Motorcycle specifications HondaCB 500 Hornet 2024 The truant worker

The CB 500 has a new face and a new name. The bike that has been accompanying young bikers for over 30 years now sees its future as part of Honda's most aggressive family: the Hornet. It's no more aggressive than it was yesterday, but this identifier has become very demonstrative since the success of the 750. The CB 500 would be wrong to deprive itself of this image. But has it changed that much?

It has a new look, but it's more an evolution than a renewal. After a whole host of improvements since 2013, when it was given a new technical platform and engine, this phase retains the substance and densifies the form. The face abandons angles for a more robotic mimicry, with a gaping eye that sniffs out its course. The taillight is a little more dynamic. The new shoulders are wiser, as if to prepare the osculation for a simple reunion.

The mechanical and cycling parts of the 500 Hornet are taken over from the CB 500 F, virtually unchanged. Only the engine has been tweaked to make it more responsive at low revs and to distribute its power more progressively. The most striking addition is the arrival of disconnectable HSTC traction control. An added safety feature, but the twin-cylinder is not known for being violent. We're always surprised to see this kind of assistance on a 35 kW mill.... With good tires, this torque control won't work much.

Designed as an all-purpose engine, calibrated for the A2 and always on the go, Honda's twin-cylinder is neither cheeky nor festive. Its linear character doesn't really correspond to the image of a Hornet as a rascal, but it provides a reassuring ride in all circumstances. A good engine, with smoothness throughout, but a distinctly gentle face. Although its PGM-FI injection has been refined, it still delivers the same power and torque figures: 47.5 hp at 8,600 rpm and 4.5 mkg of torque at 6,500 rpm.

but let's go back to the elements that have changed. That's what interests us most. Turn your attention to the new left-hand switchgear. There's a button to control the HSTC, and a small backlit control pad. An indispensable appendage for controlling all the functions of the new instrument panel. After all, the CB 500 has finally got rid of its blue LCD numeric keypad and replaced it with a 5-inch color TFT screen. A screen with the right dimensions, well-arranged information and sober graphics (from Honda). It offers its rider three types of display and a good dose of interactivity with the smartphone. Once the RoadSync app has been retrieved and synchronized, the interface can display a step-by-step GPS navigator, manage calls, listen to text messages (the system converts them into audio), play stored music and even check the weather.

A total update, necessary to provide the dose of digital that everyone loves. But that doesn't stop him from taking an interest in the bike's main components, which have been carried over from the previous generation without modification. The 17-liter fuel tank is not likely to run out quickly, as Honda has measured fuel consumption at 3.5 liters / 100 km. A Diamond-type tubular steel frame supports the engine and holds a monoshock and Showa SFF-BP inverted fork. Not a bad front end for a 500, with separate functions for each tube and a large-piston damping system.

We also find the same brakes, quite flattering with their two 296 mm discs and, above all, Nissin radial calipers with 4 pistons per caliper. Some well-known bikes in the upper segment would do well to take inspiration from this. Between the suspension work and the braking efficiency, the 500 Hornet can claim the same serene and efficient ride as yesterday, without however stirring the emotions as an MT-07 would. It's important to remain reasonable, and that's exactly what the CB 500 has always wanted and will always offer.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos