Honda is adding a new four-cylinder option to the middleweight sportsbike class with the CBR500R Four. The suffix separates it from the parallel-twin CBR500R, while the mechanical difference is substantial: the new machine uses a 502cc inline-four, produces 69.5bhp and includes Honda E-Clutch as standard. Availability is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

A compact four built to rev

The engine is a DOHC 16-valve unit with a 60 x 44.4mm bore and stroke. Peak output of 69.5bhp arrives at 11,000rpm, and maximum torque is 34lb.ft at 10,500rpm. A 47bhp version will also be offered for A2 licence holders. Honda uses Nickel-Silicon Carbide, or Ni-SiC, plating on the cylinder walls instead of conventional sleeves. The stated benefits are lower weight and reduced friction. The valve lifters receive Diamond-Like Carbon treatment to cut friction further.

Two ram-air ducts beneath the headlights feed a downdraft airbox located above the combustion chambers. The intake funnels are not identical: cylinders one and four use 70mm funnels, while cylinders two and three use 90mm items. At the other end of the engine, the 4-2-1 exhaust layout draws its visual inspiration from Honda’s 1975 CB400 Four.

E-Clutch is part of the package

The standard E-Clutch system manages clutch operation when pulling away, changing gear and coming to a stop. Riders who want conventional control can still use the fitted clutch lever manually. The electronic package offers Standard, Sport and Urban riding modes, plus two User modes that can be customised. These modes alter engine power, engine braking and Honda Selectable Torque Control settings; wheelie control is also included.

A new frame and complete road hardware

Honda has given the CBR500R Four a steel diamond-style frame, with the engine working as a stressed member. The geometry is defined by a 25-degree rake, 99mm trail and a 1,408mm wheelbase. Suspension uses non-adjustable 41mm KYB upside-down forks at the front and a Pro-Link rear shock with five-step preload adjustment. The swingarm is aluminium. Seat height is 780mm and claimed weight is 189kg.

Stopping power comes from twin 296mm front discs with Nissin radial-mount two-piston calipers. The rear uses a 240mm disc and a single-piston caliper, while two-channel ABS is standard. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres are fitted in 120/70 x 17 front and 160/60 x 17 rear sizes.

Sharp bodywork, useful equipment

The fairing takes a supersport direction, with twin LED projector headlights and integrated indicators. Fuel capacity is 14 litres. A five-inch colour TFT display is paired with Honda RoadSync connectivity, a backlit four-way control and a USB-C socket beneath the screen. Honda’s HISS immobiliser is standard, while an alarm system is available as an accessory.

The two colours are Ignition Red Tricolour and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic. Honda will also offer genuine accessories including a rear seat bag, heated grips, a taller windscreen and tank and knee grip pads.

The new model enters the same middleweight space as the Kawasaki ZX-4RR, Kove 450RR and ZXMoto 500RR. Its 69.5bhp peak is the lowest among those named motorcycles, but the CBR500R Four answers with a distinctive inline-four engine and standard automated clutch management.

The motorcycle follows Honda’s recent development of smaller four-cylinder models. The 502cc CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four appeared in China in September 2025. A 399cc CB400 Super Four concept followed at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in March 2026. In July 2026, Honda confirmed the CB400 Super Four and CBR400R Four for production, with arrivals at selected Japanese dealers from August and September respectively. The CBR500R Four now represents the larger-capacity version of that formula, with availability scheduled from January 2027.