Honda’s surprise CBR500R

Meet the CBR500R, an all-new 500cc inline-four sports bike that draws on the heritage of the Japanese-market CB400 SUPER FOUR, but has been developed for a new generation of riders.

In an era when manufacturers have increasingly turned to parallel twins to deliver affordable, accessible performance, Honda has gone in a different direction. The result is a compact middleweight with a high-revving four-cylinder engine, proper sports bike styling, decent chassis hardware and its clever E-Clutch system fitted as standard. There will also be a 35kW version for A2 licence holders, potentially making it an appealing stepping stone into the world of sports bikes.

That’s a big deal. The sound, feel and character of an inline-four have long been part of the sports bike experience, but affordable access to that configuration has become less common, especially so in the sub-600cc sector. If Honda can deliver the goods at a sensible price, the CBR500R could help introduce a whole new wave of riders to the joys of a multi-cylinder sports bike. We’re already rather excited about that prospect.

At its heart is an all-new 500cc, DOHC, 16-valve inline-four producing a claimed 53kW at 11,000rpm and 46.3Nm of torque at 10,500rpm. The engine has a 12,500rpm redline, so there should be plenty of incentive to work through the gearbox rather than simply surfing a wall of low-down torque. Honda has also gone to town on the engineering. Ni-SiC-plated cylinder walls reduce friction and save weight, while DLC-coated valve lifters further cut friction. Dual ram-air ducts feed a downdraft intake system, with an arrangement of different-length intake funnels designed to improve efficiency and give the engine a distinctive induction note. The 4-2-1 exhaust, meanwhile, takes inspiration from the 1975 CB400 FOUR – a nice nod to Honda’s four-cylinder history.

The engine sits in an all-new steel diamond-style frame, using the motor as a stressed member. Suspension comes courtesy of 41mm KYB upside-down forks and a Pro-Link rear shock, while an aluminium swingarm helps keep the chassis feeling suitably modern. Braking is handled by twin 296mm front discs and radial-mounted Nissin two-piston calipers, with two-channel ABS as standard. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres complete the package.

Claimed kerb weight is 189kg, with a 780mm seat height designed to make the bike approachable without sacrificing its sporting intent. The riding position uses clip-on handlebars, while the bodywork takes a distinctly different direction to the familiar CBR look, with a mass-forward design, twin LED projector headlights and a sharply upswept tail.

It’s not just the engine that makes the CBR500R stand out, either. Honda’s E-Clutch system comes as standard, allowing riders to pull away, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever. Just operate the gear pedal and let the electronics take care of the rest. The conventional clutch lever remains in place for anyone who prefers to use it, while the system can also be switched off. Combined with throttle-by-wire, the E-Clutch can blip the throttle on downshifts and help manage rear-wheel hop under hard braking. Riders can also adjust the force required to operate the gear lever, with three settings available for both upshifts and downshifts. It’s an intriguing bit of kit on a bike aimed at newer riders, but it should also make everyday riding less of a chore.

Electronics include three riding modes – Standard, Sport and Urban – alongside two customisable User modes. Engine power, engine braking and Honda Selectable Torque Control can all be adjusted, with the latter switchable off in the User settings. A five-inch TFT display provides the information, while Honda RoadSync connectivity brings smartphone functions and turn-by-turn navigation to the cockpit. There’s also a USB-C charging socket. The CBR500R will be offered in Ignition Red Tricolour and Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, although Honda hasn’t yet announced UK pricing or availability.