2025 Honda CBR500R Review

Style, speed, and affordability come together in the CBR500R. Perfect for both seasoned riders and newcomers alike, it offers a thrilling blend of real-world performance, cat-like agility, and Supersport style. Whether you’re tackling the daily commute or carving the canyons on the weekends, this is the sportbike you’ve been waiting for.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Honda CBR500R: CARVE MORE CANYONS.

Introducing the 2025 Honda CBR500R…

The Honda CBR500R strikes a truly unique balance between performance and fun. Its parallel twin-cylinder CBR500R engine revs freely and produces plenty of torque, while also helping to keep the bike narrow and nimble too. Along with top-notch suspension and standard anti-lock brakes, the CBR500R is a bike made for riders who crave more.

Honda’s CBR500R has evolved substantially over the years, morphing from a somewhat sporty midsize bike into a much more exciting machine, though it has maintained its user-friendly personality. With bodywork based on that of the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship-winning CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the smaller CBR500R features a full fairing with winglets to optimize aerodynamics, and a capable, compact parallel-twin engine that delivers exciting yet manageable power. The CBR500R offers high-end sportbike styling, technology and performance at an accessible price.

Style, speed, and affordability come together in the CBR500R. Perfect for both seasoned riders and newcomers alike, it offers a thrilling blend of real-world performance, cat-like agility, and Supersport style. Whether you’re tackling the daily commute or carving the canyons on the weekends, this is the sportbike you’ve been waiting for.

What HRC learns racing at the top feeds straight back. And the CBR500R is where it starts. Fireblade style, with aerodynamic fairing winglets. A strong twin-cylinder engine with ECU settings optimised for acceleration and chassis primed with Showa USD forks and twin radial-mount calipers. Add a new TFT screen with full connectivity – plus HSTC grip management – and you’re riding something with racing DNA inside. And huge fun in the city, twisting back road or racetrack.

2025 Honda CBR500R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
• Slipper clutch
• Supersport styling
• Stepped two-piece seatEngine Type
  471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-strokeTransmission
  Six-speed

  Front Suspension
  41mm Showa® SFF-BP fork; 4.7-inch travel

  Rear Suspension
  Pro-Link® single shock; 4.7-inch travel

  Seat Height
  31.1 inches

  Warranty
  Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty. One year included.

HISTORY
Fast, frugal and—most importantly—fun, Honda’s full-fairing CBR500R was originally launched in 2013, injecting a genuine sporting energy to the manufacturer’s twin-cylinder “light middleweight” engine platform. Popular with younger riders (many of whom were looking to move up from a smaller machine), the model instilled the excitement of sport-bike ownership into every ride, yet also delivered sensible running costs, making it a great choice for commuting through the working week and then enjoying the weekend.

In 2016, the CBR500R assumed sharper styling and LED lighting to go with updated front suspension; in 2019 it got an even more aggressive makeover, with a new form and riding position that outlined a keener sport intent. Developments were also applied to the engine for stronger performance off the bottom, a distinctive surge through the rev range to the redline and more distinctive exhaust howl.

The 2022 model year CBR500R received additional improvements over its predecessor, and for 2024, it became an even more attractive package, with updated styling and significant technology upgrades.

2025 Honda CBR500R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine & Drivetrain
More Power, More Torque
The 471 cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine uses a square bore & stroke of 67 mm x 66.8 mm for an optimum combination of strong low-rpm power and torque, adding up to excellent top-end performance.

Assist Slipper Clutch
Not only does the assist slipper clutch help to prevent rear-wheel lockup on downshifts, it also reduces effort at the lever by almost half, helping to reduce rider fatigue particularly in city traffic or on long rides.

Exhaust System
The exhaust system features dual exit pipes resulting in improved exhaust flow, extra power and a sportier-sounding edge to the exhaust note.

Smooth and Compact
Engine vibration is kept to a minimum by using crank pins phased at 180 degrees and a balancer shaft behind the cylinders, which also contributes to the engine’s compact size.

Crisp Throttle Response
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection keeps the engine running efficiently in all conditions and ensures crisp throttle response.

Maximized Efficiency
In order to maximize air-intake and exhaust efficiency, the profile from the air cleaner through the intake ports to the exhaust pipe was made as straight as possible, helped in part by repositioning the battery away from the rear of the airbox intake duct.

