Honda 500 twins

Last updated
CB500F
Salon de la Moto et du Scooter de Paris 2013 - Honda - CB500F - 006.jpg
2013 CB500F
Manufacturer Honda
Production2013–2024
Assembly Samut Prakan, Thailand
Manaus, Brazil
Predecessor CBF500 2004-2008
Class Standard
Engine 471 cc (28.7 cu in) liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC Straight-twin engine
Bore / stroke 67 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in)
Compression ratio 10.7:1
Power 47bhp
Transmission 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, manual, chain drive
CBR500R
Honda CBR500R.jpg
2014 CBR500R
Manufacturer Honda
Production2013Present
Assembly Samut Prakan, Thailand
Manaus, Brazil (2013-2018)
Class Sport bike
CB500X
Honda CB500X front-left 2016 Auto China.jpg
2016 CB500X
Manufacturer Honda
Production20132024
Assembly Samut Prakan, Thailand
Manaus, Brazil
Class Adventure

The Honda 500 twins are a series of straight-twin motorcycles made by Honda since 2013.

Contents

These models are sold in Japan with smaller capacity 399 cc engines: CB400F (2013–2016), CB400X, and CBR400R. [1] Their introduction coincided with new European licensing regulations establishing a mid-range class of motorcycles of limited power. [2] The new 500 twins are similar to the earlier CB500 parallel-twins discontinued in 2003, but all-new from the ground up. They are made in Thailand, where Honda had previously made only smaller displacement motorcycles. [3]

All models use the same 471 cc (28.7 cu in) 180° crank straight-twin engine with capacity and power below the A2 European driving licence limit. [4] They share the same six-speed gearbox and the majority of cycle parts. The CB500X has a larger fuel tank and longer front suspension travel making it taller, and with more ground clearance.

On its release, the CBR500R was the one-design model the European Junior Cup in 2013 and 2014. Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil and France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards. [5] [6] [7]

Model history

CBR500R 2019 Honda CBR500R 2019.jpg
CBR500R 2019

The three models were announced on the eve of the November 2012 EICMA show in Milan.

2013

April: CB500F, CBR500R released; July: CB500X released

2016

EURO 4 compliance with smaller exhaust, [8] LED headlamp, preload adjustable front suspension, smaller side covers, larger fuel tank on CB500F and CBR500R, Fireblade style fairing on the CBR500R

2019

Revised exhaust system, anti-rebound clutch, full LED lighting, revised rear shocks, new LCD instrumentation with additional features, 19" front wheel on the ruggedized CB500X, [9] dual-channel ABS standard on all models in most markets, although for 2017 USA models, it remained an option. [10] [11]

CB500F 2021 2021 Honda CB500F.jpg
CB500F 2021

2022

Inverted Showa Separate Function Fork - Big Piston (SFF-BP) forks, dual 296mm disk with radial calipers up front, updated triple tree clamps, new fuel injection settings that further increase torque feel and overall character, other changes include a lighter swingarm, lighter radiator, revised shock settings, redesigned and lighter front wheel, more powerful LEDs. The US Market only received the Pearl Organic Green colorway for 2022. [12] [13]

The CB500X was released at a price of ฿ 224,900 ( US$ 7,032.52) in Thailand. [14] In Germany, the CB500X was released at 7,099 ( US$ 8,395.99). [15]

Reactions

Since its launch, the range received many favourable reviews; some preferring the taller X model while the sporty R model was one of Honda's top selling bikes in Canada during 2015 and best selling sports bike in Australia. [16] [17] [18] Many commentators, especially in off-road and long distance touring, argued the need for such middleweight bikes. [19] [20] Perhaps as a consequence, in 2015, RallyRaid, a British after-market specialist, created upgrade kits for the R & F machines and a full adventure conversion kit for the X model. [21] [20]

Multiple small improvements in the 2019 range impressed commentators with MCN describing the CB500X as an exceptional machine. [22] [23]

Specifications

All specifications are manufacturer claimed unless otherwise specified. The motorcycle model designation is printed on a sticker under the seat.

