CFMoto 500SR: 78 HP Four-Cylinder Sportbike Challenges Honda

• 499 cc inline four-cylinder with 78 hp (58 kW) at 12,500 rpm
• Price in China: 28,980 Yuan (approximately 3,650 euros / 4,200 US dollars)
• Lighter, more powerful, and cheaper than the simultaneously unveiled Honda CBR500R Four

On March 27, 2026, CFMoto officially unveiled the 500SR at the 6th CFMOTO Day at the Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit. The new sportbike joins the steadily growing SR family from the Chinese manufacturer and is the second model based on the in-house 500 cc four-cylinder after the retro-inspired 500SR Voom. Unlike the Voom with its deliberately nostalgic design, the 500SR adopts an uncompromisingly modern supersport look inspired by its larger siblings, the 675SR-R and 750SR-S. The most remarkable detail besides the technology is the price: in China, the 500SR costs 28,980 Yuan, which converts to approximately 3,650 euros (4,200 US dollars).

Familiar Engine with Refinements

At the heart of the 500SR sits a revised version of the 499 cc inline four-cylinder already known from the 500SR Voom. The liquid-cooled DOHC engine with 16 valves, a bore of 63 mm, and a stroke of 40.1 mm achieves a compression ratio of 12.3:1. At 12,500 rpm, the four-cylinder produces 78 hp (58 kW), while peak torque of 49 Nm (36.1 lb-ft) arrives at 10,000 rpm. A Ram-Air system reportedly increases peak output at higher speeds by an additional 3.5 percent to 82 hp (61 kW), with this effect reportedly kicking in from approximately 120 km/h (75 mph).

Compared to the Voom, CFMoto says it has implemented several optimizations to engine components and the gearbox. New camshafts and an improved shift lever are said to enhance throttle response and overall stability. During testing at the Tianma Circuit, a lap time of 1:08.246 minutes was achieved.

Power is transmitted through a six-speed gearbox with a cable-operated slipper clutch. A quickshifter comes as standard but only supports upshifts. Since the 500SR uses a mechanical throttle body system with Bosch fuel injection rather than ride-by-wire, automatic blipping on downshifts is not available. Four mechanical throttle bodies are connected directly to the twist grip via cable, which is said to deliver a particularly direct riding feel.

Chassis and Suspension Based on the Voom

The chassis draws from the Voom’s chromoly steel trellis frame, complemented by an aluminum subframe and a cast aluminum swingarm. The wheelbase measures 1,395 mm (54.9 inches). Up front, a 41 mm upside-down fork offers 30-step adjustable preload, while the rear shock provides 16 steps of preload and compression damping adjustment.

The braking system consists of Nissin four-piston radial calipers on dual 300 mm discs up front and a single-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear. The Continental ABS can be independently deactivated at the rear wheel. Additionally, the 500SR features a steering damper with 24 adjustment steps. Notably, the front brake disc covers incorporate integrated air channels reminiscent of racing machines.

Despite the shared platform, CFMoto says the 500SR is approximately 2 kg lighter than the Voom, tipping the scales at around 192 kg (412 lbs). Tire sizes are 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR17 rear on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. The seat height sits at 805 mm (31.7 inches), with CFMoto optionally offering a taller variant (815 mm) and a lower variant (795 mm). The fuel tank holds 15.5 liters (4 gallons).

Modern Design from the Italian Design Studio

Visually, the 500SR shares nothing with the Voom’s retro charm. The design was created with the involvement of an Italian design team and follows the current family language seen on the 675SR-R and 750SR-S. The front features angular LED headlights with eyebrow-style daytime running lights, along with pseudo-aerodynamic elements on the layered fairing. The mirrors are fairing-mounted rather than bar-end mounted as on the Voom. The high-mounted sport exhaust has also been redesigned and, according to CFMoto, undergoes multiple polishing and coating processes intended to improve both appearance and durability. The upper triple clamp also receives a finer sandblasted finish.

