Motorcycle specifications Honda CBR 500 R Four 2027 The Little Offensive

Just four years ago, there wasn’t a single 400/500cc 4-cylinder sport bike on the market (except in Asia, but that’s another story). Then, in 2024, Kawasaki introduced the ZX4-R to our market—a real gamble that turned out to be a great success, offering a very fun bike that’s perfect for learning to ride.
Without meaning to, Kawa’ opened a door that keeps bringing in new models: the ZXMOTO 500 RR, Kove 450 RR, QJ Motor SRK 421, Bimota KB 399…and the world’s largest manufacturer is sensing the buzz. So Honda is jumping on the bandwagon with an all-new 4-cylinder CBR 500 R Four.

Four small ones beat two medium ones

I’m specifying the number of cylinders because the CBR 500 that French riders are familiar with has been powered by a 48 ch twin since 2013. The Four model is in a whole different league. With just a few more cc and twice as many connecting rods, valves, and other parts, power here comes in at 72 chevaux; a 50% increase—that’s impressive!

On the other hand, the handling is completely different. You have to work hard to get that power—it kicks in high up at 11,000 rpm. Whereas the other CBR 500 delivers its peak power at 8,500 rpm. But let’s not compare them so easily—or at all. They share neither the same architecture nor the same philosophy. One is built for dynamic riding on the road; the other is built for screeching slides.

The CBR 500 R Four’s 4-cylinder engine is a new design, derived from that of the CB 400 Super Four roadster (available only in the Japanese market). With a 60 mm bore and 44 mm stroke, it features a very super-square design, ideal for quick revs and high-end power. The cylinders no longer require liners thanks to a silicon carbide-nickel coating. This engine also features a DLC coating on the valve lifters, intake manifolds of varying lengths, and various optimizations over the 400 model.

This little firecracker will really light up when you push it to the redline. It capitalizes on its displacement by offering a bit more torque than the competition—4.9 mkg—but overall, it doesn’t have the power to outclass them. The Honda puts out 71 bourrins…. The Kawa ZX-4R spits out 6 more, despite having about 100 cm³ less displacement. As for the ZXMOTO, it dominates the field with 84 ch from its 470 cm³ engine.
Like the vast majority of bikes in this displacement class, it isn’t particularly light at 189 kg fully fueled. That puts it on par with the Kawasaki and well above a Kove.

Equipped to please everyone

All these contenders will be available in the A2 category— but cutting their power in half will prevent riders from appreciating their true nature. However, only the Honda features an automated clutch. The E-Clutch comes standard, allowing you to forget about the clutch lever and use only the gear selector. Just like a shifter? Almost. Except that the E-Clutch also manages the clutch for stops, traffic lights, and so on. We go into a bit more detail about this technology here ->

Does a smaller frame mean significantly fewer electronic features than on more powerful sport bikes? Forget that idea. The CBR 500 R Four features traction control, engine braking management, and engine power control; all with three levels of intervention. Five riding modes are available to help riders; three are factory-preset (Standard / Sport / Urban) and two can be customized by the rider.
The 5-inch color TFT display—a staple across the Honda lineup—is included, offering three display modes, a USB-C port, and smartphone connectivity for iOS and Android.

Beneath its sleek and streamlined fairing—featuring a futuristic front end that’s highly unusual for a Honda—the CBR 500 R Four conceals a steel backbone frame typical of the class. The 400/500 SuperSport models don’t have aluminum side members; instead, they feature a diamond-type tubular frame, paired with a 41-mm inverted fork, an aluminum swingarm, and a monoshock working in conjunction with a Pro-Link system. This setup gives it sporty yet responsive handling, without the stiffness of a pure sports bike—which would be more precise but also more demanding and require more experience.
Braking is handled by 296-mm discs clamped by 2-piston calipers. They’re radially mounted, but given the bike’s profile, we would have preferred 4-piston calipers. Plus, there are no suspension adjustments aside from rear preload—that’s not great.

The compact size of a true sports bike

Initially unveiled at the CIMAMOTOR show in China in early 2026, the CBR 500 R Four didn’t make its way to Europe until 2027. It brings Honda’s signature touch to a niche category for connoisseurs—one that’s particularly enjoyable and fun but still somewhat marginal. Its less extreme technical features, its E-Clutch, and—hopefully—its price should broaden the appeal of this segment.
It will serve as an excellent training ground for riders before they tackle more radical machines like its 600 CBR sibling or the few mid-size sport bikes on the market (the real ones, not the roadsters disguised as leggings and sneakers).
Don’t underestimate this “little” CBR. It’s in a whole different league than the CBR 500 R we’re used to here. The name is the same, but the “Four” suffix is enough to change everything.

Image credits: Manufacturer