2026-09-24
The 2026 Honda CB500 brings a big-capacity single-cylinder engine back to Honda's retro roadster range. Introduced for the Indian market, the new CB500 uses a 501cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine producing approximately 28 hp and 43.3 Nm of torque.
Honda has positioned the motorcycle as a simple, torque-focused retro roadster rather than a high-revving sports model. Prices in India start at ₹275,000, with three variants available.
The launch has also created interest outside India because a possible Honda GB500S has been discussed for Europe and the UK. However, Honda has not officially confirmed a UK or European version of the new CB500.
2026 Honda CB500 Quick Facts
| Specification | 2026 Honda CB500 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 501cc single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air-cooled with oil cooling |
| Maximum Power | Approx. 28 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 43.3 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Slipper clutch |
| Traction Control | Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) |
| Brakes | Front and rear disc brakes |
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Lighting | LED |
| India Starting Price | ₹275,000 ex-showroom |
| UK Price | Not officially announced |
| Europe Availability | Not officially confirmed |
What Engine Does the 2026 Honda CB500 Have?
The new Honda CB500 is powered by a 501cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. It produces approximately 28 hp and 43.3 Nm of torque.
This is particularly important because the new Indian-market CB500 should not be confused with Honda's familiar 471cc parallel-twin platform used by models such as the CB500 Hornet and NX500.
The CB500 instead follows a traditional big-single formula. Its engine is designed around accessible torque and relaxed road riding rather than maximum horsepower.
Honda CB500 Performance
With around 28 hp and 43.3 Nm, the CB500's headline performance figures may appear modest for a 500cc motorcycle. However, outright horsepower is not the main purpose of this engine.
A large single-cylinder configuration can deliver strong low- and mid-range response, making it particularly suitable for everyday riding and traditional roadster applications.
The motorcycle also uses a 5-speed transmission and features a slipper clutch and Honda Selectable Torque Control.
What Is the Honda CB500 Top Speed?
Honda has not published an official top-speed figure for the new CB500.
Because official final performance testing and a manufacturer-confirmed maximum speed figure are not currently available, SBKMOTOR does not treat unverified top-speed estimates as official specifications.
The 28 hp output suggests that the CB500 is designed primarily for torque, comfort and everyday road use rather than outright maximum-speed performance.
2026 Honda CB500 Price
The Honda CB500 starts at ₹275,000 ex-showroom in India. Three versions of the motorcycle have been announced, mainly differentiated by their wheel configurations and styling.
| Honda CB500 Variant | India Price |
|---|---|
| CB500 Alloy | ₹275,000 |
| CB500 Spoke Tubeless | ₹299,900 |
| CB500 Spoke Tubeless with Stripe | ₹301,900 |
These figures are Indian-market ex-showroom prices and should not be directly converted into expected US, UK or European retail prices. Taxes, homologation, transportation costs and market positioning can produce substantial differences between countries.
Honda CB500 Variants Explained
Honda offers three main configurations of the CB500. The entry-level version uses alloy wheels, while higher variants introduce cross-spoke tubeless wheels and additional styling details.
Honda CB500 Alloy
The Alloy is the entry point to the CB500 family. It uses conventional alloy wheels and carries the lowest announced price of ₹275,000.
Honda CB500 Spoke Tubeless
The middle version replaces the alloy wheels with cross-spoke wheels capable of running tubeless tyres. Its announced price is ₹299,900.
Honda CB500 Spoke Tubeless with Stripe
The highest-priced version adds distinctive stripe graphics to the cross-spoke-wheel configuration and is priced at ₹301,900.
Honda CB500 Features
Despite its intentionally traditional appearance, the new CB500 combines its retro design with several modern motorcycle technologies.
- 501cc single-cylinder engine
- Air cooling with oil cooling
- 5-speed transmission
- Slipper clutch
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- Dual-channel ABS
- Front and rear disc brakes
- LED lighting
- Analogue-digital instrument display
- Honda RoadSync connectivity
Why Is the New CB500 Different From the Other Honda 500s?
