Honda 500s gain updates for 2021
The A2 friendly Honda CBR500R, CB500X, and CB500F have received updates for the 2021 model year
THE highly successful range of Honda 500cc machines has been given a 2021 update, with new colours, graphics and Euro5 certification.
The updates affect the Honda CB500F, CBR500R, and CB500X models, with the only other bike in the range to use this engine, the CMX500 Rebel, going through an overhaul earlier in the year.
Honda CB500X (2019) video review
The mechanical changes to each bike are centered around the 47bhp engine’s emissions, with Honda claiming a 40% reduction in total hydrocarbon production, improved misfire detection, and the introduction of a particulate matter limit.
The engines of the 500cc range already went through a fairly rigorous update in 2019, with changes including updates to inlet, exhaust, and valve timing, all of which added 4% more power and torque between 3-7,000rpm compared to the previous model. Those changes were accompanied by an enhanced exhaust note and a new assist/slipper clutch.
Aside from the internal improvements in efficiency, Honda is hoping to entice COVID-weary buyers into its showrooms with a raft of new colour and decal options for each of the bikes.
Honda CB500X 2021
The one bike in the range that looks the most different from the previous generation is the CB500X. the graphic and colour options of old were fairly restrained, with only some tyre track decals hinting at the bike’s sizeable off-road appeal.
Now though the machine has a colour scheme worthy of an adventure, with a new red subframe bringing the baby adventure machine in line with the highly capable Africa Twin. The 2021 version is available in Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White
Honda CB500F 2021
Honda CB500F naked has also been given a thorough going over, with a raft of bold new colours to choose from. The 2021 CB500F is now available in Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, Candy Moon Glow Yellow – the latter two colours are all new.
Honda CBR500R 2021
The final bike in the CB500 range is the CBR500R, and for 2021 that machine is remaining unchanged from the previous generation – other than now being Euro5 compliant that is.
Honda CB500s technical spec
ENGINE | |
Type | Liquid-cooled, parallel twin |
Displacement | 471cc |
No of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
Bore & Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
Max. Power Output | 35kW @ 8600rpm |
Max. Torque | 43Nm @ 6500rpm |
Oil Capacity | 3.2L |
FUEL SYSTEM | |
Carburation | PGM FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 litres (inc reserve) |
Fuel Consumption (WMTC) | 28.6m/litre |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
Battery Capacity | 12V 7.4AH |
ACG Output | 25A/2000rpm |
DRIVETRAIN | |
Clutch Type | Wet multiplate |
Transmission Type | 6 speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
FRAME | |
Type | Steel diamond |
CHASSIS | |
Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2080mm x 755mm x 1145mm |
Wheelbase | 1410mm |
Caster Angle | 25.5 degrees |
Trail | 102mm |
Seat Height | 785mm |
Ground Clearance | 130mm |
Kerb Weight | 192kg |
SUSPENSION | |
Type Front | Conventional telescopic front forks, 41mm, pre-load adjustable |
Type Rear | Prolink mono with 5-stage preload adjuster, steel square pipe swingarm |
WHEELS | |
Type Front | Multi-spoke cast aluminium |
Type Rear | Multi-spoke cast aluminium |
Rim Size Front | 17 x MT3.5 |
Rim Size Rear | 17 x MT4.5 |
Tyres Front | 120/70ZR–17M/C |
Tyres Rear | 160/60ZR–17M/C |
BRAKES | |
ABS System Type | 2-channel |
Type Front | Single wavy disk, 320mm, 2 piston caliper |
Type Rear | Single wavy disk, 240mm, 1 piston caliper |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
Instruments | Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meters, digital fuel level gauge & fuel consumption gauge, digital clock, gear position indicator |
Security System | HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) |
Headlight | Low 7.6W. Hi 12.8W. (LED) |
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
