Ready for the riding buzz? You need our new 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet. Aggressive, streetfighter style has big Hornet DNA coursing through it.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet: THE BIKE BUILT TO RIP IT UP.
Introducing the 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet…
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.
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 you the leverage and control to slip through gaps, scorch corners, and keep full awareness of what’s around you. And you’ll be seen too: the piercing headlight ensures presence by day, while its broad beam cuts through the dark for confident cornering at night.
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.
For 2024 Honda’s formula for the 500 streetfighter continued to evolve. Joining an iconic Honda family, the CB500F became the new CB500 Hornet and followed in the wheel tracks of the impressive CB750 Hornet with aggressive new styling, high-end technology and a variety of detail upgrades that made it a popular addition to the Hornet family.
For 2026, the CB500 Hornet, alongside its NX500 and CBR500R stablemates, join the list of Hondas available with Honda E-Clutch technology, which is designed to make motorcycling, from beginner right through to expert, even more enjoyable – and even more exciting.
It bolsters the already impressive spec list that is packed with premium tech such as a five-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync connectivity, Honda Selectable Torque Control, Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks and dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.
All of this is wrapped up in an aggressively styled naked streetfighter package to bring street style and an iconic nameplate to a wide range of riders.
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
The 2026 CB500 Hornet will be available in the following new colour options:
- *NEW*Graphite Black with Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic
- *NEW*Grand Prix Red with Graphite Black Metallic
- *NEW*Pearl Horizon White with Lemon Ice Yellow
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Styling & Equipment
- Streetfighter style subtly incorporates aerodynamic aids
- LED lighting front and rear
- Five-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
- Simple left-hand switchgear is easy to use and backlit for night-time operation
The CB500 Hornet’s aggressive looks are 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. An LED headlight design maintains beam penetration and throws out a wide 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 five-inch full colour TFT screen inherited from the CB1000R, uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. 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 feature – alongside a simple, easy-to-use, backlit four-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.
Heightening safety, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system operates (and self-cancels) the rear indicators during a hard-stop situation, alerting road users behind. The indicators also auto-cancel in normal use for heightened convenience in urban environments.
Chassis
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
- Lightweight wheels and swingarm
Light and strong, 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
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant 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
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 8,500rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.
A 2024 addition was Honda Selectable Torque Control 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 balancer gears are 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.
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ TBA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
TBA
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Honda CB500 Hornet – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
| 2026 CB500 Hornet | 2026 CB500 Hornet E-Clutch | |
| ENGINE | ||
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin | |
| Engine Displacement | 471 cc | |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 67 mm x 66.8 mm | |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Max. Power Output | 35 kw (47hp) at 8,500 rpm | |
| Max. Torque | 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm | |
| Stationary Noise Level (dB) | 89 dB (A) | |
| Max Speed | 176 km/h | |
| Oil Capacity | 3.2 L | |
| Starter | Electric | |
| FUEL SYSTEM | ||
| Carburation | PGM FI electronic fuel injection | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 L | |
| CO2 Emissions WMTC | 80 g/km | |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.5L/100km | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||
| Battery Type | AGM | |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 7.4 Ah | |
| DRIVETRAIN | ||
| Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch, Honda E-Clutch |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed | |
| Final Drive | Chain | |
| FRAME | ||
| Frame Type | Steel diamond | |
| CHASSIS | ||
| Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2,080 mm x 800 mm x 1,060 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm | |
| Caster Angle | 25.5° | |
| Trail | 102 mm | |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm | |
| Kerb Weight | 188 kg | 191 kg |
| Turning radius | 2.7 m | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Suspension Front | Showa 41 mm SFF-BP USD forks, | |
| Suspension Rear | Prolink mono with 5 stage preload adjuster, steel hollow cross swingarm | |
| WHEELS | ||
| Wheels Front | 17M/C X MT3.5 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium | |
| Wheels Rear | 17M/C X MT4.5 5Y-Spoke Cast Aluminium | |
| Tyres Front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) | |
| Tyres Rear | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) | |
| BRAKES | ||
| ABS Type | 2-channel | |
| Brakes Front | Dual 296 mm x 4 mm disc with Nissin radial-mount four piston calipers | |
| Brakes Rear | Single 240mm x 5 mm disc with single piston caliper | |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | ||
| Instruments | 5 inch TFT Meter with customisable layout | |
| Headlight | LED | |
| Taillight | LED | |
| Connectivity | Roadsync | |
| Security System | HISS | |
| HSTC | Yes | |
| 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).
