When Tadao Baba envisioned the CBR Fireblade back in the early ’90s, he came up with the Total Control principle, which prioritized handling over all-out performance. For him, the ideal sports bike should be intuitive and exhilarating, not hard to handle; it should be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of riders. Even today, all Honda CBR sports bikes stick to Baba-san’s Total Control principle, and that’s the reason why Honda sports bikes have the allure of being relatively easier to live with and more comfortable to ride compared to their more focused rivals.
As they say, nothing good comes easy, or cheap, and that’s true with CBR models, especially if you’re looking at the flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, which will set you back by almost $30,000. So, what if you want to experience Total Control without cashing out your 401K? That’s where the CBR500R comes in. It’s the most affordable CBR you can buy in 2025.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Honda Powersports.
The Cheapest CBR Sports Bike You Can Buy In 2025
Starting Price: $7,399
Costing a little over $7,000, the Honda CBR500R sits at the bottom end of the Big Red’s sports bike lineup, while staying true to the CBR philosophy of Total Control. It packs a parallel-twin engine that focuses on real-world performance, along with high-end Showa suspension and comfortable ergonomics. Combined, these make the CBR500R an excellent sub-500cc all-rounder, capable of handling your weekday commutes and weekend joyrides. Plus, in its post-2024 avatar, it also looks dashing.
While the CBR500R may be the cheapest CBR today, it’s certainly not the most bang-for-buck model in the segment. Its closest rival is the Kawasaki Ninja 500, which is significantly more affordable (at $5,299), lighter, and more powerful. The Ninja is great for someone looking for outright performance, but Honda shines here with its more usable power delivery, a less stressed engine, and superior underpinnings.
Other prominent rivals are the CFMoto 450SS ($5,699) and Aprilia RS 457 ($6,899), which feature a 270-degree parallel-twin engine with a sharp design. The CBR500R has the upper hand against these two, thanks to Honda’s wider service network, bulletproof reliability, and low cost of ownership. The same can’t be said for the Chinese-origin CFMoto and an Aprilia sports bike. Plus, the CBR500R has a much more palatable design that will appeal to a much wider audience.
Honda CBR500R vs the Rivals
|
Model |
Honda CBR500R |
Kawasaki Ninja 500 |
Aprilia RS 457 |
CFMoto 450SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Price |
$7,399 |
$5,299 |
$6,899 |
$5,699 |
|
Engine Type |
471cc parallel-twin |
451cc parallel-twin |
457cc parallel-twin, 270-degree crank |
449cc parallel-win, 270-degree firing order |
|
Power |
47 HP |
51 HP |
47 HP |
50 HP |
|
Torque |
31.7 LB-FT |
31.7 LB-FT |
32.1 LB-FT |
28.8 LB-FT |
|
Curb Weight |
421 LBS |
375 LBS |
385 LBS |
370 LBS |
|
Seat Height |
31.1 in. |
30.9 in. |
31.5 in. |
31.3 in. |
Real-World Power You Can Actually Use
Power Output: 47 HP @ 8,600 RPM
The Honda CBR500R isn’t the most powerful motorcycle in the segment. Yet, it delivers something that’s arguably apt for the sub-500cc segment: real-world performance that’s easy to manage, forgiving, and flexible. This is made possible by a gradual power curve that kicks in at 2,000 RPM and climbs all the way up to 8,600 RPM, and 80 percent of the torque kicks in at just 3,000 RPM, staying relatively flat until its 6,500 RPM peak. It’s further helped by the PFM-FI system that optimizes power delivery across the rev range and improves throttle response.
In other words, the Honda CBR500R is the perfect 500-class sports bike. The linear power delivery won’t catch beginners off guard, while making the bike easy to ride in city traffic. The healthy mid-range makes overtaking and cruising easier, and the top-end power makes the bike entertaining to ride in the twisties. Finally, the tried-and-tested platform is shared by the Rebel 500 and NX500, offering segment-leading reliability and low ownership costs. It’s easily one of the most beginner-friendly yet rewarding sports bikes you can buy today.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
471cc |
|
Compression Ratio |
10.7:1 |
|
Valve Train |
DOHC, four valves per cylinder |
|
Torque Output |
31.7 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed with slip and assist clutch |
|
Fuel Economy |
67.27 MPG |
|
Top Speed |
115 MPH |
High-End Showa Suspension Under A Lightweight Frame
Frame Type: Steel Diamond
The CBR500R’s nimble frame adds a solid foundation to the bike’s handling, but what makes it stand out is the famed Showa suspension usually reserved for more serious sports bikes. The Showa SFF-BP fork up front improves its rigidity and offers a more precise steering input and feedback, while the rear monoshock adds a touch of comfort and a planted feel to the bike. This gives the Honda CBR500R a versatile handling that’s sharp and nimble without sacrificing on-road comfort.
Another highlight of the CBR500R is the braking system, featuring dual petal discs up front, which is rare for the segment. The front discs are clamped by a pair of radial-mounted Nissin calipers, promising strong, predictable stopping power, backed by dual-channel ABS. The front brake lever is adjustable, allowing you to dial it in for better comfort and control.
Frame, Suspension, and Dimensions Specs
|
Front Suspension |
41 mm Showa SFF-BP fork, 4.7 in. travel |
|---|---|
|
Rear Suspension |
Pro-Link monoshock, 4.7 in. travel |
|
Front Brake |
Dual 296mm discs with four-piston calipers |
|
Rear Brake |
Single 240mm disc |
|
Rake |
25.5 degrees |
|
Trail |
4 in. |
|
Curb Weight |
421 LBS |
|
Fuel Capacity |
4.5 allons |
Fireblade-inspired Supersport Styling With Surprising Comfort
Seat Height: 31.1 in.
While the Honda CBR500R offers everyday usability, its design speaks a different language. The supersport design is heavily inspired by the flagship Fireblade, featuring a sharp nose, sleek rear-end, and aerodynamic winglets on the sides. Speaking of scoops, Honda claims the winglets improve stability and linear feel at high speeds. The bike also comes in a bright Grand Prix Red paintwork with white and blue detailing. Its predecessor looked like a watered-down sports bike, meanwhile.
The sharp design still manages to keep the motorcycle comfortable. For instance, the fairing is set low, staying true to the Total Control philosophy of giving the rider a better view of the road. Slightly rear-set pegs, elevated clip-ons, and a roomy saddle ensure this sports bike won’t break your back during commutes while offering excellent control in the corners. Plus, the roomy saddle sits at a relatively low height, making it easier for beginners to handle the bike at low speeds.
A Short Features List Leaves A Lot To Be Desired
Rounding off the CBR500R’s package is a short list of features, starting with a 5-inch TFT display with the Honda RoadSync app. The bike also gets the Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), LED headlights, Emergency Stop Signal, and ABS. Options include heated grips, a 12V accessory socket, and a tank bag. If only Honda had also offered the option of a top box, rear seat bag kit, and a higher windscreen like it does for the Euro-spec CBR500R.
The relatively short list of features leaves a lot to be desired when you consider the premium tech and features that some of its rivals offer. Not to forget, the CBR500R isn’t the cheapest in the segment nor flashiest on paper. However, that’s not what the CBR500R is about. It’s a motorcycle that balances performance, comfort, and everyday usability, while retaining the Total Control DNA, making the CBR500R worth the premium you pay for it over its rivals.