When Tadao Baba had the CBR Fireblade in the early 90s, he came up with the total control principle, which gave priority to the handling of full performance. For him, the ideal sports bike must be intuitive and exciting, not difficult to handle; It must be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of riders. Even today, all Honda CBR sports bikes hold on to the total control principle of Baba-San, and that is why Honda-Sports bikes have the allure of being relatively Easier to live with and more comfortable to drive compared to their more focused rivals.
As they say, there is nothing good or cheap, and that is true with CBR models, especially if you look at the flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, which you bring back with almost $ 30,000. So what if you want to experience total control without cashing in your 401K? That is where the CBR500R enters. It is the most affordable CBR that you can buy in 2025.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information, the data used to collect this article from authoritative sources, such as Honda PowerSports.
The cheapest CBR sports bike that you can buy in 2025
Start price: $ 7,399
The Honda CBR500R costs a little more than $ 7,000 and is located at the bottom of the Line -up of the Big Red’s Sports Bike, while he remains faithful to the CBR philosophy of total control. It contains a parallel-twin engine that focuses on real-world performance, together with high-end showa suspension and comfortable ergonomics. Combined, these make the CBR500R an excellent Sub-500cc all-rounder, able to use your weekday commuting and weekend Joyrides. Plus, in his Avatar after 2024 it also looks boisterous.
Although the CBR500R is perhaps the cheapest CBR today, it is certainly not the most bang-for-buck model in the segment. The closest rival is the Kawasaki Ninja 500, which is considerably more affordable (for $ 5,299), lighter and more powerful. The Ninja is great for someone looking for outright performance, but Honda shines here with its more useful power output, a less stressed engine and superior substantiation.
Other prominent rivals are the CFMoto 450SS ($ 5,699) and Aprilia RS 457 ($ 6,899), which have a 270-degree parallel-twin engine with a sharp design. The CBR500R has the upper hand against these two, thanks to the wider service network of Honda, Bulletproof reliability and low ownership costs. The same cannot be said for the Chinese CFMoto and a sports bike from Aprilia. Moreover, the CBR500R has a much tastier design that will appeal to a much wider audience.
Honda CBR500R versus the Rivals
Model | Honda CBR500R | Kawasaki Ninja 500 | Aprilia RS 457 | CFMoto 450SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $ 7,399 | $ 5,299 | $ 6,899 | $ 5,699 |
Engine type | 471cc parallel-twin | 451cc parallel-twin | 457cc Parallel-twin, 270 degrees Crank | 449cc Parallel-Win, 270 degrees shooting order |
Current | 47 hp | 51 hp | 47 hp | 50 HP |
Couple | 31.7 LB-FT | 31.7 LB-FT | 32.1 LB-FT | 28.8 LB-FT |
Pavement weight | 421 pounds | 375 pounds | 385 pounds | 370 pounds |
Seat height | 31.1 In. | 30.9 In. | 31.5 In. | 31.3 In. |
Real power that you can actually use
Food output: 47 hp @ 8,600 rpm
The Honda CBR500R is not the most powerful motorcycle in the segment. Yet it delivers something that is demonstrably suitable for the Sub-500cc segment: Real-World performance that is easy to manage, forgiving and flexible. This is made possible by a gradual current curve that starts at 2,000 rpm and up to 8,600 rpm, and 80 percent of the torque only starts 3,000 rpm, which remains relatively flat until the peak of 6500 rpm. It is further helped by the PFM-Fi system that optimizes the electricity delivery in the speed range and improves the gas response.
In other words, the Honda CBR500R is the perfect 500-class sports bike. The linear power output does not start, while the bike is easy to ride in city traffic. The healthy central range makes catching up and cruising easier, and the top-end strength makes the bike entertaining to ride in the twisties. Finally, the proven platform is shared by the Rebel 500 and NX500 and offers the leading reliability of segment and low property costs. It is easily one of the most beginners -friendly but rewarding sports bikes that you can buy today.
Performance specifications
Engine type | Parallel-twin, liquid cooled |
|---|---|
Displacement | 471cc |
Compression ratio | 10.7: 1 |
Valve train | Dohc, four valves per cylinder |
Torque output | 31.7 LB-FT @ 6,500 rpm |
Transfer | Six -speed gearbox with slip and assist coupling |
Fuel consumption | 67.27 MPG |
Top speed | 115 MPH |
High-end Showa suspension under a lightweight frame
Frame type: steel diamond
The agile frame of the CBR500R adds a solid basis to the handling of the bike, but what it stands out is the famous Showa suspension that is usually reserved for more serious sports bikes. The Showa SFF-BP fork in the front improves rigidity and offers a more precise steering input and feedback, while the rear monoshock adds a touch of comfort and a planted feeling to the bike. This gives the Honda CBR500R a versatile treatment that is sharp and agile without sacrificing comfort.
Another highlight of the CBR500R is the braking system, with double petals in advance, which is rare for the segment. The front discs are clamped by a few radially mounted Nissin brake claws, promising strong, predictable string power, supported by Dual-Channel ABS. The front brake lever is adjustable so that you can call them for better comfort and control.
Specifications Frame, suspension and dimensions
Anterior suspension | 41 mm showa sff-bp fork, 4.7 in. To travel |
|---|---|
Rear -wheel suspension | Pro-Link Monoshock, 4.7 in. Traveler |
Front | Double 296 mm discs with fourz sucker calipers |
Rear brake | A few 240 mm disk |
Rake | 25.5 degrees |
Path | 4 in. |
Pavement weight | 421 pounds |
Fuel capacity | 4.5 Let’s go |
Fireblade-inspired Supersport-Styling with surprising comfort
Chair height: 31.1 in.
Although the Honda CBR500R offers daily usability, the design speaks a different language. The Supersport design is highly inspired by the flagship Fireblade, with a sharp nose, slender rear and aerodynamic winglets on the sides. Speaking of scoops, Honda claims that the winglets improve stability and the linear feeling at high speeds. The bike is also supplied in a clear Grand Prix Red Paintwork with white and blue details. In the meantime, the predecessor looked like a weakened sports bike.
The sharp design still manages to keep the motorcycle comfortable. The tub is, for example, low and remains loyal to the total control infilosophy to give the rider a better view of the road. Slightly rear pins, raised clip-ons and a large saddle ensure that this sports bike will break your back during commuting and offers excellent control in the corners. Moreover, the large saddle is at a relatively low height, making it easier for beginners to process the bike at low speeds.
A short job list leaves much to be desired
Completion of the CBR500R package is a short list of functions, starting with a 5-inch TFT display with the Honda RoadSync app. The bike also gets the Honda Ignition Security System (HISS), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), LED headlights, emergency stop signal and ABS. Options include heated handles, a 12V accessory connection and a tank bag. If Honda also offered the option of a top position, rear seat taskit and a higher windshield such as for the Euro-Spec CBR500R.
The relatively short list of functions leaves much to be desired when you consider the premium technology and functions that some of the rivals offer. Not to mention, the CBR500R is not the cheapest in the segment nor flashy on paper. However, that is not what the CBR500R is about. It is a motorcycle that balances the performance, comfort and daily usability, while retaining the total control -DNA, so that the CBR500R is worth the premium that you pay for its rivals.
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