PERFORMANCE WHERE IT COUNTS.

2018 Honda CBR500R Review on Total Motorcycle:

The CBR500R’s engine is powerful, smooth, and offers a wide powerband with plenty of revs. And with four-valve combustion chambers, twin overhead cams and fuel injection, it can confidently keep up with many bigger sportbikes.

A 500 twin is a great choice for a whole lot of sport riders. Generations of enthusiasts have known it, and the CBR500R is the newest incarnation.

With a long list of world titles in MotoGP, World Superbike and World Supersport, Honda has a proud history in road racing. The CBR500R’s styling reflects that heritage, but the model recognizes such real-world considerations as comfort, affordability and user-friendly performance. With bodywork inspired by the supersport CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, the CBR500R boasts great performance at an affordable price.

It has quickly become one of our most popular streetbikes, and it’s no wonder why. With a perfect combination of performance, versatility and price, the Honda CBR500R just might be your next bike.

World-Championship DNA

While your new CBR500R may never go up against MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez’s Honda RC213V—there’s plenty of technology proven on the track built into every Honda sportbike engine and chassis. No exceptions here.

Power You Can Rely On

The CBR500R’s parallel twin engine offers liquid-cooling, double-overhead cams and bulletproof reliability. This is a great all-around powerplant for just about any kind of riding you’re dreaming about.

Sporting Riding Position

The CBR500R’s riding position is right in the sweet spot without being too aggressive. Not too forward or too laid back, it’s great for commuting or carving up a canyon.

Finishing Touches

There is a full line of Honda Accessories for the CBR500R. Tailor your new bike to your needs with everything from a sport screen or color-matched passenger seat cowl to even carbon-look accents. Perfection is in the details.

CBR500R

Features & Options
471cc Liquid-Cooled DOHC Parallel-Twin
Supersport Styling
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Pro-Link® Rear Suspension

CBR500R ABS

Features & Options
471cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin
Supersport Styling
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Pro-Link® Rear Suspension
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

2018 Honda CBR500R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Honda Electronic Steering Damper

Most steering dampers only sense handlebar-deflection speed. The Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) is way more sophisticated. It also detects vehicle speed, and adjusts damping proportionally. That helps maintain low-speed maneuverability while providing excellent, predictable high-speed handling.

Centrally Located Fuel Tank

The CBR600RR’s 4.8-gallon fuel tank is positioned in the center of the chassis and low in the frame. This allows for a more compact design, but even more important helps centralize the bike’s mass. Increased mass centralization means the CBR is more responsive to rider input, especially when leaning the bike into a turn or standing it up at the exit.

Dual-Stage Fuel Injection

Two sets of injectors per cylinder ensure both low- and high-rpm performance. You get near-instantaneous high-rpm response, along with great low-rpm metering and clean running.

Line-Beam Headlights

Line-Beam headlights feature a two-piece reflector design that utilizes two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution and unique compact design. The result: the headlight helps you see better and also helps make you visible to traffic.

Dual-Stage Ram Air

A nose-mounted, two-stage ram air system provides a high volume of cool air to the air box for linear power delivery and superb engine performance.

Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) Inverted Fork

The HMAS cartridge fork features an exclusive internal piston construction. The innovative design employs smaller-diameter pistons to keep oil velocity high for improved damping characteristics and an expanded range of adjustability. The result: you get more precise suspension performance, especially over smaller surface irregularities.

Radial Mounted Front-Brake Calipers

The CBR600RR uses radial-mounted monoblock front-brake calipers. This construction makes the caliper stiffer, and that means you get better brake feel for more linear, powerful stopping. Each caliper also uses four chromium-plated aluminum pistons for smooth, friction-free operation.

12-Spoke Wheels

With their consistent rigidity and balance, these sharp-looking 12-spoke cast aluminum wheels work with the fork and enhance suspension feedback to deliver real handling improvements.

Unit Pro-Link® Suspension

By eliminating the frame-mounted top shock mount, Unit Pro-Link® isolates the chassis from bumps, resulting in more precise handling and better traction. Developed on Honda’s championship-winning MotoGP bikes, it’s a perfect example of the CBR’s superior engineering.

2018 Honda CBR500R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine/Drivetrain

• The 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine, with same piston-bore size as CBR600RR, is thoroughly modern in design and produces a broad power spread for enjoyable and economical riding.
• Four-valve cylinder-head design incorporates a roller rocker arm for a more compact layout along with reduced friction.
• Shim-type valve-adjustment system allows incorporation of a lighter rocker arm setup that in turn allows for a lower valve-spring load to further reduce power losses through engine friction.
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture is delivered for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions for crisp throttle response throughout a wide variety of riding conditions.
• Engine counterbalancer and 180-degree crankpin reduce engine vibration for superior rider comfort.
• Preloaded, scissors-type gears for the primary drive and engine counterbalancer gears help reduce engine noise.
• Smooth-shifting six-speed transmission.
• Short exhaust design yields good mass centralization and a throaty note.

Chassis/Suspension

• Sport bike riding position keeps the rider balanced in a comfortable, dynamic seating stance.
• Diamond-shaped 35mm steel tube frame is lightweight and rigid for responsive sport handling.
• Big 41mm front fork with 4.3 inches of travel returns a plush yet controlled ride.
• Sophisticated Pro-Link® single-shock rear suspension offers nine-stage spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of controlled travel.
• Lightweight cast aluminum wheels, 120/70-17 in front and 160/60-17 rear, return sporting feel and handling traits.
• Front 320mm wave-style disc brake and 240mm rear provide strong stopping power.
• ABS version available for enhanced braking characteristics in less than ideal conditions.
• Instrument display features speedometer, tachometer, odometer/A&B trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, real-time and average fuel consumption.
• The 30.9-inch seat height helps build rider confidence.
• Bodywork with supersport styling provides a sharp, aggressive look and aerodynamic lines.
• Dual LED headlights and taillight for a sharp look and great visibility.
• Stepped, two-piece seat design with 30.0 in. height and a passenger strap.
• User-friendly hinged fuel cap.
• Front brake lever features a five-step adjustment mechanism to suit rider preference.
• Fork has external preload adjuster to allow adaptation to different situations (i.e., riding with passenger, cargo).
• Die-cast aluminum passenger foot pegs provide a sporty feel.

One-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

• Meets current EPA and CARB standards
• California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment

2018 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6599 USD

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
Specifications subject to change

2018 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

See ABS Version

2018 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

TBA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).