Honda CBR500R Test 2024: The Sporty A2 All-Rounder

The Honda CBR500R is equipped with a 471 cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 48 hp at 8600 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. The bike weighs 192 kg, has a seat height of 785 mm, and features a 6-speed transmission. Outfitted with modern features such as LED headlights, a digital display, and ABS, the CBR500R offers a balanced mix of sportiness and everyday usability.

The HJC helmets in superhero design, worn by our editors for the Honda Supersport motorcycle test, are not only a real eye-catcher but also technically sophisticated. The RPHA 1 and RPHA 12 models offer a perfect combination of safety, comfort, and stylish design. The RPHA 1 is particularly designed for aerodynamics and stability at high speeds, providing excellent protection through its premium materials. The RPHA 12, on the other hand, impresses with its versatile range of use and excellent ventilation, ensuring pleasant freshness even on longer rides. Both helmets are adorned with striking superhero graphics, making them a special highlight for all comic fans and motorcycle enthusiasts.

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Our editors not only wore the striking HJC helmets during this supersport motorcycle test but were also dressed in high-quality motorcycle gear from Segura. Segura is renowned for its combination of classic design and top-notch protection. The tested outfits included sturdy leather jackets, which provide the highest level of safety due to their abrasion-resistant properties and integrated protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back. Additionally, breathable and weatherproof pants and gloves offered optimal grip and protection. Segura's motorcycle clothing combines stylish looks with functional details, ensuring that our editors were not only well-protected but also comfortable and fashionable on the go.

Further information can be found here: Segura motorcycle clothing.

For Martin Bauer, the Honda CBR500R ranks in the upper category of the A2 class. The engine offers good power delivery over a wide rev range and is characterized by a smooth and silky operation, typical for Honda. The throttle response and controllability of the engine are exceptionally good, making it easy to handle in various riding situations. The seating position is comfortable and slightly sporty, with a relaxed knee angle that makes longer rides enjoyable. The motorcycle's electronics, including traction control and ABS, operate at a high level. Particularly, the front brake with dual discs impresses with its effectiveness and the ABS's regulation behavior. The ABS system allows the rear wheel to slide slightly, which is advantageous for spirited riding.

The chassis is stable and comfort-oriented, although it is not adjustable. It absorbs bumps well and gives the rider a high level of confidence. The weight of the bike, over 190 kilograms, makes handling a bit more sluggish, requiring more effort, but also offers a lot of stability.

One criticism is the limited maximum lean angle, as long feelers on the pegs scrape early. This affects sporty riding.

Horvath describes the Honda CBR500R as a bread-and-butter bike that performs very solidly in the test. The machine is characterized by good responsiveness and unobtrusive behavior in corners. However, you can feel that the engine is somewhat affected by the high weight of the bike. The display is described as nice, and the ergonomics as very suitable for touring. Although the CBR500R is not the strongest supersports in terms of ergonomics, it still offers some appealing features. The traction control can be turned off, and the rear suspension is adjustable, which at least offers some customization options. Overall, the Honda CBR500R leaves a solid impression as a reliable and well-functioning bike.

Alessio describes the Honda CBR500R as a bike that, despite its many positive attributes, suffers from a major drawback: its weight. He notes that the bike is heavier on paper and in reality compared to its competitors, which is particularly noticeable in corners and on straight stretches. Although the engine theoretically has the most power in its class, the bike feels less powerful due to the weight. Despite this disadvantage, Alessio highlights some positive aspects. The clutch and gearbox work flawlessly, and the brakes, although he finds the front brake a bit too hard, are effective. The display and traction control are at the expected level and perform their functions well.

Overall, Alessio describes the Honda CBR500R as an acceptable bike that may not shine in all areas but convinces with its beauty and solid engineering.

Amelie approaches the motorcycle with high expectations, as she is very convinced by other Honda models, especially naked bikes. She praises the chassis, the gearbox, and the handling of the levers and digital displays, all of which are easy to manage. However, in terms of riding performance, Amelie is disappointed with the engine, which offers less grunt than expected. She misses the anticipated aggressiveness and sportiness. The seating position is comfortable and almost cozy, with pegs mounted relatively far forward and low. This makes the motorcycle particularly suitable for riders who do not prefer an aggressive seating position but are looking for a sporty machine with a certain level of comfort.

Amelie emphasizes that the CBR500R still retains the character of a supersports bike, but on a different level. She finds the motorcycle quite appealing, although not overwhelmingly impressive. Therefore, she gives it a "half thumbs up."

From the various riding impressions of the Honda CBR500R, several positive experiences and aspects can be highlighted:

Good Responsiveness: The Honda CBR500R is characterized by good throttle response and controllability of the engine, leading to pleasant handling in various riding situations.

Smooth Engine Operation: The 2-cylinder engine is described as smooth and silky, which is typical for Honda, providing a pleasant riding experience.

Comfortable Ergonomics: The seating position is described as comfortable, with a relaxed knee angle that makes longer rides enjoyable. The ergonomics are considered touring-friendly and slightly sporty.

Effective Brakes: The brakes, especially the front dual disc brakes, are described as very effective. The ABS system operates at a high level and allows for short braking distances, which is particularly advantageous for sporty riding.

Good Chassis: The chassis is described as stable and comfort-oriented, absorbing road bumps well and giving the rider a high level of confidence.

Beautiful Aesthetics: The Honda CBR500R is described as one of the most beautiful motorcycles in its category, especially in red with the typical Honda accents.

Solid Electronics: The traction control and the digital display are described as functional and user-friendly.

High Weight: Several testers criticize the high weight of the Honda CBR500R, which negatively affects handling and performance.

Limited Engine Power: Despite the theoretically high power, the engine is described as less grunty and aggressive than expected.

Suspension Adjustments: The suspension of the CBR500R is only adjustable at the rear and not fully customizable. This limits the possibilities for individual adjustments, especially for riders who prefer specific settings.

Limited Lean Angle: The footpegs are positioned relatively far forward and low, leading to early contact with the ground in corners. In particular, the long feelers and the kickstand mounting plate touch down early, restricting spirited riding.