After it’s China-market introduction in early 2026, Honda is bringing the CBR500R Four to Europe for 2027, introducing a 502 cc inline-four sports bike with standard E-Clutch technology and a comprehensive electronics package. The new model could be an interesting addition to Honda’s Malaysian line-up if Boon Siew Honda decides to bring it here.
Developed by Wuyang-Honda, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, the CBR500R Four was first shown in China early this year before making its way to European markets. In the United Kingdom, it is priced at £6,999 (RM37,000), with deliveries expected to begin in January 2027.
Not just a down-sized CBR650R, power for the CBR500R comes from a newly developed, liquid-cooled 502 cc DOHC inline-four engine producing 72 hp at 11,000 rpm and 47.4 Nm of torque at 9,750 rpm. A six-speed gearbox drives the rear wheel, while Honda’s E-Clutch system allows riders to start, stop and change gears without operating the clutch lever. while conventional manual clutch operation remains available.
The engine also benefits from a ram-air intake system, while the electronics package includes throttle-by-wire, five riding modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control traction control and wheelie control. A restricted 46 hp version is also available for European A2 licence holders.
The CBR500R Four uses a steel frame, a 41 mm KYB upside-down front fork and a Pro-Link rear monoshock paired with an aluminium swingarm. Braking is handled by twin 296 mm front discs with radial-mount Nissin two-piston callipers, alongside a single rear disc and dual-channel ABS.
It rides on 17-inch wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres measuring 120/70 at the front and 160/60 at the rear. Kerb weight is listed at 189 kg, seat height is 780 mm and fuel tank capacity is 14 litres.
Equipment includes LED lighting, a five-inch colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and a USB-C charging port. The CBR500R Four will be offered in Ignition Red Tricolour and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.
For Malaysia, the main question is where the new four-cylinder model would sit against the existing Honda CBR650R E-Clutch. The CBR650R is currently priced at RM49,999, excluding road tax, insurance and registration.
Its 649 cc inline-four produces 93.8 hp at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm, giving it a clear performance advantage over the smaller CBR500R Four. If launched in Malaysia, a price in the RM35,000 to RM40,000 range would be a reasonable price point, placing it RM10,000 to RM15,000 below the CBR650R.
27YM Honda CBR500R FOUR
In Malaysia, its most direct price comparison would be the recently launched ZXMoto 500RR, which is priced at RM29,988, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. The Chinese sports bike uses a 470 cc inline-four producing 84 hp at 13,500 rpm and 46 Nm at 11,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and bidirectional quickshifter.
The ZXMoto comes with fully adjustable suspension, a steering damper, twin 300 mm front discs with four-piston callipers, traction control, launch control and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). At a claimed 168 kg, it is also 21 kg lighter than the Honda.
