Honda has announced there’ll be a revised CBR500R making an appearance in the 2016 range, with the focus on sharper styling and a medley of practical refinements to appease A2-licence holders.
Until the recent arrival of bikes like the CBR, sportsbike newbs have had limited brand-new buying options when progressing from smaller capacity steeds to a tangible middleweight, rather than jumping on a sometimes-intimidating 600. And a 20-year-old NC30 for a grand sounds charming but in reality, it’ll be an utter pain in the cock during the daily grind.
There’s nothing inherently sexy or overly alluring about the 500R (it certainy doesn’t warrant an extra ‘R’, mainly due to licencing restrictions), although it has proved to be a huge success with no-nonsense performance and dependability since its launch in 2013.
The 2016 Honda CBR500R will be debuted at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida on the 15th of October. As well as the aforementioned aesthetical tweaks – ‘a complete new look’ according to Honda – other highlights include upgraded suspension and a larger fuel tank, plus a new exhaust that provides an all-time Honda favourite: better mass centralisation.
