o grip the bike with their knees for maximum control.
The CBR500R features dual headlights, offering wide light distribution for optimum visibility, especially while cornering. An LED taillight is also included.
The view 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, in keeping with the “Total Control” design philosophy, a fundamental concept for Honda's CBR range. Purposeful aluminum footpegs offer maximum support for spirited riding. The compact front fender is taken from the CBR650R.
Meter / Controls
The five-inch full-color TFT screen uses optical bonding to maximize visibility in bright sunlight. The gap between the cover glass and TFT screen is sealed with resin to minimize glare and optimize backlight transmittance. Owners can customize the display patterns (Bar, Circle and Simple) and select between three background options (Black, White and Auto). Navigating through the TFT display settings is simple and intuitive thanks to the backlit four-way toggle switch located on the left handlebar.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CBR500R's 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zippy top end. The engine's overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Acceleration is impressive, due to good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.
The CBR500R is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which compares front and rear wheel speeds to monitor rear slip; when it is detected, fuel injection is controlled to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC maximizes performance in a wide range of conditions and inspires confidence, especially on slippery surfaces. The system can be turned off completely via the switch on the left handlebar.
Feeding the programmed electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI) is a relatively straight shot of air through the airbox and throttle bodies. The settings optimize torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, as well as a rasping high-rpm howl.
Bore and stroke are 67.0mm x 66.8mm, with a compression ratio of 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a 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, and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame's rigidity, with four hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and minimized friction.
The pin surfaces of the silent (SV Chain) cam chain are treated with Vanadium, minimizing friction with excellent protection against wear. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm, while exhaust-valve diameter is 21.5mm.
The piston shape is carefully designed to minimize noise at high rpm, with striations on the piston skirt (a finish that maximizes surface area and introduces gaps in which oil can flow, for better lubrication). The triangle proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design minimizes the pumping losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2 liters. The smooth-shifting, six-speed transmission is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CBR500R's light, strong 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of rider feedback as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame's rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
Geometry
The CBR500R's curb weight is 421 pounds (with all fluids and a full tank of fuel), and the 50.7/49.3 front/rear bias promotes nimble handling and excellent front-end grip. Wheelbase is 55.5 inches, with rake and trail of 25.5°/4.0 inches (101mm).
Seat height is low at 31.1 inches, making the CBR500R simple to manage, and its riding position comfortably accommodates riders of varying heights. Overall dimensions are 81.9 inches long, 30.1 inches wide and 45.1 inches high, with 5.1 inches of ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons.
Suspension
