The 2016 Honda CBR500R gets a facelift, including adjustable pre-load for front suspension, larger fuel tank with hinged fuel cap, adjustable brake levers, “wave” style ignition key and a shorter exhaust muffler with deeper note.
The popular bike is currently the ninth best seller in Australia with 1503 sold to the end of September and these updates should give it even more fans.
The facelift gives it a sportier look that they call “Aggressive Speed Shape”. It features a sharper nose with with angular dual LED lights and a bobbed upswept tail.
It looks great in either Millennium Red, Pearl White or Matte Black Metallic.
But it will be the technical and mechanical updates that riders will enjoy more.
The bigger tank and secure filler cap will make it better for touring, although they don’t say how much more fuel it will take.
The inclusion of adjustable brake levers and adjustable suspension will help suit a wider variety of riders and is a surprise for a budget bike targeted at novice riders.
But nowhere does Honda says what a “wave” style ignition key is. Maybe it’s just the shape of the key fob.
Introduced in 2013 it is still powered by a 471cc in-line twin producing 35kW and brakes and frame remain unchanged.
The 2016 model was unveiled at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida and there is no word yet on when it will be available in other markets.
