Honda CB500F

Honda BigWing Bengaluru has a CB500F on display. Will it launch in India? .

 Honda had unveiled the 2022 CB500F with updated brakes and suspension along with new colour options. Check out our story for full details.

Honda's mid-spec streetfighter, the CB500F, has been designed to look aggressive with a mean-looking LED headlight. The tail light and turn indicators are LED too. Compared to the older bike, the 2022 model is claimed to have brighter illumination.

But for 2022, the most crucial change comes to the underpinnings. The bike is now anchored by twin 296mm discs up front and is now sprung on a 41mm Showa Balance Free Fork. 

The tapered handlebars add feel and leverage while the slightly rear-set footpegs and split seat make for a comfortable riding posture. Other notable features include an LCD instrument console which offers a shift up and gear position indicators apart from the regular trove of information. All this remains as is for 2022.

In terms of performance, the CB500F uses a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that makes 47.5PS at 8,500rpm, with 43Nm of torque delivered at 7,000rpm. Its 6-speed transmission comes equipped with a slipper clutch. Honda claims to have tweaked the ECU settings this time around, for a smoother throttle response and it has also thrown in a new radiator claimed to be 100g lighter.

Its 17-inch cast aluminium wheels come shod in 120/70-section front and 160/60-section rear tyres. The bike tips the scale at 189kg kerb. Expect Honda to price the bike around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it up against the Benelli Leoncino 500 and Kawasaki Z650.