Technology and Connectivity Up to Date

Despite the low price point, the 500SR offers comprehensive standard equipment in terms of electronics and connectivity. A 6.2-inch TFT display replaces the Voom’s smaller 5-inch display and supports smartphone connectivity as well as screen mirroring via the CFMoto Ride App. Through the app, riders can control calls, navigation, and music playback. Through a collaboration with Insta360, the app can also control an Insta360 action camera during rides, enabling real-time recording and control.

Additional standard equipment includes full LED lighting, automatic dipped headlights, self-canceling turn signals, an emergency brake warning light, a tire pressure monitoring system, and dual quick-charge ports. The traction control operates in two modes, supplemented by the switchable rear ABS.

Direct Competitor for Honda and Kawasaki

CFMoto is deliberately positioning the 500SR in the growing segment of small four-cylinder sportbikes, which is currently spawning an entire generation of new motorcycles in China and Asia. The most direct comparison is with the Honda CBR500R Four, which was revealed in China just one day before the 500SR. The Honda packs 502 cc of displacement, has a smaller bore at 60 mm and a longer stroke at 44.4 mm. It produces 71 hp (52.8 kW), seven hp less than the CFMoto, but revs to 11,000 rpm and offers slightly more torque at 53 Nm (39 lb-ft). The Honda also features a ride-by-wire system with riding modes and the latest compact version of the E-Clutch. In China, however, the Honda costs approximately 6,500 US dollars (approximately 5,680 euros), significantly more than the CFMoto.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R also enters the frame as a competitor. The small four-cylinder segment is thus more vibrant than it has been in years.

Market Launch and Export Prospects

For now, CFMoto is focusing on the Chinese domestic market. The closely related 500SR Voom is already available in select export markets, primarily Australia. Should the 500SR come to Australia, a price of just under 10,000 Australian dollars (approximately 5,860 euros / 6,700 US dollars) is expected.

For the Philippines, CFMoto has already announced a presentation at the Makina Moto Expo in April 2026, where the price is expected to undercut the leading 500 cc models in the market.

Whether and when the 500SR will appear in the US or Europe has not been confirmed. A potential US import would see tariffs and compliance costs with local emissions standards significantly drive up the price. However, the fact that models like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R still find buyers there shows that a market for small four-cylinder sportbikes fundamentally exists.

Technical Specifications of the CFMoto 500SR

• Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder, 16 valves
• Displacement: 499 cc
• Bore x Stroke: 63 x 40.1 mm
• Compression Ratio: 12.3:1
• Power: 78 hp (58 kW) at 12,500 rpm, 82 hp (61 kW) with Ram-Air
• Torque: 49 Nm (36.1 lb-ft) at 10,000 rpm
• Fuel System: Bosch fuel injection, mechanical throttle bodies
• Gearbox: 6-speed, chain drive
• Clutch: Cable-operated slipper clutch
• Frame: Chromoly steel trellis
• Subframe: Aluminum
• Fork: 41 mm USD, preload adjustable (30 steps)
• Rear Shock: Monoshock, preload and compression damping adjustable (16 steps)
• Front Brake: Nissin four-piston radial calipers, 2x 300 mm discs, Continental ABS
• Rear Brake: Single-piston caliper, 220 mm disc, ABS switchable
• Wheels: 17-inch cast aluminum
• Tires: 120/70 ZR17 front, 160/60 ZR17 rear
• Wheelbase: 1,395 mm (54.9 inches)
• Seat Height: 805 mm (31.7 inches), optional 795 mm or 815 mm
• Fuel Capacity: 15.5 liters (4 gallons)
• Curb Weight: approximately 192 kg (412 lbs)
• Display: 6.2-inch TFT
• Price (China): 28,980 Yuan (approximately 3,650 euros / 4,200 US dollars)

Frequently Asked Questions

➜ Full specifications: CFMoto 500SR 2026 in our database