They called it quits after just two seasons in the Supersport 300 World Championship, but that has never stopped Honda from continuing to invest in the CBR500R. In fact, Honda’s Supersport for the A2 driving license has been significantly refreshed for model year 2024, the fourth update since its introduction in 2013.
It was old-fashioned, the very first edition of the CBR500R in 2013, but man, we had a lot of fun with it. The trip to the Czech Republic is still regularly cited as proof that these types of motorcycles are not limited to laps around the church, that long distances are really no problem. And that you are really not the limiting factor when riding in a group with mainly heavy bicycles. In fact, despite ‘only’ 48 hp, the CBR500R often set the tone during that trip.
In 2016, Honda tackled the outdated design, with much sharper styling with LED lighting and an improved front fork, followed by an even more aggressive makeover in 2020, the year that the engine was also made stronger from the bottom up. Honda could not do more than that, as the top power is limited to 35 kW, or 47.5 hp, by the A2 directive. Two years ago the suspension was thoroughly overhauled, in the form of a Showa 41 mm SFF-BP upside down front fork, plus double brake discs at the front, new lightweight wheels and ditto swingarm.
For model year 2024, Honda has given the CBR500R the same sharp lines as the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, a new TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity and updates to the engine block.
To start with the latter. Honda has made no changes to the engine itself, which is still the same 471 cc 180° parallel twin, which is included as a load-bearing part in the bicycle section. Honda claims the same specifications of 35 kW (47.5 hp) and 43 Nm as its predecessor, but at slightly different speeds: 8,600 rpm for power and 6,500 rpm for torque.
So no adjustments to the block, which just like before has a slip/assist clutch, but there are adjustments to the PGM-F1 petrol injection and the ignition timing. That plus a modified intake and exhaust path. According to Honda, the optimization of the timing and the air/petrol mixture must have resulted in more powerful acceleration, while the double tailpipes in the rear silencer must have given the twin a sportier sound.
Also new is that the 471 cc parallel twin has been given adjustable traction control, or as Honda calls it: HSTC, where those four letters stand for Honda Selectable Torque Control. Where the rest of the world uses the term traction control, Honda is the only one to talk about Torque Control, torque control in good Dutch, but that is besides the point. For those who think it’s absolute nonsense, the HSTC can be switched off, but we fear that you will have to do it every time the engine is switched on.
The chassis is identical to its predecessor, with the same 35 mm steel diamond tube as the central frame, Showa 41 mm SFF-BP upside-down front fork and a steel swingarm constructed from 2 mm sheet steel and equipped with a Showa monoshock. the spring preload is adjustable in 5 positions. In terms of brakes, dual disc Nissin radial 4-piston calipers are fitted at the front, with a single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper at the rear.
Only minimal differences are concerned in terms of engine and chassis, but that cannot be said of the design, which has been completely overhauled and has now become very close to the Fireblade. Extremely smart and very successful, if you ask us.
According to Honda, the new design is not only for the visual aspect, but also for aerodynamics. In turn, the improved aerodynamics must have resulted in improved steering characteristics and better feedback. The new LED headlights should provide a wider beam for better visibility in corners.
From the saddle you have a view of a completely new 5″ TFT color display, which uses special technology to improve visibility in the sun. Honda claims by sealing the space between the cover glass and the TFT screen with resin to have reduced glare, thereby improving the transmittance of the backlight.
The display has 3 different layouts: Bar, Circle and Simple, and has Bluetooth connectivity, which can be used to connect to the Honda RoadSync app. This new feature allows turn-by-turn navigation, as well as the option to make calls or listen to music via your headset. New switches on the steering wheel are provided for menu operation.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.