2016 Honda CBR500R Review of Specs & Changes – Sport Bike / Motorcycle

OEM Honda Powersports Parts Discount Code - Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side

 

2016 Honda CBR500R Specs Review - Top Speed CBR 500 Sport Bike - Horsepower - Price - MPG

It’s official! Today was the day and Honda made the rest of the 2016 CBR model lineup announcements. One of the most anticipated 2016 CBR models is the 500R sport bike. Honda took an already awesome platform and made it even better for 2016 on the CBR500R with multiple changes, upgrades, refinements etc. Check out a quick overview of all the details available at this time on the 2016 CBR500R as well as plenty of pictures too.

“Since their respective introductions, the fun, affordable CBR300R and CBR500R models have been very popular with a wide variety of customers,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “For 2016, the CBR500R receives striking updates, and we’re happy to unveil it here at AIMExpo. Both of these machines draw from the successful racing DNA of the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, which return for 2016 with new colors.”

Falcon Ridge LED Lights ATV / UTV Ad | High Lifter

2016 Honda CBR500R

With all-new styling that offers a sharper, more aggressive look and improved airflow for increased rider comfort and better handling, plus refinements like LED headlights and taillights, the new CBR500R adds great curb appeal to legendary performance and reliability. Other updates include a new muffler design for improved mass centralization, lighter weight and an improved exhaust note, plus an adjustable front brake lever, smoother gear-change feel, a larger fuel tank with a hinged fuel cap and front suspension with adjustable preload. The CBR500R also now uses a wave ignition key for smoother function. The inline-twin 471cc engine offers accessible power output that smoothly revs up to redline, while emphasizing low- to midrange torque for real-world usability. Honda Genuine Accessories are also available for the new CBR500R, including a high windscreen, seat cowl, tank pad, 12v accessory socket and seat bag.

Contents:

  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Model overview
  • 3 Key features
  • 4 Quick overview of features
  • 5 Technical Specifications

 

1. Introduction

Fast, frugal, affordable and fun, Honda’s CBR500R – on sale since 2013 – has helped redefine and re-energize the middleweight class and brings sporting energy, plus engineering DNA of larger CBRs, to Honda’s twin-cylinder line-up. Dozens of young riders from around the world developed their racecraft on CBR500Rs in the first two seasons of Honda’s one-make European Junior Cup race series.

Suitable for riders looking to move up from a 125 (or holding an A2 licence) it injects the excitement of sports bike ownership into every ride, yet also delivers real-world comfort with sensible running costs, making it a great bike to commute through the working week – and cut loose at the weekend on.

And with its giant-killing capacity, the CBR500R has also found favor with experienced riders looking to downsize their machinery, while preserving the essence of enjoyable motorcycling.

The 2016 CBR500R is considered and thorough evolution that elevates the machine further to offer the maximum sporty performance, style and presence from a genuine A2 licence-compliant motorcycle.


2. Model Overview

While its 471cc DOHC engine (producing 35kW and returning 29.4km/litre) and steel diamond-tube frame remain unchanged, the CBR500R is redrawn with aggressive and flowing new lines front to back. The styling integrates fluidly and creates an aerodynamic form ready to carve cleanly through the air; an LED headlight and taillight also add a premium feel. A range of dynamic new colours add further to the visual appeal.

A larger fuel tank extends range, and detail improvements – hinged fuel cap, adjustable-reach brake lever, redesigned seat and ‘wave’ style ignition key – elevate the overall owning experience.

The ride is improved with the addition of adjustable spring preload in the front forks, redesigned shift drum for smoother gear changes and new short exhaust muffler, with tuned internals, that emits a crisp howl worthy of the engine’s character and the machine’s CBR prefix.


3. Key Features

3.1 Styling, Equipment & Colors

The CBR500R has found popularity among owners because of its manageable size for riding in and around town, and sports performance out on the open, twisty roads. For the next stage of the machine’s development, the target for Honda’s engineers was to maintain its compact form, but give it a unique and hard-edged look. The styling concept is simply headed ‘Aggressive Speed Shape.’

