# Honda 500 twins

The Honda 500 twins are a group of straight-twin motorcycles made by Honda since 2013 which use the same 471 cc (28.7 cu in), 180° crank, straight-twin engine, such as the:
* CB500F naked bike (2013–2024)
* CB500X adventure touring bike (2013–2024)
* CBR500R sport bike (2013–present)
* CMX500 Rebel bobber (2017–present)
* SCL500/CL500 standard, "Scrambler-style" bike (2023–present)
* NX500 adventure touring bike (2024–present)
* CB500 Hornet naked bike (2024–present)
These models are sold in Japan with smaller capacity 399 cc engines: CB400F (2013–2016), CB400X, and CBR400R. Their introduction coincided with new European licensing regulations establishing a mid-range class of motorcycles of limited power. The new 500 twins are similar to the earlier CB500 parallel-twins discontinued in 2003, but all-new from the ground up. They are made in Thailand, where Honda had previously made only smaller displacement motorcycles.
All models use the same 471 cc (28.7 cu in) 180° crank straight-twin engine with capacity and power below the A2 European driving licence limit. They share the same six-speed gearbox and the majority of cycle parts. The CB500X has a larger fuel tank and longer front suspension travel making it taller, and with more ground clearance.
On its release, the CBR500R was the one-design model the European Junior Cup in 2013 and 2014. Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil and France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards.

## Model history

The three models were announced on the eve of the November 2012 EICMA show in Milan.

### 2013

April: CB500F, CBR500R released; July: CB500X released

### 2016

EURO 4 compliance with smaller exhaust, LED headlamp, preload adjustable front suspension, smaller side covers, larger fuel tank on CB500F and CBR500R, Fireblade style fairing on the CBR500R

### 2019

Revised exhaust system, anti-rebound clutch, full LED lighting, revised rear shocks, new LCD instrumentation with additional features, 19" front wheel on the ruggedized CB500X, dual-channel ABS standard on all models in most markets, although for 2017 USA models, it remained an option.

### 2022

Inverted Showa Separate Function Fork - Big Piston (SFF-BP) forks, dual 296mm disk with radial calipers up front, updated triple tree clamps, new fuel injection settings that further increase torque feel and overall character, other changes include a lighter swingarm, lighter radiator, revised shock settings, redesigned and lighter front wheel, more powerful LEDs. The US Market only received the Pearl Organic Green colorway for 2022.
The CB500X was released at a price of ฿224,900 (US$7,032.52) in Thailand. In Germany, the CB500X was released at €7,099 (US$8,395.99).

### Reactions

Since its launch, the range received many favorable reviews; some preferring the taller X model while the sporty R model was one of Honda's top selling bikes in Canada during 2015 and best selling sports bike in Australia. Many commentators, especially in off-road and long-distance touring, argued the need for such middleweight bikes. Perhaps as a consequence, in 2015, RallyRaid, a British after-market specialist, created upgrade kits for the R & F machines and a full adventure conversion kit for the X model.
Multiple small improvements in the 2019 range impressed commentators with MCN describing the CB500X as an exceptional machine.

