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The 2023 CBR500R is the latest addition to Honda’s lineup of sports bikes. It has always been a popular choice for riders looking for a balance of performance and comfort, and the 2023 model year promises to deliver even more of both.
The new 2023 machine features a sharp, angular front fairing with powerful LED headlights reminiscent of Honda’s racing heritage. The fairing also features functional air ducts that help to channel air to the engine for improved cooling.
Moreover, this new adventure-capable model comes with a narrow and compact tail section that can assist in improving its handling. It has a low seat height of just 31.1 inches, making it easy to maneuver for riders of all sizes. In addition, the step seat unit itself is comfortable and supportive, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long rides.
Another characteristic that makes the CBR500R 2023 stand out is the quick shifter, which enables gear changes without using the clutch. When riding on a racetrack, this technology can help gear changes go more smoothly and quickly.
With a 423-lb curb weight, this new version of the Honda CBR500R is similar to the 2022 model. This weight is relatively light compared to other larger-capacity sport bikes in its class, making it a great choice for riders who want a sporty yet easy-to-handle adventure bike.
When it comes to the sales price, we would say this 2023 version is a quite affordable transportation choice. With a starting retail price of $7,299 (according to Honda), it is a suitable option for riders who are looking for a sportbike with a balance of accessible performance and improved ride comfort.
2023 Honda CBR500R Key Specs
- Make: Honda
- Model Year: 2023
- Type: Sport Bike
- Color: Grand Prix Red, Sword Silver Metallic
- MSRP Price: $7,299
- Warranty: 1-year
- Warranty Plus: 12, 24, and 36 months
- Engine: 471cc
- Power: 46.9 HP
- Mileage: 72 mpg (30.6 km/l)
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5 gal. (17 l)
- Seat Height: in. 31.1 in. (790 mm)
- Curb Weight: 423 lb. (192 kg)
2023 Honda CBR500R Specifications
Engine
Engine | 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke |
Power | 46.9 horsepower |
Torque | 31.7 lb-ft (43 Nm) |
Bore x Stroke | 67.0mm x 66.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
Valve Train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder |
Induction | PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies |
Drivetrain
Transmission | 6-speed |
Final Drive | O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/41T |
Chassis
Suspension Front | 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork; 4.3-inch travel |
Suspension Rear | Pro-Link® single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7-inch travel |
Brakes Front | Dual 295mm discs with four-piston calipers; ABS |
Brakes Rear | Single 240mm disc, ABS |
Tires Front | 120/70R-17 |
Tires Rear | 160/60-17 |
Dimensions
Rake | 25.5° |
Trail | 4.0 in. (101.6 mm) |
Wheelbase | 55.5 in. (1409 mm) |
Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gal. (17 l) |
Seat Height | 31.1 in. (790 mm) |
Curb Weight | 423 lb. (192 kg) |
Competitors
Price | Engine | Top Speed | |
---|---|---|---|
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 | $5,699 – $5,899 | 399 cc | 116.7 mph |
2023 CF Moto 650 GT | $6,799 | 649.3 cc | 105.6 mph |
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 | $7,999 | 649 cc | 131.7 mph |
2023 Honda CBR500R Features
PERFORMANCE
DOHC TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE
Honda twins are famous for their versatility, and the CBR500R’s engine is one of our best. With good low-end horsepower and torque, the parallel twin offers accessible performance across a wide RPM range.
PROGRAMMED FUEL INJECTION (PGM-FI)
PGM-FI continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture is delivered for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions, ensuring a crisp throttle response throughout a wide variety of riding. Programed fuel injectors increase power and torque in the midrange.
STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST
With a dual-outlet muffler that you need to hear for yourself, this beautifully polished stainless-steel exhaust is integrated with the rear footpeg set for clean, functional design. The exhaust tucks in tight for better mass centralization (and consequently better handling).
STYLE
SUPERSPORT STYLING
The CBR500R’s aggressive styling comes with two great color options (Grand Prix Red and Sword Silver Metallic), that keep it right at the front of the pack in terms of eye-appeal. The aerodynamic bodywork also provides significant advantages in air management for added rider comfort, along with a low drag coefficient and effective cooling.
ENGINEERING
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
Standard equipment on every 2023 CBR500R, anti-lock brakes (ABS) help you make confident stops under less-than-ideal conditions.
DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION
An LCD screen features a digital speedometer and tachometer and more, including a clock, odometer, trip meter, real-time and average fuel consumption meters, and illuminated engine diagnostic indicators.
DISC BRAKES
The CBR500R features twin front disc brakes so you get strong, predictable stopping power. The front-brake lever is also adjustable for a perfect fit.
LED HEADLIGHTS
The CBR500R sports a pair of powerful LED headlights. They’re small and light, throw out an amazing amount of illumination, and feature a stylish shape. The design also increases the engine’s intake airflow.
