Rumour: Honda to launch CBR500R in India in early 2014

Japanese 2-wheeler giant Honda, plans to launch its CBR500R motorcycle in India in early 2014. According to a report on MotorBeam, Honda will display the bike at the Auto Expo in February 2014.

The CBR500R comes with a full fairing and is powered by a 471 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder, fuel-injected engine, producing 47 bhp and 43 Nm of torque, which is transmitted to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox. The bike manages a 0-100 kph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 180 kph. Weighing in at 194 kgs, it is not light. However, Honda says, that the CBR500R is a "do-it-all street machine".

A 320 mm disc brake on the front wheel and a 240 mm disc brake on the rear wheel provide stopping power for the CBR500R. In the international market, the bike is available in two variants, with ABS and without. It remains to be seen whether Honda brings both these variants to India, like the CBR250R. Front suspension is a telescopic fork with 4.3 inches travel, while at the rear, is a Pro-link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches travel.

With rival KTM gearing up to launch its RC series bikes in the near future, CBR500R’s success will depend on how competitively Honda prices it.