At £6,999, the CBR500R Four steps into a crowded mid‑weight segment that usually sees twin‑cylinders, offering a 502cc inline‑four that revs to 11,000rpm for 71hp. That’s a single‑engine punch that rivals the 650cc twins on the street.
Compared to Kawasaki’s Z650 (62hp, £7,300) and Yamaha’s MT‑07 (74hp, £7,200), the CBR500R Four sits right in the middle—lighter at 189kg and with a tighter steering feel thanks to its steel diamond frame. KTM’s 390+ is half the power and only a third the price, so the CBR gives a more spirited, high‑speed character for those who love a rev‑like soundtrack.
Inside, the bike feels like a small‑scale superbike: a 5‑inch TFT display, Honda RoadSync, and E‑Clutch are standard, while selectable torque and wheelie control let you tune the throttle response. Dual‑channel ABS, a 296mm front disc pair and a 240mm rear disc give solid braking, and the 17‑inch Pirelli tires keep traction at 210km/h top speed.
Deliveries in the UK start January 2027, while the Indian launch remains unconfirmed. The bike’s 14‑litre tank and 780mm seat height make it comfortable for longer runs, and the 41mm KYB fork front gives a crisp, responsive ride. Keep an eye on the dealer network rollout next year, as the price point could shift once the model is localized.