2018 Honda CBR500R was recently launched in Malaysia for RM 31,681 (Approx. INR 4.99 lakh). This price does not includes the on-road charges and thus, sits quite lower than CBR650F in the company lineup.
This design language is the most impressive one among sub 500cc CBR models, clearly getting the benefit from a proportionate exhaust system and not so high placed rear seat. Three new shades on offer are named Graphite Black, Pearl Metalloid White and Grand Prix Red.
LED headlight and taillight remains standard on the model. ABS variant for CBR500R is priced at a premium of approximately RM 3500 (INR 50,000 approx) from the non-ABS model. Honda presently offers just CBR650F and CBR1000RR in India.
Both the bikes are priced at INR 7.30 lakh and INR 16.80 lakh respectively. This makes enough space for Honda to bring a host of entry level models. This includes CBR125R, CBR150R, CBR250R, CBR250RR, CBR300R, CBR400R and CBR500R.
Honda could challenge the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja 400 with its CBR400R while Benelli’s twin cylinder 500cc upcoming bikes could rival CBR500R. Their decently powered CBR300R can rival the new Apache RR 310 while CBR250RR will create a unique rivalry with 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250.
The entry level CBR150R could be a great option to rival Yamaha R15 V3. Even after having such a wonderful lineup, Honda is not entering any of this segment before its rivals. 2018 Honda CBR500R is powered by a 471cc, twin cylinder engine producing 50.3 HP at 8500 rpm and 43 Nm at 7000 rpm.
The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Official fuel efficiency figure for the motorcycle is 29.4 kmpl. Auto Expo 2018 will witness the entry of one among the two single cylinder entry level CBR bikes. Presently, Honda is India’s second largest two wheeler brand by volume.
