At a special media event held in Milan ahead of the EICMA motorcycle show, Honda unveiled the updated CB500F naked sportbike, which gets an aggressive new look and a several technical improvements for 2016. Honda also announced a number of returning 2016 models. The CB500F’s U.S. unveiling will take place on Friday at the Long Beach, California, International Motorcycle Show.
2016 Honda CB500F
Featuring sculpted new bodywork for an aggressive look that highlights the motorcycle’s functional components, the CB500F delivers good value in the midsize naked sportbike segment. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 471cc parallel twin. LED lights are now standard front and rear, and the shortened muffler has an improved exhaust note. The fuel tank is now larger and has a hinged cap, while the fork gets externally adjustable spring preload. Rounding out the improvements to the 2016 Honda CB500F are an adjustable front brake lever, aluminum die-cast passenger footpegs, transmission updates that result in improved shifting feel and a wave-style ignition key.
Color: Matte Black Metallic/Silver
Price: TBA
Availability: February 2016
2016 Honda CBR650F
Powered by a liquid-cooled, 649cc in-line four, Honda’s CBR650F sportbike gets an updated look, with a new Matte Black Metallic with Candy Red color option and a new graphic layout.
Color: Matte Black Metallic/Candy Red
Price
CBR650F: $8,499
CBR650F ABS: $8,999
Availability: January 2016
2016 Honda CB1000R
Honda’s flagship naked bike, the CB1000R offers the handling and performance of a sport bike with robust styling and a comfortable rider triangle. Aesthetically, the single-sided swingarm joins with the sculpted, four-into-one exhaust and red, gravity-die-cast aluminum mono-backbone frame for a tough, eye-catching look that’s accented by an LED position light. The 998cc inline four-cylinder DOHC engine offers gobs of torque, while the front brakes boast radial calipers.
Color: Black/Red
Price: $11,760
Availability: April 2016
2016 Honda CTX700
A great choice for utility-focused riders, the practical CTX700 offers real-world features like convenient, spacious storage, a full fairing for chilly commutes and a relaxed seat position that makes it easy to put a foot down at stoplights. An available fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) allows riders to shift at the touch of a button or select automatic for stress-free riding; antilock braking (ABS) is standard on DCT models. The 670cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine produces plenty of low-end grunt and enough power for comfortable for comfortable freeway commuting, and its fairing and windshield offer good wind protection.
Color: Gray Blue Metallic
Price
CTX700: $7,499
CTX700 DCT: $8,099
Availability: February 2016
2016 Honda CTX700N
Honda’s CTX700N continues to offer a distinctive look and great value. Its low 28.3-inch seat height and forward-set footpegs put the rider in a position that’s comfortable for all-day cruising and convenient for frequent stops. Both commuters and touring riders will appreciate the available DCT that allows riders to shift by button or to change gears automatically. On DCT models, ABS is also standard. The 670cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine provides excellent torque and plenty of power for spirited riding on twisty roads.
Color: Light Silver Metallic
Price
CTX700N: $6,999
CTX700N DCT: $7,599
Availability: March 2016
2016 Honda CRF250L
Honda’s popular CRF250L dual-sport returns for 2016 with its balance of practicality, versatility and fun. Electric start, light weight and affordability make this machine great for first-timers, but many longtime enthusiasts also choose it for adventures where reliability is paramount. The nimble CRF250L offers excellent fuel economy thanks to its fuel-injected, counterbalanced, double-overhead cam, 249.6cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, and with its wide-ratio, six-speed transmission, the model is equally at home on the trail and daily city commutes.
Color: Red
Price: $4,999
Availability: March 2016
2016 Honda Forza
It’s hard to imagine a more user-friendly vehicle than Honda’s Forza scooter, which boasts a host of rider conveniences, including a simple automatic Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), a handy power outlet for accessories, and enough integral storage to hold a pair of helmets. The liquid-cooled, 279cc engine sips fuel, but it also has plenty of power for riding two-up and for highway cruising.
Color: Pearl Red
Price
Forza: $5,599
Forza ABS: $6,099
Availability: March 2016
