Honda CB500 Super Four And CBR500R Four Breaks Cover

Honda has unveiled two new bikes at the CIMA Motor show in Chongqing, featuring a brand new 502 cc inline-four engine: the CB500 Super Four retro standard and CBR500R Four sportbike. Both the bikes are scheduled for market launch next year, however, Honda has not confirmed which markets will receive them yet. 

Lookwise, the Honda CBR500R Four adopts design cues from Honda's existing CBR family, sharing similarities with the current twin-cylinder CBR500R but featuring a revised upper fairing that rises alongside a fuel tank cover. The Honda CB500 Super Four takes styling inspiration from the CB1000F concept, including a silver colour scheme with blue striping. The naked design showcases four header pipes flowing down to a chromed silencer, similar to the CB650R's layout.

While the spec sheet of both the bikes are still under wraps, reports suggest that the new 502 cc inline-four engine will produce approximately 80 bhp. Either way, both bikes will be available with Honda's second-generation e-Clutch system as standard, and its builds upon the same technology that the Japanese had introduced on the CBR650R and CB650R last year.

The updated E-Clutch system integrates with the throttle-by-wire setup to provide automatic downshifts, whilst riders retain manual control over upshifts. Honda has relocated the electric motor components from the right to the left side of the engine to improve weight distribution. Five ride modes will be available as standard, working in conjunction with the electronic throttle system to adjust power delivery characteristics.

Both the Honda CB500 Super and CBR500R are built around a diamond-shaped steel frame with the engine acting as a stressed member. Suspension duties are taken care of USD fork and aluminium swingarm-mounted monoshock via Honda's ProLink system. Braking is handled by dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston callipers at the front wheel.