All Tests – Honda CBR 500R Test: a more polished CB – 2 kg which makes the difference

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Honda CBR 500R test: a more polished CB

All Tests - Honda CBR 500R Test: a more polished CB - 2 kg which makes the difference

After testing the small Honda CB 500F roadster, Site invites you to take the handlebars of the sports car of the range: the CBR 500R. Is she really more radical, as her surname suggests? A (very) few things, yes ! Test.

2 kg that make the difference

Because while the CBR 500R is certainly a good city car, it is nonetheless a great entry ticket to learn about the circuit! And although an average displacement might seem ridiculous in the face of a 130 hp supersport, driving can make all the difference…

Remember the first CB 500 Cups that saw guys emerge like Sebastien Charpentier in 1996, you know, the one who was crowned Supersport World Champion in 2005 and 2006! Moreover, the equivalent of the CB 500 Cup still exists today with the European Junior Cup (see box below).

On the highway, a driver over 1.80m will have a hard time lodging his head behind such a rikiki bubble. It will be necessary to consider using the Honda catalog to invest in a higher bubble (108.50 euros). For the rest, no surprise: the rider sits in the same way as on the, the footrests are located in the same place and the seat height is always 790 mm from the ground.

At 100 km / h, the twin-cylinder of 471 cc is stabilized at 4,600 rpm on the last report (the technical point on the engine on next page). Everything on board is cool … until you open up the throttle! As one would expect given the power-to-weight ratio (194 kg for 47 hp), the revivals are not insane. Although not sensational, the revving is above all linear and efficient.

A few (long) seconds later, the CBR peaked at 189 km / h and the breaker kicked in at 9500 rpm. At this speed (on the track!), The steel frame of the CBR is unperturbed and could easily accommodate a few additional horses (the technical point on the chassis on the next page).

In curves, first evidence: the CBR 500R is as easy to drive as its little "sister". Because the CBR is not a "real" sports car, it just put on a (pretty) full suit! With more weight on the front compared to the, the CBR is a bit less maneuverable, but gains in stability.

Feeling and precision gain, to the benefit of confidence. And as the bike is delighted with the series of turns and the approval of the gearbox calls for no criticism, we quickly take a lot of pleasure in spinning it..

Verdict: on track for the European Junior Cup !

The European Junior Cup

Despite its success at the time, the CB 500 Cup no longer exists. But Honda has not ceased its commitment to competition as the manufacturer supports and finances part of the European Junior Cup. The championship is open to all pilots between 14 and 19 years old – all the same having a minimum of talent. The cost for this season is 19,950 euros, motorcycle included. And the big winner will be offered a place in the 2014 season within Team Honda Superstock !

If the CBR 500R is technically very close to the CB 500F, it stands out with a more enveloping fork crown and 2 kg more on the front axle. And oddly enough, this weight gain really isn’t. Better: the direction has gained in feeling and therefore in precision.

For now, it’s hard to find any real differences between these two motorcycles which share a common engine and chassis. It will be necessary to wait for a next in-depth test, because it is possible that the fork crown can vary in its favor (or not!) The measures of consumption and comfort. To be continued on MNC: stay connected !

In the meantime, know that the beautiful Honda CBR 500R will be available at your store from March for a price of 5,990 euros.

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