- Displacement 502cc, power 72 hp (52.8 kW)
- Top speed according to the document 210 km/h
- Unladen weight 189 kg and wheelbase 1412 mm
Honda’s upcoming four-cylinder models, the CBR500R Four and the CB400 Super Four, have already been presented at a trade fair in China. However, technical data remained largely undisclosed there. Now, official type approval documents from China are available, revealing key facts about the fully faired CBR500R Four.
A new compact four-cylinder
Honda produces the models at the Wuyang Honda plant in China. The newly developed inline four-cylinder engine has a displacement of exactly 502 cc. It combines a 60 mm bore diameter with a calculated stroke of 44.4 mm. This results in a high-revving engine that, according to the documents, delivers 52.8 kW, which corresponds to 72 hp.
The transmission is coupled with an advanced version of the E Clutch System. The system is similar in design to that of the CBR650R, but is said to be more compact as the electromechanical actuators have been moved to the left side of the engine.
Chassis and brakes
The machine is based on a steel frame, complemented by Showa suspension elements. Nissin four-piston brakes slow down this sporty model. The total package has a curb weight of 189 kg, which is equivalent to around 417 lbs. The wheelbase is 1412 mm. Official manufacturer specifications on geometry or other driving-related data are not currently available.
Positioning and competition
With 52.8 kW and thus 72 hp, the CBR500R Four lags behind some of its direct competitors in terms of performance. The Kawasaki ZX 4RR has 55 kW, while the CFMoto 500SR Voom achieves 58 kW according to available figures. The new Honda is therefore likely to present itself as a sporty but not primarily performance-oriented mid-range model.
Market opportunities and variants
How Honda will position the machine outside China is still open. There are indications that a 400 cc variant will also be released. This is suggested by corresponding trademark applications for model names such as CB400 Super Four. At the same time, Honda has registered names such as CBR500R Four and CB500 Super Four worldwide. This suggests that the models will also be available outside the Chinese market in the long term.
