Show summary Hide summary
Honda has introduced the 2027 CBR500R FOUR to European showrooms, expanding its midweight sportbike lineup with a new four-cylinder option positioned between the brand’s twin‑cylinder 500 and its 650-class machines. The model, which first appeared in China earlier this year, offers a sportier alternative aimed at riders seeking a more rev‑focused but usable machine.
Where the new CBR500R FOUR fits
The CBR500R FOUR arrives as Honda’s response to compact four‑cylinder sportbikes such as the Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑4R/ZX‑4RR and a wave of smaller-displacement multi‑cylinder machines from overseas manufacturers. Honda is framing the FOUR as a natural stepping stone toward larger CBR models, including the CBR650R and CBR1000RR, leveraging the marque’s established sportbike lineage.
Post Salt Bikernet issues weekly edition for August 28, 2026
Light-powered e-paper display powers wall art without an external charger
Its debut in China alongside the naked CB500 Super Four signals Honda is targeting both traditional rivals and emerging competitors in the sub‑600cc segment.
Engine and claimed performance
At the heart of the bike is a newly developed 502cc, liquid‑cooled, DOHC inline‑four with 16 valves. Honda quotes peak output at 71 hp at 11,000 rpm and 35 lb‑ft of torque at 9,750 rpm, and sets the redline at 12,500 rpm. Those numbers arrive at notably lower revs than many rival fours, which typically reach peak power beyond 13,500 rpm.
That tuning suggests Honda prioritized usable power across everyday riding conditions rather than chasing maximum horsepower for track use. In Honda’s range, the FOUR sits above the parallel‑twin CBR500R (about 47 hp) and below the CBR650R (around 94 hp).
Electronics and transmission
Honda equips the new model with its semi‑automatic E‑Clutch, which lets riders launch or stop without operating the clutch lever. Gear selection still requires the shift pedal; riders can either pull the clutch manually or let the E‑Clutch manage engagements similar to a quickshifter.
The bike uses a ride‑by‑wire throttle and offers three factory ride modes plus two user‑programmable settings. These modes adjust engine mapping, engine braking and traction control, and the E‑Clutch varies the throttle butterfly opening to suit each mode.
Chassis, brakes and ergonomics
Honda built a new steel tube diamond‑style frame that uses the engine as a stressed component. Up front is a 41mm KYB inverted fork; the rear features an aluminum swingarm and a preload‑adjustable monoshock operating through a linkage.
Stopping power comes from dual Nissin radial‑mount two‑piston calipers on 296mm front discs and a single‑piston 240mm rear caliper, with a two‑channel ABS system standard.
Sporty clip‑on handlebars and narrow subframe rails encourage a forward riding posture while aiding movement on the bike. The seat height is a relatively low 30.7 inches, slightly lower than the twin‑cylinder CBR500R’s 30.9 inches, and Honda claims a curb weight of 417 pounds.
Standard equipment includes Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, LED lighting, a five‑inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, and a USB‑C charging port.
Availability and pricing
The 2027 CBR500R FOUR will be offered in Ignition Red (Tricolor) or Mat Ballistic Black Metallic. In the U.K. Honda lists a price of £6,999, a touch above the twin‑cylinder CBR500R at £6,899 and well below the CBR650R at £8,799.
Honda has not indicated plans to bring the FOUR to the U.S.; if it were offered there, pricing could land in the neighborhood of US$7,000, based on current regional positioning.
| Key specifications — 2027 Honda CBR500R FOUR | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 502cc liquid‑cooled DOHC inline‑four, 16 valves |
| Claimed power | 71 hp @ 11,000 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 35 lb‑ft @ 9,750 rpm |
| Redline | 12,500 rpm |
| Clutch | E‑Clutch with assisted slipper function |
| Transmission | 6‑speed |
| Front suspension | 41mm KYB inverted fork |
| Rear suspension | Preload‑adjustable monoshock with linkage |
| Brakes | Dual 296mm front discs; 240mm rear disc; two‑channel ABS |
| Seat height | 30.7 inches |
| Curb weight | 417 pounds (claimed) |
| UK price | £6,999 |
