Honda’s New CB500 Costs Less Than $3,000, But There’s A 19-HP Catch
A brand-new 500cc Honda for less than $3,000 sounds like the kind of deal American riders would rush to a dealership for. Honda has launched exactly that. A new CB500 starts at roughly $2,870, and that’s one heck of a starting price for a half-liter motorcycle. However, there is a catch for U.S. buyers.
A Big Honda For Surprisingly Little Money
The CB500 has a round headlight, a traditional tank shape and the sort of chunky single-cylinder engine that looks right at home in a retro bike. The base model gets alloy wheels, while the pricier versions offer tubeless cross-spoke wheels. Honda also includes traction control, a slipper clutch and phone connectivity.
But, this bike is made for one country specifically, as of now.
Honda launched this cheap 500cc single cruiser for the Indian market. Compare the CB500 in India with the U.S. CB500 Hornet’s $5,899 starting price, and it looks as though India has scored a 500cc Honda for less than half the money.
A Different Kind Of CB500
Honda builds the new CB500 in India for riders who want a bigger, relaxed retro motorcycle at an accessible price. Local production helps keep that price down, but the biggest difference is hiding inside the engine. The Indian CB500 uses a 501cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine making about 28 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox. The CB500 Hornet and the Rebel 500 sold in the U.S. has a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, a six-speed gearbox and around 47 horsepower.
Why The Cheap 500 Isn’t Our 500
That is nearly 20 horsepower separating two motorcycles with “CB500” in their names. The Indian bike actually has more displacement, but its big single is tuned for an easygoing, low-rpm ride. The Hornet’s twin can rev higher and deliver much stronger performance.
That simpler single-cylinder engine, along with local manufacturing, helps explain the bargain price. India got an affordable, old-school 500cc Honda. American riders get a faster, more sophisticated twin. The badge may look familiar, but these are two very different bikes.
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