2024 HONDA CBR500R Honda’s Amazing A2 twin-cylinder sports bike gets a sharp, Fireblade-inspired style
Hugely popular with younger riders looking to move up from a smaller machine, the CBR500R instils the excitement of sports bike ownership into every ride yet also delivers sensible running costs, making it a great bike to both commute through the working week and enjoy at the weekend.
The A2-licence friendly 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. And it’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity; peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,600rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
The A2-compliant, slipper clutch-equipped twin-cylinder engine benefits from the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) as well as ECU updates to improve acceleration.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. Optimisation of ignition timing and air/fuel ratio equals more powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl.
Premium technology – in the form of a brand new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight a first for a Honda motorcycle. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced and backlight transmittance improved. It’s customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and also offers the IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.
easy-to-use, backlit 4-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the CBR500R, and go.
New dual LED headlights maintain beam penetration but throw out wider light distribution, for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. They’re matched to a new taillight; all lighting is LED.
Seat height is low at 785mm, making the bike very easy to manage and its sporting riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height. Overall dimensions are 2080mm x 760mm x 1145mm, with 130mm ground clearance.
The fuel tank holds 17.1L including reserve and combined with the engine’s excellent 3.5L/100km (28.6km/litre) fuel economy, gives a range of over 485km.
Wheelbase is 1410mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm, and front/rear bias percentage of 50.7/49.3. Kerb weight is 191kg.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are top draw. The four-cylinder CBR650R uses the exact same set-up.
The swingarm is constructed from 2mm steel and employs a hollow cross member; it is stiff rotationally, and flexible laterally to improve handling. The single-tube Showa rear shock absorber, with its large-diameter piston, ensures excellent response and temperature management and features 5-stage preload adjustment.
Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin radial-mount, four-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc a single-piston caliper. Lightweight rims use 5 Y-shaped spokes; the 3.5-inch front wears a 120/70-ZR17 tyre, and the 4.5-inch rear a 160/60-ZR17 tyre.
- Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CBR500R, as individual items or grouped in packs, and ready to bolt straight on:
Racing Pack
Maximising the sports style, the colour-matched Seat Cowl neatly replaces the pillion seat, adding a sharp shape designed integrally with the motorcycle. The Wheel Stripes highlight the rims, a carbon pattern Tank Pad protects the paint and features the CBR logo, while the 400mm taller Smoked Screen enhances air deflection and comfort at speed.
Comfort Pack
For longer journeys, the Comfort Pack features Heated Grips – with 5 heat levels, a memory function and full TFT screen integration. There’s an ACC Socket for smartphone charging under the seat and a practical, 3L Tank Bag (with see-through pocket) for easy-access storage, plus rain cover.
The accessory line-up is complemented by a practical 15L Seat Bag, a 35L Top Box and its required carrier. All the accessories featured in packs can also be purchased individually.
