Motorcycle specifications HondaCBR 500 R 2024 Everyday sportswoman

With each new generation, the CBR 500 R looks sharper and sharper, with an ever-increasing determination to resemble the toughest pistardes in the range. The CBR name is assumed, defended and glorified. But CBR doesn't mean time trials and competition at all costs. The acronym City Bike Racing places the sport's cursor on several levels. But which one dictates the 500's path?

In terms of design alone, it faithfully follows in the footsteps of its larger siblings. Its sporty lines are worthy of the higher classes. With its razor-sharp faces and skin-deep tension, the desire to be an arsouille soon runs through the hair. The new version sharpens up the lineage, fairing sides and fork-head cheeks a little, with the significant change of adding side vents - like simili-winglets copied from those on the 1000 RR-R. These elements are supposed to have an influence on the feel of the front traina and the bike's stability. Yeah... Don't forget that this bike only packs 35 kW. Still a long way from Superbike and aerodynamic strategies.

The CBR 500 R has always defended a friendly, non-violent idea of the sport, opening the door to the CBR clan to A2 license holders. The block has endured and continued to send out its 47.5 horsepower for the past 10 years. Honda was keen to improve what happens between the moment the rider turns the throttle and the power peak. A reworking of the injection mapping gives slightly more consistent acceleration and a throttle that's a little more responsive.

The twin-cylinder received the company of a limited-slip clutch in 2019. The year 2024 brings with it HSTC traction (torque) control. Perhaps of relative use given the power of the mill, but it can come into action under certain tricky conditions and avoid a few scares. The Honda Selectable Torque Control compares the speed difference between the wheels and, if necessary, acts on the fuel injection to reduce torque.
How flexible is that torque? 43 Nm, or almost 4.4 mkg. That's enough to offer a gentle push, but fortunately the bike is light at 191 kg in running order.

Honda has pushed the envelope a little to equip the CBR. With the HSTC as we've just seen, but also with a new headlamp to spread a wider beam. The rear light has also been reworked. A few photos to send to friends, then we stay in the techno-digital atmosphere with the new 5-inch color TFT screen. A notable and welcome evolution, finally offering a more fashionable and less old-fashioned interface than the previous liquid crystal unit. It's operated by a new backlit control on the left-hand commodo. Clear, uncluttered and well laid out, the speedo offers 3 display themes (Simple / Bar / Circular) and smartphone connectivity via the RoadSync app. Once all the bells and whistles are connected, the rider can make phone calls, listen to on-board music, be notified of incoming messages, access simplified step-by-step GPS navigation and control everything vocally (if an intercom is present in the helmet). A weather forecasting system is also included.

with this upgradeable package, the CBR 500 R adds the digital dimension it has been lacking. Everyday riding and handling is based on the same layout as the previous generation, which had also gained a little sportiness and precision with a 41 mm Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork and radial brake calipers to grip two 296 mm discs. The "Diamond" steel frame and suspension are also unchanged - so it won't be overshadowed. Since 2022, this combination has provided healthy, nimble, homogeneous handling with almost insolent ease.

Honda has managed to shave a kilo off its small CBR, down to 191 units. It's anecdotal, but always worth it. Still very proud of its name, the 500 continues its journey with a dose of tech to keep up with the times. Performance won't match its dynamic styling, but it's certainly the best the A2 can offer.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos