Honda CBR 500 R test: The rediscovery
Last year, sales of the Honda CBR 500 R rose sharply, and now it has been revised. Riding performance and price are convincing in the test.
(Image: Ingo Gach)
- Ingo Gach
The Honda CBR 500 R has been on the market since 2013, but its sales figures languished for a long time. Then something unexpected happened: after years of relative disinterest, sports motorcycles came back into fashion, at least if they were reasonably affordable and looked stylish. Both are true of the CBR 500 R, and it is experiencing a surprising renaissance, with almost 1000 buyers in Germany last year. Reason enough to subject the entry-level sports bike to a test.
Exemplary smooth running and linear power delivery
The 471 cm3-cylinder in-line twin engine is an old acquaintance and has been built hundreds of thousands of times worldwide, as it is also used in the CB 500 F, which was given the decorative nickname Hornet last year. The engine is considered mature and reliable. It produces 48 hp at 8600 rpm, has 180 degree crankpin offset and a balancer shaft to prevent vibrations. It offers exemplary smooth running and a praiseworthy linear power delivery. For the A2 driving license class, it makes full use of the permitted power, with its comparatively large displacement benefiting the maximum torque of 43 Nm at 6500 rpm.
Rides faster than expected
The CBR 500 R weighs 192 kg empty, significantly more than the prescribed minimum weight of five kg per kW for the A2 driving license category. Nevertheless, it rides faster than expected. The engine revs easily and if you keep it at revs, you will have a lot of fun on the country road. The Honda benefits from its agile turn-in behavior, can be easily leaned over and shows little stand-up torque, which is partly thanks to the rather narrow 160 rear tire. The standard Michelin Road 6 tires also contribute to the handling. Honda has revised the mapping, so the CBR 500 R should now have a little more power in the lower and middle rev range, and it also takes the throttle more gently.
Chassis never feels overstretched
The steel frame has remained untouched, and the suspension is still not adjustable, apart from the preload of the shock absorber. However, it never feels overstretched, which is not due to the limited power. At least the Honda has a 41 mm thick Big Piston fork from Showa, which gives it a certain sporty touch. Honda has tuned the CBR 500 R rather softly to cover as wide a range of use as possible because very few people will take it seriously on the racetrack. It performs well on bumpy country roads and offers good comfort. Only on undulations in fast bends can the rear end start to pump – never dangerous, but noticeable.
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Moderate consumption
The two radially mounted four-piston brake calipers from Nissin on the front wheel with the 296 mm brake discs stop the Honda reliably, if not excessively bitingly. When downshifting, an anti-hopping clutch helps to prevent shocks to the rear wheel. The CBR 500 R now even has slip control, which can be deactivated if required, although it does not seem absolutely necessary with 48 hp. The Honda consumes just 3.6 liters per 100 km, giving it a theoretical range of 475 km.
Comfortable seating position
In general, the focus is on suitability for everyday use: the clip-on handlebars are positioned very high and therefore do not bend the upper body too far forward. Despite a seat height of only 785 mm, the knee angle is relaxed, except perhaps for very tall people. Even the seat cushion is more comfortable than it appears at first glance. This makes it possible to sit on the sports bike for hours on end. The passenger seat, on the other hand, is not exactly generously dimensioned. Honda has kept an eye on the noise level, the CBR 500 R develops 89 dB(A) when stationary and even at full throttle it never gets really loud, although it does reach a speed of 176 km/h. The windshield provides reasonable protection, the wind only hits the helmet.
Based on the Honda Fireblade
The design of the CBR 500 R has been revised for 2024. The full fairing with the two LED headlights is based on the 217 hp CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade superbike and even adopts its red, white and blue paintwork exactly; Honda calls it Grand Prix Red. Alternatively, the 500 is also available in matt black. The 500 now has winglets, but these are more for show than for aerodynamic effect.
The five inch TFT display in the cockpit has a new user interface. Some of the information is a little small, but overall, it does its job quite well. However, the tiny joystick for operating the menu at the left end of the handlebars is very fiddly and difficult to operate with thick gloves. The smartphone can be paired via Bluetooth so that the rider can access some functions while riding. Honda offers this pretty sports bike for 7500 euros plus ancillary costs. No wonder the CBR 500 R is one of the most popular entry-level bikes in Germany. Alternatives include the current Aprilia RS 457 or the Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE / Z 500, which has also been recently revised, see box below.