Honda’s Fresh Focus On Indian Two-Wheeler Segment

Published August 1, 2026
Views : 5720
3 min read

In a bunch of 10 new 2-wheelers, the QC3 and the CB500 have the most potential to elevate Honda’s mass-market appeal

The Japanese brand has had its fair share of success in the Indian two-wheeler market, for almost 2 decades now. Two-wheelers like the Activa, Unicorn, and Shine have developed almost a cult following. It also has had bangers like the CBR150R and the CBR250R, which enthusiasts still yearn for. But not to rest on its laurels, Honda India has unveiled a bunch of bikes and scooters that will be launched soon in India. Right from much-awaited bikes like the Rebel range to the family-oriented QC3 electric scooter. Also part of this barrage of unveils was the CB500, a retro-roadster that no one saw coming.

The latter two mentioned above have piqued my interest. To me, it feels Honda is serious about the future of two-wheeler mobility, while still having firm roots in the past – one’s an electric scooter, and the other is a retro-styled roadster.

At the event, we had a chance to interact with Mr Mutsuo Usui , Director of Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India. During the interaction, Mr Usui gave us an insight into the brand’s approach to two-wheelers.

When asked about the new QC3, this is what he had to say:

“Our policy is, as presented today, multi-pathway. Multi-pathway means we need to fulfill all, all of the possibilities. It means EV, of course, electrification, and petroleum as well, and also flex-fuel. Then, in terms of electrification, we also apply the multi-pathway concept. It is a small-size battery, 1 kWh, also a swappable option, and a fixed-battery option. So, we need to prepare every type of product.”

It’s clear that Honda has taken a three-pronged approach to electric two-wheelers in India. The first was the QC1 - a sub-Rs 1 lakh e-scooter, and the second was the Activa E, which has the convenience of battery swapping. The new QC3 takes the “conventional e-scooter” approach. Meaning the scooter is more family-oriented, and has everything you’d expect - a decently-sized battery with a relatively short charging time, an everyday usable claimed range (145km), and other conventional features. With the QC3, Honda hopes to close the loose ends left by its other two e-scooters.

Moving on to the Honda CB500, it’s a retro-roadster that sits in its own niche – between the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Bullet 350, and the BSA Gold Star 650 – a big thumping single. Here’s what Mr Usui had to say about it:

“We have considered from the beginning a single-cylinder engine. Because in India, low-speed usage in daily commutes, 500cc single-cylinder, high-torque engines create a huge pulse, and you can enjoy the low-speed driving.”

Royal Enfield left the niche vacant when they discontinued the Classic 500, and Honda has stepped in to fill the void, at their own pace – which we wish will work in their favour. For starters, the CB500 doesn’t have any natural rivals. The Gold Star 650 comes close, but it has set itself clearly apart as a premium option. While we don’t expect the CB500 to be priced too affordably, if priced well, the Honda charm might just allure a whole bunch of retro-bike enthusiasts.

Bottomline for both the two-wheelers, eventually, remains the same – pricing. Honda knows this very well. And being makers of India’s best-selling scooter, they belong to the bunch of handful OEMs that very well understand the value-for-money concept, and its importance for Indian buyers.

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