Honda’s CBR500R and CB500 are also both on the receiving end of some updates for 2024, like the NX500, previously known as the CB500X.
All models receive a new LED headlight and taillight, as well as a new five-inch TFT display, including the Honda…
Honda’s CBR500R and CB500 are also both on the receiving end of some updates for 2024, like the NX500, previously known as the CB500X.
All models receive a new LED headlight and taillight, as well as a new five-inch TFT display, including the Honda RoadSync connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation for instance, as well as the usual expected smartphone functions.
Helping to make control of the dash and systems is a new left switchblock, with four-way toggle and backlight.
The 500 Hornet and CBR500R also benefit from tweaks to the PGM-FI fuelling, for low-rpm acceleration and general power delivery, like the NX500. More noteworthy perhaps, to some riders at least, is the addition of the Honda Selectable Torque Control system, or HSTC, essentially traction control by another name.
Both models naturally remain A2 compliant with power peaking at 35 kW and 43 Nm of torque, with fuel consumption of 3.5 L per 100 km, and sharing the 17.1 L fuel tank, which is pretty large by modern standards.
The Hornet weighs in at 188 kg, to the 191 kg of the CBR500R, which is unsurprising, those fairings add a bit of weight, with the sportsbike also receiving a restyle there to more closely resemble the bigger Fireblade. It’s an attractive, eye catching machine so it’s certainly succeeded there.
Both models also offer a low 785 mm seat height, ideal for shorter riders too, sharing a rake and trail of 25.5-degrees and 102 mm, as well as a wheelbase of 1410 mm, although the Hornet manages to offer an extra 15 mm of ground clearance, thanks to not running fairings.
Unchanged is the Showa 41 mm separate function big piston USD forks, or Prolink monshock with five-stage preload, although that’s a pretty decent loadout, despite lacking much in the way of adjustability.
Wheels are five-spoke cast aluminium, with these models already running the lighter rims the NX500 has only just adopted, and Nissin provide the dual four-pot radial calipers on 296 mm rotors, with a single-pot rear ca..