It starts at the front of the sharply angled fairing, and each curve and angle flows through to the sporty upswept tail unit. The sharply-angled dual LED headlights are compact but bright, and – combined with twin position lights – contribute to the CBR500R’s assertive forward stance.

Narrow slits feature above each headlight, guiding air inside the fairing, reducing frontal pressure; a duct in the lower part of the screen reduces turbulence and promotes smooth flow around the rider’s helmet.

There’s a sense of continuity in the design theme with the angular contour surface of the fairing cowls – which also feature ducting to help aerodynamics and air flow to the airbox – plus heavy side slits, tying in with the ’character’ line and shaping of the side cowls and fuel tank. Each line interlocks and complements the next, and partially blacked-out fairing lowers and side cowls underscore the whole design.

Detail upgrades for rider benefit include a hinged fuel cap and 5-step adjustable span brake lever. The new ‘wave’ key also has a smoother, more premium feel in use. Both rider and passenger footpeg hangers have been reduced in size, with die-cast aluminium footpegs and integrated grab rails for the passenger adding further touches of class and quality. The rear seat unit is eye-catchingly small, and finished with a clear-lensed rear LED light unit and sharply-designed (and easily removable) steel fender mount.

The comprehensive dash features a digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, plus digital fuel level gauge and fuel consumption. HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) is built in to the ignition; there’s space under the seat to store a U-lock. The HISS feature is not available on the USA model.

2016 CBR500R Colors:

  • Ross White and Millennium Red (Tri-color)
  • Lemon Ice Yellow/Graphite Black
  • Graphite Black/Candy Energy Orange
  • Millennium Red
  • Pearl Metalloid White
  • Matt Gunpowder Black
  • Matte Black Metallic (USA)
  • Red (USA)
  • Pearl White (USA)

2016 CBR500R MSRP / Price:

  • 2016 CBR500R Price: TBD
  • 2016 CBR500R ABS Price: TBD

2016 CBR500R Release Date: Early 2016

Honda Accessories for the CBR500R include heated grips, carbon-look front mudguard, seat cowl, U-Lock, sports tail pack, rear hugger, tank pad and AC charging socket.


 3.2 Engine

The CBR500R’s 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin layout offers a great balance of physical size and flexible output. The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is very similar to that of Honda’s four-cylinder RR engines and much of the internal structure and engineering is taken directly from both the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR.

Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

2016 CBR500R Horsepower / HP: 49.6 at 8,500 RPM

2016 CBR500R Torque / TQ: 31.7 lb ft at 7,000 RPM.

PGM-FI fuel injection provides superb throttle response and peak power of 49.6 HP (35kW) arrives at 8,500rpm, with 31.7 lb/ft TQ (43Nm) torque delivered at 7,000rpm.

The engine acts as a stressed member, reinforcing the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction. A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against dust. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

Bore size of 67mm is identical to that of the CBR600RR. The piston shape is based upon those used in the CBR1000RR to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). As with the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, an AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitrating, forms a protective oxidization membrane.

The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves, and the same bore interval as the CBR600RR helps them be as compact and light as possible. Their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. Using the same internal relief structure as that of the CBR1000RR, the oil pump features improved aeration performance, with reduced friction; a deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking. Oil capacity is 3.4 quarts.

A six-speed gearbox mirrors that of its RR siblings using the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. In an update for 2016, for easier urban riding, the shift drum stopper spring load has been revised, along with the shape of the shift drum center. The result is smoother, easier gear changing.

The gasflow route from airbox to exhaust is as straight as possible and a plate in the airbox separates the airflow to each cylinder. A new exhaust muffler design uses two internal chambers, joined by a punched link pipe; it’s physically shorter (aiding mass centralization), 1.2 pounds lighter and delivers a crisp exhaust note as rpm rises.


3.3 Chassis

The CBR500R’s 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe is light and strong, with a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, reduces vibration.

Wheelbase is 1410 mm and rake and trail are set at 25.5°/4.01 inches giving nimble, yet reassuring steering. Mass centralization, with the engine in very close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers turning agility and optimum front/rear weight distribution ensures stability. The 2016 CBR500R curb weight comes in at 423.2 lb.

