[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Received forwarded, the on road pricing for Bangalore - 8.56 lakhs.

[balenoed_]

Isn't it CKD guys and "taxes" being the bigger chunk of it. How would Honda mitigate it?

[Neo18]

Mind boggling pricing! I doubt that even the upcoming KTM 490 twins with more performance and grunt will cost as much the CB 500X! Wonder what they smoke at Honda India, must be something exotic!

[aargee]

Although, I know this motorcycle isn't as exciting like NCX or as powerful as Versys 650, I'm fully aware, we only get what we pay for. For a 196 Kg, 17 liters tank & a 471 cc engine churning 45 Bhp, I was prepared to shell out 5.25L ex showroom & yes that is what Honda retails in US. No, I don't care it's CKD, GKD or whatsoever way HMSI brings the motorcycle into this country & neither do I care whether HMSI makes profit or not.

As a customer (or from my point of view), all I need is, the motorcycle HAS TO be affordable & provide value for my purchase; and neither is this motorcycle made for elites. For an MSRP of $7000, I would've gladly walked into BigWing with 5.25L + taxes.

Even if Honda is going to relaunch with 5.25L, I think they wouldn't mind losing one customer.

[anshumandun]

I recently picked up a 3 year old done 12000 kms pre-worshipped Versys 650 for 5.5L. I was already quite happy with my decision but this news just makes me want to jump in joy

[Sheel]

I sold my bike few days back and was waiting for this bike to be launched.

I did not want a Versys as its a bit bulky and did not want a KTM 390 ADV. The price makes sure, I will either wait for a price correction or maybe wait for a twin from KTM.

Yes, Hondas are priced a bit premium, but this much premium? No man. In my books, 6L OTR is the upper cap for this.

[Kashi053]

Originally Posted by Sheel

I sold my bike few days back and was waiting for this bike to be launched.

I did not want a Versys as its a bit bulky and did not want a KTM 390 ADV. The price makes sure, I will either wait for a price correction or maybe wait for a twin from KTM.
.

Exactly my thought as well. I own Duke390 and eagerly waited for CB500X as my next upgrade. Versys is bulky and outdated. Instead of shelling out 8.5L for this, better to wait for 790/890 adv from KTM if they can price it within 11L onroad. What am looking at is around 60ps/60nm with 6-8L onroad adventure bike.

[Axe77]

Daft pricing - agree with most here.

Judging by this and other recent Honda pricing I wouldn't be surprised if the Forza 300 (whenever they launch it) will be on the wrong side of 4.5 lakh (on road).

[neil.jericho]

The pricing by Honda is ridiculous at first glance. The Indian market has matured to where it is ready for a sensible product like the Honda CB500X but at these prices, the CB500X is not going to be a great seller for Honda.

That said, I dont think that the CB500X is going to be dead on arrival due to its pricing. There are many owners who want something
- no nonsense,
- discreet,
- reliable,
- light,
- capable enough to get you through hell and high water,
- powerful enough for highway runs,
- tour ready and
- with affordable service.

The Himalayan doesnt get enough power. Neither does the GS310. The Adv390 may not be reliable enough for many. The Versys 650's service and spares will be a lot more expensive than the Honda.

Every competitor above and below the CB500X has some things going for it, and has some things that go against it. Purely as a functional product, the CB500X is an excellent motorcycle. The price is a party pooper.

But, that said, there are many riders who own big bikes and have been waiting to downgrade (capacity / power wise) to something more sensible like the CB500X (or bikes like it). They have been waiting for many years and the CB500X is finally here. Many may get turned off by the pricing and keep waiting for another 2 - 3 years for the next exciting launch. Meanwhile, others will buy the CB500X and enjoy their motorcycling adventures.

I know of at least one Team BHPian who is very seriously planning to sell his multi cylinder motorcycle to buy the CB500X, even at these prices. I would suggest that others who are interested in products in this category, at least test ride the CB500X and then make up their mind.

I, for one, will definitely be taking a test ride of this long awaited bike. It doesnt tug the heart strings like a ZX10R does, but the CB500X does appeal a lot, to the grown up in me.

[nitinkbhaskar]

Shumi's take on CB500X

https://youtu.be/ZsHMCxsX2d0

No doubt the bike is capable but then its a tad expensive. Makes for a great buy in preowned marked couple of years down the lane. Ripe time for me to upgrade from my 310 GS

[noo.b]

Damn this is the third stillborn this week. First two being the Aprilia twins and now this.

Given the whole work from home trend I am not sure if the pricing was decided by people who were sober at that time

[quickfox11]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

But, that said, there are many riders who own big bikes and have been waiting to downgrade (capacity / power wise) to something more sensible like the CB500X (or bikes like it).

I know of at least one Team BHPian who is very seriously planning to sell his multi cylinder motorcycle to buy the CB500X, even at these prices.

Guess that's what the orientation and interest group for this bike is going to be. People who already own a 15L-30L bikes won't flinch by a ~8L OTR as compared to people stretching their 5/6L OTR budget!

It's a barebone motorcycle doing everything it should, in the best possible way (as per Shumi's reviews). But that's what a brand like Honda is expected to do but they want us to shower them with a lot more than just praises.

Bottom line is, no matter how great you look standalone, you are always going to be compared among your peers. And that would include VFM.

I personally feel that if you are going to bleed, just wait and save a little more to bleed for VStrom!

[Sebring]

I was under the impression that the Suzuki is closer to Africa Twin in price. Isn't VSTROM kissing the Rs 15 Lakh mark, or are big discounts being offered?

Originally Posted by quickfox11

I personally feel that if you are going to bleed, just wait and save a little more to bleed for VStrom!

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by Sebring

I was under the impression that the Suzuki is closer to Africa Twin in price. Isn't VSTROM kissing the Rs 15 Lakh mark, or are big discounts being offered?

No. Its 8.85l ex showroom so around 11l on road. But the VStorm still has the old instrumentation and weighs a lot more but is a more capable off roading motorcycle than the CB500x.

[coolmel]

Ridiculous pricing (as expected) for what is a brilliant machine. It has been on my radar for far too long. Will await price cuts. Sad that the DCT variants don't make it here.