Honda's CBR500R FOUR brings a 502cc inline-four and standard E-Clutch

Honda's CBR500R FOUR puts four cylinders into its compact sportbike range. The new 502cc engine sits in a steel diamond frame with an aluminium swingarm, while Honda E-Clutch is standard. It made its first European show appearance at EICMA after the European model announcement in October.

A new four-cylinder engine

The four-cylinder engine makes a claimed 71hp (53kW) at 11,000rpm and 47.4Nm at 9,750rpm. A separate 47hp (35kW) version is planned for A2 riders in Europe. Downdraft intake, twin ram-air ducts, nickel-silicon-carbide cylinder plating and DLC-coated valve lifters show how much engineering sits behind the smaller four-cylinder format.

What E-Clutch does

E-Clutch handles clutch operation for starts, gear changes and stops, while the rider still chooses the gear with the shift pedal. The lever remains available for manual control. That distinction matters: it reduces clutch-hand work without turning the motorcycle into a fully automatic gearbox.

Chassis, fit and equipment

A 41mm KYB upside-down fork and Pro-Link rear suspension support the chassis. Radial Nissin calipers work on twin 296mm front discs, with two-channel ABS. The 17-inch wheels use 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyres. Seat height is 780mm and claimed kerb weight is 189kg, with a 14-litre tank.

Standard, Sport and Urban modes are joined by two customisable settings for power, traction control and engine braking. A 5-inch TFT connects through Honda RoadSync, and USB-C is standard. Clip-on handlebars and the rising tail give it a committed sports-bike outline around those everyday conveniences.

European prices and US plans

Belgian catalogue pricing is €8,599, with the Netherlands at €9,899; exact local delivery dates are still to come. The UK lists £6,999 on the road. Honda has not confirmed US pricing or a US introduction for the FOUR.