Honda’s Tantalizing New Retro-Styled CB500 Snaps Into FocusGear PatrolSteve MazzucchiUpdatedWed, September 23, 2026 at 6:40 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleWe now have pricing and colors for this pitch-perfect forbidden fruit, fresh light for a small ray of hope.Over the summer, the Honda bike that arguably generated the most excitement was the CB500, thanks to a potent mix of approachability, power and style with the promise of not breaking the bank.Now that the brand has announced the Indian price for the bike, I can confirm it is most certainly affordable: the alloy-wheeled base model starts at ₹275,000, roughly equivalent to $2,868.Honda has priced the entry-level, alloy-wheeled CB500 at ₹275,000 in India, making it one of the more accessible retro-styled bikes on the market. - Credit: HondaOf course if it ever did make its way stateside, the combo of tax, homologation, shipping and market position would easily more than double that number.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe closest thing we have to it here is probably the SCL500, which now starts at $6,999, after all.The CB500 (shown here in the mid-range variant) pulls design cues directly from the legendary CB750, including a round headlamp, teardrop tank and chrome exhaust accents. - Credit: HondaBut to quote one of the Bobs from Office Space, "believe me this is a hypothetical" because so far Honda refuses to comment on the bike reaching other markets.All we can do at the moment is dig into a few more fun details and cross our fingers.The CB500 (shown here in the top-line model) features full LED lighting, an analog/digital hybrid gauge and dual-channel ABS-backed disc brakes. - Credit: HondaBeyond the base model CB500, there are two steps up: a tubeless wire-spoke version starts at ₹299,900 and a spoked and pinstriped edition starts at ₹301,900.Colorwise, the standard comes in Pearl Igneous Black and Pearl Deep Ground Gray, the mid-range features Rebel Red Metallic 2 and Mat Steel Silver Metallic and the top-line bike gets a Pearl Igneous Black treatment with contrasting stripes.Power comes from an all-new 501cc single-cylinder engine producing 28 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of peak torque. - Credit: HondaAs I mentioned writing about the bike in July, the CB500 packs an all-new 501cc single-cylinder engine making 28 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of peak torque, complemented by full LED lighting, an analog/digital hybrid gauge and disc brakes supported by dual-channel ABS.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat's to say nothing of the most delightful aspect, the styling cues it takes from the legendary CB750: round headlamp and mirrors, teardrop tank, wide bars and chrome-accented exhaust, to name a few.About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.