Honda has just released a large assortment of brand new models for 2013: three great new models include the CBR 500R (big brother to the CBR 250 and little brother to the CBR 600 & 1000R), the CB500F and the CB500X. All three models share a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine, 41mm forks and 17-inch wheels with front and rear disc brakes. What these sporty, lightweight, and fun motorcycles don’t have in common are the way they look, the way the feel and some other key features.
The Honda CBR 500
The Honda CBR 500 is a middleweight sportbike with full fairings following in the footsteps of the CBR600 & CBR 1000 as well as a new option upgrade to CBR 250 owners not quite ready to jump into the 600cc range. The full fairings provide excellent air management for rider comfort and engine cooling. This nimble bike also comes with an ABS option and come in a color choice of Black or Pearl White/Blue/Red or Red. The only available color for the ABS option is Red. MSRP for the standard CBR 500 is $5999, while the CBR 500 with ABS starts at $6499.
The Honda CB 500F
This 500 is the naked version of the CBR 500. With a more neutral, upright riding position and the lack of fairings (thus the “naked” connotation), this bike is slim and comfortable with a modern and sporty look. The seat height is the same as the CBR 500 at 30.9 inches and also matches the front fork travel in the CBR 500 at 4.8 inches and 4.1 inches in the rear. Color choices for the CB 500F are Black or Pearl White with a starting MSRP of $5499 and the ABS version starting at $5999.00.
The Honda CB 500X
The more adventurous styling of the 500 family, the CB 500X comes stock with a compact adjustable windscreen and more travel in the front and rear suspension than its counterparts with 5.5 inches in the front and 4.7 inches in the rear. The CB 500X also has handlebars that are wide and more upright and has a larger capacity, slimmer fuel tank shaped for rider comfort with an additional inch in seat height at 32.0 inches. The CB 500X will be available in Matte Black Metallic and the MSRP has yet to be determined, but there will also be an ABS version.
The 2013 Honda CBR 500 and the CB 500F should be on showroom floors in March of 2013 and the expected release date on the CB 500X is July of 2013.