On sale since 2013, the CBR 500R is Honda’s entry-level middleweight offering for beginner motorcyclists in several global markets. Armed with a refined parallel twin engine and urban-friendly ergonomics, the CBR 500R has been pretty much the same since its launch. Now, however, Honda has previewed the 2016 model that comes with a comprehensive range of upgrades to make it an even better sports tourer.
Honda, in fact, has previewed the 2016 CBR 500R with a couple of teaser images and while there isn’t much info on this new model, the brand has been kind enough in revealing a few essential upgrades for the motorcycle.
Starting with the bodywork, the2016 model looks a lot more aggressively styled thanks to the redesigned fairing assembly, a sportier looking tail section and a bigger exhaust end can. The steeply-angled dual LED headlights seem to have been designed in tandem with the upswept tail which is also equipped with LEDs.
Besides this, Honda says they have made several rider-focussed upgrades including front suspension with adjustable pre-load, a larger fuel tank with new hinged fuel cap, adjustable brake levers and ‘wave’ style ignition key. The brand has also included a new shorter exhaust for better mass centralisation, with internal structure tuned for a crisper exhaust note compared to the existing 500R.
Finally, the 2016 CBR 500R will also be available with new colour schemes besides the usual black and red paint option.
While it never made it to the Indian market, the CBR 500R’s combination of heathy performance and daily usability has led to a strong demand among riders stepping up from smaller displacement machines like the CBR 250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
