Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet: TRIED AND TRUSTED FORMULA.
Introducing the 2024 Honda CB500 Hornet…
The naked CB500F – originally launched in 2013 alongside the adventure-styled CB500X (now NX500) and fully-faired CBR500R – quietly proved that one of Honda’s tried-and-trusted formulas for building popular motorcycles had an enduring relevance.
That formula? An entertaining twin-cylinder engine wrapped in a simple, lightweight, sporty chassis. And, while a 35kW peak power output made it suitable for A2 licence holders, the CB500F always offered so much more than ‘entry level’ performance. Sure, it was an easy machine to manage, ride and learn on, but those same attributes also made it a genuine pleasure for those stepping up from a 125 or coming down from a bigger machine. Sensible running costs, whatever the situation, added strongly to the appeal.
In 2019, the CB500F was redrawn with uncompromising lines that elevated its technical and mechanical aspects and 2022 saw it receive high-quality suspension in the form of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks and dual front discs, plus new lightweight wheels and swingarm.
Join The Hive.
Ready for the riding buzz? You need our new CB500 Hornet. Aggressive, streetfighter style has big Hornet DNA coursing through it. Loaded with a responsive A2-friendly twin-cylinder engine and agile, high-quality chassis it’s built to whip through the city or twisting backroads. And premium tech – including full colour 5-inch TFT display, Honda RoadSync with on-screen turn-by-turn navigation – and HSTC rear grip management keeps you entertained, connected and safe. Join the hive.
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
- Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts
- New streetfighter style incorporates aerodynamics that improve steering and agility
- New LED headlight and taillight
- New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
- New, simplified left hand switchgear is easy to use and backlit for night-time
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
- Lightweight wheels and swingarm
A new name and new look give the CB500 Hornet a fresh edge as it rides into 2024. Premium new tech too, in the form of a 5-inch TFT screen – operated by an intuitive and easy-to-use lefthand switchgear – features the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.
The A2-compliant, slipper clutch-equipped twin-cylinder engine benefits from the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) as well as ECU updates to improve acceleration.
Chassis specification includes Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks as before, with dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.
The Hornet family will have a new third member in Honda’s 2024 line-up – the CB500 Hornet, which brings new, aggressive styling inspired by its two bigger siblings, and aerodynamic performance that befit the iconic Hornet name.
The CB500 Hornet’s fairing incorporates headlight side ducts that channel air to the upper fuel tank area, contributing to a linear steering feel with outstanding handling agility. A new LED throws its light out wider for increased visibility.
Power and torque for the 471cc engine meet maximum A2 licence requirements – at 35kW and 43Nm – while updated fuel injection settings improve acceleration feel from low down, and the CB500 Hornet now features HSTC for increased peace of mind.
The high-quality chassis specification includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Showa rear shock and dual discs up front with four-piston calipers, while a new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity.
For 2024 Honda’s formula for the 500 streetfighter continues to evolve. Joining an iconic Honda family, the new CB500 Hornet follows in the wheel tracks of the impressive CB750 Hornet with aggressive new styling, high-end technology and a variety of detail upgrades that are sure to make it one of Europe’s most popular motorcycles.
Honda’s A2 naked twin-cylinder streetfighter joins the Hornet family, with aggressive new styling and aerodynamic improvements befitting the iconic name. Power and torque for the 471cc engine meet maximum A2 licence requirement– at 35kW and 43Nm – while an ECU update improves acceleration feel and Honda Selectable Torque Control is now standard. The high-quality chassis specification includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Showa rear shock and dual discs up front with four-piston calipers. A brand-new LED headlight opens up better visibility at night, while a new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, operated by a simplified and backlit 4-way toggle switch.
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Styling & Equipment
The CB500 Hornet’s aggressive new look is inspired by the streetfighter DNA of its big sibling and was led by the design banner ‘Digital Dynamism’. A sensual form front to rear, it also offers mass contrast, with a ‘wedge’ silhouette weighted forward with very slim rear section, muscular fuel tank and sharp new nose cone fairing.
