Honda announced a couple of updates for their 500cc sport, roadster and adventure motorcycles – namely the CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X models. The A2 licence-friendly bikes feature now new paint schemes as well as Euro5 compliant engines for the European motorcycle market.
Engine-wise, the motorcycles feature the 500cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine. Power delivery is 35 kW, and the engine is A2-licence and Euro5 compliant. A couple of new paint schemes are available for 2021, so the Honda CB500F is fitted now with two new colours – Candy Caribbean Blue Sea and Candy Moon Glow Yellow. The riders can pick the two existing liveries as well, Grand Prix Red and Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic. Looking at the sporty Honda CBR500R, riders can choose from Matt Axis Grey Metallic, Grand Prix Red, and Pearl Metalloid White. On the other hand, the Honda CB500X comes equipped with a red rear subframe as a tribute to the CRF1100L Africa Twin. Three new colours are available for the 500cc adventure motorcycle – Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, and Pearl Metalloid White.
Honda’s target is to bring new and young customers as the rider demographics figures have shown in recent years. Figures show that 46% of CB500F and 29% of CBR500R owners are new riders, with 30% and 35% respectively under the age of 24. Moreover, the brand claims that 90% of CB500X riders picked the adventure motorcycle due to its characteristics – rugged styling, long-travel suspension, upright riding position and 19-inch front wheel.
Furthermore, all three models feature a 500cc Euro5 compliant engine making 35kW necessary to be A2 licence compatible. Also, Honda sold over 92,000 units of the CB and CBR models across Europe since their introduction in 2013 of which 48% were CB500F, 18% CBR500R and 34% CB500X.