Easy Shifting
The gear indicator and adjustable shift-up indicator make it even easier to use the smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox.

Chassis & Suspension
Lightweight Frame
The lightweight diamond-shaped steel frame was designed to allow a certain degree of yield, which enables it to better respond to changes in the road surface and to transmit just the right amount of feedback to the rider.

Suspension
The front fork features Showa 41mm Seperate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks — the same found on the CBR650R. The rear suspension is now ~1kg lighter (compared to the previous generation), and provides more lateral flex and new settings to compliment the upgraded front. Additonally, the Pro-Link® rear suspension boasts a single-tube shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sportbikes) with five-stage spring preload adjustment, replacing the double-tube design of the previous model. Its large-diameter piston helps to ensure excellent suspension response and improved heat dissipation. The shock connects to a rigid box-section steel swingarm with pressed-steel chain-adjustment end pieces. Both the shock and the adjustable 41 mm fork are calibrated for a comfortable but sporty ride.

Easy to Manage
The 785 mm (30.9 in) seat height makes the CBR500R very easy to manage, and its riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height.

Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spokes not only look great, they also contribute to the bike’s excellent manoeuvrability.

Powerful Braking
A powerful dual-piston brake caliper up front and a single-piston caliper at the back are designed to provide strong but easily controlled stopping power – even in difficult conditions. Equipped with sophisticated Honda ABS. Wave brake rotors with superlative heat-dissipating qualities are lighter than conventional discs of the same diameter, which helps to further reduce the bike’s unsprung weight.

Additional Features
Sporty Riding Position
Clip-on handlebars are positioned lower and farther forward, producing a more aggressive seating position that’s ideal for sport riding. Ergonomics were carefully configured to help ensure easy manoeuvring in town, an easy reach to the ground, as well as excellent comfort during long-distance highway trips.

LED Lighting
The CBR500R’s sporty fairing and rear section incorporate a pair of bright and distinctive LED headlights plus an LED taillight and turn signals.

Convenient Storage
A utility space under the seat accommodates a U-lock, wet-weather gear or other items.

Enhanced Comfort
Strategically placed vents and ducts in the front cowl and side panels improve rider comfort and protection while also aiding high-speed handling.

DESIGN / STYLING
Inspired by the aggressive shapes and sharp edges of Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the CBR500R features bodywork that evokes feelings of speed and forward motion. In addition to the attractive styling, the design optimizes ergonomics and aerodynamics, and even benefits handling characteristics. The winglets integrated into the front of the fairing allow air to flow through and optimize pressure balance, leading to a linear steering feel and improved front-end grip. The fuel tank, seat and side panels feature a narrow profile and smooth surface, allowing the rider to grip the bike with the knees for maximum control.

Up front, the CBR500R boasts dual headlights, offering wide light distribution for optimum visibility, especially while cornering. An LED taillight is also included.

A full-color 5-inch TFT display conveys important information to the rider. Using optical bonding, the display maximizes screen visibility in bright sunlight by minimizing glare and enhancing backlight transmittance. With three display options (Bar, Circle and Simple) and three background options (Black, White and Auto), riders can customize the display to their preference. These advancements allow for a high level of focus on the road ahead. Controlling the display is intuitive and convenient with the backlit four-way toggle switch located on the left handlebar.

The view forward from the CBR500R’s cockpit is pure sport. The handlebars clip on beneath the top triple clamp, resulting in a sporty riding position; the fairing is also set low in keeping with the “Total Control” design philosophy, a fundamental concept for Honda’s CBR range.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CBR500R’s light, strong 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of rider feedback as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.

Maximizing all-around handling performance is a Showa 41mm inverted Separate Function Fork Big Piston fork (SFF-BP) with 4.7 inches of travel. By dividing the functions—Big Piston pressure-separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other—reaction and ride quality are optimized. (The CBR650R uses the same setup.)

The single-tube shock absorber (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) has a large-diameter piston that ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features five-stage preload adjustment with an optimized spring rate and damping settings to match the fork. Rear-wheel travel is 4.7 inches.

