Motorcycle specifications Honda CB 500 Super Four 2026 Not so easy to catch

Japan regularly unveils charming little machines that we might not necessarily see here but that certainly catch the eye. Take this CB 500 Super Four, for example. A roadster that looks as classic as they come... and is deceptively so, because it’s a real firecracker and has little in common with the CB 500 we know.

The “Four” in its name should have tipped you off. The four beautiful exhaust pipes even more so. Indeed, this little rascal is powered by a four-cylinder engine, following in the storied lineage of the CB 750 Four, CB 1000 Super Four, and so many other models with four inline pistons.

Our CB 500 “Hornet” produces nearly 48 horsepower from its 471cc twin. In the Land of the Rising Sun, the 502cc engine (shown here) is rated at around 80 horsepower!!! That’s some serious punch—enough to make many entry-level mid-size bikes green with envy.
That said, this engine isn’t for everyone. With a small displacement per cylinder, power is only available at high RPMs. This roadster will therefore require dynamic riding and revving the engine to make the most of its power.

This 500 has other strengths as well, proving that it’s not just a basic bike for beginners but a real little firecracker with pedigree. The CB 500 Super Four features an aluminum swingarm, an inverted fork, a shock absorber mounted on a Pro-Link system, Nissin 4-piston radial brake calipers, dual front brake discs, HSTC traction control, 5 riding modes, a 5-inch color TFT screen with the RoadSync app, as well as the first evolution of the E-Clutch assisted clutch.

The steel frame is self-supporting and cradle-less, which perfectly showcases the beautiful exhaust manifold. The fuel tank and overall lines echo the CB 900 F from the 1970s—a strong trend at Honda right now.
This CB 500 Super Four is also a statement: it’s no coincidence that it was unveiled at CIMAMotor, the Chinese motorcycle show. The Japanese manufacturer is thus showcasing a high-end model in a compact format.
Will we get the chance to see it too? Unlikely, but incredibly exciting.

Image credits: Manufacturer

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