2013 Honda CB500X

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Just saw Honda CB500X, haven’t read the specs yet, but it looks promising.

So Dear Honda, if you are listening, can you please launch this in India?

Edit: Here are the specs

[h=3]CB500X[/h] [h=4]ENGINE[/h]

Engine Type	500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Bore And Stroke	67mm x 66.8mm
Compression Ratio	10.7:1
Induction	PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies
Ignition	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Valve Train	DOHC; four valves per cylinder

[h=4]DRIVE TRAIN[/h]

Transmission	Six-speed
Final Drive	O-ring-sealed chain

[h=4]CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES[/h]

Front Suspension	41mm fork; 5.5 inches travel
Rear Suspension	Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Front Brake	Twin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc
Rear Brake	Single caliper 240mm wave disc/
Front Tire	120/70-17 radial
Rear Tire	160/60-17 radial

[h=4]DIMENSIONS[/h]

Rake	26.5 degrees
Trail	109mm (4.29 inches)
Wheelbase	55.9 inches
Seat Height	31.9 inches
Curb Weight	430 pounds. Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel?ready to ride
Fuel Capacity	4.5 gallons including 0.7-gallon reserve

[h=4]OTHER[/h]

Model Id	CB500X
Emissions	Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Available Colors	Matte Black Metallic

 

[Vikas the Shokeen biker]

This one motorcycle which is an answer to the prayers of all the people who have been craving for a great all round touring motorcycle which can double up as a city run about with equal ease. However, don't expect this product to be launched in India anytime before late 2014 or may be even 2015.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Actually I have serious doubt if it would be launched in India at all! But if it is, it would be a fantastic option for riders like me.

 

[Vikas the Shokeen biker]

We can expect all the three 500cc motorcycles from Honda - CBR 500R, CB 500R and CB 500X to be launched in India, in the same order. If assembled in India, which is mostly likely to happen, combined sales of these 3 models will give Honda huge economies of scale and hence will be able to price these motorcycles very competitively. Just imagine these motorcycles priced in 3.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs with a price difference of 30,000-40,000 between each model. We can expect these prices for these motorcycles as Honda has not used expensive material or technology for them. Even the CBR 500R will come with single disc at front and won't have goodies like projector headlamps etc.

 

[darkside_of_d_sun]

This is the one I am eyeing! The CB500F is priced at $5500 i.e. less than 3 lakhs INR and the CBR500R is priced at 6000$, i.e. INR 325000. The CB500X price is TBD and I am sure it will fall in between these two. Damn you Honda, make this bike in India.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

We can expect all the three 500cc motorcycles from Honda - CBR 500R, CB 500R and CB 500X to be launched in India, in the same order. If assembled in India, which is mostly likely to happen, combined sales of these 3 models will give Honda huge economies of scale and hence will be able to price these motorcycles very competitively. Just imagine these motorcycles priced in 3.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs with a price difference of 30,000-40,000 between each model. We can expect these prices for these motorcycles as Honda has not used expensive material or technology for them. Even the CBR 500R will come with single disc at front and won't have goodies like projector headlamps etc.

Lets hope your prediction turns out to be true.

This is the one I am eyeing! The CB500F is priced at $5500 i.e. less than 3 lakhs INR and the CBR500R is priced at 6000$, i.e. INR 325000. The CB500X price is TBD and I am sure it will fall in between these two. Damn you Honda, make this bike in India.

True, if they make it here, they can really price it well and virtually take over the segment.

 

[rajat_delhi]

It will be imported... So 100% duty will be there. Right?

 

[jeetcp]

I believe so, but duty on the import price not on sale price. And then not everything need to be imported, lets say tyres....

It will be imported... So 100% duty will be there. Right?

 

[Vikas the Shokeen biker]

It will be imported... So 100% duty will be there. Right?

I believe so, but duty on the import price not on sale price. And then not everything need to be imported, lets say tyres....

This motorcycle can't be a sales success if its a CBU import. It has to be at least CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route or may even need localization to be launched at competitive price point.

- - - Updated - - -

Here are 2 more pics of the motorcycle showing it more clearly. It sports a bigger 19ltrs (approx) fuel tank against its sportier cousins' 16ltrs (approx). Riding position is more upright and screen is taller too. To me, the riding position feels more like our good old Zma, nothing bad to start with.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Yes and that bash plate look solid enough to be of use while touring, instead of just all show.

Real thing to see would the suspension, if it is good, this is going to be one hell of a bike, on and off the road!