| CB500F | |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 2013–2024 |
| Assembly: | Samut Prakan, Thailand Manaus, Brazil |
| Predecessor: | CBF500 2004-2008 |
| Class: | Standard |
| Engine: | 471cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC Straight-twin engine |
| Bore Stroke: | 67× |
| Compression: | 10.7:1 |
| Power: | 47bhp |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, manual, chain drive |
| CBR500R | |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 2013 - Present |
| Assembly: | Samut Prakan, Thailand Manaus, Brazil (2013-2018) |
| Class: | Sport bike |
| CB500X | |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Production: | 2013 - 2024 |
| Assembly: | Samut Prakan, Thailand Manaus, Brazil |
| Class: | Adventure |
The Honda 500 twins are a group of straight-twin motorcycles made by Honda since 2013 which use the same 471cc, 180° crank, straight-twin engine, such as the:
These models are sold in Japan with smaller capacity 399 cc engines: CB400F (2013–2016), CB400X, and CBR400R.[1] Their introduction coincided with new European licensing regulations establishing a mid-range class of motorcycles of limited power.[2] The new 500 twins are similar to the earlier CB500 parallel-twins discontinued in 2003, but all-new from the ground up. They are made in Thailand, where Honda had previously made only smaller displacement motorcycles.[3]
All models use the same 471cc 180° crank straight-twin engine with capacity and power below the A2 European driving licence limit.[4] They share the same six-speed gearbox and the majority of cycle parts. The CB500X has a larger fuel tank and longer front suspension travel making it taller, and with more ground clearance.
On its release, the CBR500R was the one-design model the European Junior Cup in 2013 and 2014. Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil and France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards.[5] [6] [7]
The three models were announced on the eve of the November 2012 EICMA show in Milan.
April: CB500F, CBR500R released; July: CB500X released
EURO 4 compliance with smaller exhaust,[8] LED headlamp, preload adjustable front suspension, smaller side covers, larger fuel tank on CB500F and CBR500R, Fireblade style fairing on the CBR500R
Revised exhaust system, anti-rebound clutch, full LED lighting, revised rear shocks, new LCD instrumentation with additional features, 19" front wheel on the ruggedized CB500X,[9] dual-channel ABS standard on all models in most markets, although for 2017 USA models, it remained an option.[10] [11]
Inverted Showa Separate Function Fork - Big Piston (SFF-BP) forks, dual 296mm disk with radial calipers up front, updated triple tree clamps, new fuel injection settings that further increase torque feel and overall character, other changes include a lighter swingarm, lighter radiator, revised shock settings, redesigned and lighter front wheel, more powerful LEDs. The US Market only received the Pearl Organic Green colorway for 2022. [12] [13]
The CB500X was released at a price of in Thailand.[14] In Germany, the CB500X was released at .[15]
Since its launch, the range received many favorable reviews; some preferring the taller X model while the sporty R model was one of Honda's top selling bikes in Canada during 2015 and best selling sports bike in Australia.[16] [17] [18] Many commentators, especially in off-road and long distance touring, argued the need for such middleweight bikes.[19] [20] Perhaps as a consequence, in 2015, RallyRaid, a British after-market specialist, created upgrade kits for the R & F machines and a full adventure conversion kit for the X model.[21] [20]
Multiple small improvements in the 2019 range impressed commentators with MCN describing the CB500X as an exceptional machine.[22] [23]
All specifications are manufacturer claimed unless otherwise specified. The motorcycle model designation is printed on a sticker under the seat.
| Model | CB500F[24] | CBR500R[25] | CB500X[26] [27] | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Naked | Sport | Adventure | ||
| colspan="4" | |||||
| Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled | ||||
| Displacement | 471cc | ||||
| Bore x stroke | 67mm66.8mm | ||||
| Compression ratio | 10.7 : 1 | ||||
| Fuel delivery | via 34mm throttle bodies | ||||
| Ignition | Fully transistorized with ignition advance | ||||
| Maximum power | 35kW at 8,500 rpm | ||||
| Maximum torque | 43Nm at 7,000 rpm | ||||
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential, constant mesh | ||||
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, coil spring | ||||
| Final drive | 520 o-ring chain, 112 links | ||||
| colspan="4" | |||||
| Frame | Tubular steel, diamond, stressed engine | ||||
| Rake | 25.5° | 26.5° (2013–2018) 27.5° (2019-present) | |||
| Trail | 102mm | 108mm | |||
| Turning radius | 2700mm | 2800mm (2013–2018) 2400mm (2019-present) | |||
| Front wheel | 17M/C × MT3.50 cast aluminium 19 X MT2.5 CB500x (2019-present) | ||||
| Rear wheel | 17M/C × MT4.50 cast aluminium | ||||
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17 58W | 120/70 ZR17 55W (2013–2018) 110/80 R19 59H (2019-present) | |||
| Rear tyre | 160/60 ZR17 69W | 160/60 ZR17 69W (2013–2018) 160/60 R17 69H (2019-present) | |||
| Front brake | Single 320mm wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2013-2021) Dual 296mm wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2022-2024) | ||||
| Rear brake | Single 240mm wave disc, 1 piston caliper, combined ABS | ||||
| Front suspension | Conventional telescopic, 41mm (2013–2015) Conventional telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2016–2021) USD telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2022–2024) | ||||
| Rear suspension | Prolink single shock, 9-stage preload adjustable; steel square pipe double-sided swingarm | ||||
| Front suspension travel | 122mm | 140mm | |||
| Rear suspension travel | 120mm | 105mm | |||
| colspan="4" | |||||
| Wheelbase | 1410mm | 1420mm (2013-2018) 1445mm (2019-present) | |||
| Overall length | 2080mm | 2095mm (2013-2018) 2155mm (2019-present) | |||
| Overall width | 780mm (2013-2015) 790mm (2016-present) | 740mm (2013-2015) 750mm (2016-2018) 755mm (2019-present) | 830mm (2013-2018) 825mm (2019-present) | ||
| Overall height | 1060mm | 1145mm | Windscreen low: 1260mm (2013-2015) 1360mm (2016-2018) 1410mm (2019-present) Windscreen high: 1290mm (2013-2015) 1390mm (2016-2018) 1445mm (2019-present) | ||
| Seat height | 785mm | 810mm (2013-2018) 830mm (2019-present) | |||
| Ground clearance | 155mm (2013-2015) 160mm (2016-2018) 145mm (2019-present) | 140mm (2013-2018) 130mm (2019-present) | 170mm (2013-2018) 180mm (2019-present) | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.5L (2013-2015) 16.7L (2016-2018) 17.1L (2019-present) | 17.3L (2013-2018) 17.5L (2019-present) | |||
| Engine oil | 3.2L | ||||
| Coolant | 1.4L | ||||
| Wet weight | 190kg (420lb) (2013-2015) 188kg (414lb) (2016-2018) 187kg (412lb) (2019-present) +2kg (04lb) ABS +1kg (02lb) California | 193kg (425lb) (2013-2015) 192kg (423lb) (2016-2018) 190kg (420lb) (2019-present) +2kg (04lb) ABS +1kg (02lb) California | 192kg (423lb) (2013-2018) 195kg (430lb) (2019-present) +2kg (04lb) ABS +1kg (02lb) California | ||
| Maximum weight capacity | 168kg (370lb) | 185kg (408lb) | |||
| 28.4km/L (2013-2015) 29.4km/L (2016-2018) 28.6km/L (2019-present) | 28.4km/L (2013-2015) 29.4km/L (2016-2018) 27.8km/L (2019-present) | ||||