CBR500R

CBR. Three very special letters with a momentous history. Drawing heavily on the Fireblade for its design – with new paint and graphics straight out of pit lane – the CBR500R wears the same aerodynamic winglets for stability on corner entry and razor-sharp high-speed agility. From the aggressively redesigned headlights, which throw out a broad, penetrating beam for safer cornering at night, and sculpted-for-speed fairing right back to the tightly wrapped seat unit, this is a sporting benchmark.

Entry level? No, the level; the CBR500R is armed with the sort of premium tech found on much bigger bikes. Like HSTC, which smoothly reduces engine torque via the ECU to manage rear grip. And, while this is a minimal sports cockpit the new full-colour, 5-inch TFT screen uses optically bonded layers for visibility in bright sunlight, with the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync. So, while riding, you can access on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and stay in touch whichever you choose all by simple operation of the new, backlit switchgear.

You think it. The CBR500R does it. That’s how it feels when you're carving through the city or chasing the sunset on a winding road. Kerb weight is just 192kg. The steel diamond-tube frame places the engine close to the centre of gravity and the low-slung fuel tank aids in optimum mass centralisation, giving you instant reaction to steering input. The adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks and Pro-Link rear shock deliver fingertip feel for tyre grip, giving you confidence through every turn. Twin-piston radial-mount front calipers provide precise, confident stopping power.