Honda CBR500R FOUR: new 500cc inline-four with standard E-Clutch

Honda has unveiled the CBR500R FOUR, a middleweight sports bike built around a new 500cc inline-four. E-Clutch is standard, and a 35 kW version is planned for A2 licence holders. It carries on the idea of the CB400 SUPER FOUR, sold in Japan for over three decades.

The DOHC 16-valve engine makes 53 kW (about 73 hp) at 11,000 rpm, with a 12,500 rpm redline. It gets ram-air, a downdraft intake, low-friction cylinder coatings and DLC valve lifters. The 4-2-1 exhaust nods to the 1975 CB400 FOUR. Three riding modes (Standard, Sport, Urban) plus two User modes, and HSTC traction control. Don't mix it up with the existing parallel-twin CBR500R, which stays on sale.

The chassis has a steel diamond frame, 41 mm KYB USD forks, a Pro-Link rear and an aluminium swingarm. Brakes are twin 296 mm discs with radial Nissin calipers, two-channel ABS, on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. Also a 5-inch TFT, RoadSync, LED lights and USB-C. Colours: Ignition Red Tricolour and Mat Ballistic Black Metallic.

• Torque — 47.4 Nm at 9,750 rpm
• Kerb weight — 189 kg
• Seat height — 780 mm
• UK price — £6,999, in dealers January 2027