Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has confirmed plans to manufacture the engine powering its new CB500 motorcycle locally, while preparing to introduce additional models in India in 2027.
The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer is also evaluating opportunities to localise other motorcycles from its global portfolio. Customer demand and domestic supply-chain capabilities will guide decisions on which models are considered for local production.
In an exclusive interaction with Autocar Professional, HMSI President and CEO Tsutsumu Otani confirmed that the CB500 engine would be manufactured in India. Asked specifically whether the engine would be produced locally, Otani replied, “Yes.” The confirmation follows the introduction of the India-made CB500, powered by a 501cc single-cylinder engine.
Honda CB500 501cc Engine and Local Manufacturing Plans
The 501cc engine would extend HMSI’s domestic engine manufacturing into a higher-displacement category. Honda already manufactures engines for its CB350 range in India, with displacements of approximately 349cc. Otani did not specify the manufacturing location, production schedule or localisation content of the CB500 engine.
Will Honda Localise the NX500 and Other Models?
Asked about the possibility of localising other motorcycles, including the NX500, Otani said Honda would evaluate which models were suited to the Indian market. “Customer demand is the first priority. The second is the strength of the supply chain in India,” he said. He did not confirm additional models for local production or provide a timeline for further localisation.
Honda CB500 Price in India, Variants and Specifications
Honda announced prices for the CB500 in September 2026, starting at Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). The motorcycle is offered in three variants and is powered by a 501cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 28hp and 43.3Nm of torque. The company announced a phased rollout, with deliveries of the initial variant scheduled to begin after the price announcement.
The CB500 was among the ten products Honda showcased in July 2026 as part of its expanded India portfolio. The line-up comprised seven new models and three existing models with refreshed colour options, covering multiple motorcycle and scooter categories. Honda had also outlined plans to strengthen local engineering, sourcing and manufacturing capabilities.
Honda New Models Coming in 2027
Asked whether additional models would be introduced in 2027 beyond the ten products already showcased, Otani confirmed that further launches were planned. “Yes. There will be additional new models,” he said. However, he declined to disclose how many products the company intended to introduce next year. “I cannot share that information today because I would first like to communicate it to our dealer network. That is a priority. I will share those details with them first,” Otani said. He did not identify the segments or powertrain technologies of the additional models.
HMSI Growth Plans and the Make in India Push
On HMSI’s next phase of growth, Otani said both the existing product portfolio and larger-displacement motorcycles would contribute. “Customer demand differs from one generation to another, from region to region, and also depends on income levels,” he said. He added that Honda had a wide international product line-up that could be adapted to Indian market requirements.
“Make in India is very important,” Otani said. He pointed to Honda’s global resources and the opportunities to adapt products for India. The company is evaluating which motorcycles from its international portfolio could be localised based on customer demand and domestic supply-chain capabilities.
HMSI Capacity Expansion and CB500 Export Outlook
HMSI has separately announced plans to increase its annual manufacturing capacity from 62.5 lakh units to approximately 80 lakh units by 2028. The expansion includes additional production lines at its existing facilities to support domestic demand and exports.
Honda is also evaluating the India-made CB500 for overseas markets, although a final export programme for the model has not been announced.