Honda reveals new CBR500R Four sportbike with inline-four engine and E-Clutch

Honda has introduced the CBR500R Four in the middleweight sportbike segment, marking a shift from the older parallel-twin engine to a new 502cc inline four-cylinder motor. The bike starts at £6,999 in the UK, which equals about Rs 8.85 to 8.86 lakh, and costs just £100 more than the previous twin-cylinder version. European showrooms will receive the motorcycle starting in January 2027, following its initial appearance in the Chinese market where it emerged from the Wuyang-Honda joint venture.

Engine And Performance

The new DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled engine generates between 71 and 72 bhp at 11,000 rpm and roughly 47.4 to 47.5 Nm of torque at 9,750 rpm. Honda is also offering a restricted 47 bhp version for A2 license holders in Europe. Autocar India notes that while it produces the least peak power among new sub-600cc sportbikes like the Kawasaki ZX-4R, it delivers the most torque. Engineering updates include nickel-silicon carbide cylinder plating that removes the need for conventional sleeves to cut weight, DLC-coated valve lifters to reduce friction, and a new valve angle setting for a high compression ratio. A downdraft intake setup and a 4-2-1 exhaust system with a three-chamber return structure help optimize airflow, create a distinctive sound, and meet emission rules.

Technology And Hardware

Honda's E-Clutch technology comes as standard, allowing riders to choose between clutch-free operation or manual control using the lever. Rider aids include throttle-by-wire, Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, and five riding modes consisting of Sport, Road or Standard, Urban, and two customizable options, all managed through a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity via Honda RoadSync. The machine is built on a steel tube diamond frame with an aluminium swingarm, utilizing 41 mm KYB upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. Braking is handled by twin 296 mm front discs with Nissin calipers and a single 240 mm rear disc, paired with standard dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, has a seat height of 780 mm, and carries a kerb weight of 189 kg.

Context

Small-capacity multi-cylinder sportbikes have seen a notable resurgence in global markets, offering high-revving performance in lighter packages than traditional large motorcycles. This model's manufacturing ties to China and high import taxes mean it is unlikely to launch in the Indian market anytime soon.