Honda CBR500R FOUR: four cylinders and an E-Clutch in the 500 class

On 20 October 2026 Honda showed Europe an all-new sports bike, the CBR500R FOUR. The main point is the engine: an inline four of 502 cc, while the familiar CBR500R still runs a twin. The new engine makes 53 kW (72 hp) at 11,000 rpm and spins to 12,500 rpm. Honda calls the 4-2-1 exhaust a tribute to the legendary CB400 FOUR of the 1970s.

The E-Clutch is standard. You can pull away, change gear and stop without the clutch lever, but you can still use the lever in the ordinary way if you want. For riders with an A2 licence there will be a 35 kW version.

The chassis is new too: a steel frame, a 41 mm upside-down KYB fork, an aluminium swingarm, and two 296 mm discs with radial Nissin calipers. The motorcycle weighs 189 kg ready to ride, and the seat is 780 mm high, so it should suit beginners as well.

The electronics include three riding modes and two that you can set yourself, HSTC traction control, a 5-inch colour screen and a link to a smartphone through Honda RoadSync. There are two colours: red, blue and white Ignition Red (Tricolour), and matt black.

In the United Kingdom sales start in January 2027, and the price there is £6,999. In the Netherlands the model costs €9,899. In Estonia the price has not been announced yet.

Key figures. Engine: inline four, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooled, 502 cc. Power: 53.0 kW (72 hp) at 11,000 rpm; a 35 kW version for an A2 licence. Torque: 47.4 Nm at 9,750 rpm. Clutch: Honda E-Clutch as standard, six-speed gearbox. Suspension: 41 mm KYB USD fork, Pro-Link at the rear with preload adjustment. Brakes: two 296 mm discs, radial two-piston Nissin calipers, ABS. Weight ready to ride: 189 kg. Seat height: 780 mm. Tank: 14 litres. Top speed: 210 km/h. Emissions: Euro 5+.