Verdict – The 2017 Honda CBR500R isn’t as sporty as it means it is but what it is is a brilliant package. Yes, it is a true blue entry-level big bike and yes, it does live up to the CBR nameplate. Of course, there are some gripes but there’s no denying the fact that it looks the part, is rider-friendly and forgiving and most importantly has the reliability that we have come to associate with the Honda badge. That brings us to the third and the last question, will Honda bring this to India? We’ve all incessantly waited for the CBR300R but the company gave us a refreshed version of the CBR250R only. If launched in India, expect the prices to start at around Rs. 4.5-5 lakhs (ex-showroom) which is in a way quite too much but it could be a worthy rival and an alternative to the already expensive Kawasaki Ninja 400.
What’s Cool
* Design looks cool
* Offers you the quintessential big bike experience
* Low seat height
* Refined parallel twin engine
What’s Not So Cool
* No USD forks and LED blinkers
* Instrument cluster feels basic
* Pillion seat too small hence less comfortable
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/45472987115/[/flickr]
Do you also miss USD forks up front or is it just us?
Honda CBR500R Specifications
* Engine: 471cc, Liquid-Cooled, Parallel-Twin
* Power: 47 HP @ 8500 RPM
* Torque: 43 Nm @ 7000 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
* 0-100 km/hr: 5.7 seconds
* Top Speed: 180 km/hr
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 25 km/l
* Suspension: 41 mm telescopic forks (Front), Pro-Link monoshock with preload adjustability (Rear)
* Tyre Size: 120/70/17 (Front), 160/60/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: 320 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear), ABS
Honda CBR500R Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 2081 mm X 756 mm X 1150 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.7-litres
* Ground Clearance: 140 mm
* Wheelbase: 1409 mm
* Kerb weight: 195 kgs
Further Reading –
Honda CB1100RS Test Ride Review
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