Honda Set to Rival Royal Enfield with the GB500 – Here’s What We Know So Far

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As the middleweight motorcycle segment continues to grow in popularity, Honda is reportedly planning to introduce the GB500 in India, potentially as a competitor to Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup. At the 2024 EICMA, Honda unveiled the GB350 S for the European market, a model that shares similarities with the CB350 sold in India. New reports suggest that Honda is also developing a GB500, which could be launched in India as a CB500, aiming to challenge Royal Enfield's dominance in this space.

Honda Secures GB500 Trademark in Europe and USA

In a move signaling the company’s intent to introduce the GB500, Honda has filed trademarks for the model in both the European Union and the United States. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registered the GB500 name on November 12, while the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) followed suit on November 14. These filings indicate that the GB500 could soon enter production, potentially positioning Honda to compete with Royal Enfield's growing 650cc range. If priced attractively and produced efficiently in India, the GB500 could prove to be a formidable competitor.

What Engine Might the Honda GB500 Use?

The smaller GB350 currently employs a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which may not provide sufficient performance gains for the GB500. While the GB350 generates around 20 hp, the GB500 would likely need to offer more than just a modest 10 hp increase to capture the attention of enthusiasts. As such, the GB500 is expected to include a liquid-cooled engine, potentially producing over 45 hp.

Honda could opt to use the existing 500cc twin-cylinder engine already featured in models like the CMX 500 Rebel and CB500, which produces 47 hp at 8,500 rpm. This would provide a cost-effective solution for the GB500, especially if the model is to be produced at Honda's Indian manufacturing facilities. It’s possible that the GB500 could be marketed under the CB500 name in India.

Design, Features, and Specifications

The Honda GB500 will likely be designed to meet the requirements of the A2 licensing system in Europe, which imposes restrictions on engine output. It may come with a tubular steel frame, telescopic front forks, and dual rear shock absorbers. Disc brakes at both ends, along with standard dual-channel ABS, would be expected.

The bike's design will likely follow a similar aesthetic to the smaller GB350 (sold as the CB350 in India), with a retro-inspired look that includes a round headlamp, circular rear-view mirrors, a curvaceous fuel tank, and a single-piece seat. The riding posture is expected to be comfortable, catering to both casual riders and enthusiasts alike.

When Will the Honda GB500 Arrive and How Much Will It Cost?

While Honda has trademarked the GB500 in multiple markets, the launch is not expected to happen in the immediate future. A plausible timeline for its arrival could be around 2026. As for pricing, Honda may adopt a competitive strategy similar to the GB350, which is priced at €4,490 (approximately Rs 3.99 lakh) in Europe. However, in India, the CB350 starts at Rs 2 lakh (Ex-showroom), while Royal Enfield’s 650cc motorcycles are priced from Rs 3.02 lakh (Ex-showroom). 

If Honda can bring the GB500 to India with a competitive price point, it could pose a serious challenge to Royal Enfield's popular 650cc offerings, particularly among buyers seeking a more refined alternative.