Honda finally has a motorcycle that will bridge the gap between the 250s and 600s, the all new CBR500R. Undisguised images of this motorcycle started coming in before the EICMA expo which was held in Milan, Italy.
The CBR500R is styled like a mini version of its big brother, the CBR1000RR.The motorcycle is powered by a 500cc liquid cooled parallel twin DOHC engine that features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and it is mated to 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 47bhp and 43Nm that should make it a fun motorcycle to ride. The engine also has a counterbalancer and a 180-degree crankpin to reduce engine vibration. This is the same engine that will power two other 2013 models, the CB500F and CB500X. This motorcycle has been mainly developed for emerging markets like China, India and Thailand but will also be sold in the USA and most European countries.
The motorcycle will sport 41mm telescopic forks, a Pro-Link rear monoshock, 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, 120/70 (front) and 160/60 (rear) radial tyres, disc brakes at both ends and a kerb weight of 194kg.
The CBR500R’s 15.7-litre fuel tank gives it a range of more than 400km and its comprehensive instrumentation – digital speedo and tachometer, dual trip meters, digital fuel level gauge and fuel consumption and HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System, which means "immobiliser") that’s built into the ignition makes it a proper mid-size sports-touring machine. This motorcycle will serve 250cc owners who are looking for an upgrade to a bigger cubic capacity.
The motorcycle also has ABS and is available in black, pearl white/blue/red and red. The ABS version is available in red only.
The company has priced the standard CBR500R at US $5999 (Rs 3.3 lakhs before taxes and duties) and the ABS version has a premium of US $500. We are expecting this motorcycle to hit Indian shores by early 2013.
