Just yesterday we reported about Honda’s plan to assemble more big bikes in India depending on the success of the CBR650F. Now we got a tip-off from a close source that Honda is contemplating getting the CBR500R to India as well, via the completely-knocked-down (CKD) route.
Honda India had showcased the CBR500R at the 2014 Auto Expo along with the CBR650F. While the CBR650F had its own set of attractions, the CBR500R also got many eyeballs. With its super sport looks and not-so-super sport riding stance, this bike is very practical for the Indian market where there is the lack of a sub-600cc fully-faired motorcycles.
The CBR500R is the fully-faired model of the new Honda 500cc trio. The CBR500R is powered by the same 500cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine that also powers the Honda CB500F and the Honda CB500X. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and produces 47bhp and 43Nm. The bike also features programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI). The front suspension has a 41mm fork with 4.8 inches of travel whereas the rear suspension is a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability.
The same source also mentioned about Thailand being the largest exporter of CBR500R components to India. The Japanese manufacturer will soon start doing consumer research for this bike and once everything is in place, the CBR500R will share the same assembly line like the CBR650 under batch production method.
Stay tuned as we get you more details on the Honda CBR500R.
