Honda’s CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X trio, hugely popular with new and experienced riders alike, will be available in exciting new colour and graphic schemes, with EURO5 homologation, across Europe this autumn.
The naked CB500F gains two new vibrant colours: Candy Caribbean Blue Sea and Candy Moon Glow Yellow, while the sporty CBR500R benefits from striking new graphics and logos highlighting its racetrack heritage. The CB500X adventure machine will come equipped with a red rear sub frame, in tribute to the CRF1100L Africa Twin.
Honda’s research of a representative sample of customers shows the breadth of appeal of the three machines across different rider demographics. Figures show that 46% of CB500F and 29% of CBR500R owners are new riders, with 30% and 35% respectively under the age of 24, illustrating how instrumental they have been in bringing new young riders to the world of two wheels. Conversely, 90% of CB500X riders are already in the market – showing the all-round strength of appeal offered by the compact adventurer with its rugged styling, long travel suspension, upright riding position and 19” front wheel.
All three fun, frugal machines still produce the maximum 35kW allowed for the A2 licence holder from their punchy 500cc engine, and are now homologated for EURO5, which from January 1st, 2020 introduced significantly stricter engine emissions standards compared to EURO4. These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, an over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection and the introduction of a particulate matter limit.
Honda have sold over 92,000 units of the CBs and CBR across Europe since their introduction in 2013. Each take their own place in a distinct world within Honda’s rich product line-up: the CB500F roadster accounts for 48%, the race world representative CBR500R 18%, and the adventure world CB500X 33% of the total sales figure.
While their compact dimensions and welcoming manners make Honda’s 500cc trio easy machines to manage, ride and learn on, those same attributes also make them a genuine pleasure for those – whether stepping up from a 125, coming down from a bigger machine or returning to the market – who want to explore just what they can do at the weekend, whatever the type of ride they choose.
Source: Honda News
