Just a few weeks ago it was confirmed: “Honda’s classic range grows with a new retro model.” The expected CB500 was officially presented in India, a model that represents the logical evolution of its current CB350Sor what is the same, the one we know here under the acronym GB350.
In short, a motorcycle clearly intended for owners of the current A2 with good skills to move with ease in and out of urban environments. Not only that; also maintaining that retro halo that the brand’s followers like so much. Whether it is mechanical level, or the choice of its finishes, as well as the standard equipment it offers, it is clear that it will become a de facto benchmark in the category.
You can now launch a CB500
In the last few hours, Honda’s Indian subsidiary has opened the pre-sale period for the model with an official price that starts from 275,000 rupees and that can reach 301,900 rupees in its highest finish version. We talk about about 2,500 and 2,760 euros respectively. In the middle of both variants we find an intermediate one for just 2,000 rupees less than the highest value.
The rates are adjusted depending on whether we prefer alloy or radial wheels and the installation of conventional or Tubeless type tires.. In addition, it is worth mentioning the up to five color schemes in which we can configure our unit:
- Pearl Deep Ground Gray
- Pearl Igneous Black
- Mat Steel Silver Metallic
- Rebel Red Metallic
- Pearl Igneous Black with Stripes
A technical section based on simplicity
The final platform that gives life to the CB500 does not present any variations with respect to what we already saw last July after its official presentation to the Indian media. Its single-cylinder air-cooled engine stands out here. 501cc that manages to develop a maximum power of 28 HP and a final torque of 43.3 Nm. The block is directly associated with a five-speed gearbox with assisted and slipper clutch.
The cycle part provides the rest in terms of the concept that Honda tries to convey with this CB500. Starting with its semi-double cradle-type tubular steel chassis; This in turn rests on a suspension system made up of a conventional telescopic fork, protected by two bellows and a pair of rear lateral shock absorbers that include an independent gas tank.
The set is completed with the aforementioned rims, spoked or alloy depending on the finish chosen. In them we find a braking kit composed of a double disc, one per axle, actuated in this case by Nissin calipers. In addition, it has the help of a dual-channel ABS system and HSTC traction control. In this way, two key aspects of the model are confirmed, as we already pointed out previously.
Although the CB500 sports a clear retro aesthetic, in terms of safety we are looking at a 21st century motorcycle. Having said all this, we are left with a big doubt as to whether the model will end up being offered in international markets such as Europe. For now, Honda has not commented on this matter, so we can only wait for new updates on the subject.
