- Powered by a 502cc inline-four engine
- Comes with features like Honda RoadSync
- Could be launched in NZ and AUS in 2027
Honda has officially launched the CBR500R Four in China, following its initial reveal at the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition last year. The bike is being manufactured locally by Wuyang Honda and is expected to reach dealerships soon, with a broader global rollout likely to follow.
At its core is a 502cc inline four-cylinder engine producing 72bhp at 11,000rpm and 47.5Nm of torque at 10,000rpm. The engine features a relatively high compression ratio of 12.3:1 and is paired with ride-by-wire throttle and a more compact version of Honda’s E-Clutch system, highlighting the brand’s focus on blending performance with everyday usability.
Weighing in at 189kg, the CBR500R Four sits close to rivals like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, while offering a claimed top speed of 209km/h, impressive for its class. The bike is built around a steel frame with a cast aluminium swingarm and is suspended by KYB-sourced upside-down forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. While the suspension setup isn’t fully adjustable, it strikes a balance between cost and performance for the segment.
On the features front, the motorcycle gets a five-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity, along with a 14-litre fuel tank. Despite being priced slightly higher than some Chinese competitors like the CFMoto 500SR, Honda is banking on its brand reputation and perceived reliability to justify the premium.
Although it’s early days, the CBR500R Four is expected to make its way to markets like Australia and New Zealand in the near future, potentially arriving sometime next year.
