Honda CBR500R Four Debuts With 72hp Engine and E-Clutch: Check What’s New
Honda has expanded its middleweight sportbike range with the new Honda CBR500R Four, bringing a four-cylinder engine to the CBR500R nameplate. The motorcycle has now reached European markets after its earlier debut through Honda’s Chinese joint venture.
Unlike the existing CBR500R, which uses a parallel-twin engine, the new CBR500R Four gets a 502cc inline-four powertrain. Honda has also made its E-Clutch technology standard, adding convenience without removing the conventional clutch lever.
The new motorcycle combines aggressive CBR styling with modern electronics, a high-revving engine and everyday-friendly ergonomics. Honda currently has no confirmed plans to launch the CBR500R Four in India.
Honda CBR500R Four: What’s New in Design?
The new Honda CBR500R Four gets sharp and aggressive styling inspired by the company’s CBR sportbike family. The motorcycle features a full fairing, a sculpted fuel tank and a sporty rear section. One of the biggest visual changes comes from the new single-piece LED headlight, which gives the bike a distinctive front-end design.
Honda has positioned the clip-on handlebars above the fork’s top yoke, creating a sportier appearance while keeping the riding position relatively comfortable for road use. The motorcycle has a 780mm seat height and weighs 189kg. Honda offers two colour options, including an HRC-inspired livery and a black finish.
Honda CBR500R Four: What’s New in Technology?
Technology is one of the key highlights of the new Honda CBR500R Four. The motorcycle comes with Honda’s E-Clutch system as standard, allowing riders to start, stop and change gears without manually operating the clutch lever. Riders can still use the clutch manually whenever they want.
The bike also gets a five-inch colour TFT instrument cluster with Honda RoadSync connectivity and a USB-C charging port. Honda has added five riding modes, including Standard, Sport, Urban and two customisable User modes. The electronics package also includes Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control and a bidirectional quickshifter.
Honda CBR500R Four: Powertrain and Performance
The Honda CBR500R Four uses a newly developed 502cc, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engine. In European specification, the DOHC motor produces 72hp at 11,000rpm and 47.4Nm of peak torque at 9,750rpm. The engine features a high-revving character and uses ram-air intake technology.
Honda pairs the motor with a six-speed gearbox and its E-Clutch system. The motorcycle can reach a claimed top speed of around 210kmph. Honda has also focused on reducing internal friction through features such as low-friction cylinder coatings and DLC-coated valve lifters.
The 14-litre fuel tank and reported 4.5 litres/100km fuel consumption give it reasonable touring potential.
Honda CBR500R Four: Suspension and Safety
The new Honda CBR500R Four uses a steel diamond-type frame with an aluminium swingarm. Suspension duties come from a 41mm KYB upside-down front fork and a Pro-Link rear monoshock.
The rear suspension gets preload adjustment, while the front fork does not offer adjustment. Braking comes from twin 296mm front discs with radial-mounted Nissin two-piston calipers and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.
Dual-channel ABS comes as standard. Honda also fits Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres in 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear sizes. The motorcycle has a 780mm seat height and 189kg kerb weight.
Honda CBR500R Four: Price and Rivals
Honda has priced the CBR500R Four at £6,999 in the UK, equivalent to around Rs. 8.86 lakh based on the current conversion cited by Autocar India. The motorcycle has no confirmed India launch date. Its closest international rivals include the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR and other small-capacity four-cylinder sportbikes.
