Honda CBR500R
Honda CBR500R

Welcome to the Honda CBR500R review and specification page. I’ve separated this from my original post on the CBR5ooR since it has been updated for 2018/2019 model year. Furthermore this post forms part of the best selling motorcycles in Australia series. In respect to that, the Honda CBR500R is the 2nd most popular or selling ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle sold in Australia in 2018, selling 437 units. Apart from that record the CBR500R is also a LAMS bike aka learner and commuter friendly, so anyone can ride it.

The CBR500R is a popular motorcycle in it’s own right selling over 700 in 2017 but presumably the numbers dropped for 2081 as an updated CBR500R due for release later that year as a 2019 model.

Original released in in 2012 the CBR500R iwasdefinitely due for an update. The original was released as a sports styled commuter it’s been given small update 2016 than more in 2019 interms of specs and design, primarily to make it look and feel more sporty. I feel that it is the CBR500R is the replacement for the CBR600F, once the benchmark sport tourer. Whereas the CBR6000F was literally a detuned version of the CBR600R Super Sports motorcycle the CBR500R is not. The CBR500R is marketed as a sport bike which to me is simply weird.

In terms of design the new CBR500R looks good with a more sporty fairing graphics and fairing changes to highlight the front end light treatment and wheel design. Repositioned foot pegs and sportier styled mufflers add to the genuine sports bike image. Mind you the removal of the plastic cladding to reveal parts of a standard steel frame doesn’t help the sports bike look. Nonetheless the look has enough presence to attract anyone wanting a motorcycle that looks like sports motorcycle and the price is on the high side high for the power the engine makes but not the 500cc engine capacity. The Honda CBR500R sells for around $8000 by time you get it on the road.

In terms of engine and technology there hasn’t been much of a change with a small list of additions that include revised ECU programming, LED lighting, slider clutch and exhaust tuning probably to meet new emissions rules around the world. It’s also a heavy weight at over 200Kg even before the rifer is on board. While engine power and torque are good for a city bias commuter and definitely a learner motorbike the basics even when including these additions are not ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle level. Despite being a 500cc it only makes 10Kw more than the CBR300R and a mere 3Kw more than the KTM RC390 which also weighs over 50Kg less than the CBR500R.

As a standard motorcycle with a 500cc engine the CBR500R is definitely a good bike. For everyday commuting and some sport style riding the CBR500R seems like a great choice. It’s fast enough, handles well and looks like a proper Sports motorbike from a distance. However there are a whole lot of features missing from the bike you’d expect and a model claiming to be a modern Sports let alone a Super Sports bike; e.g. high powered engine, USD forks, alloy frame, alloy rear swing arm, dual front disc brakes, full digital instrument panel with modes and traction control just to name a few things.  The point that it is a 500cc motorcycle but also LAMS or Learner compatible which adds to it’s street cred. In the end like some of the other models classified as a ‘Super Sports’ motorbikes the CBR500R is not a ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle no matter how you examine it.

Honda CBR500R Key Specifications
Engine:   IL2 cylinder 4-stroke (PGM-FI)
Capacity:  471cc
Power/Torque:  35Kw @ 8500 RPM 43 Nm @ 7000 RPM
Gearbox:   6 speed
Kerb Weight:  194kg
Performance:  0-100kph N/A seconds Approx
Max Speed N/A Kph Approx 
Fuel Economy:   15.7 litre fuel tank
Approx 4 litres per 100km
Seat height:  790mm
Dimensions: L2075 X W740 X H1145mm
 Recommended Retail Price:  $7699 (2019)