Along with the majorly overhauled CBR650R and CB650R, Honda unveiled updated versions of the CBR500R, CB500F and the CBR1000RR at EICMA this year.
2019 HONDA CBR500R
The new CBR500R gets sleeker and sportier styling for 2019. Honda also claims that the riding position of the new model is racier. The clip-on handlebars have been positioned lower than before, resulting in this sportier riding stance. Mechanical changes include a revised inlet and exhaust system. The valve timing has also been tweaked so that the engine has more low-to-mid-range power and torque. The new model also features a slipper clutch. It is powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin that makes 47hp and 43Nm of torque.
The LCD instrument cluster has been redesigned and now displays the gear position as part of the updates. The motorcycle also features LED turn signals to compliment the LED headlight and taillight. A new single-tube rear monoshock with larger-diameter piston promises improved damping control and is nine-stage preload-adjustable.
2019 HONDA CB500F
Honda hasn’t updated the CB500 with ‘neo-retro’ styling like they did with its elder sibling, the CB650. The CB500F continues to use street fighter styling but with mild updates. Like the updated CBR500R, the motorcycle features mechanical updates which include revisions to the inlet and exhaust system. The valve timing on this bike has also been tweaked so that the motor has more low-to-mid-range power and torque. The naked bike also features a slipper clutch, an updated instrument cluster with a gear-position indicator and the new monoshock. Powering the CB500F is the same 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine seen on the CBR500R that makes 47hp and 43Nm of torque.
2019 HONDA CBR1000RR
For 2019, the litre-class, supersport bike has an updated ECU. The traction control system is now separate from the wheelie control, so you can tune different amounts of intervention individually. The instrumentation now has a three-position ‘W’ setting, alongside the Power, Engine Braking and HSTC (Honda Selectable Traction Control) traction settings.
The rest of the motorcycle remains mechanically unchanged from the previous-gen 2018 Fireblade.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
