Honda·Sportive·471cc·A2 NATIF

CBR500R

↘ Evolution history · 2013 → present
14
Years of production
5
Generations
471
current cc
47
Horsepower
13
Vintages

The benchmark A2 sports bike. Full fairing on the shared 471cc CB500F/X platform — CBR1000RR looks, A2-licence accessible.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 5 · 2024 → present
HSTC & CONNECTED TFT

Major update for 2024: HSTC traction control and 5" Honda RoadSync TFT — firsts on the 500 range. The CBR500R becomes the best-equipped A2 sport bike in its class for electronics.

2025
AAesthetics
Carryover — new colours available
Minor
2024
EElectronics
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) — switchable traction control
Compares front/rear wheel speeds — progressively reduces injection on slip detection. Switchable off.
Major
EElectronics
5" colour TFT display + Honda RoadSync (Bluetooth, navigation, calls)
Major
SSafety
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) — automatic hazard lights during emergency braking
Medium
Buyer radar
2025

HSTC + connected TFT + Honda reliability — the most complete A2 sport bike under €7,000.

TOP BUY
2024

First year with HSTC + TFT — A2 sport benchmark renewed. Slightly pricier than gen4.

TOP BUY
Gen 4 · 2022 — 2023
USD FORK & DUAL DISC

Significant chassis upgrade for 2022: Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork, dual 296mm front discs and new lighter wheels. The CBR500R reaches an unprecedented level of braking and precision for a 500cc A2 bike.

2023
AAesthetics
Carryover — updated colours
Minor
2022
CFrame
Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork (replaces conventional telescopic fork)
Major
SSafety
Dual 296mm front discs with 4-piston calipers (replaces single disc)
Major
CFrame
New lighter-spoked wheels (−0.5kg), new lighter aluminium swingarm
Medium
Buyer radar
2022

USD fork + dual disc on a 500cc A2 — remarkable quality leap. Best CBR500R before the electronic era.

TOP BUY
Gen 3 · 2019 — 2021
FIREBLADE STYLING

Major overhaul inspired by the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade: aerodynamic winglets, sportier riding position, slipper clutch, −3kg. The 471cc engine gains 4% more torque. Euro 5 arrives in 2021.

2021
MEngine
Euro 5 compliance — injection remapping, optimised catalytic converter
Medium
2020
AAesthetics
Carryover — updated colours
Minor
2019
AAesthetics
New Fireblade-style fairing — MotoGP aerodynamic winglets, bi-beam LED headlight
Major
MEngine
+4% torque gain — 43 Nm at 6,500rpm
Medium
CFrame
Assist and slipper clutch, 3kg weight reduction (192kg → 189kg)
Medium
CFrame
Sportier riding position — lower handlebar, raised footpegs, tank increased to 17.1L
Medium
Buyer radar
2019

Fireblade style + slipper clutch — accessible premium looks. Good entry into sports riding.

GOOD PICK
Gen 2 · 2016 — 2018
EURO 4 RESTYLE

Major restyle for 2016: sharper fairing, full LED lighting, tank enlarged to 17.1L and adjustable brake lever. The CBR500R adopts a more assertive sporty language while moving to Euro 4.

2018
AAesthetics
Carryover — updated colours
Minor
2017
AAesthetics
Carryover — updated colours
Minor
2016
AAesthetics
Full fairing redesign — LED headlights, LED tail light, sharper design
Major
CFrame
Enlarged fuel tank (15.7L → 16.7L), adjustable front brake lever, redesigned muffler
Medium
MEngine
Euro 4 compliance
Medium
Buyer radar
2017

LED lighting, large tank and proven reliability — solid used value.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2013 — 2015
BIRTH OF THE CB500 TRIO

Unveiled at EICMA 2012, the CBR500R launches the 471cc platform alongside the CB500F and CB500X. Fully-faired sports bike natively meeting European A2 licence requirements with CBR1000RR-inspired styling.

2015
AAesthetics
Carryover — updated colours
Minor
2014
AAesthetics
Carryover — updated colours
Minor
2013
MEngine
Launch with 471cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin — 47hp / 43Nm
Bore 67mm × stroke 66.8mm, compression 10.7:1, 6-speed gearbox, PGM-FI injection — native A2 (35kW)
Major
CFrame
Diamond steel frame, 41mm telescopic fork, single 320mm front disc — 192kg
Major
SSafety
ABS available as option from launch
Medium
AAesthetics
Full sports fairing inspired by CBR1000RR — halogen headlight, basic LCD instrumentation
Major
Buyer radar
2014

Run-in mechanicals, ABS available, Honda reliability. Solid A2 sports first bike at a fair price.

GOOD PICK