HONDA CBR500R

Photos: HONDA

Model updates: After a major redesign in 2019, Honda's A2-compatible "Pocket Rocket" will receive an aggressive and, above all, aerodynamically focused make-over for 2020. The CBR500R is now also homologated for EURO5.

Content:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Features

4 Accessories

5 Technical data

1. Introduction

Fast, economical, affordable and affordable to maintain: Honda's fully-clad CBR500R - launched in 2013 along with the Naked version CB500F and the adventure-trimmed CB500X - is the sports star in the two-cylinder trio from the "light/middleweight".

For riders who climb from smaller machines, the CBR500R gives them the exciting feeling of owning a real sports bike with every ride. At the same time, the low maintenance costs and the versatility are surprising: with the CBR500R you can commute to work and enjoy the weekend. In addition, the CBR is also popular with experienced drivers who want to reduce their driving pleasure without compromising on their driving pleasure.

In 2016, the CBR500R received sharper styling, LED lighting and upgrades to the front suspension. In 2019, there was an even more aggressive makeover with a new shape and a more sporty seating position. The engine was also further improved: more power in the lower speed range, a strong start over the entire speed band up to the red range and an even more distinctive sound were the result.

2. Model overview

A dynamic line, at the same time slim and muscular, defines the look of the CBR500R. The design is pure ergonomics, geared to the sporty driver and is characterized by an excellent aero management. Handlebar stumps below the revised upper fork bridge allow a seat position that is further forward-inclined compared to the two CB500 siblings.

The 35 kW engine of the CBR500R is compatible with the A2 driving licence and benefits from the 2019 inlet and outlet upgrades as well as valve control times. Compared to the previous model, these resulted in 4% more power and torque between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm. In addition, the CBR was equipped with an improved exhaust system and an anti-hopping coupling.

The LCD instruments have a switching indicator and a gear indicator, the entire lighting consists of LEDs.

3. Features

3.1 Styling & Chassis

• Aggressive lines with LED double headlights
• Improved aerodynamics, ergonomic seating comfort
• sporty sitting position thanks to handlebar stubs
• LCD instrument display, with gear display and switching indicator
• complete LED lighting

Since further development in 2019, the fully clad CBR500R provokes with a super aggressive styling. Straight, wedge-shaped lines and downwardly extended side panels symbolize speed. The slim-fitting panelling and bench improve ergonomics and freedom of movement. Aggressively designed LED double headlights stare menacingly forward, LED indicators complete the sporty front.

The view to the front, over the cockpit of the CBR500R, is pure sport. The handlebar stumps are mounted under the upper fork bridge and the seating position leaves no doubt: here you sit on a sports bike! The CBR's cladding is set low and provides the driver with the control and stability for which Honda athletes are famous.

The LCD instruments have a gear indicator and switching indicator; this is set to 8,750 rpm by default, but can be adjusted between 5,000 and 8,750 rpm in increments of 250 rpm.

The steel tube frame with a diameter of 35 mm is light and stable. It gives the driver good feedback when the road conditions are changing. The shape and position of the motor bearings as well as the stiffness balance of the frame reduce vibrations.

The wheelbase is 1410 mm, inclination and follow-up are set to 25.5°/102 mm, which allows direct and confidence-inspiring steering. The mass centralization, in which the motor is located in the immediate vicinity of the swinging pivot point, ensures improved manoeuvrability, the optimal weight distribution between the front and rear axles, ensures stability. The weight (fully fuelled) is 192 kg.

The seat height is comparatively low at 785 mm, which makes the CBR500R very easy to handle, the neutral seat position suits drivers of all heights. The total dimensions are 2080mm x 755mm x 1145mm, with 130mm ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 17.1 l including reserve. Due to the excellent fuel consumption of the engine from 3.5liters to 100km, the range is 480 km.

The 41 mm telescopic front fork with 120 mm stroke provides a pleasing yet controlled handling and gives a good feeling for the front tire. A single-tube rear shock absorber (as found in higher-capacity sports motorcycles) with a large diameter piston ensures excellent suspension and temperature management. It has a 9-stage spring preload setting and operates via a rigid steel swingarm with box profile, which is equipped with pressed steel chain adjusting end pieces. The final drive is via a sealed 520 chain.

