The earlier speculated news about the Honda CBR500 seems to be getting clearer now. Filling the performance gap between the 250cc and 650cc bikes in the market, the Honda CBR500 sits bang on at the centre. Though the bike will feature the typical CBR sporty look, thus guaranteeing attention on the roads, the CBR500 is speculated to be more of a practical city riding bike rather than a full-fledged sports bike. It will be easy to ride in city traffic but equally fast on the highways. Dubbed as the doubled up version of the CBR250R, the Honda CBR500 is designed as per the European norms for beginners allowing them to ride bikes below 47 BHP. This justifies the moderate power output of the Honda CBR500.
The Honda CBR500 will sport a 471cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder in-line engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. It will boast of a power output of 46.9 BHP and a torque output of 43 Nm giving a top speed of 185 km/hr. These specifications are a little less than double the power of the CBR250 (26 BHP) without double its weight. This is a plus one for the Honda CBR500. The bike will have 17-inch wheels with a configuration as 120/70 (front) and 160/60 (rear). The seat would be like that in the Honda CBR250R and unlike other sports bike, will have ample space for the pillion rider.
The Honda CB500 will also be launched along with the Honda CBR500. It is merely a naked bike version of the CBR500. Both these bikes will be manufactured at Thailand where the CBR250R is also manufactured. The CB500 will share the same engine and platform and almost all parts inventory with the CBR500 except the fairing and the grab handles. This indicates a slight slash in the overall pricing of the two bikes. Honda is heard to be working on new technologies concerning fuel efficiency and the upcoming CBR500 and CB500 are most likely to feature the same. The Honda CBR500 is rumoured to achieve a mileage of about 27.2 km/l, which if true is going to be another plus point for the bike. The ultimate fate decider of the Honda CBR500 is going to be the price. Expect the CBR500 to be launched in India in 2013.