The CBR500R features light wheels with five Y-shaped spokes. The front-wheel width is 3.5 inches with a 120/70-ZR17 tire, and the rear is 4.5 inches with a 160/60-ZR17 tire.

The swingarm is constructed from 2mm steel and employs a hollow cross member. Stiff rotationally but flexible laterally, the swingarm delivers excellent handling.

Dual 296mm petal-style rotors and radial-mounted Nissin four-piston calipers are standard. The lever pressure required when braking is minimized, but the small disc size keeps weight low.

The CBR500R’s curb weight is 421 pounds (with all fluids and a full tank of fuel), and the 50.7/49.3 front/rear bias percentage promotes nimble handling and excellent front-end grip. Wheelbase is 55.5 inches, with rake and trail of 25.5°/4.0 inches (101mm).

Nimble responsiveness is what the CBR500R is all about, so the view forward from the cockpit is very sporty. The handlebars clip on beneath the top triple clamp, so the riding position is unmistakably aggressive; the fairing is also set low. Purposeful aluminum footpegs offer maximum support for spirited riding. The compact front fender is taken from the CBR650R.

Seat height is low at 31.1 inches, making the CBR500R simple to manage, and its riding position comfortably accommodates riders of varying heights. Overall dimensions are 81.9 inches long, 30.1 inches wide and 45.1 inches high, with 5.1 inches of ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons, including reserve.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CBR500R’s 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zippy top end. The engine’s overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Acceleration is impressive, due to good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.

The CBR500R is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which compares front and rear wheel speeds to monitor rear slip; when it is detected, fuel injection is controlled to smoothly reduce torque. HSTC maximizes performance in a wide range of conditions and inspires confidence, especially on slippery surfaces. The system can be turned off completely using the switch on the left handlebar.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a relatively straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies, and settings optimize torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, as well as a rasping high-rpm howl.

Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm, with a compression ratio of 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance, and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and minimized friction.

A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, minimizing friction with excellent protection against wear. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0mm, while exhaust-valve diameter is 21.5mm.

The piston shape is carefully designed to minimize noise at high rpm, with striations on the piston skirt (a finish that maximizes surface area and introduces gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The “triangle” proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design minimizes the pumping losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2 liters. The slick-shifting, six-speed transmission is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.

DOHC twin-cylinder engine
The 471cc parallel-twin engine has a dual overhead cam design that provides accessible performance across the RPM range, with strong low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower.

Stainless steel exhaust
The polished stainless-steel exhaust seamlessly integrates with the rear footpeg mount, optimizing mass centralization and elevating handling prowess. This is what we call functional aesthetics.

Programmed fuel injection
The PGM-FI system adjusts fuel levels based on parameters like temperature, elevation, throttle position, and riding style to increase power and torque across the RPM range and improve throttle response.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Our Anti-Lock Braking System comes standard, providing assured stopping power and added confidence in challenging conditions, such as wet roads or loose gravel.

Disc brakes
Twin 296mm front discs with four-piston radial-mount calipers offer strong, predictable stopping power. The front brake lever is adjustable for a perfect fit.

Showa Big Piston fork
The 41mm inverted Showa® Separate Function Fork—Big Piston (SFF-BP) front end enhances the bike’s rigidity and provides more precise steering input and feedback.

Pro-Link® rear suspension
Our Pro-Link® rear suspension features a nine-stage adjustable preload shock and 4.7 inches of travel, providing amble comfort and agile handling.

Steel-tube frame
The diamond-shaped steel-tube mainframe is seamlessly connected to the engine through four mounts and provides a rock-solid foundation for an unrivaled ride and handling experience.

Lightweight swingarm
The swingarm, utilized across the entire Honda 500 lineup, is nearly two pounds lighter and stronger than the previous version. This is one reason for the exceptional handling.

Cast wheels
The lightweight, multi-spoke, cast aluminum wheels are designed to improve handling and fit various sticky street tires. Plus, they are easy to clean and just plain look good.

Slipper clutch
Born from Honda’s racing pedigree, the slipper/assist clutch reduces clutch lever effort by 45 percent compared to previous systems and automatically locks up tight upon release, reducing rear-wheel hop under hard deceleration.

