The Honda CBR500R Four screams all the way to 12,500rpm, and we want it in PH

Now and then, motorcycle manufacturers come up with new models that you know you just want to see launched in our market. Bikes to die for, so to speak. The all-new Honda CBR500R Four is one of those.

We first heard about it a year ago when it was unveiled in China. Now, the CBR500R Four has arrived in Europe, and we finally have more details. We already knew it was a looker, since it

heavily borrows the design of the CBR500R, its twin-cylinder sibling. What we didn’t know then was that it would pack an absolute screamer of a powertrain.

PHOTO BY Honda

The Honda CBR500R Four gets a 500cc in-line-four engine producing 71hp and 47.4Nm of torque. Peak power comes in at 11,000rpm and peak torque at 9,750rpm. The engine redlines at a whopping 12,500rpm. All these figures are mighty impressive for what should be an ‘entry-level’ middleweight bike with a relatively small engine. What’s more, Honda has given its new bike a 4-2-1 exhaust that draws inspiration from the CB500 Four of the ’70s. We’re already guessing this sounds glorious even with its stock pipes.

OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
The Bureau of Customs is auctioning 11 luxury vehicles, including a McLaren Senna
Review: 2027 Hyundai Tucson HEV GLS

As with most of Honda’s newer models, the CBR500R Four gets the brand’s patented E-Clutch transmission that enables the optional clutchless operation. The bike weighs just 189kg and supposedly tops out at 210kph. So yes, this is a proper beast and not a two-wheeler for beginners wanting to dip their toes in the world of big bikes.

PHOTO BY Honda

It does mean business, coming standard with 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires shod on the 17-inch wheels. It gets 41mm KYB upside-down front forks with a Pro-Link rear shock and an aluminum swingarm. Stopping power is handled by dual 296mm discs up front with a Nissin radial-mount two-piston caliper.

The CBR500R Four is equipped with a five-inch TFT instrument cluster with Honda RoadSync. It has three preset ride modes at the ready: Standard, Sport, and Urban. Further customization is available via two User modes, which allow specific adjustments of engine power and engine braking, as well as deactivation of Honda Selectable Torque Control.

So, are you drooling yet, readers? Your move, Honda Philippines. We’ll all be waiting.