Honda Updates CBR500R, Announces More 2016 Sportbikes

2016 Honda CBR500R in Red
2016 Honda CBR500R in Red

At the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), held in Orlando, Florida, on October 15-18, Honda presented most of its 2016 CBR lineup, including the world debut of the aggressively restyled CBR500R.

“Since their respective introductions, the fun, affordable CBR300R and CBR500R models have been very popular with a wide variety of customers,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “For 2016, the CBR500R receives striking updates, and we’re happy to unveil it here at AIMExpo. Both of these machines draw from the successful racing DNA of the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, which return for 2016 with new colors.”

2016 Honda CBR500R in Pearl White
2016 Honda CBR500R in Pearl White

2016 Honda CBR500R
Nobody wants their entry-level or mid-priced sportbike to look like a beginner’s bike. To put the CBR500R more in line with its racier CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, Honda gave the 500R sharper, more aggressive styling. New side channels in the fairing improve airflow for more rider comfort and better handling, and both the headlights and taillights are now LEDs. The muffler was made shorter and lighter to improve mass centralization, and its exhaust note is more aggressive. Other changes include an adjustable front brake lever, smoother gear changes from the 6-speed transmission, a hinged fuel cap for the 4.1-gallon tank, adjustable preload for the front fork and a wave ignition key for smoother function. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves-per-cylinder, 471cc parallel twin is tuned for smooth power delivery and low- to midrange torque. Honda Genuine Accessories include a taller windscreen, seat cowl, tank pad, 12V accessory socket and tail bag. Available in early 2016 in Red, Matte Black Metallic or Pearl White; price is TBD.

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For more information, visit powersports.honda.com/2016/cbr500r.aspx

2016 Honda CBR300R in Bright Yellow/Matte Black
2016 Honda CBR300R in Bright Yellow/Matte Black

2016 Honda CBR300R
The smallest-displacement model in Honda’s sportbike lineup, the CBR300R is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, 286cc single-cylinder engine. It was updated for 2015, which included a 37cc displacement bump. The light, agile machine delivers good low-end torque and class-leading fuel economy. It’s available in December 2015 as a standard ($4,399) or ABS ($4,899) model in new Bright Yellow/Matte Black and Candy Orange/Matte Black, as well as original Black.

For more information, visit powersports.honda.com/2016/cbr300r.aspx

Read our 2015 Honda CBR300R ABS vs. 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS SE comparison test

Honda CBR1000RR SP in Repsol Honda livery and CBR1000RR in Matte Black Metallic
Honda CBR1000RR SP in Repsol Honda livery and CBR1000RR in Matte Black Metallic

2016 Honda CBR1000RR
Honda’s CBR1000RR is back for 2016 with a 999cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine, assisted slipper clutch and twin-spar aluminum chassis. It’s offered in standard and SP configurations, the latter boasting premium features for track-day enthusiasts, including fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, Brembo front brakes, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC tires, a special lightweight subframe and a solo seat cowl. The standard version ($13,999) is available in a striking new Matte Black Metallic color, while the SP model ($17,299) is offered in graphics that match those of the reigning world champion Repsol Honda team. Both will be available starting January 2016.

For more information, visit powersports.honda.com/2016/cbr1000rr.aspx

2016 Honda CBR600RR in Black/White
2016 Honda CBR600RR in Black/White

2016 Honda CBR600RR
Returning to Honda’s 2016 lineup in a new Black/White color is the CBR600RR, which is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 599cc in-line four. The race-proven CBR600RR is available in a standard version ($11,490) or with Honda’s electronic Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS; $12,490). Available in January 2016.

For more information, visit powersports.honda.com/2016/cbr600rr.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

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