- CBR500R ABS
- CBR500R
Since its 2013 launch, Honda's fully faired CBR500R has been proven itself a standout option for riders looking to move up from a smaller machine, instilling the excitement of sportbike ownership into every ride while also delivering sensible running costs, making it a great bike for both commuting and enjoying the weekend. It has also found favor with experienced riders looking to downsize while still preserving the essence of motorcycling. For 2019, the CBR500R has aggressive new styling that heralds a long list of performance improvements that strengthen the sportbike's appeal.
STYLING
For 2019, the CBR500R's fully faired form is made even more aggressive with 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 been narrowed to improve ergonomics and movement. Sharply chiseled dual LED headlights stare menacingly ahead, and the addition of LED turn signals means all lighting is now LED.
The view forward from the CBR500R's cockpit is pure sport. The handlebars now clip on beneath the redesigned top triple clamp, and as a result the riding position is canted 8° further forward; the fairing is also set lower to give the rider Total Control—the design philosophy behind the styling redesign, and a fundamental concept for Honda's CBR range.
New 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
Unchanged for 2019, 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 new single-tube rear shock (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) replaces the double-tube design of the previous model, its large-diameter piston ensuring excellent suspension response and temperature management. It has nine-stage spring-preload adjustment and works through a rigid box-section steel swingarm, which now 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. Already strong off the bottom, the target for 2019 development was faster acceleration through a boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range; the 4% improvement comes via altered intake valve timing—with "close" timing accelerated by 5°—and lift increased by 0.3mm to 7.8mm.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is now a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The battery has been repositioned further away from the rear of the airbox intake duct (1.7 inches versus 0.5 inches) to allow greater airflow; the exhaust muffler now 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. New for 2019, an assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smoother downshifts.
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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