The CBR500R’s aggressive bodywork is inspired by the racing DNA of its bigger Fireblade sibling and directed by the design banner ‘The Shape Of Speed’. Sharp edges front to rear exude the essence of what makes a CBR a CBR.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Honda CBR500R: ENGAGING. THE WAY SPORT RIDING WAS DESIGNED.
Introducing the 2026 Honda CBR500R…
A stealthy new colour option lines up alongside the iconic Tricolour, to bring the most out of the crisp CBR1000RR-R inspired bodywork, giving the CBR500R a keener edge as it scythes into 2026.
The CBR500R is about top quality equipment as well as dynamic performance, thanks to the abundance of premium tech in the form of a 5-inch TFT screen equipped with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks and dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.
New colours make the most of the 2024’s Fireblade-inspired style refresh. The new transmission technology brings the most out of the 471cc engine – with 35kW and 43Nm – to deliver an exhilarating ride whether commuting or out on twisty roads. A high-quality chassis specification includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Showa rear shock, dual discs up front with four-piston calipers and Honda Selectable Torque Control. Dual LED headlights open up better visibility at night, while a five-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, operated by a backlit 4-way toggle switch.
Fast, frugal, affordable and – most importantly – fun, Honda’s fully-faired CBR500R, launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F (now CB500 Hornet) and adventure-styled CB500X (now NX500) injects a genuine sporting energy to its twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio.
Hugely popular with younger riders looking to move up from a smaller machine, the CBR500R instils the excitement of sports bike ownership into every ride yet also delivers sensible running costs, making it a great bike to both commute through the working week and enjoy at the weekend.
In 2016 the CBR500R assumed sharper styling and LED lighting to go with updated front suspension, followed by an even more aggressive makeover in 2020. Developments were also applied to the engine for stronger performance off the bottom, a distinctive surge through the rev range to the redline and more distinctive exhaust howl.
Having proved its undoubted star quality alongside its siblings, for 2022 the CBR500R received a major suspension upgrade in the form of high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, plus dual front discs, new lightweight wheels and swingarm.
For 2024 the CBR500R moved on again. Sharper new ‘RR-R’ style, alongside updates to the engine, added premium technology and connectivity.
For 2026, Honda’s ‘pocket rocket’ has been made even more desirable and even more exciting.
2026 Honda CBR500R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
The 2026 CBR500R will be available in the following colour options:
- Grand Prix Red (Tricolour)
- *NEW* Matt Gunpower Black Metallic with Graphite Black detailing
- Supersport style inspired by CBR1000RR-R Fireblade subtly incorporates aerodynamic aids
- LED dual headlight and taillight
- Five-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
- 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
- Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
- Lightweight wheels and swingarm
- Lively twin-cylinder powerplant equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
- 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
- Advanced Honda technology that brings ‘next level’ sporty riding performance
- Also allows the rider to start, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever – just the gear shift pedal
- Available as an option from new
- Honda E-Clutch also allows normal operation of the clutch lever
- Brings more enjoyment and flexibility across a wide range of scenarios, for a ‘next level’ riding experience
- Available for first time on A2 licence motorcycles on CBR500R, NX500 and CB500 Hornet
What HRC learns at the top feeds straight back. And the CBR500R is where it starts – Fireblade style, aerodynamic winglets, and a strong twin-cylinder engine with ECU tuned for acceleration. E-Clutch delivers smooth, clutch-free shifting for added performance. The chassis features Showa USD forks and twin radial-mount calipers. A TFT display with full connectivity and HSTC grip control brings tech into the mix. City, back road or racetrack – this one’s built for fun.
A CBR is always something special
CBR. Three very special letters with a momentous history. Drawing heavily on the Fireblade for its design – with new paint and graphics straight out of pit lane – the CBR500R wears the same aerodynamic winglets for stability on corner entry and razor-sharp high-speed agility. From the aggressively designed headlights, which throw out a broad, penetrating beam for safer cornering at night, and sculpted-for-speed fairing right back to the tightly wrapped seat unit, this is a sporting benchmark.
2026 Honda CBR500R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Styling & Equipment
The CBR500R’s aggressive bodywork is inspired by the racing DNA of its bigger Fireblade sibling and directed by the design banner ‘The Shape Of Speed’. Sharp edges front to rear exude the essence of what makes a CBR a CBR.
And there’s function to the form; the design includes winglets to direct airflow and the angles of the fairing. This aerodynamic package contributes to a linear steering feel with increased feedback and feel for front tyre grip.
Dual LED headlights maintain beam penetration and throw out wide light distribution, for increased visibility when riding – and cornering – at night, whilst the matching taillight rounds out the premium all round LED lighting.
Premium technology – in the form of a five-inch full colour TFT screen – 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.
All functions are operated via an easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar, which 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 the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the CBR500R, and go.
Seat height is low at 785mm, making the bike very easy to manage and its sporting riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height. Overall dimensions are 2080mm x 760mm x 1145mm, with 130mm 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
Light, strong and unchanged for 2026, 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.
Nimble responsiveness is what the CBR500R is all about. The view forward from the cockpit is pure sports. The handlebars clip on beneath the top yoke and as a result the riding position is unmistakably aggressive. The footpegs are purposeful, lightweight aluminium.
Wheelbase is 1410mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm, and front/rear bias percentage of 50.7/49.3. Kerb weight is 191kg.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks 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 four-cylinder CBR650R uses the exact same set-up.
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 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
The A2-licence 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.
HSTC manages 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 on the engine. 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 CBR500R, as individual items or grouped in packs, and ready to bolt straight on:
Racing Pack
Maximising the sports style, the colour-matched Seat Cowl neatly replaces the pillion seat, adding a sharp shape designed integrally with the motorcycle. The Wheel Stripes highlight the rims, a carbon pattern Tank Pad protects the paint and features the CBR logo, while the 400mm taller Smoked Screen enhances air deflection and comfort at speed.
Comfort Pack
For longer journeys, the Comfort Pack features Heated Grips – with 5 heat levels, a memory function and full TFT screen integration. There’s an ACC Socket for smartphone charging under the seat and a practical, 3L Tank Bag (with see-through pocket) for easy-access storage, plus rain cover.
The accessory line-up is complemented by a practical 15L Seat Bag, a 35L Top Box and its required carrier. All the accessories featured in packs can also be purchased individually.
2026 Honda CBR500R – 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 CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
| 2026 CBR500R | 2026 CBR500R 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 | E-Starter | |
| FUEL SYSTEM | ||
| Carburation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 L | |
| CO2 Emissions WMTC | 80 g/km | |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.5 L/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 760 mm x 1,145 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm | |
| Caster Angle | 25.5° | |
| Trail | 102 mm | |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | |
| Ground Clearance | 130 mm | |
| Kerb Weight | 191 kg | 194 kg |
| Turning radius | 2.9 m | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Suspension Front | Showa 41 mm SFF-BP USD forks | |
| Suspension Rear | Prolink mono with 5 stage pre-load 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 240 mm 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).
