Honda is planning to bring a new mid-size adventure motorcycle to the Indian market which will be sold from the brand premium motorcycles sales network the BigWing Topline. Sources suggest that the brand is evaluating to bring the Honda CB500X adventure motorcycle and position the bike between the KTM 390 Adventure and the Kawasaki Versys 650. However, it is still unclear which route (CBU/CKD) the Cb500X takes to get to the Indian market which will be a major deciding factor that dictates its price and eventually its sales figures in our price-sensitive market.
Powering the Honda CB500X is a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-twin cylinder four-stroke DOHC engine that pumps out 47 Hp of power and 43 Nm of torque. The engine gets a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper wet multi-plate clutch. The Honda CB500X features preload-adjustable 41mm right-side-up telescopic long-travel front forks and a ProLink 5-stage adjustable mono-shock mounted on the steel square pipe swingarm. The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch alloy wheels shod in dual-sport tyres, checking all the boxes ADV enthusiasts look for in the mechanical department. Braking components include a single 310mm disc with a two-piston calliper on the front and a 240mm single disc with a single-piston calliper on the rear equipped with a dual-channel ABS.
The Honda CB500X comes with a sharp but upright nose with LED headlamps, a mild beak with slender but angular fairings, a clear tall touring visor, a sleek tail with LED tail lamp, ergonomic seats, upright single piece handlebar, up-swept twin-tipped exhaust, and a fully digital colour LCD instruments console.
If things go according to plan the Honda CB500X is likely to arrive in the Indian market as soon as April 2021. But Honda has not officially announced if or when the brand plans to launch the CB500X. The Honda CB500X will compete with the likes of the KTM 390 Adventure, the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the MY2021 Benelli TRK 502 in the Indian market. Expect prices to be close to the INR 6 lakh ex-showroom mark.