Honda has presented in India a new model from its extensive catalog that expands the essence that the Japanese manufacturer has been revealing in recent times. Although Honda has always been linked and continues to be linked to technological advances and the avant-garde in the sector, it does not give up the classics.
That is why, following the line that they have opened with other models that are already on the market, the launch that we have just witnessed in India is not surprising. Regardless of whether or not it ends up reaching our market, what is certain is that it continues the line that we have seen recently.
We are not only talking about the long-awaited CB1000F, but also about the smaller and more affordable GB350. In this case, the model has been called CB500 in India and is the evolution of what is the CB350S in India, and which is marketed in Europe as the GB350. Therefore, it is to be expected that if it ends up reaching our market its initials would be GB and not CB.
In any case, what lies behind this new model is a clearly recognizable silhouette, a classic and traditional design, with its teardrop-shaped tank, its round headlight (LED), the long seat and few unnecessary decorations. As we say, it would be a motorcycle very similar in concept to the GB350 although getting a little closer to the original CB concept.
The new Honda CB500 has a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
The engine, as its last name indicates, is a 500 that has a capacity of 501 cubic centimeters to be exact and is another of the differential parts of the motorcycle. Among other things because we are dealing with a single-cylinder but air-cooled engine with a maximum power of 28 HP and a torque of 43.3 Nm. Figures higher than the 350 but still considered within what in Europe would be a pure A2 motorcycle.
Of course, the apparent mechanical simplicity is not so simple when we look at some details. While it is true that the gearbox is five speeds and is something that is not common on our continent today, it has an assisted and slipper clutch, also dual-channel ABS and HSTC traction control. That is to say, although the aesthetics are retro, in terms of safety we are looking at a 21st century motorcycle.
That retro touch is given by the chassis part, with the telescopic fork with bellows and the two rear shock absorbers with gas tank. It is not confirmed, but it seems that Showa is precisely in charge of the cushioning. The wheels are another point that will have to be confirmed later, since versions with alloy wheels but also with spokes, although tubeless, have been seen.
This swimming between two waters of the model, mixing the classic and the current, is also felt in the most aesthetic and equipment part. While the chrome and paint take us back to the 60s of the last century, the frame mixes analogue with digital, even showing gear in gear and even Honda RoadSync connectivity with connection to a Smartphone and Full LED lighting.
Even so, the big question remains whether this model, which by the way will be manufactured in India, will jump to more markets or will remain in India. Neither the price nor availability is known, although it does make it clear that Honda is entering a segment in which until very recently it had no presence.