And there’s function to the form; the geometric angles of the fairing also incorporate headlight side ducts that channel airflow smoothly around to the upper fuel tank area. This aerodynamic package contributes to a linear steering feel with increased handling agility. A new LED headlight design maintains beam penetration but throws out wider light distribution, for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night. It’s matched to a new sleek taillight, and all lighting is LED.
Premium technology, in the form of a brand new 5-inch full colour TFT screen inherited from the CB1000R, uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight, a first for a Honda motorcycle. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced and backlight transmittance improved. It’s customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and also offers the IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.
This new feature – alongside a simplified, easy-to-use, backlit 4-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the CB500 Hornet, and go.
Tapered handlebars offer intuitive feel and leverage. Seat height is low at 785mm, making the CB500 Hornet very easy to manage and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height.
Purposeful-looking aluminium footpegs are lightweight and add a sporting feel. Overall dimensions are 2080mm x 800mm x 1060mm, with 145mm ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 17.1L including reserve and combined with the engine’s excellent 3.5L/100km (28.6km/litre) fuel economy, gives a range of over 485km.
Chassis
Light, strong and unchanged for 2024, the 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
Wheelbase is 1410mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm, and front/rear bias percentage is a perfect 50/50. Kerb weight is 188kg.
Like its sibling the CB750 Hornet, the CB500 Hornet features Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks which divide the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – and reaction and ride quality are top draw.
The swingarm is constructed from 2mm steel and employs a hollow cross member; it is stiff rotationally, and flexible laterally to improve handling. The single-tube Showa rear shock absorber, with its large-diameter piston, ensures excellent response and temperature management and features 5-stage preload adjustment.
Dual 296mm front discs are worked by Nissin radial-mount, four-piston calipers; the rear 240mm disc by a single-piston caliper. Lightweight rims use 5 Y-shaped spokes; the 3.5-inch front wears a 120/70-ZR17 tyre, and the 4.5-inch rear a 160/60-ZR17 tyre.
Engine
Delivering maximum A2-licence performance, the friendly 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. And it’s very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity; peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,600rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.
A 2024 addition is HSTC to manage rear wheel traction for increased peace of mind and a real boost for rider confidence. The system compares front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear slip and controls the fuel injection to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC can also be turned off completely if the rider wishes.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. Optimisation of ignition timing and air/fuel ratio equals more powerful acceleration feel from low rpm, with linear power delivery and throttle feel. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl.
Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio is 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm. Piston shape is carefully designed to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication).
The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact and the crankcases employ centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2L.
A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch, eliminating rear wheel ‘hop’ under hard braking and downshifting.
Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB500 Hornet, as individual items or grouped in packs, and ready to bolt straight on:
Style Pack
For enhanced sporty looks, the Style Pack includes a Meter Visor for the instrument display and added wind deflection, a protective Tank Pad prevents paint damage to the tank, a Seat Cowl for the passenger seat that matches the colour of the rear panels of the bike, and a Wheel Stripe kit for a flash of extra colour.
Comfort Pack
Commuting made easier with the Heated Grips for colder days, an ACC socket to conveniently charge electronic devices while stored under the seat and a Main Stand that makes for easy chain maintenance and safer parking on uneven surfaces.
Travel Pack
Includes the 3L Tank Bag with see-through pocket for smartphones and a rain cover and the 15L Rear Seat Bag, expandable to 22L, which provide flexible and convenient carrying capacity for the weekend trips.
Outside of the main packs, a 35L Top Box and the Rear Carrier required for its installation are also available. All the accessories featured in packs can also be purchased individually.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
HSTC smoothly manages rear wheel traction, wet or dry, so riding the street – or attacking a set of turns – is always a thrill.
Class-Leading Suspension and Brakes
Enjoy sports bike-spec quality. Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks and dual front discs boost feel, all-round handling and braking.
