Honda Evaluates India-Made CB500 Exports, Teases New Launches for 2027

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is evaluating the export potential of its India-made CB500 and plans to manufacture the motorcycle’s 501cc engine locally. The company is also considering local production of other models from its global portfolio, with customer demand and supply chain capabilities expected to guide its decisions.

In an exclusive interaction with Autocar Professional, HMSI president and CEO Tsutsumu Otani said Honda’s extensive international line-up provides opportunities to introduce more models in India. He also confirmed that the company is planning new motorcycle launches in 2027, without disclosing details.

Honda CB500 Localisation and Export Plans

Honda already manufactures engines for its CB350 range in India. Localising the 501cc CB500 engine would extend its domestic manufacturing operations into a higher-displacement category.

However, Otani did not specify the manufacturing location, production timeline or planned localisation level for the CB500 engine. Exports of the India-made motorcycle are also under evaluation, with no final decision announced.

When asked about potentially localising other global models, including the NX500, Otani said decisions would depend on customer demand and the capabilities of the domestic supply chain. He also emphasised Honda’s alignment with the Make in India initiative.

The CB500 was among the new two-wheelers showcased by Honda in July. It is powered by a 501cc single-cylinder engine producing 28hp and 43.3Nm, and is offered in three variants.

Prices start at Rs 2.75 lakh for the alloy-wheel variant and extend to Rs 3.02 lakh for the tubeless-spoke variant with stripes, positioning it below the newly introduced Triumph Bonneville T40, according to the supplied information.

Honda’s website indicates that deliveries of the alloy-wheel variant are scheduled to begin in the October-December quarter of 2026, while the other two variants are expected to reach customers in the January-March quarter of 2027.

Honda Plans More Launches and Higher Production Capacity

Beyond the CB500, Honda is evaluating further additions to its India line-up. Otani confirmed that new models are planned for 2027 but did not specify their number or segments.

The company is also increasing its annual manufacturing capacity from 62.5 lakh units to 80 lakh units by 2028. The expansion is expected to be achieved through additional production lines at existing facilities, supporting both domestic demand and exports.

Honda already exports the India-made CB350 to overseas markets, where it is sold as the GB350 in countries including the UK and Japan. The model provides an existing example of how Indian manufacturing can support Honda’s international operations.

The potential export of the CB500 would extend that approach to a larger-displacement motorcycle. However, the proposal remains under evaluation, and Honda has yet to announce a confirmed export programme.