Honda has lifted the covers on the Honda CBR500R FOUR, a middleweight sportsbike built around an all-new 500cc inline four-cylinder engine with Honda E-Clutch fitted as standard. The 27YM model marks a new Honda sportsbike for 2027, aimed at a new generation of riders, with an A2-licence sportsbike option from launch.
A fresh middleweight for the next generation
Developed from the heritage of Japan's long-running CB400 SUPER FOUR, the CBR500R FOUR has been engineered for riders who want a usable, approachable sportsbike with a premium feel.
Honda's R&D team identified a worldwide shift in what younger riders want from a middleweight. The result is a bike that aims to feel special on everyday roads, not only on track.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed. Honda describes the bike as pitched at a "keen price point" and positions it as an attainable step into inline-four ownership.
An all-new 500cc four-cylinder engine
At the heart of the CBR500R FOUR sits a compact DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine displacing 502cc. Peak power is 51.8kW at 11,000rpm, with 46.3Nm of torque at 10,500rpm. The redline is a lofty 12,500rpm, and the free-revving character will feel familiar to inline-four fans.
Honda has also confirmed a 35kW A2 licence-compliant version from launch, opening the model to riders on an A2 restricted licence.
Dual ram-air ducts sit below the headlights and feed a downdraft intake system drawing from a 5.8-litre airbox above the combustion chambers. Nickel-silicon carbide plating on the cylinder walls removes the need for sleeves and reduces friction. Diamond-like carbon valve lifters cut it further.
The 4-2-1 exhaust nods visually to the 1975 CB400 FOUR, Honda's original four-cylinder middleweight.
Honda E-Clutch comes as standard
One of the most notable features is Honda E-Clutch, fitted as standard. The system lets riders pull away, stop, and change gear without using the clutch lever. Downshifts benefit from throttle-by-wire blipping and a half-clutch position that smooths each change.
The clutch lever stays in place and can be used normally at any time, so riders can choose between automated and manual operation at will. Three settings - Hard, Medium, and Soft - adjust the force needed on the shift pedal, and up and down shifts can be set independently.
Chassis engineered for confident handling
An all-new steel tube diamond-style frame uses the engine as a stressed member to save weight and sharpen response. Rake and trail come in at 25 degrees and 99mm, with a wheelbase of 1,408mm and kerb weight of 189kg.
Front suspension comes from 41mm KYB upside-down forks, matched to a Pro-Link rear shock with five-step preload adjustment. The riding position tips forward to clip-on bars for a sports feel. Seat height is a manageable 780mm, and narrow subframe rails keep ground reach easy.
Twin 296mm front discs handle stopping duties, with Nissin two-piston radial-mount calipers paired to a 240mm rear disc and single-piston caliper. Two-channel ABS is standard. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres sit on cast aluminium wheels, in 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR17 rear sizes.
Riding modes, TFT, and connectivity
Throttle-by-wire gives riders three default modes to choose from: Standard, Sport, and Urban. Standard sets everything to level two for all-round use. Sport runs maximum power with minimum intervention. Urban dials things back for town riding.
Two USER modes let riders set engine power, engine brake, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) individually. Each configuration can be saved for future rides.
A five-inch colour TFT screen handles dashboard duties, with optical bonding fitted to improve sunlight visibility. Riders switch between Bar, Circle, and Simple display styles using a four-way toggle on the left handlebar. Honda RoadSync pairs the bike with iOS and Android smartphones for turn-by-turn navigation, calls, and music through a Bluetooth helmet. A USB-C socket keeps phones charged.
Twin LED headlights lead the styling
The CBR500R FOUR adopts a sharper, more aerodynamic look drawn from Honda's flagship Super Sport models. Twin LED projector headlights with integrated indicators form a slim front end. These flow into tightly wrapped side fairings and a 14-litre fuel tank designed for a close rider connection. Rear LED lighting completes the picture.
Two colours will be offered: Ignition Red Tricolour and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.
Honda CBR500R FOUR at a glance
Specification | Detail |
Engine | 502cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder, 16 valves |
Max power | 51.8kW at 11,000rpm (35kW A2 version available) |
Max torque | 46.3Nm at 10,500rpm |
Transmission | Six-speed with Honda E-Clutch |
Frame | Steel tube diamond |
Front suspension | 41mm KYB USD forks |
Rear suspension | Monoshock with Pro-Link, five-step preload |
Front brakes | Dual 296mm discs, Nissin two-piston radial-mount calipers |
Rear brake | 240mm disc, single-piston caliper |
ABS | Two-channel |
Tyres | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV, 120/70 ZR17 front, 160/60 ZR17 rear |
Fuel tank | 14 litres |
Fuel consumption (WMTC) | 4.5 L/100km |
CO2 emissions (WMTC) | 105 g/km |
Kerb weight | 189kg |
Seat height | 780mm |
Wheelbase | 1,408mm |
Colours | Ignition Red Tricolour, Mat Ballistic Black Metallic |
Where to see the Honda CBR500R FOUR
UK pricing and on-sale dates are yet to be confirmed for the CBR500R FOUR, but the model will join Honda's 27YM line-up in due course. Book an appointment at a Vertu Motorcycles Honda dealership to explore the current Honda range and chat with colleagues about what suits your riding.
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