
Honda CBR500R – A 500cc Beast from Japan
When we talk about Honda, one thing comes to mind immediately – trust. Honda has been making bikes for decades, and people know that their engines are always smooth, reliable, and long-lasting. Now, in the 500cc segment, Honda has built a bike that feels like a real beast – the Honda CBR500R.
There are already many bikes in the 500cc class from different companies, but when Honda enters the game, people naturally look in its direction. The reason is simple: Honda combines Japanese engineering with rider-friendly design. The CBR500R is proof of that.
When you look at this bike, it feels like a younger brother of the Honda CBR1000RR, the superbike. The design is very similar, but the size is slightly smaller to match the 500cc engine. Still, when you ride it, you get the true superbike feel. It is powerful, smooth, and gives a thrilling experience both on highways and in the city.
I personally believe that Honda has done an excellent job in balancing performance, comfort, and reliability in this machine. It is not too aggressive like a track bike, but not too soft like a touring bike either. It sits in the perfect middle, which is why riders from all over the world admire it.
Now, before you think about buying this motorcycle, let us go deep into the details.
Here are the 7 major specifications of the Honda CBR500R, explained in very simple English.
HONDA CBR500R BIKE SPECIFICATION
Specification | Deatils |
---|---|
Engine type | 471cc, liquid cooled, 4 stroke, parallel twin cylinder |
Bore x Stroke | 67mm x 66.8 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
Max power | 47 H p @ 8600 rpm |
Max torque | 43 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Transmission | 6 speed manual |
Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
Front suspension | 41 mm inverted telescopic fork |
Rear suspension | Pro link single shock with preload adjustable |
Front brake | Dual 296mm discs with two piston caliper ; ABS standard |
Rear brake | Single 240mm disc with single piston caliper ; ABS standard |
Front tyre | 120/70ZR-17 |
Rear tyre | 160/60ZR-17 |
Mileage | 30 km/l |
Top speed | 180 km/h |
Curb weight | 193 kg |
Ground clearnce | 130mm |
Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
Seat height | 785mm |
Lighting | Full LED Light |
Price | $7,400 - $8,770 |
1. Engine – 471cc Parallel Twin
The Honda CBR500R comes with a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. This engine size is perfect for riders who want something stronger than a 150cc or 250cc bike, but not as extreme as a 1000cc superbike. The twin-cylinder engine makes the bike smooth and powerful at the same time. It does not shake too much, and it gives good balance between speed and comfort. This makes it a great choice for both beginners who want a bigger bike and experienced riders who want something easy to control.
2. Power – Around 47 Horsepower
The CBR500R produces about 47 horsepower. Now, this may not sound as crazy as superbikes that make 150 horsepower or more, but remember – this bike is lighter and built for control. With 47 horsepower, it can easily cross 170–180 km/h, which is more than enough for daily roads and even for highway touring. The power is smooth and does not come suddenly, which means new riders can enjoy it without being scared, and experienced riders can still have fun pushing it hard.
3. Torque – 43 Nm
The bike delivers about 43 Newton-meters of torque. Torque is the pulling power of the bike. With 43 Nm, the CBR500R feels strong in city traffic and also smooth on highways. When you twist the accelerator, the bike responds instantly without delay. It does not feel weak or lazy. This makes overtaking cars easy, and it gives confidence when riding at different speeds.
4. Top Speed
The CBR500R can reach a top speed of around 185 km/h. For most riders, this is more than enough speed. You will rarely get a chance to ride above 150 km/h on public roads. But knowing that your bike can go up to 185 km/h gives a sense of thrill. It is not as crazy as superbikes like the CBR1000RR or Kawasaki ZX10RR, but it is still very fast compared to regular motorcycles. You can enjoy the rush of speed without feeling like you are losing control.
5. Weight
The Honda CBR500R weighs about 192 kilograms. This is heavier than a 150cc bike but lighter than most superbikes. At first, beginners might feel it is a little heavy, but once the bike starts moving, the weight disappears. The balance is very good, and it feels stable even at high speed. The weight also helps when riding fast on highways because it prevents the bike from shaking in wind or when a truck passes by.
6. Brakes – Dual Disc with ABS
The CBR500R has dual disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). With speed comes responsibility, and Honda has given this bike very strong brakes. The front has twin discs, and the rear has a single disc. ABS is standard, which means the wheels will not lock when you brake suddenly. This gives confidence and keeps you safe on wet roads, sharp turns, or emergency stops. It is a must-have feature for modern bikes, and Honda has provided it perfectly.
7. Design and Technology
The design of the CBR500R is heavily inspired by its elder brother, the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. This is where the bike truly shines. Even though it has a smaller engine, the bodywork looks aggressive, sporty, and premium. The sharp fairing, LED headlights, digital display, and aerodynamic shape make it look like a superbike. You get the superbike feel without the superbike cost. The riding position is also sporty but not too aggressive, so you can ride long distances without pain. This balance of looks and comfort makes it very popular.
MY OPINION
The Honda CBR500R is one of the best bikes in the 500cc category. It combines Japanese reliability, sporty design, smooth power, and advanced safety features. It may not be the fastest bike in the world, but it is one of the most balanced bikes you can buy.
If you are someone who wants to step into the superbike world without going too extreme, this is the right machine. It will give you the thrill of a superbike, the comfort of a touring bike, and the trust of a Honda.
So, before you make your decision, remember this:
If you are planning to buy the Honda CBR500R, look carefully at these specifications and then decide.