2026 Honda CBR500R Specs & Review

Honda’s faired 500-class sport machine returns with balanced performance, everyday usability, and real rider-focused hardware. If you want a sportbike that’s approachable in traffic yet engaging on back roads, the 2026 CBR500R hits a sweet middle ground. Here’s a concise Honda CBR500R review built around the official 2026 Honda CBR500R specs.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 471 cc
• Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin
• Power: 35 kW (47 hp) @ 8,500 rpm
• Torque: 43 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
• Kerb weight: 191 kg (194 kg with Honda E‑Clutch)
• Seat height: 785 mm

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the 2026 Honda CBR500R is a liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin delivering 35 kW (47 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. In real-world terms, that means flexible roll-on torque for city gaps and mid-corner drive without demanding constant high revs. The PGM-FI electronic fuel injection keeps fueling crisp, while the 6-speed transmission with an assist/slipper clutch helps smooth downshifts when you’re trail-braking into a bend. For riders who want added ease in stop-start traffic and slicker launches, Honda’s E‑Clutch is optional.

Highway cruising is comfortably within reach thanks to the broad torque curve, and the listed maximum speed of 176 km/h underscores the bike’s competence outside urban limits. Efficiency-minded riders will appreciate the WMTC fuel consumption of 3.5 L/100 km, and emissions-conscious commuters can note the 80 g/km CO2 figure. The bore and stroke—67 mm x 66.8 mm—hint at a rev-happy character that still retains usable low- and mid-range pull.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CBR500R Seat Height

Chassis geometry is set up for stability without sacrificing agility: a 1,410 mm wheelbase pairs with a 25.5° rake and 102 mm trail for neutral, predictable steering. Showa 41 mm SFF-BP upside-down forks give the front end reassuring support and feedback, while the Prolink rear shock with 5-step preload helps you tailor the ride for luggage or a passenger. The steel diamond frame brings durability and a planted feel.

The Honda CBR500R seat height is 785 mm, which will suit a wide range of riders. Combined with the Honda CBR500R weight of 191 kg (194 kg with E‑Clutch), low-speed maneuvering is confidence-inspiring, especially with a friendly 2.9 m turning radius. Shorter riders should find easy ground reach, while taller riders will appreciate the cockpit’s usable space for daily riding and weekend fun. Ground clearance is 130 mm—enough for spirited street riding—and the sport-oriented tire sizes (120/70ZR17 front, 160/60ZR17 rear) strike a pragmatic balance between grip and longevity.

Equipment & Features

Hardware is strong where it matters. Up front, dual 296 mm discs clamp via Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers, backed by a 240 mm rear disc—solid braking with a premium feel for the class. Two-channel ABS is standard, and HSTC is included for extra confidence on slippery surfaces.

Suspension duties are handled by Showa 41 mm SFF-BP USD forks and a Prolink rear shock with preload adjustment. The bike rides on a steel diamond frame and uses a chain final drive. Lighting is full LED (headlight and taillight), while a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity brings modern, connected instrumentation to the cockpit.

Other useful touches include a 17.1 L fuel tank, PGM-FI fueling, and a 12 V 7.4 Ah AGM battery. Riders can choose between Grand Prix Red (Tricolour) or Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic with Graphite Black detailing. If you want clutchless ease for city commutes and smoother getaways, the Honda E‑Clutch is optional.

Who Is the 2026 Honda CBR500R For?

This is an ideal sportbike for riders stepping up from smaller machines who want real performance without intimidating power. Commuters will like the docile low-speed manners, manageable Honda CBR500R seat height, and low fuel consumption. Experienced riders seeking a reliable, affordable, and well-equipped middleweight will also appreciate the quality brakes, suspension, and connectivity—plus the consistency of a liquid-cooled twin that’s happy both in town and on twisty roads.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 Honda CBR500R specs read like a recipe for balance: 47 hp, 43 Nm, quality Showa suspension, strong Nissin front brakes, 2-channel ABS, HSTC, and a 5-inch TFT with RoadSync. Add in practical touches—a 17.1 L tank, LED lighting, and an optional E‑Clutch—and you get a sportbike that’s easy to live with yet still fun when the road opens up.

Weaknesses? If you crave explosive top-end or a featherweight track tool, 191 kg and 35 kW won’t set your hair on fire. But for most riders comparing real-world middleweights, the CBR500R’s blend of usability, equipment, and refinement makes it a standout pick.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Honda CBR500R good for beginners? Yes. Its 35 kW (47 hp) output, 43 Nm torque, standard ABS, HSTC, and 785 mm seat height make it approachable while still engaging as skills grow.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 Honda CBR500R? The Honda CBR500R seat height is 785 mm.

• How heavy is the 2026 Honda CBR500R? The Honda CBR500R weight is 191 kg kerb, or 194 kg with the optional Honda E‑Clutch.

• What are the key 2026 Honda CBR500R specs? 471 cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin, 35 kW (47 hp) @ 8,500 rpm, 43 Nm @ 6,500 rpm, 6-speed with assist/slipper clutch, 191 kg kerb weight, 785 mm seat height, dual 296 mm front discs with Nissin radial calipers, 2-channel ABS, HSTC, and a 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync.

• What is the fuel consumption of the 2026 Honda CBR500R? WMTC fuel consumption is listed at 3.5 L/100 km, with a 17.1 L fuel tank.