ModelCB500F [24] CBR500R [25] CB500X [26] [27]
Type Naked Sport Adventure
Engine Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled
Displacement471 cc (28.7 cu in)
Bore x stroke67.0 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in)
Compression ratio10.7 : 1
Fuel deliveryHonda PGM-FI via 34 mm (1.3 in) throttle bodies
IgnitionFully transistorized with ignition advance
Maximum power35 kW (47 hp) at 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque43 N⋅m (32 lbf⋅ft) at 7,000 rpm
Transmission6-speed sequential, constant mesh
ClutchWet, multi-plate, coil spring
Final drive520 o-ring chain, 112 links
FrameTubular steel, diamond, stressed engine
Rake25.5°26.5° (2013–2018)
27.5° (2019-present)
Trail102 mm (4.0 in)108 mm (4.3 in)
Turning radius2,700 mm (110 in)2,800 mm (110 in) (2013–2018)
2,400 mm (94 in) (2019-present)
Front wheel17M/C × MT3.50 cast aluminium

19 X MT2.5 CB500x (2019-present)

Rear wheel17M/C × MT4.50 cast aluminium
Front tyre120/70 ZR17 58W120/70 ZR17 55W (2013–2018)
110/80 R19 59H (2019-present)
Rear tyre160/60 ZR17 69W160/60 ZR17 69W (2013–2018)
160/60 R17 69H (2019-present)
Front brakeSingle 320 mm (13 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS
Rear brakeSingle 240 mm (9.4 in) wave disc, 1 piston caliper, combined ABS
Front suspensionConventional telescopic, 41mm (2013–2015)
Conventional telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2016–present)
Rear suspensionProlink single shock, 9-stage preload adjustable;
steel square pipe double-sided swingarm
Front suspension travel122 mm (4.8 in)140 mm (5.5 in)
Rear suspension travel120 mm (4.7 in)105 mm (4.1 in)
Wheelbase1,410 mm (56 in)1,420 mm (56 in) (2013-2018)
1,445 mm (56.9 in) (2019-present)
Overall length2,080 mm (82 in)2,095 mm (82.5 in) (2013-2018)
2,155 mm (84.8 in) (2019-present)
Overall width780 mm (31 in) (2013-2015)
790 mm (31 in) (2016-present)
740 mm (29 in) (2013-2015)
750 mm (30 in) (2016-2018)
755 mm (29.7 in) (2019-present)
830 mm (33 in) (2013-2018)
825 mm (32.5 in) (2019-present)
Overall height1,060 mm (42 in)1,145 mm (45.1 in)Windscreen low:
1,260 mm (50 in) (2013-2015)
1,360 mm (54 in) (2016-2018)
1,410 mm (56 in) (2019-present)
Windscreen high:
1,290 mm (51 in) (2013-2015)
1,390 mm (55 in) (2016-2018)
1,445 mm (56.9 in) (2019-present)
Seat height785 mm (30.9 in)810 mm (32 in) (2013-2018)
830 mm (33 in) (2019-present)
Ground clearance155 mm (6.1 in) (2013-2015)
160 mm (6.3 in) (2016-2018)
145 mm (5.7 in) (2019-present)
140 mm (5.5 in) (2013-2018)
130 mm (5.1 in) (2019-present)
170 mm (6.7 in) (2013-2018)
180 mm (7.1 in) (2019-present)
Fuel tank capacity15.5 L (3.4 imp gal; 4.1 US gal) (2013-2015)
16.7 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.4 US gal) (2016-2018)
17.1 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) (2019-present)
17.3 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.6 US gal) (2013-2018)
17.5 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.6 US gal) (2019-present)
Engine oil3.2 L (0.70 imp gal; 0.85 US gal)
Coolant1.4 L (0.31 imp gal; 0.37 US gal)
Wet weight190 kg (419 lb) (2013-2015)
188 kg (414 lb) (2016-2018)
187 kg (412 lb) (2019-present)
+2 kg (4.4 lb) ABS
+1 kg (2.2 lb) California
193 kg (425 lb) (2013-2015)
192 kg (423 lb) (2016-2018)
190 kg (419 lb) (2019-present)
+2 kg (4.4 lb) ABS
+1 kg (2.2 lb) California
192 kg (423 lb) (2013-2018)
195 kg (430 lb) (2019-present)
+2 kg (4.4 lb) ABS
+1 kg (2.2 lb) California
Maximum weight capacity168 kg (370 lb)185 kg (408 lb)
Fuel consumption28.4 km/L (80 mpgimp; 67 mpgUS) (2013-2015)
29.4 km/L (83 mpgimp; 69 mpgUS) (2016-2018)
28.6 km/L (81 mpgimp; 67 mpgUS) (2019-present)
28.4 km/L (80 mpgimp; 67 mpgUS) (2013-2015)
29.4 km/L (83 mpgimp; 69 mpgUS) (2016-2018)
27.8 km/L (79 mpgimp; 65 mpgUS) (2019-present)

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