## Specifications

All specifications are manufacturer claimed unless otherwise specified. The motorcycle model designation is printed on a sticker under the seat.
| Model | CB500F | CBR500R | CB500X |
| Type | Naked | Sport | Adventure |
| Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 471 cc (28.7 cu in) | 471 cc (28.7 cu in) | 471 cc (28.7 cu in) |
| Bore x stroke | 67.0 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in) | 67.0 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in) | 67.0 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in) |
| Compression ratio | 10.7 : 1 | 10.7 : 1 | 10.7 : 1 |
| Fuel delivery | Honda PGM-FI via 34 mm (1.3 in) throttle bodies | Honda PGM-FI via 34 mm (1.3 in) throttle bodies | Honda PGM-FI via 34 mm (1.3 in) throttle bodies |
| Ignition | Fully transistorized with ignition advance | Fully transistorized with ignition advance | Fully transistorized with ignition advance |
| Maximum power | 35 kW (47 hp) at 8,500 rpm | 35 kW (47 hp) at 8,500 rpm | 35 kW (47 hp) at 8,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 43 N⋅m (32 lbf⋅ft) at 7,000 rpm | 43 N⋅m (32 lbf⋅ft) at 7,000 rpm | 43 N⋅m (32 lbf⋅ft) at 7,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential, constant mesh | 6-speed sequential, constant mesh | 6-speed sequential, constant mesh |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, coil spring | Wet, multi-plate, coil spring | Wet, multi-plate, coil spring |
| Final drive | 520 o-ring chain, 112 links | 520 o-ring chain, 112 links | 520 o-ring chain, 112 links |
| Frame | Tubular steel, diamond, stressed engine | Tubular steel, diamond, stressed engine | Tubular steel, diamond, stressed engine |
| Rake | 25.5° | 25.5° | 26.5° (2013–2018) 27.5° (2019-present) |
| Trail | 102 mm (4.0 in) | 102 mm (4.0 in) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Turning radius | 2,700 mm (110 in) | 2,700 mm (110 in) | 2,800 mm (110 in) (2013–2018) 2,400 mm (94 in) (2019–present) |
| Front wheel | 17M/C × MT3.50 cast aluminium | 17M/C × MT3.50 cast aluminium | 17M/C × MT3.50 cast aluminium (2013-2018) 19M/C × MT2.50 cast aluminium (2019–present) |
| Rear wheel | 17M/C × MT4.50 cast aluminium | 17M/C × MT4.50 cast aluminium | 17M/C × MT4.50 cast aluminium |
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17 58W | 120/70 ZR17 58W | 120/70 ZR17 55W (2013–2018) 110/80 R19 59H (2019–present) |
| Rear tyre | 160/60 ZR17 69W | 160/60 ZR17 69W | 160/60 ZR17 69W (2013–2018) 160/60 R17 69H (2019–present) |
| Front brake | Single 320 mm (13 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2013–2021) Dual 296 mm (11.7 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2022–2024) | Single 320 mm (13 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2013–2021) Dual 296 mm (11.7 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2022–2024) | Single 320 mm (13 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2013–2021) Dual 296 mm (11.7 in) wave disc, 2 piston caliper, combined ABS (2022–2024) |
| Rear brake | Single 240 mm (9.4 in) wave disc, 1 piston caliper, combined ABS | Single 240 mm (9.4 in) wave disc, 1 piston caliper, combined ABS | Single 240 mm (9.4 in) wave disc, 1 piston caliper, combined ABS |
| Front suspension | Conventional telescopic, 41mm (2013–2015) Conventional telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2016–2021) USD telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2022–2024) | Conventional telescopic, 41mm (2013–2015) Conventional telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2016–2021) USD telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2022–2024) | Conventional telescopic, 41mm (2013–2015) Conventional telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2016–2021) USD telescopic, 41mm, preload adjustable (2022–2024) |
| Rear suspension | Prolink single shock, 9-stage preload adjustable; steel square pipe double-sided swingarm | Prolink single shock, 9-stage preload adjustable; steel square pipe double-sided swingarm | Prolink single shock, 9-stage preload adjustable; steel square pipe double-sided swingarm |
| Front suspension travel | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Rear suspension travel | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm (56 in) | 1,410 mm (56 in) | 1,420 mm (56 in) (2013–2018) 1,445 mm (56.9 in) (2019–present) |
| Overall length | 2,080 mm (82 in) | 2,080 mm (82 in) | 2,095 mm (82.5 in) (2013–2018) 2,155 mm (84.8 in) (2019–present) |
| Overall width | 780 mm (31 in) (2013–2015) 790 mm (31 in) (2016–present) | 740 mm (29 in) (2013–2015) 750 mm (30 in) (2016–2018) 755 mm (29.7 in) (2019–present) | 830 mm (33 in) (2013–2018) 825 mm (32.5 in) (2019–present) |
| Overall height | 1,060 mm (42 in) | 1,145 mm (45.1 in) | Windscreen low: 1,260 mm (50 in) (2013–2015) 1,360 mm (54 in) (2016–2018) 1,410 mm (56 in) (2019–present) Windscreen high: 1,290 mm (51 in) (2013–2015) 1,390 mm (55 in) (2016–2018) 1,445 mm (56.9 in) (2019–present) |
| Seat height | 785 mm (30.9 in) | 785 mm (30.9 in) | 810 mm (32 in) (2013–2018) 830 mm (33 in) (2019–present) |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm (6.1 in) (2013–2015) 160 mm (6.3 in) (2016–2018) 145 mm (5.7 in) (2019–present) | 140 mm (5.5 in) (2013–2018) 130 mm (5.1 in) (2019–present) | 170 mm (6.7 in) (2013–2018) 180 mm (7.1 in) (2019–present) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.5 L (3.4 imp gal; 4.1 US gal) (2013–2015) 16.7 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.4 US gal) (2016–2018) 17.1 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) (2019–present) | 15.5 L (3.4 imp gal; 4.1 US gal) (2013–2015) 16.7 L (3.7 imp gal; 4.4 US gal) (2016–2018) 17.1 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) (2019–present) | 17.3 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.6 US gal) (2013–2018) 17.5 L (3.8 imp gal; 4.6 US gal) (2019–present) |
| Engine oil | 3.2 L (0.70 imp gal; 0.85 US gal) | 3.2 L (0.70 imp gal; 0.85 US gal) | 3.2 L (0.70 imp gal; 0.85 US gal) |
| Coolant | 1.4 L (0.31 imp gal; 0.37 US gal) | 1.4 L (0.31 imp gal; 0.37 US gal) | 1.4 L (0.31 imp gal; 0.37 US gal) |
| Wet weight | 190 kg (419 lb) (2013–2015) 188 kg (414 lb) (2016–2018) 187 kg (412 lb) (2019–present) +2 kg (4.4 lb) ABS +1 kg (2.2 lb) California | 193 kg (425 lb) (2013–2015) 192 kg (423 lb) (2016–2018) 190 kg (419 lb) (2019–present) +2 kg (4.4 lb) ABS +1 kg (2.2 lb) California | 192 kg (423 lb) (2013–2018) 195 kg (430 lb) (2019–present) +2 kg (4.4 lb) ABS +1 kg (2.2 lb) California |
| Maximum weight capacity | 168 kg (370 lb) | 168 kg (370 lb) | 185 kg (408 lb) |
| Fuel consumption | 28.4 km/L (80 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 67 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2013–2015) 29.4 km/L (83 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 69 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2016–2018) 28.6 km/L (81 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 67 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2019–present) | 28.4 km/L (80 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 67 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2013–2015) 29.4 km/L (83 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 69 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2016–2018) 28.6 km/L (81 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 67 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2019–present) | 28.4 km/L (80 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 67 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2013–2015) 29.4 km/L (83 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 69 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2016–2018) 27.8 km/L (79 mpg$_{‑imp}$; 65 mpg$_{‑US}$) (2019–present) |