Smooth transmission
Our engineers profiled the transmission shift dogs to help you change gears with reduced effort every time. While you’ll likely never see these parts, you’ll undoubtedly feel their effects.

Supersport styling
The stylish design of the fairing does far more than just look good – it ensures superior air management to optimize rider comfort, cooling, and aerodynamic efficiency.

Step-up seat
A two-piece seat with a dual-level design accommodates various riders and passengers, making it perfect for urban streets and winding roads.

Large TFT display
A large Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display is bright and easy to read and features a digital speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and more.

LED headlights
A pair of small and stylish LED headlights allow for the ideal placement of the engine intakes, resulting in increased airflow and additional horsepower without sacrificing illumination.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
HSTC smoothly manages rear wheel traction, wet or dry, so riding the street – or carving an apex – is always a thrill.

Class-Leading Suspension and Brakes
Enjoy sports bike-spec quality. Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD front forks and dual front discs with radial-mount calipers boost feel, all-round handling and braking.

Honda RoadSync Smartphone Connectivity
Want to use your phone’s nav or listen to music? No problem. Download the Honda RoadSync app and, by using the simple 4-way, lefthand handlebar toggle, you’re fully hooked up.

Aggressive New Supersport Style
Want a slice of CBR1000RR-R Fireblade design and aerodynamic winglets? Find it right here. The CBR500R takes inspiration from big brother with new headlights, fairing and taillight.

CBR500R rear three quarter elevated shot showing engine
A2-Compliant Twin-Cylinder Engine
We’ve updated the ECU settings and optimised ignition timing for strong drive in the low- to mid-range rpm zone, plus smooth throttle response with a crisp exhaust note.

New Full Colour 5-Inch TFT Screen
Using optically bonded layers to reduce glare in bright sunlight, the 5-inch screen is intuitive to use and features the smartphone connectivity of Honda Roadsync.

A CBR Is Always Something Special.
CBR. Three very special letters with a momentous history. Drawing heavily on the Fireblade for its design – with new paint and graphics straight out of pit lane – the CBR500R wears the same aerodynamic winglets for stability on corner entry and razor-sharp high-speed agility. From the aggressively redesigned headlights, which throw out a broad, penetrating beam for safer cornering at night, and sculpted-for-speed fairing right back to the tightly wrapped seat unit, this is a sporting benchmark.

Make The Connection
Entry level? No, the level; the CBR500R is armed with the sort of premium tech found on much bigger bikes. Like HSTC, which smoothly reduces engine torque via the ECU to manage rear grip. And, while this is a minimal sports cockpit the new full-colour, 5-inch TFT screen uses optically bonded layers for visibility in bright sunlight, with the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync. So, while riding, you can access on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and stay in touch whichever you choose all by simple operation of the new, backlit switchgear.

2025 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7,399 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $9416 CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Meets current EPA standards
Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment
Specifications subject to change

2025 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine & Drivetrain:

• Engine Type: 471cc, liquid-cooled, 20º parallel-twin four-stroke
• Valve Train: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
• Bore & Stroke: 67.0mm x 66.8mm
• Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
• Induction: PGM-FI fuel injection with 34mm throttle bodies
• Ignition: Full transistorized ignition
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Clutch: Multiplate wet clutch
• Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/41T

Suspension:

• Front Suspension: 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted telescopic fork; 4.7 inches travel
• Rear Suspension: Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel

Brakes:

• Front Brakes: Dual 296mm petal-style discs with two-piston hydraulic calipers; ABS
• Rear Brake: Single 240mm petal-style disc with one-piston hydraulic caliper; ABS

Tires:

• Front Tire: 120/70R-17
• Rear Tire: 160/60R-17

Dimensions & Weight:

• Rake (Caster Angle): 25.5º
• Trail: 101mm (4.0 inches)
• Length: 81.9 inches
• Width: 30.1 inches
• Height: 45.1 inches
• Ground Clearance: 5.1 inches
• Seat Height: 31.1 inches
• Wheelbase: 55.5 inches
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
• Curb Weight: 421 lbs (includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel)

Other Features:

• Colors: Grand Prix Red
• Warranty: Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty (one year included, optional extended coverage available with HondaCare® Protection Plan)
• Emissions: Meets current EPA standards

2025 Honda CBR500R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).