Honda CBR500R FOUR takes on the Ninja ZX-4RR and two Chinese fours

Honda is entering the small-capacity four-cylinder sports class with the CBR500R FOUR. It reaches UK dealers in January 2027 at £6,999. Rivals are the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, QJMotor SRK 421 RR and ZXMOTO 500RR, with the Chinese bikes priced well below it.

Honda is neither the most powerful nor the lightest here. It bets on everyday usability: the lowest seat in the group (780 mm), E-Clutch that lets you pull away, shift and stop without touching the lever, a TFT display, traction control and five riding modes. An A2 version is offered too.

ZXMOTO's 500RR claims the most power, 83 hp from 470 cc, and the lowest weight at 168 kg. The SRK 421 RR matches Kawasaki's 76 hp and costs £5,599 on the road. The ZX-4RR is the priciest at £8,799.

• Honda CBR500R FOUR — 502 cc, 70 hp, 46 Nm, 189 kg
• Kawasaki ZX-4RR — 399 cc, 77 hp, 36 Nm, 189 kg
• QJMotor SRK 421 RR — 421 cc, 77 hp, 39 Nm, 185 kg
• ZXMOTO 500RR — 470 cc, 83 hp, 46 Nm, £5,899