The model name can initially cause some confusion because Honda already sells several motorcycles associated with its 500cc family.
Models such as the Honda NX500 use Honda's established 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. The new CB500 introduced in India takes a fundamentally different approach with its 501cc single-cylinder air- and oil-cooled engine.
The result is a motorcycle with a stronger retro-roadster identity and a different performance philosophy from Honda's twin-cylinder 500cc models.
Could the Honda CB500 Become the GB500S in the UK?
A potential Honda GB500S has attracted considerable attention following the introduction of the CB500 in India.
The idea is plausible because Honda already sells the smaller GB350S in European markets and the CB500 follows a similar retro single-cylinder philosophy.
However, there is an important distinction: Honda has not officially confirmed that the Indian CB500 will be sold as a GB500S in the UK or Europe.
Until Honda announces such a model, the GB500S should therefore be treated as a possible future model rather than a confirmed European motorcycle.
Could the Honda GB500S Cost Around £5,500?
A figure of approximately £5,500 has been discussed for a potential UK-market GB500S, but this is not an official Honda price.
The estimate comes from comparing the relationship between Indian and UK pricing of the smaller GB350S and applying a similar ratio to the new CB500. That calculation produces a figure in the region of £5,500.
However, currency conversion alone cannot reliably predict motorcycle pricing. Taxes, emissions certification, transportation, dealer margins and Honda's regional product strategy could all change the final price substantially.
As a result, there is currently no confirmed Honda GB500S UK MSRP.
Honda CB500 vs GB350S: What's the Difference?
The most obvious difference is engine capacity. The CB500's 501cc engine provides considerably more displacement than the GB350S's smaller single-cylinder engine.
The larger engine also gives Honda the opportunity to address one of the limitations associated with smaller retro singles: performance on faster roads.
However, a direct European-market comparison will only become possible if Honda officially introduces a production GB500S.
Who Is the Honda CB500 For?
The CB500 is aimed at riders who prefer traditional motorcycle character over maximum performance figures.
Its combination of a large single-cylinder engine, retro styling, modern ABS, traction control and relatively simple mechanical layout places it in a different category from high-revving middleweight naked and sport motorcycles.
It may particularly appeal to riders looking for a modern interpretation of the classic big-single roadster formula.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Honda CB500
How much does the 2026 Honda CB500 cost?
The Honda CB500 starts at ₹275,000 ex-showroom in India. Higher variants are priced at ₹299,900 and ₹301,900.
What engine does the new Honda CB500 have?
The new CB500 uses a 501cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine.
How much horsepower does the Honda CB500 produce?
The 501cc engine produces approximately 28 hp and 43.3 Nm of torque.
What is the Honda CB500 top speed?
Honda has not published an official top-speed figure for the new CB500.
Is the Honda CB500 a parallel twin?
No. This version of the Honda CB500 uses a single-cylinder engine and should not be confused with Honda's 471cc parallel-twin 500cc platform.
Is the Honda CB500 coming to the UK?
Honda has not officially confirmed the new CB500 for the UK market.
Is the Honda GB500S confirmed?
No. A possible GB500S has been discussed in connection with the CB500, but Honda has not announced a production GB500S for the UK or Europe.
How much could the Honda GB500S cost in the UK?
Around £5,500 has been suggested by third-party analysis, but Honda has not announced an official UK price.
SBKMOTOR Summary
The 2026 Honda CB500 is an interesting addition to Honda's line-up because it moves away from the familiar parallel-twin formula and returns to a large 501cc single-cylinder engine.
With approximately 28 hp, 43.3 Nm, modern rider aids and Indian pricing starting at ₹275,000, the CB500 focuses on retro character and usable torque rather than outright performance.
The bigger question for international riders is whether the motorcycle will eventually reach the UK and Europe as a Honda GB500S. For now, that remains unconfirmed. SBKMOTOR will update this page if Honda announces European availability, official pricing or additional technical specifications.