The CBR features lightweight 17-inch aluminum cast wheels with Y-shaped spokes and hollow cross-section. The width of the front wheel is 3.5 inches, it is equipped with a tire in the dimension 120/70-ZR17. The width of the rear wheel is 4.5 inches, which is equipped with a tire in size 160/60-ZR17. A single 320 mm wave brake disc at the front with a two-piston brake caliper is matched to a 240 mm rear disc with a single-piston brake caliper. ABS is installed as standard.

The CBR500R will be available in the following color options:

Matt Axis Grey Metallic

Grand Prix Red

Pearl Metalloid White

3.2 Motor

• Lively two-cylinder power plant with kinship to the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade
• Power and torque over the entire range
• Sportier sound thanks to dual-exit silencer
• Anti-hopping clutch makes it easy to switch up and down
• Now EURO5 homologated

The A2-capable CBR500R with 8 valves in liquid-cooled Parallel Twin offers a balance between engine size and willing, pleasant power output, with energetic and willingly rotating character to the top edge.

The 2019 engine upgrades improved acceleration by increasing performance and torque in the lower to medium speed range from 3,000 to 7,000 rpm; an improvement of 4% due to a changed valve control - with 5° earlier closing control times - and an increase of 0.3 mm to 7.8 mm now.

The PGM-FI fuel injection is more or less straightforwardly powered by the airflow through the airbox and the throttle housings - during the 2019 upgrade, the battery was positioned further from the back of the Airbox inlet channel to allow for greater airflow. The exhaust pot has double output tubes, which give every impulse a sporty-sounding touch. The peak power of 35 kW is reached at 8600 rpm, the torque of 43 Nm is 6500 rpm.

The bore and stroke are 67 mm x 66.8 mm, the compression ratio is 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are offset by 180°, a more primary balancing shaft sits behind the cylinders, close to the center of gravity of the motorcycle. The primary drive as well as the drive of the balancing shaft use scissor wheels, which reduces the noise. The crankshaft balancing weight is specially designed for moment compensation and its low weight allows the motor to rotate freely and with reduced inertia.

As a loaded element, the motor contributes to the stiffness of the frame by means of four frame suspensions on the cylinder head. Roller tilt levers are used inside the cylinder head; which can be particularly light due to the valve clearance adjustment via shims, which in turn reduces the valve spring load and reduces friction.

The smooth-running control chain (SV Chain) is manufactured with vanadium-treated bolts, which reduces friction and increases wear protection. The inlet valve diameter is 26.0 mm and the outlet valve diameter is 21.5 mm.

The piston shape is based on the piston used in the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade to reduce "piston noise" at high speeds. Friction is reduced by grooves on the piston shirt (a finish that enlarges the surface and allows oil to flow in the created channels for better lubrication). As with the CBR1000RR, an AB1 salt bath process, which is used after isonite nitration, forms a protective oxidation membrane.

The "triangular" ratio of crankshaft, main shaft and feed shaft is very similar to that of Honda's four-cylinder RR engines, much of the internal structure and technology was taken over directly by the 2019 CBR1000RR.

The crankcase uses thin-walled rotary cast bushings, the inner design of which reduces the pump losses that can occur in a 180° ignition sequence. The oil pump is characterized by an improved ventilation performance with reduced friction; a deep swamp reduces the oil movement during hard cornering and braking. The oil capacity is 3.2 L.

The six-speed transmission of the CBR500R is very close to that of its RR cousin and uses the same shift arm structure and the same connection mechanism. An anti-hopping clutch introduced in 2019 makes it easier to switch up and smooths hard shutdowns.

Like its 500cc stable companions, the CBR500R is homologated for the EURO5 standard. This entered into force on 1 January 2020 and, compared to the EURO4 standard, requires significantly stricter exhaust emissions for engines. These requirements include a significant reduction in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, a reduction of more than 40% in total emissions of hydrocarbons, stricter detection of misfires and the introduction of a limit value for particulate matter.

4. Accessories

A range of original Honda accessories is available for the CB500F. it includes:

Top Case 35 litres

Racks

Tank bag

Rear packing bag

High windshield

Heating handles

12V socket

Socian cover

Rim sledging

Tankpad

5. Technical data

All information is non-binding, subject to change.

Please note that the figures given are results obtained by Honda under standardized test conditions prescribed by the WMTC. The tests are carried out on a free country road with a standard version of the vehicle, with only one driver and without additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on driving style, vehicle maintenance, weather, road conditions, tyre pressure, accessories, luggage, driver and passenger weight, and other factors.