Seat height is low at 30.7 inches, making the CBR500R very easy to manage and its sporty riding position will comfortably accommodate riders of varying heights thanks to a relatively high handlebar position.

Overall dimensions are 81.8 inches x 29.5 inches x 45 mm, with 5.51 inches ground clearance. The fuel tank now holds 4.4 gallons, including reserve, and combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy gives a range of over 300 miles.

The 41mm telescopic front fork, with 120mm stroke, delivers a compliant yet controlled ride; for 2016 the CBR500R gains spring preload adjustment and the fork legs are topped with Blue Aluminum. Pro-Link monoshock rear suspension features 9-stage preload adjustment and works through a rigid box-section steel swingarm. Final drive is via 520 sealed chain.

Lightweight, 17-inch cast aluminium wheels employ hollow cross-section Y-shaped spokes. Front wheel width is 3.5 inch with a 120/70-ZR17 tire, the rear 4.5 inch and 160/60-ZR17 tire. A single front 320mm wavy disc and two-piston brake caliper is matched to a 240mm rear disc and single-piston caliper. ABS is fitted as standard.



4. Quick Recap of 2016 CBR500R Info / Features

  • Supersport Styling
    Take a close look. Like what you see? The CBR500R offers all-new styling for 2016 that keeps 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.
  • LED Headlights
    The CBR500R gets new dual headlights for 2016. The LED lights are small but bright, with a stylish new shape. It completely changes the CBR500R’s presence and gives the front end a unique look while also projecting plenty of light on the road for visibility.
  • Stainless Steel Exhaust
    Beautifully polished stainless steel exhaust is integrated with the rear footpeg set for clean, functional design. The exhaust tucks in tighter this year for better mass centralization (and consequently better handling) while also providing a crisper exhaust note.
  • DOHC Twin-Cylinder Engine
    Honda twins are famous for their versatility, and the CBR500R engine is one of our best ever. Using the same piston bore size as our CBR600RR sportbike, the parallel-twin engine offers accessible performance across all RPM ranges. Choosing a 500 isn’t a compromise, especially when it’s an engine with as much development behind it as Honda’s parallel twins. Liquid-cooling, double-overhead cams and bulletproof reliability make this a great all-around powerplant for any kind of riding you have in mind.
  • Step Seat
    The CBR500R offers a stepped two-piece seat with a low height. Perfect for around-town riding or winding roads, it also offers plenty of room for a passenger and is specially designed to fit a wide range of riders.
  • Pro-Link® Rear Suspension
    For 2016 the CBR500R gets new shock settings for improved ride comfort. Its sophisticated chassis uses Honda’s Pro-Link® rear suspension; the nine-stage preload and 4.7 inches of travel gives you a comfortable ride over small bumps, while capably absorbing bigger bumps to increase riding comfort and handling.
  • Cast Wheels
    Strong and stylish, the CBR500R’s aluminum 12-spoke cast wheels are easy to keep clean, look great, and are another feature that just makes sense.
  • Steel-Tube Frame
    A motorcycle’s frame is the basis for its handling. A take on a classic construction, the CBR500R’s diamond-shaped 35mm steel-tube mainframe ties to the engine with four mounts, offering a rock-solid foundation for a superior ride and handling.
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
    Programmed Fuel Injection (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.
  • Digital Instrumentation
    A full 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 front 320mm wave-style disc brake and 240mm rear provide strong stopping power. And new for 2016, the front-brake lever is now adjustable for a perfect fit.
  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
    Available ABS on the CBR500R helps you make confident stops under less-than-ideal conditions.
  • Passenger Seat Strap
    A handy rear passenger seat strap offers a firm handhold for your passenger or tie-down point for smaller items.

2016 CBR500R Changes:

  • – A complete new look based on a design theme of “Aggressive Speed Shape” with angled dual LED lights and the up-swept tail equipped with LED lighting.
  • – Front suspension upgraded with adjustable pre-load
  • – Larger fuel tank with new hinged fuel cap (the old one just came off in your hand).
  • – Adjustable brake lever
  • – Honda’s “wave” style ignition key
  • – A new shorter exhaust muffler for enhanced mass centralization, with internal structure tuned for a satisfying low, crisp exhaust note.

