The Honda 500 twins are a series of straight-twin motorcycles made by Honda since 2013. They are the CB500Fstandard/naked bike, the CBR500Rsport 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 180° crank twin-cylinder, parallel, 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 was the one-design model the European Junior Cup in 2013 and 2014. Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil and France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards.
2013 April: CBR500R released - a faired sport bike
2013 April: CB500F released - a naked standard
2013 July: CB500X released - an adventure-styled multi-purpose bike
2016: All models restyled adding LED lamps on all models; larger fuel tanks on F and R versions
2017: All models are EURO4 compliant with new exhaust, new colours and styling
2018: Colour changes only
2019: Styling & colour changes plus many technical improvements: revised exhaust system, anti-rebound clutch, full LED lighting, revised rear shocks, revised LCD instrumentation with extra features, 19" front wheel on the ruggedized CB500X
ABS standard on all models in most markets; e.g. for 2017, it remained an option in the USA
Reactions
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 sellingsports bike in Australia. Many commentators, especially in off-road and long distancetouring, 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. Multiple small improvements in the 2019 range impressed commentators with MCN describing the CB500X as an exceptional machine.
