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Honda has unveiled the new 500 range at EICMA 2023, consisting of the NX500 which replaces the CB500X, the updated CBR500R and the new CB500F Hornet which will replace the outgoing CB500R.

CB500R was showcased in India for a while in 2022 and 5 units were sold. Hence the updated CB500 Hornet could be of significance to the Indian market.

Honda CB500 Hornet

A new name and new look give the CB500 Hornet a fresh edge as it rides into 24YM. Premium new tech too, in the form of a 5-inch TFT screen – operated by an intuitive and easy-to-use lefthand switchgear – features the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync.

The A2-compliant, slipper clutch-equipped twin-cylinder engine benefits from the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) as well as ECU updates to improve acceleration.

Chassis specification includes Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks as before, with dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.

Honda’s A2 naked twin-cylinder streetfighter joins the Hornet family, with aggressive new styling and aerodynamic improvements befitting the iconic name. Power and torque for the 471cc engine meet maximum A2 licence requirement– at 35kW and 43Nm – while an ECU update improves acceleration feel and Honda Selectable Torque Control is now standard. The high-quality chassis specification includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Showa rear shock and dual discs up front with four-piston calipers. A brand-new LED headlight opens up better visibility at night, while a new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, operated by a simplified and backlit 4-way toggle switch.

The 24YM CB500 Hornet will be available in the following colour options:

• Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic
• Grand Prix Red
• Pearl Himalayas White

Styling & Equipment

• New streetfighter style incorporates aerodynamics that improve steering and agility
• New LED headlight and taillight
• New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
• New, simplified left hand switchgear is easy to use and backlit for night-time

Chassis

• 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
• Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
• Lightweight wheels and swingarm

Engine

• Lively twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
• Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK1vWkifRvk

Honda CB500R

Honda’s A2 twin-cylinder sports bike gets a sharp, Fireblade-inspired style refresh for 24YM. Power and torque remain the same for the 471cc, engine – at 35kW and 43Nm – while an ECU update improves acceleration feel and Honda Selectable Torque Control is now standard. A high-quality chassis specification includes 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Showa rear shock and dual discs up front with four-piston calipers. Brand-new dual LED headlights open up better visibility at night, while a new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, operated by a simplified and backlit 4-way toggle switch.

Fast, frugal, affordable and – most importantly – fun, Honda’s fully-faired CBR500R, launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F (now CB500 Hornet) and adventure-styled CB500X (now NX500) injects a genuine sporting energy to its twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio.

Hugely popular with younger riders looking to move up from a smaller machine, the CBR500R instils the excitement of sports bike ownership into every ride yet also delivers sensible running costs, making it a great bike to both commute through the working week and enjoy at the weekend.

In 2016 the CBR500R assumed sharper styling and LED lighting to go with updated front suspension, followed by an even more aggressive makeover in 20YM. 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.

Having proved its undoubted star quality alongside its siblings, for 22YM the CBR500R received a major suspension upgrade in the form of high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, plus dual front discs, new lightweight wheels and swingarm.

For 24YM the CBR500R moves on again. Sharper new ‘RR-R’ style, updates for the engine and premium new screen technology and connectivity make Honda’s ‘pocket rocket’ even more desirable.

With a graphics update that keep it in line with the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the new CBR600RR, the 24YM CBR500R will be available in the following colour options:

• Grand Prix Red (Tricolour)
• Matt Gunpower Black Metallic

Styling & Equipment

• New supersport style inspired by CBR1000RR-R Fireblade incorporates updated aerodynamics to improve steering and feedback
• New dual headlight and taillight
• New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions
• New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night-time

Chassis

• 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
• Dual 296mm discs, Nissin radial mount four-piston calipers
• Lightweight wheels and swingarm

Engine

• Lively twin-cylinder powerplant now equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• New PGM-FI settings improve low-rpm acceleration and power delivery across the rev-range
• Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages rear wheel through downshifts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWtJoVlX4QY