- CBR500R ABS
- CBR500R
Honda's CBR500R is all about balance. Long heralded by both riders who are moving up from smaller machines, and those looking to downsize without giving up the performance and style that drew them to motorcycling, this model finds the balancing point between performance and sensible running costs. With its sporty styling and user-friendly performance, the fully faired CBR500R can do it all, too, from daily commuting to weekend rides.
STYLING
The fully faired CBR500R's gets its aggressive form from straight, wedge-like feature lines and extended lower fairings that emphasize a real sense of speed. The rider's seat pad and seat unit—plus the upper and side fairings—have are narrow to improve ergonomics and movement. Sharply chiseled dual LED headlights stare menacingly ahead, completing the all-LED look.
The view forward from the CBR500R's cockpit is pure sport. The handlebars clip on beneath the top triple clamp, resulting in a sporty riding position; the fairing is also set low to give the rider Total Control—the design philosophy behind the styling design, and a fundamental concept for Honda's CBR range.
LCD instruments feature a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator; this is set to a default 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments between 5,000 and 8,750 rpm.
CHASSIS
The 35mm steel diamond-tube mainframe is light and strong, with a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. Vibration is minimized by the shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame's rigidity balance.
Mass centralization, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers turning agility, while optimum front/rear weight distribution ensures stability. Curb weight (measured with fluids) is 423 pounds for the ABS version. With a low seat height of 30.9 inches, the CBR500R is very easy to manage, and its riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height.
The 41mm telescopic fork delivers a compliant yet controlled ride and gives great front-end feel. A single-tube rear shock (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) with large-diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and temperature management. It has nine-stage spring-preload adjustment and works through a rigid box-section steel swingarm, which features pressed-steel chain-adjustment end-pieces. Lightweight, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels employ hollow cross-section Y-shaped spokes.
ENGINE
The CBR500R's eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel-twin-cylinder engine offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and capable top-end performance. Fast acceleration comes courtesy of an engine specially tuned with good low-to-mid-range power and ideal torque through the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The battery is positioned away from the rear of the airbox intake duct to allow greater airflow; the exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, adding a sportier-sounding edge to each pulse. Peak power arrives at 8,500 rpm, with maximum torque delivered at 7,000 rpm.
The primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance is light to allow the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame's rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the cylinder head uses roller-rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction. A silent cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear.
A six-speed gearbox mirrors that of the RR and uses the same gear-change arm structure and link mechanism. An assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smoother downshifts, too.
One-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Protection Plan.
- Meets current EPA and CARB standards
- California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment
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