the CB500 is expected to expand Honda's premium BigWing motorcycle portfolio. The official launch date, final price and some specifications remain subject to Honda's announcement
