Honda 500 twins
2013 CB500F
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–Present |
| Predecessor | CB500 1993-2003 |
| Class | Standard |
2014 CBR500R
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–Present |
| Class | Sport bike |
2016 CB500X
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–Present |
| Class | Adventure |
The Honda 500 twins are a series of straight-twin motorcycles made by Honda since 2013. They are the CB500F standard/naked bike, the CBR500R sport bike, and the CB500X adventure touring bike. Their introduction coincided with new European licensing regulations establishing a mid-range class of motorcycles of limited power. The new 500 twins are similar to the earlier CB500 parallel-twins discontinued in 2003, but with new engines, frames, and other parts. They are made in Thailand, where Honda had previously only made smaller displacement motorcycles.
All three models used the same 471 cc (29 cu in) 180° crank twin-cylinder, inline, transversely mounted engine whose power output and cubic capacity were below the European driving licence A2 upper limits.
All models also shared the same six-speed gearbox and the majority of cycle parts. The CB500X had a larger fuel tank and longer front suspension travel making it slightly taller.
On its release, the CBR500R powered the European Junior Cup in 2013 and again in 2014.
Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil & France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards.
The three models were announced on the eve of the November 2012 EICMA show in Milan:
ABS standard on all models in most markets; e.g. for 2017, it remained an option in the USA
Since its launch, the range received many favourable reviews; some preferring the taller X model while the sporty R model was one of Honda's top selling bikes in Canada during 2015 and best selling sports bike in Australia. Many commentators, especially in off-road and long distance touring, argued the need for such middleweight bikes. Perhaps as a consequence, in 2015, RallyRaid, a British after-market specialist, created upgrade kits for the R & F machines and a full adventure conversion kit for the X model.
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