Honda RoadSync Smartphone Connectivity
Want to use your phone’s nav or listen to music? No Problem. By downloading the Honda RoadSync app, you can connect it to the CB500 Hornet.
Razor Sharp New Styling
Sculpted to slice through the air and generate downforce for stability, the nose fairing wraps aggressively around the headlight.
New Full Colour 5-Inch TFT Screen
Backlit for readability with optical bonding to reduce glare, the new 5-inch screen is intuitive to use and features the smartphone connectivity of Honda Roadsync.
A2-Compliant Twin-Cylinder Engine
471cc of riotous fun for both new and existing riders, with assist slipper clutch as standard to enhance durability and overall performance.
Command the Ride
Handle the city. With a naturally upright riding position that puts you in charge. Lightweight 5-spoke wheels, sporty aluminum swingarm and footpegs shave mass for super-fast, effortless steering. Dual 296mm discs and Nissin two-piston radial-mount calipers offer strong, progressive braking. Dialled-in Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks mean you can push hard into corners with all the feedback for grip you need. And then some.
Get Noticed
A cut, low-set stance locks in the imposing street fighting attitude of a bike built to rip it up. Wide handlebars give the leverage and control to dodge through gaps, scorch corners, and open the visibility you need to be fully aware of what’s going on around. It pays to be seen in another way: they’ll see you coming thanks to a piercing new headlight and, for sure-thing cornering at night, the beam penetrates the dark with a wide light distribution.
Make the Connection
This bike’s got your back. The 5-inch full-colour TFT display is all new, operated by a backlit switchgear with a very natural hand position allowing better visibility in all conditions. Both have been designed together for easy use, and the screen is engineered to minimise glare in bright sunlight. It also offers full connectivity through the Honda RoadSync app. A first in class, for Android and iOS smartphones, it means you can access on-screen turn-by-turn navigation, make and receive calls or listen to music while you ride.
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled 4 stroke, DOHC parallel twin |
| Displacement | 471cc |
| No of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Bore & Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7: 1 |
| Max. Power Output | 35kW @ 8600rpm |
| Max. Torque | 43Nm @ 6500rpm |
| Noise Level (dB) | Lurban 73.5dB Lwot 76.8dB |
| Oil Capacity | 3.2L |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Carburation | PGM FI electronic fuel injection |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1L (inc reserve) |
| CO2 Emissions (WMTC) | 80 g/km |
| Fuel Consumption (WMTC) | 3.5L/100km (28.6km/litre) |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
| Battery Capacity | 12V 7.4AH |
| ACG Output | 23.4A/2000rpm |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch |
| Transmission Type | 6 speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| FRAME | |
| Type | Steel diamond |
| CHASSIS | |
| Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2,080mm x 800mm x 1,060mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,410mm |
| Caster Angle | 25.5° |
| Trail | 102mm |
| Seat Height | 785mm |
| Ground Clearance | 145mm |
| Kerb Weight | 188kg |
| Turning radius | 2.7m |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Type Front | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, |
| Type Rear | Prolink mono with 5 stage pre-load adjuster, Steel hollow cross swingarm |
| WHEELS | |
| Type Front | 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium |
| Type Rear | 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium |
| Rim Size Front | 17 x MT3.5 |
| Rim Size Rear | 17 x MT4.5 |
| Tyres Front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Tyres Rear | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
| BRAKES | |
| ABS System Type | 2-channel |
| Type Front | Dual 296mm x 4mm disc with Nissin radial-mount four piston calipers |
| Type Rear | Single 240mm x 5mm disc with single piston caliper |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
| Instruments | 5in TFT Meter with customisable layout, including but not limited to Speedometer, Tachometer, Clock, Gear position, Shift UP Indicator |
| Headlight | LED |
| Taillight | LED |
| Connectivity | Yes (Honda RoadSync) |
| USB | No |
| 12V Socket | Optional |
| Auto Winker Cancel | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Security System | HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) |
| Cruise Control | No |
| Additional Features | ESS |
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