SLIPPER/ASSIST CLUTCH
The slipper/assist clutch lets us lighten up the clutch-lever effort by 45 percent compared to previous systems, but automatically locks up tight when you release it.
SMOOTHER TRANSMISSION
Our engineers profiled the shift dogs in the transmission to help you get smoother shifts every time. You’ll never see these parts, but you’ll feel their effects.
LIGHT SWINGARM CONSTRUCTION
The CBR500R uses a swingarm that’s over two pounds lighter than the previous design, but is just as strong. It’s one of the reasons the entire Honda 500 family handles so well.
HANDLING
STEEL-TUBE FRAME
A motorcycle’s frame is the basis for its handling. The CBR500R’s diamond-shaped steel-tube mainframe connects to the engine with four mounts, offering a rock-solid foundation for a superior ride and handling.
UPSIDE-DOWN FORK
The CBR500R features an inverted-fork design that makes the front end much more rigid, for more precise steering input and feedback. The fork itself is a Showa Separate Function Fork–Big Piston (SFF-BP) design—one of the best in its class.
CAST WHEELS
Strong and stylish, the CBR500R’s aluminum wheels feature a five-spoke design. The light wheels improve handling and lessen wheel inertia too.
PRO-LINK® REAR SUSPENSION
The CBR500R features special shock settings for improved ride comfort. Its sophisticated chassis uses Honda Pro-Link® rear suspension to increase riding comfort and handling.
Performance And Handling
The 2023 Honda CBR500R is a sportbike that offers a thrilling riding experience. Here are some key modifications to model specifications compared to previous design.
2023 Honda CBR500R Top Speed
The Honda CBR500R is powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 8-valve 471cc parallel-twin engine. This engine produces 46.9 horsepower and 42 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power for a bike of this size, it can reach a top speed of 116.8 mph. Plus, it is also mated to a 6-speed transmission that delivers more precise and smoother shifts.
Another interesting feature that made it into this new Honda generation is the Assist/Slipper Clutch. This function makes the bike easier to ride, reducing clutch lever effort and wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
Braking Performance
The 2023 Honda CBR500R features a 41mm fork and a Pro-Link rear suspension that provide a comfortable ride while delivering excellent handling. Notice that the suspension is adjustable, enabling bikers to fine-tune the bike’s handling to their liking.
Besides, the motorcycle model also features a dual 295mm disc brake with a 4-piston caliper in the front and a 240mm disc rear brake with a single-piston caliper. This brings an incredible anti-lock brake performance for more confident stops.
Furthermore, the motorcycle also comes with standard equipment, such as a dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), that helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. By monitoring the speed of the wheels and adjusting the brake pressure accordingly, it can save bikers from skidding or losing control, even on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Cornering And Handling Characteristics
In addition to its top speed, the CBR500R also offers excellent acceleration and handling. The bike has a responsive and sophisticated chassis that allows riders to quickly and confidently navigate corners and curves. The suspension is adjustable, which will enable bikers to fine-tune the bike’s handling to their liking.
Honda also brings the standard Selectable Torque Control (STC) system into the final five-spoke design to adjust the amount of torque the bike delivers to the rear wheel. This can be especially useful when exiting corners, as it lets bikers to modulate the bike’s power delivery to avoid wheel spin and maintain control.
2023 CBR500R: A Brief Review
One of the most common points in user reviews of the CBR500R is its balance of performance and comfort. Together with a low drag coefficient and efficient cooling, the aerodynamic bodywork offers substantial benefits in air management for increased comfort.
A wide range of riders praise the bike’s comfortable and sporty riding position, which allows for longer fun rides without experiencing discomfort. At the same time, users rave about the bike’s powerful engine, which provides an exhilarating riding experience.
Users also appreciate its 17-inch cast aluminum wheels that are both light weight and strong. The wheels are wrapped in high-performance tires that provide excellent grip and traction, even in wet or slippery conditions. Thanks to this, riders can confidently tackle corners and curves without worrying about losing control.
The suspension on the CBR500R is fully adjustable, with a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork in the front and an adjustable ProLink single-tube shock absorber in the rear. This allows bikers to fine-tune the suspension to their variety of riding styles and preferences, which is another plus.
Many state that they are impressed by the bike’s 4.5-gallon fuel capacity, which is a relatively large range for a sportbike of its size. Still, some users have noted that the tank of fuel lacks a gauge. Although the bike comes with a digital instrument cluster displaying the fuel level, we prefer a physical fuel gauge.
And that’s not the end of the story. We have noted that the bike’s stock exhaust can be quite loud. However, this is a relatively minor issue that can be addressed by upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust.
2023 Honda CBR500R Photos & Videos
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*Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article may vary depending on the dealership and location. Additionally, the specifications mentioned, such as horsepower and top speed, may vary from different sources as they are often tested under different conditions.