Honda CBR500R

 

Meet one of the triplet CB series introduced by Honda this year.  Seems Honda catered this bike to A2 license requirements of many European and thus the power is limited (perhaps?) to 46HP and 4.3kgnm torque. This bike is not light in figures (194kg wet/dry?) as Honda try to mimic this half litre bike as close as theirs CBR1000RR. Well, at least for the engine size.

Power wise according to several magazines and youtube reviews said it is sufficient and top speed is about 180kmh.  Okay, this baby is not shy at all to that 180kmh figures, but how long will its parallel twin engine take you there is a question too.

You will definitely noticed with its single petal Nissin disc brake in front.  Well, look no further as Honda NC700X/S also use single side front disc.  Honda said the brake configuration is good enough to curb the power coming from those power house. Furthermore, we ride not like Marquez right?

Fuel tank is 15.5 litres and the dash is 100% electronic display. The suspension linkage is Honda's trademark - the Pro-Link.  You will get 9 stage preload adjustment to play with. You will be proud also as this engine uses some its bigger sibling (Fireblade, CBR600RR) approach such as grooved piston type, roller rocker arms and gear change arm.

- mind my forehead on the meter display -

I have sit on it (much feeling inside of it actually) and I can placed both my foot comfortably. The cockpit seems large but at the same time skinny.  The handlebars are positioned nicely and your body will love its ergonomic. Pillion I reckoned would be happy too for long run trip. 

Should you aim for Kawi er6 series, do you consider this bike? I would if I not bother about its top speed.  I presume that CBR500R is capable to run at constant 150-160kmh. You also will get yourself covered as Honda provide an optional ABS package. This shop quoted me RM30K on the road without ABS. You have to fork out an estimate of RM2.3K for ABS equipped CBR. As this is the first time CBR is built outside the land of the rising sun, why not give it a try.