As the date for 2014 Auto Expo is coming close, the Indian auto market is abuzz with the products displays that companies might be turning up with. In the two-wheeler segment, reports have indicated that Honda is planning to bring the 500 cc version of CBR in India through the platform of upcoming motor event. Reports have suggested that that Honda would first be unveiling its bike, which shall soon the launch of the same. Fuelled by the plans of Honda in which it affirmed that a new model would be introduced in every quarter, it has led to many industry experts presuming an early 2014 launch of CBR500R. Going by the current model launches in the mid-size bike segment, the reports surrounding the launch of CBR500R might be true.
In major international markets, Honda CBR500R is already on sale powered by a 500cc liquid-cooled engine that generates 47 bhp of power alongside the 43 Nm of torque. Also, the bike clocks from 0 kmph to 100 kmph in just 5.7 seconds and powers to a top speed of 185 kmph. These figures sound more impressive when one comes across the fact that the bike weighs around 194 kilos. For efficient braking, Honda will give away 320 mm petal disc at the front while at the rear wheel; a 240mm petal disc might be given.
Internationally, CBR500R shares rivalry with Kawasaki Ninja 300 and KTM 390 Duke. While in the Indian market, the bike of Honda will square off against KTM 390 Duke, which was recently launched. Apart from it, Royal Enfield Continental GT is the other major rival of CBR500R that has been inspired from the cafe racer bikes. Also, Bajaj Auto would be rolling out Pulsar 375 in India during the early part of 2014. So as far as competition of Honda CBR500R goes, it is likely to get intense once it arrives in India.
The upcoming bike of Honda might be offered in two variants namely, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and without ABS. In foreign markets, ABS is not offered as standard on the entry-level variant. As far as the Indian market is concerned, the company might give away ABS as a standard feature in CBR500R. For the Indian market, the expected price tag for the upcoming bike of Honda is believed to be around Rs. 4 lakh.
Experts are saying that CBR500R will gain an upper hand over its rivals as it has got far better looks. The design of CBR500R draws cues from the other two successful bikes of Honda i.e. CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR. The fully digital instrument cluster panel of the bike has got an LCD display which indicates the speed, trip, fuel tank level and low oil. While for fuel efficiency, the expected figures that CBR500R might gave are ascertained to be around 20 kmpl.
In order to give away optimum comfort to rider while cruising on the bike, Honda has given away specialised air management system. The bike is also equipped with an engine counter balancer to provide superior and comfortable ride. According to sources, Honda CBR500R will be brought to India via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route.
