If you’re looking for a streetbike that is the perfect combination of size, performance, versatility and price, Honda’s CBR500R is exactly where you want to be. It’s the perfect companion for a spirited trip down a winding canyon road. Discover what a great daily-riding bike it is too: commuting, errand running, weekend pleasure trips. Looking for a first bike that you won’t outgrow in a year? A 500 twin is about the best choice you can make there. Generations of riders have known it, and the CBR500R is the newest incarnation.
Its engine is powerful, smooth, and offers a wide powerband with plenty of revs. Twins are a great choice for most riders: Narrow and smooth, with a wide torque spread. With four-valve combustion chambers, twin overhead cams and fuel injection, the CBR500R can keep up with plenty of bigger sportbikes if you do your part. And it may even be more fun because it’s so light and responsive.
With just enough bodywork for some weather protection and style, plenty of more experienced riders have found it’s the perfect solution for them too. So go ahead—check one out. One ride will tell you that the CBR500R ticks off all the boxes in your “best of” category. What are you waiting for?
Engine & Drivetrain |
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Optimum power characteristics
The DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine uses a square bore & stroke of 67 mm x 66.8 mm for an optimum combination of strong low-end torque and horsepower and excellent top-end performance.The 67 mm bore size is the same as used on the CBR600RR. |
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Smooth and compact
Engine vibration is kept to a minimum by using crank pins phased at 180 degrees and a balancer shaft behind the cylinders, which also contributes to the engine’s compact size. |
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Crisp throttle response
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection keeps the engine running efficiently in all conditions and ensures crisp throttle response. |
Small & lightweight water pump
Careful flow analysis of the cooling system resulted in a water pump that’s small and lightweight, yet still more than capable of keeping the engine running its best at high output levels. |
Maximized flow efficiency
In order to maximize air-intake and exhaust efficiency, the path from the air cleaner through the intake ports to the exhaust pipe was made as straight as possible. |
Reduced weight & friction
The four valves in each of the DOHC cylinder heads have narrow stems, thereby reducing weight and friction and increasing efficiency. |
High-tech design
A light and compact roller- rocker-arm assembly and shim-type valve adjustment allows a lower valve-spring load for reduced friction and a compact cylinder head. And to ensure precise cylinder shape, the engine uses the same centrifugal-cast thin-wall sleeves as found in the CBR600RR. |
Improved durability
The pins in the silent cam chain have been treated with vanadium, which both reduces friction and improves durability. Lightweight pistons use the same advanced manufacturing process as those found in the CBR600RR. |
Reduced friction
The oil pump’s internal relief structure uses the same design as found in the CBR1000RR, which reduces friction, improves aeration performance and simplifies the shape of the oil pan. |
Smooth shifting
The design of the shifting mechanism in the six-speed gearbox results in smooth, precise shifting. |
The sound of power
The internal structure of the CBR500R's muffler helps produce an authoritative exhaust note and improves the bike’s mass centralization. |
Chassis & Suspension |
![]() The lightweight diamond-shaped steel frame was designed to allow a certain degree of yield, which enables it to better respond to changes in the road surface and to transmit just the right amount of feedback to the rider. |
The Pro-Link rear suspension with preload-adjustable shock and the 41 mm fork - with the addition of preload adjustability - are calibrated for a comfortable but sporty ride. |
Easily balanced at stops The rear section of the frame was designed to facilitate a seat height of 785 mm, which allows most riders to easily plant their feet on the ground when stopped. |
Excellent manoeuvrability
Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spokes not only look trick, they also contribute to the bike’s excellent manoeuvrability. |
Reduced unsprung weight
Wave brake rotors with superlative heat-dissipating qualities are lighter than conventional discs of the same diameter, which helps to further reduce the bike’s unsprung weight. |
Strong & controlled stopping power
A powerful dual-piston brake caliper up front and a single-piston caliper at the back provide strong but easily controlled stopping power, even in difficult conditions. Also available with Honda's sophisticated ABS system. |
Additional Features |
The CBR500R’s racy fairing and rear section incorporate a pair of bright and distinctive LED headlights and an LED taillight. |
Strategically placed vents and ducts in the front cowl and side panels improve rider comfort and protection while also aiding high- speed handling. |
Ergonomics were carefully configured to ensure an unrestricted riding position that allows easy manoeuvring in town, an easy reach to the ground, as well as excellent comfort during long-distance highway trips. |
Excellent range & fuel efficiency
While the fuel tank on the CBR500R looks sleek and sporty, its larger capacity, combined with the engine’s fuel-efficient performance, allow you to ride long and far between gas stops. |
Convenient storage
A utility space under the seat accommodates a U-lock, wet-weather gear or other items. |
More upgrades
Adjustable brake lever and wave-style ignition key add to the CBR500R’s long list of premium features. |