2021 Honda CB500X BS6 Launched At Rs 6.87 Lakh Ex-showroom

Bookings for the ADV have commenced across all BigWing dealerships in India

• It makes its way to India via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route.
• Deliveries are expected to commence soon.
• The 2021 CB500X is available in two colours: red and black.
• It’s powered by a 471cc parallel-twin motor putting out 47PS and 43Nm.

Honda continues to broaden its portfolio in India for 2021. The Japanese manufacturer has launched its first mid-capacity ADV in India, the CB500X BS6, priced at Rs 6,87,386 ex-showroom. That’s much higher than we’d earlier anticipated. For reference, the Kawasaki Versys 650 costs just about Rs 6,600 more but offers a lot more power and kit for the price. On the bright side, the CB500X weighs in at 197kg, it’s less intimidating to ride, and has a lower seat height of 830mm making it more accessible to newer riders. 

Then there's the engine. It packs a BS6-compliant 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor that produces 47PS of power and 43Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed transmission. It even gets a slip-and-assist clutch. Sure, the performance may not sound like much, especially compared to the KTM 390 Adventure, but the beauty of the engine lies in the way it puts down its power -- linear and stress-free -- ideal for touring.

Underpinnings comprise a long-travel telescopic front fork adjustable for preload and a 9-step preload-adjustable monoshock. It rides on 19- and 17-inch cast aluminium alloy wheels wrapped with 110- and 160-section tyres at the front and back respectively. The bike is anchored by a single 310mm front and a 240mm rear petal disc brake. A generous 17.5-litre fuel tank, coupled with the frugal parallel-twin motor, should keep you on the road longer.

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The Honda CB500X is subtle yet captivating. It's sleek and compact which makes it less intimidating compared to other ADVs in the market. On the feature front, the 500X gets a full-digital instrument console with gear position and gear shift up indicator, all-LED lighting, a tall windscreen, and dual-channel ABS. It also comes with Honda's smart ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system which detects sudden braking and automatically activates the hazard lights. Besides, the bike also comes equipped with the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) that automatically disables the starting of the engine by means of electronic control.

Bookings for the Honda CB500X have commenced across all Honda BigWing dealerships in India, with deliveries expected to begin soon. There’s no denying the CB500X is an expensive proposition, but it should pay in dividends considering it’s easier to ride and maintain in the long run. In terms of rivals, the 2021 Honda CB500X takes on the BS6 Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Benelli TRK 502.