Incoming 501cc retro single to be based on existing GB350
It was way back in 2024 that we first revealed Honda had trademarked the name ‘GB500’ for an upcoming retro model and now it looks like that machine is set for an imminent unveiling after the company launched its new CB500 in the Indian market.
The bikes we know as the GB350 and GB350S are Indian-made and originally developed as rivals to Royal Enfield’s retro single-cylinder machines in that market. In India there’s a whole five-model range based on the same platform, all wearing the name CB350 instead of GB350. So it makes sense that the bike just unveiled in India as the CB500 will reach export markets under the GB500 name that’s already been trademarked around the globe.
The Indian market CB500 is exactly what we’d expect the future GB500 to be. The engine is a 501cc air and oil-cooled single that’s developed from the CB350/GB350 motor: the smaller-capacity engine was always a physically large, long-stroke design that was well suited to gain more cubes. The full specs haven’t been announced yet, so details like the bore and stroke are still unknown, but just like the 350 the 500 is a torque-focussed design that has no ambitions to be the most powerful thing on the block. In fact, its power peak of around 20kW is only a third more than the 15.5kW of the GB350, while torque is up from 29Nm to 43.3Nm, representing a 50% increase. It’s clear that rideability rather than outright speed is the aim.
Visually, the CB500 – and thus the upcoming GB500 – is in exactly the same mould as the CB350/GB350, most closely resembling the sportier GB350S with smaller front and rear mudguards, fork gaiters and an upswept exhaust. The chassis is similar to the 350 models, but there are dual piggyback-reservoir shocks hinting at improved suspension quality and increased adjustability. In India, the bike is getting a choice of either cast alloy or tubeless wire wheels, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, as well as disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS.
The full details of the Indian market CB500 will be revealed in the coming weeks, and we could get news of the export GB500 model when Honda announces its 2027 line-up towards the end of this year.