That about sums it up on all of the available details at the moment for the 2016 CBR500R. Check back soon for more information, details, high-resolution pictures, walk-around videos and more on the 2016 CBR500R.

What do you think about the 2016 CBR500R Changes? Did Honda hit the nail on the head with the upgrades?

Engine: Specification, Units: mm (in)
Cylinder arrangement: 2 cylinders in-line, inclined 20° from vertical
Bore and stroke: 67.0 x 66.8 mm (2.64 x 2.63 in)
Displacement: 471 cm³ (28.7 cu-in)
Cylinder compression at rpm: 1,372 kPa (14.0 kgf/cm², 119 psi)
Standard: 0.010 – 0.045 (0.0004 – 0.0018)
Service Limit: 0.10 (0.004)
Intake: 0.16 ± 0.03 (0.006 ± 0.001)
Exhaust: 0.27 ± 0.03 (0.011 ± 0.001)
Recommended engine oil/classification/viscosity: Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil/API: SG or higher, JASO T 903 standard: MA/SAE 1
Oil capacity after draining/engine oil filter change: 2.7 liters (2.9 US qt, 2.4 Imp qt)
Oil pressure at oil pressure switch: 93 kPa (0.9 kgf/cm², 13 psi) at 1,200 rpm/80°C (176°F)
Final Drive: Specification
C/S sprocket: 15
Rear sprocket: 41
Drive chain size (x) links: 520 x 112
Drive chain slack: 35 – 45 (1.4 – 1.8)
Cooling System: Specification
Recommended antifreeze/concentration: Pro Honda HP Coolant/1:1
Coolant capacity,radiator and engine: 1.4 liters (1.5 US qt, 1.2 Imp qt)
Fuel System: Specification
Type/throttle bore: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)/34 mm (1.3 in)
Carburtetor/throttle body ID #: GQBJA (A-type), GQBJB (AC-type)
Idle speed (+/- 100 rpm): 1,200 ± 100 rpm
Fuel pressure at idle: 343 kPa (3.5 kgf/cm², 50 psi)
Throttle grip/lever free play: 2 – 6 mm (0.1 – 0.2 in)
Suspension: Specification
Recommended fork fluid: Pro Honda Suspension Fluid SS-8 (10W)
Fork fluid capacity/and level: 503 ± 2.5 cm³ (17.0 ± 0.08 US oz)/130 (5.1)
Tires: Specification
Front  Size: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Cold tire pressure: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear  Size: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Cold tire pressure: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Battery/Charging System: Specification
Charging system type: Triple phase output alternator
BatteryCapacity/Model: 12 V – 8.6 Ah (10 HR)/FTZ
Fully charged: 13.0 – 13.2 V
Needs charging: Below 12.4 V
Normal: 0.9 A/5 – 10 h
Quick: 4.5 A/1 h
Regulated voltage at rpm: Measured BV < Measured CV < 15.5 V @ 5000 rpm
Alternator charging coil resistance: 0.1 – 1.0 O
Lighting Equipment: Specification
Lo: 12 V – 60/55 W
Brake/tail light: 12 V – 21/5 W
Front turn signal/running light bulb: 12 V – 21/5 W x 2
Rear turn signal light bulb: 12 V – 21 W x 2
Ignition System: Specification
Ignition system type: Full transistorized ignition
Ignition timing (F mark): 6° BTDC at idle speed
Standard – NGK: CPR8EA-9
Spark plug gap: 0.80 – 0.90 mm (0.031 – 0.035 in)
Ignition coil peak voltage: 100 V minimum
Ignition pulse generator peak voltage: 0.7 V minimum
Torque value: Specification, Unit: N.m (kgf.m, lbf.ft)
Front axle bolt/nut: 54 (5.5, 40)
Front axle holder/pinchbolt/nut: 22 (2.2, 16)
Rear axle nut: 88 (9.0, 65)
Honda Accessory Discount Code for Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side Models!

Menu