Honda CBR500R 2026 — Specifications

The CBR; a different steed for every age, every level. The 500 has always targeted newcomers to our world. An initiator, offering an interesting choice for getting a feel for the controls, especially the left hand. The young rider can either learn to manage the clutch, or let the electronics handle the action with the E-Clutch system. After being introduced on the CBR 650 R, the automated clutch arrives on this CBR 500 R (and on the other 500s). The module has already evolved since its presentation in late 2023; it is 300 grams lighter, more compact, and repositioned further forward.

The E-clutch is an electronic brain that engages and disengages the clutch for you. The lever is still there if you want to take back control. Otherwise, it handles everything, smoothly and efficiently. The foot controls gear shifts; the technology does the rest. A plus when spending the day in the city, shifting 50 gears per minute, or when the hand has issues. Honda’s tech (which assists, but doesn’t shift, gears) adds an additional 3 kg to the machine.

With each generation, the CBR 500 R takes on increasingly sharp lines, a constantly reaffirmed desire to resemble the most aggressive bikes in the range. Carrying the name CBR is something to be embraced, defended, and glorified. But CBR doesn’t just mean the stopwatch and competition at all costs. The acronym City Bike Racing places the sport at several levels. But which dictates the path of the 500?

In terms of design alone, it faithfully follows the trajectory of its larger sisters. A sporty line, worthy of higher categories. With its sharp faces and this tension on the surface, the urge to push the limits quickly arises. The new version sharpens the lineage, the fairing flanks and the headstock cheeks; with the significant addition of vents on the sides – like winglets copied from the 1000 RR-R. These elements are intended to influence front-end feel and motorcycle stability. Mmm… Let’s not forget that the engine only produces 35 kW. Still far from a Superbike and aerodynamic strategies.

The CBR 500 R has always defended a friendly and non-aggressive idea of sport, opening the door to the CBR clan for A2 license holders. The engine continues unchanged, sending out its 47.5 horsepower for 10 years. Honda wanted to improve what happens between the moment the rider turns the throttle and that peak power. A revised injection mapping provides slightly more consistent acceleration and a throttle with a bit more feel.

The twin-cylinder engine received a limited-slip clutch in 2019. 2024 brought with it a Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Perhaps of relative utility given the engine’s power, but it can come into action under certain delicate conditions and avoid a few scares. The Honda Selectable Torque Control compares the difference in speed between the wheels and, as needed, acts on the injection to reduce torque. How much torque is that? 43 Nm, or almost 4.4 mkg. That’s enough to provide a gentle push, but fortunately the bike is light, weighing in at 191 kg.

Honda has pushed a bit of technology to equip the CBR. With the HSTC as we’ve seen, but also with a revised headlight to diffuse a wider beam. The rear light is also retouched. A few photos are sent to friends, then we stay in the techno-digital atmosphere with the 5-inch TFT color screen. A notable and appreciable evolution, finally offering a more trendy and less dated interface than the previous liquid crystal block. It is controlled via a backlit switch on the left handlebar. Clear, uncluttered, well-arranged, the display offers 3 themes (Simple / Bar / Circular) and smartphone connectivity via the RoadSync app. Once connected, the rider can make calls, listen to onboard music, receive message notifications, access simplified GPS navigation, and control everything vocally (if there is an intercom in the helmet). A weather forecasting system is also present.

With this evolving package, the CBR 500 R adds the digital dimension it was missing. Its daily use and riding are based on the same pattern as the previous generation, which had also gained sportiness and precision with an inverted 41 mm Showa SFF-BP fork and radial-mounted brake calipers for gripping 296 mm discs. The steel diamond-type frame and suspension are also unchanged – which will cast no shadow on it. This combination has provided, since 2022, a healthy, agile, homogeneous behavior, and of an almost insolent ease.

Honda managed to shave off a small kilo on its little CBR, bringing it down to 191 units. It’s anecdotal but always good to take. Still very proud of its name, the 500 continues on its way with a dose of tech to be up to date. Performance won’t be up to its very dynamic style, but it will certainly be what can be offered to A2 riders.

M.B - Photos manufacturer

-When the clutch lever is activated, the Honda electronic clutch system reactivates in less than one second above a certain engine speed, and after 5 seconds at low speed. If the rider wants to deactivate the system, they can do so via the switch located on the left handlebar. Manual mode is indicated by the letter "M" on the dashboard.

- The E-Clutch allows you to select a gear change feel by adjusting the force required on the pedal. Three settings are available: hard, medium, and soft, each of which can be selected independently for upshifting and downshifting. It also informs you if the selected gear is too high.

- It manages engagement and disengagement based on several parameters, including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine speed, pressure on the shift pedal, angle of the clutch drive reducer, intermediate shaft speed, and gear ratio. The clutch is actuated by a two-motor actuator located in the right engine case. During engagement or disengagement, ignition advance and fuel injection are also controlled, ensuring smooth and jerk-free gear changes in all circumstances.