Honda CBR500R [2022 - 2022] Review: The Balanced Sportbike That Gets It Right
Introduction
The Honda CBR500R has long occupied a sweet spot in the middleweight sportbike segment - approachable enough for newer riders yet competent enough to satisfy experienced motorcyclists. The 2022 iteration continues this tradition with subtle refinements that make it one of the most compelling choices in its class. After spending a week with this parallel-twin machine, it's clear why Honda's formula remains effective: This is a motorcycle that prioritizes real-world usability without sacrificing the essence of sport riding.
Design & Styling
At first glance, the CBR500R punches above its displacement class in the visual drama department. The 2022 model's sharp fairing lines and dual LED headlights give it proper supersport presence, while the tapered tail section maintains a clean, aggressive profile. Honda offers two colorways: Matte Axis Grey Metallic (a stormy grey with red accents) and Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic (stealthy black with bronze wheels), both looking decidedly more premium than the bike's price point would suggest.
The 785mm (30.9") seat height creates an accessible cockpit that accommodates riders from 5'6" to 6'0" comfortably. Unlike some sportbikes that force you into a full tuck, the CBR500R's ergonomics strike a clever balance - the clip-ons are positioned high enough for daily commuting yet low enough to encourage sporty riding. The stepped seat provides decent lower back support, though taller riders might wish for an extra inch of foam density during long hauls.
Engine & Performance
Beating at the heart of this machine is Honda's 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin - a masterpiece of accessible power delivery. With 46.9 HP @ 8,600 RPM and 43 Nm (31.7 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,500 RPM, the engine prioritizes mid-range punch over top-end scream. From 4,000 to 8,000 RPM is where this motor truly shines, pulling strongly through city traffic and mountain roads alike. The 6-speed transmission features Honda's trademark slick shifts, though the clutch lever could benefit from a lighter pull during stop-and-go traffic (an aftermarket adjustable lever would solve this).
Fuel efficiency is staggering - we consistently achieved 3.5L/100km (67.2 mpg) during mixed riding. The 17.1L (4.52 gal) tank translates to a 480km (298 mi) theoretical range**, making it an excellent tourer despite its sportbike pretensions. The assisted slipper clutch performs admirably during aggressive downshifts, though hardcore track riders might want more bite (Hinson and Oberon make excellent aftermarket replacements).
Handling & Comfort
Where the CBR500R truly separates itself from the competition is in its chassis dynamics. The steel diamond-tube frame and Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks provide a plush yet communicative ride. Front suspension travel of 120mm (4.7") soaks up potholes better than most sport nakeds, while the 119mm (4.7") rear travel maintains composure over broken pavement. At 190kg (419 lbs) wet, the bike feels light on its feet without being twitchy - perfect for urban filtering yet stable at highway speeds.
Braking performance from the dual 296mm front discs and single 240mm rear disc (both with ABS) inspires confidence. Initial bite is progressive rather than abrupt, making threshold braking more accessible for newer riders. Those seeking more aggressive stopping power should consider upgrading to sintered pads and steel-braided lines available through our store.
Technology & Features
The LCD dashboard deserves special praise - its gear position indicator and shift-up light are godsends for riders mastering rev-matching. The fuel consumption readout helps optimize riding habits, while the water temperature gauge provides peace of mind during summer traffic jams. Honda's Intelligent Security System (HISS) adds theft deterrence, though we recommend complementing it with a GPS tracker from our security section.
Lighting is all-LED, with the twin headlights casting an excellent pattern on low beam. Riders planning night tours should consider our auxiliary light kits for enhanced peripheral visibility.
Competition
Kawasaki Ninja 400: Lighter (168kg) and slightly more powerful (49HP), but lacks the Honda's torque-rich engine character. The Ninja feels more track-focused, while the CBR500R excels as an all-rounder.
Yamaha YZF-R3: Cheaper but less sophisticated. The 321cc parallel twin can't match the Honda's mid-range pull, and the suspension feels budget-grade by comparison.
KTM RC 390: The wildcard option with a thrilling single-cylinder engine. Offers superior electronics (cornering ABS, TFT display) but suffers from punishing ergonomics and questionable reliability.
The CBR500R's advantage lies in its Swiss Army knife versatility - equally competent carving canyons, commuting, or even light touring with the right accessories from our luggage department.
Maintenance
Honda's legendary reliability shines here. Key service points:
- Oil Changes: Every 8,000km (5,000mi) with 2.7L of 10W-30 (we recommend Motul 7100 for extended drain intervals)
- Chain Maintenance: Clean/lube every 500km (310mi) - check our chain care kits
- Coolant: Replace every 24,000km (15,000mi) using ethylene glycol-based fluid
- Valve Clearances: Check every 24,000km - shim-under-bucket design requires mechanical skill
Common upgrades from MOTOPARTS.store:
1. Hepco & Becker C-Bow Luggage System for touring
2. Akrapovič Slip-On Exhaust (-3kg weight savings, glorious twin-cylinder soundtrack)
3. Puig Sport Screen for improved wind protection
4. Vortex Rearsets for aggressive riding positions
Conclusion
The 2022 Honda CBR500R isn't about chasing spec sheets or lap times - it's about delivering a complete motorcycling experience. This is a bike that forgives rookie mistakes yet rewards skilled inputs, that looks fast standing still yet sips fuel like a commuter. While enthusiasts might crave more peak power, the rest of us will appreciate how this machine makes every ride - whether to work or through winding backroads - feel like an occasion.
For those seeking to personalize their CBR500R, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from performance upgrades to cosmetic enhancements. Check our curated "CBR500R Essentials" collection for parts tested by our team of riding enthusiasts.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 35 kW | 47.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 43 Nm |
| Fuel system: | PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies |
| Max power @: | 8600 rpm |
| Displacement: | 471 ccm |
| Fuel control: | DOHC |
| Max torque @: | 6500 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 67.0 x 66.8 mm (2.6 x 2.6 in) |
| Configuration: | Inline |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
| Valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1410 mm (55.5 in) |
| Dry weight: | 192 |
| Wet weight: | 190 |
| Seat height: | 785 mm (30.9 in) |
| Overall width: | 755 mm (29.7 in) |
| Overall height: | 1145 mm (45.1 in) |
| Overall length: | 2080 mm (81.9 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 17.1 L (4.52 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Wet multiplate, assisted slipper |
| Final drive: | chain |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, wet multiplate assisted slipper clutch |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 160/60-z-17 |
| Engine oil: | 10W30 |
| Front tire: | 120/70-z-17 |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.7 |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Steel diamond-tube |
| Trail: | 102 mm (4.0 in) |
| Rear tire: | 160/60-z-17 |
| Front tire: | 120/70-z-17 |
| Rear brakes: | Single 260 mm disc, 1-piston caliper (ABS) |
| Front brakes: | Double 310 mm discs, 2-piston calipers (ABS) |
| Rear suspension: | Prolink mono with 5-stage pre-load adjuster, steel hollow cross swingarm |
| Front suspension: | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, pre-load adjustable |
| Rake (fork angle): | 25.5° |
| Rear wheel travel: | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
