Honda to launch a new 500cc motorcycle in India next month: New adventure tourer coming!
It is likely that Honda will launch a new 500cc motorcycle in India next month, it is likely that this will be the new Honda CB500X based with Honda’s 47bhp parallel twin motor.
In Short
- New Honda will launch in India next month.
- Likely to be the CB500X adventure tourer.
- Price is likely to vary between Rs 5 and 5.5 lakh.
Honda have made no pretenses about their aggressive India strategy, especially in the premium space. The most recent being the launch of the new Honda CB350RS that employs similar mechanicals to the Honda H’ness CB350 with an all-new approach to styling offering a more youth-centric option to the RS. Now sources within the Honda dealer network have confirmed the launch of new motorcycle in the 500cc space is scheduled for next month. Like the H’ness and CB350 this motorcycle too, will be sold out of Honda Big Wing dealerships. While there are no confirmations yet, speculations would lead us to believe that this motorcycle is likely to be the CB500X, a parallel twin based 500cc adventure tourer.
In line with Honda’s aggressive pricing strategy, it is likely that this new middleweight Honda will be priced between Rs 5 and 5.5 lakh ex-showroom, pitting it squarely against the Benelli TRK502. Where Honda will have a clear advantage being the bigger brand with a much wider presence.
As it is in global markets,the CB500X will be powered by a 500cc parallel-twin with 47bhp and 42Nm of peak torque and paired with a six-speed gearbox. While the figures are by no means astronomical, at par with the likes of the Dukes 390s and with less torque than the Benelli it is likely that its value offering will be its refinement and reliability that come hand in hand with the Honda brand name.
Aside from that the Honda which is likely going to be biased towards road touring with 41mm conventional forks upfront with 150mm of travel and a rear-mono-shock with 135mm of travel, the rear shock will be adjustable for preload. In terms of kit, the 500X will get LED headlamps, an adjustable wind-screen, LCD instruments and dual channel ABS as standard. More details are likely to be announced in the run up to the launch, watch this space for more.