Honda CB500 Launched in India at RM11,700

Honda CB500: A 501cc Modern Classic Roadster Now Available in India from RM11,700

The Honda CB500 is a modern classic roadster manufactured by the Japanese marque Honda, launched for the Indian market on 23 September 2026. It features a 501 cc single-cylinder engine and starts at ₹275,000 (approximately RM11,700). In Malaysia, the bike is not yet officially available, but its positioning directly above the CB350 suggests a strategic gap for Honda Malaysia to address for riders seeking a stylish yet capable daily commuter with weekend touring ability. It is a direct response to the growing demand for retro-styled motorcycles equipped with modern technology.

Key Facts: Honda CB500 Price and Specifications

The base Honda CB500 variant is priced at ₹275,000, which converts to approximately RM11,700 based on the exchange rate at the time of the source article's publication. This pricing does not include Malaysian import duties, road tax, or insurance, so a hypothetical Malaysia price would be significantly higher.

How Does the CB500's Engine Perform for Everyday Malaysian Riding?

The 501 cc engine in the CB500 is tuned for urban and medium-range touring. It produces 27.76 hp and 43.3 Nm of torque, with a focus on low-to-mid-range torque delivery rather than high peak power. This makes it suitable for navigating Malaysian city traffic in Kuala Lumpur while still having enough capacity for highway trips to Genting Highlands or coastal routes.

"Enjin jenis long-stroke itu dipadankan dengan transmisi lima kelajuan bersama sistem slip-and-assist clutch. Berbanding mengejar angka kuasa tinggi, talaan enjin lebih memberi tumpuan kepada penghantaran tork pada putaran rendah dan pertengahan."

— Firdaus Razani, Careta (23-09-2026)

This long-stroke design and five-speed gearbox are unusual for a 500cc class, favouring relaxed cruising. The 43.3 Nm of torque is notable for overtaking and maintaining speed, and the slip-and-assist clutch reduces lever effort—an advantage for heavy traffic.

Unlike typical 500cc parallel-twin engines, the CB500's single-cylinder layout provides a torquey and vibration-prone character that excels in dense urban traffic, offering a 43.3 Nm peak torque at low rpm to reduce gear shifting.

Is the Honda CB500 Suitable for Malaysia's Climate and Roads?

Yes, the CB500 is mechanically suited to tropical conditions. The air-and-oil-cooled engine simplifies maintenance and reduces heat soak compared to liquid-cooled units, which is beneficial for Malaysian stop-and-go traffic. However, the bike is not currently certified by Sirim for local sale, and no warranty or distributor has been announced.

Given Malaysia's tropical climate, the bike's long-stroke engine design helps produce strong mid-range torque without needing to rev high, which keeps engine temperatures more manageable in 30°C weather. The 19-inch front wheel handles typical Malaysian road imperfections.

• Climate: Air-oil cooling is efficient for hot weather and avoids radiator maintenance.
• Roads: The 19-inch front wheel provides stability on uneven surfaces outside major cities.
• Electrical: Standard 12V system compatible with local 240V battery chargers found in Malaysian homes.

No Sirim certification or official Honda Malaysia warranty has been announced for the CB500, and as of September 2026, there is no confirmed timeline for local availability.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This motorcycle is for the Malaysian rider wanting a retro-styled daily commuter with weekend touring capability. It appeals to those who find the 350cc class underpowered for highway use but don't need a heavyweight 650cc+ machine. It is particularly suitable for riders in landed homes or condos with storage space who want a budget-conscious upgrade from a 250cc or 350cc bike.

For context, the Honda CB350 is currently sold in Malaysia for around RM20,000. The CB500, with a larger engine and higher torque, would logically be priced above the CB350 if introduced, but exact pricing is unknown.

If brought to Malaysia, the CB500 would serve as a direct step-up from the Honda CB350 (priced ~RM20,000), likely filling a price gap between RM25,000 and RM30,000 depending on import and excise taxes.

Common Questions

What is the estimated price of the Honda CB500 if launched in Malaysia?

The Indian price translates to RM11,700 to RM12,840. In Malaysia, import duties and taxes would raise this. As a benchmark, the CB350 costs around RM20,000 here, so a CB500 would likely cost at least RM25,000, though no official announcement exists.

Is there any news about a Honda CB500S version for Europe?

Honda has registered the name GB500S in Europe, sparking speculation that a European version may appear. However, this has not been confirmed by Honda, and there is no news for Malaysia regarding the CB500 or any rebadged European version.

Can I buy the Honda CB500 in Malaysia now?

No. As of September 2026, Honda Malaysia has not announced the CB500. The bike is only confirmed for India, with deliveries of the base variant starting October 2026. Malaysian buyers cannot currently order one through official channels.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original reporting by Firdaus Razani for Careta, published on 23-09-2026, with original information sourced from VisorDown and Paultan. The source text was in Malay; all technical specifications have been directly translated. Currency conversions from Indian Rupees (₹) to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) are provided in the source material and have been retained as approximations. No Malaysian or European availability information was provided in the source, so none are stated as fact.

This article was last updated on [Current Date]. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited Careta source and comparative pricing for the Honda CB350.