Motorcycle specifications HondaCBR 500 R 2026 Everyday sportswoman

A CBR for every age; a steed for every level. The 500 has always been aimed at newcomers to our world. It's an initiator, offering an interesting choice for getting to grips with the bike, especially the left-hand one. Either the young rider learns to get to grips with the clutch, or he can let the electronics manage the action with the E-Clutch system. After its debut on the CBR 650 R, the automated clutch arrives on this CBR 500 R (and other 500s). The module has already evolved since its presentation at the end of 2023; it's 300 grams lighter, more compact and repositioned further forward.

The E-clutch is an electronic brain that engages and disengages the clutch for you. The lever is always there if you want to regain control. Otherwise, it manages everything with speed and flexibility. Your foot controls the upshifts and downshifts, and the technology does the rest. A plus when you spend your day in town, shifting 50 gears a minute, or when your hand is having trouble. Honda tech'(which doesn't shift gears but assists them) adds an extra 3 kg to the machine.

Sporty recreation

With each new generation, the CBR 500 R takes on a sharper, sharper look, with an ever-increasing determination to resemble the toughest track bikes in the range. The CBR name is assumed, defended and glorified. But CBR doesn't mean time trials and competition at all costs. The acronym City Bike Racing places the sport's cursor on several levels. But which one dictates the 500's path?

In terms of design alone, it faithfully follows in the footsteps of its big sisters. Its sporty lines are worthy of the higher classes. With its razor-sharp faces and skin-deep tension, the desire to be an arsouille soon runs through the hair. The new version sharpens up the lineage, fairing sides and fork-head cheeks a little, with the significant change of adding side vents - like simili-winglets copied from those on the 1000 RR-R. These elements are supposed to have an influence on the feel of the front traina and the bike's stability. Yeah... Don't forget that this bike is only 35 kW. Still a long way from Superbike and aerodynamic strategies.

The CBR 500 R has always defended a friendly, non-violent idea of the sport, opening the door to the CBR clan to A2 license holders. The block has endured and continued to deliver its 47.5 horsepower for the past 10 years. Honda was keen to improve what happens between the moment the rider turns the throttle and the power peak. A reworking of the injection mapping gives slightly more consistent acceleration and a throttle that's a little more responsive.

The twin-cylinder received the company of a limited-slip clutch in 2019. The 2024 model brings with it HSTC traction (torque) control. Perhaps of relative use given the power of the mill, but it can come into action under certain tricky conditions and avoid a few scares. The Honda Selectable Torque Control compares the speed difference between the wheels and, if necessary, acts on the fuel injection to reduce torque.
How much torque is that? 43 Nm, or almost 4.4 mkg. That's enough to offer a gentle push, but fortunately the bike is light at 191 kg in running order.

The sensor deal

Honda has pushed the envelope a little to equip the CBR. With the HSTC as we've just seen, but also with a revised headlamp to diffuse a wider beam. The rear light has also been reworked. A few photos to send to friends, then we stay in the techno-digital atmosphere with the 5-inch color TFT screen. A notable and welcome evolution, finally offering a more fashionable and less old-fashioned interface than the previous liquid crystal unit. It's operated by a backlit control on the left-hand commodo. Clear, uncluttered and well laid-out, the speedo offers 3 display themes (Simple / Bar / Circular) and smartphone connectivity via the RoadSync app. Once all the bells and whistles are connected, the rider can make phone calls, listen to on-board music, be notified of incoming messages, have access to simplified step-by-step GPS navigation and control everything vocally (if an intercom is present in the helmet). A weather forecasting system is also included.

With this upgradeable package, the CBR 500 R adds the digital dimension it has been lacking. Everyday riding and handling is based on the same layout as the previous generation, which had also gained a little sportiness and precision with a 41 mm Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork and radial brake calipers to grip two 296 mm discs. The "Diamond" steel frame and suspension are also unchanged - so it won't be overshadowed. Since 2022, this combination has provided healthy, nimble, homogeneous handling with almost insolent ease.

Honda has managed to shave a kilo off its small CBR, down to 191 units. It's anecdotal, but always worth it. Still very proud of its name, the 500 continues its journey with a dose of tech to keep up with the times. Performance won't match its dynamic styling, but it's certainly the best the A2 can offer.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

* A few words about the E-Clutch system:

-When the clutch lever is pressed, Honda's electronic clutch system reactivates in less than a second above a certain engine speed, and after 5 seconds at low rpm. If the rider wishes to deactivate the system, he can do so via the control on the left handlebar. Switching to manual mode is indicated by the letter "M" on the dashboard.

- The E-Clutch allows you to select a shifting feel by adjusting the force required on the pedal. Three settings are available: hard, medium and soft, each of which can be selected independently for upshifting and downshifting. It also informs you if the selected gear is too high.

- It manages engagement and disengagement according to several parameters, including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine speed, pressure on the gearshift pedal, clutch motor reducer angle, intermediate shaft speed and gear engaged. The clutch is operated by a two-motor actuator located in the right-hand crankcase. During engagement and disengagement, ignition advance and fuel injection are also controlled, ensuring smooth, jolt-free gear changes under all circumstances.