Comparison · 25 October 2026

CBR500R FOUR vs CBR500R: two 500-class sports bikes head to head

Two Honda sports bikes with “500” in their name, two different concepts: the CBR500R FOUR arrives for model year 2027 with an in-line four-cylinder engine, while the CBR500R sticks with the parallel twin. What sets the two apart and which one suits whom.

CBR500R FOUR vs CBR500R: the CBR500R FOUR with in-line four-cylinder engine and E-Clutch

Two engines, two characters

The Honda CBR500R FOUR has a liquid-cooled 502 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine (bore × stroke 60 × 44.4 mm) that revs up to 12,500 rpm. It delivers 53.0 kW at 11,000 rpm; Honda states 70 hp. The Honda CBR500R relies on a 471 cm³ parallel twin with 35 kW (47 hp). According to Honda, the FOUR is a motorcycle developed from the ground up – not a further development of the CBR500R.

The figures compared

	CBR500R FOUR	CBR500R
Engine	In-line four-cylinder, 502 cm³	Parallel twin, 471 cm³
Output	53.0 kW (Honda: 70 hp), also as a 35 kW version	35 kW (47 hp)
Torque	47.4 Nm at 9,750 rpm	43 Nm
Tank	14 litres	17.1 litres
Consumption (WMTC)	4.5 l/100 km	3.5 l/100 km
Seat height	780 mm	785 mm
Top speed	210 km/h	176 km/h
E-Clutch	standard	available

Figures from Honda (CBR500R FOUR press kit, CBR500R technical data). The CBR500R FOUR weighs 189 kg ready to ride.

CBR500R FOUR vs CBR500R: the twin-cylinder CBR500R with winglets — The CBR500R with parallel twin – directly for category A restricted (A2)

E-Clutch and electronics

On the CBR500R FOUR, the Honda E-Clutch is standard: pulling away, changing gear and stopping work without the clutch lever, and the shift feel can be adjusted in three levels. The E-Clutch is available for the CBR500R. The FOUR also comes with the STANDARD, SPORT, URBAN and two USER riding modes, plus a 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync.

Licence: both suit category A restricted (A2)

With 35 kW, the CBR500R is designed directly for category A restricted (A2). The CBR500R FOUR is available as a full-power version for category A and, from the factory, also as a 35 kW version. Which Honda models suit the restricted licence is shown on the A2 motorcycle page.

Which one suits whom?

If you want to ride economically, with everyday practicality and a larger tank, the CBR500R is the right choice. If you are looking for the sound and eagerness to rev of a four-cylinder engine, you will find it in the CBR500R FOUR – Honda aims it at newcomers and younger riders who want a four-cylinder sports bike. Its heritage is the CB400 SUPER FOUR, which has been popular in Japan for over 30 years. The best way to feel the difference is for yourself – on a motorcycle test ride.

CBR500R FOUR and CBR500R at Honda Motorrad Zürich

Honda CBR500R FOUR
Model year 2027

Displacement
502 cc
Fuel tank
14 l
Top speed
210 km/h

New 2027E-Clutch
Honda CBR500R
Model year 2026

Displacement
471 cc
Power
35 kW
Fuel tank
17.1 l

A2E-Clutch

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about CBR500R FOUR vs CBR500R

CBR500R FOUR vs CBR500R – what is the main difference?

The engine: the CBR500R FOUR has a 502 cm³ in-line four-cylinder with 53.0 kW, the CBR500R a 471 cm³ parallel twin with 35 kW.

Which uses less fuel, the CBR500R FOUR or the CBR500R?

The CBR500R: Honda states 3.5 l/100 km according to WMTC; for the CBR500R FOUR it is 4.5 l/100 km. The CBR500R also has the larger tank (17.1 instead of 14 litres).

Which one is faster?

The CBR500R FOUR, with a top speed of 210 km/h; the CBR500R reaches 176 km/h.

Do both have an E-Clutch?

On the CBR500R FOUR, the Honda E-Clutch is standard; for the CBR500R, it is available.

Which one suits category A restricted (A2)?

The CBR500R directly, with 35 kW; the CBR500R FOUR is also available from the factory as a 35 kW version.

Further links