The Honda CBR500R FOUR brings a new interpretation to the small four-cylinder sports-bike class. Its 502 cc engine does not produce the highest peak output in this group, but Honda pairs it with a low seat, everyday-focused electronics and the E-Clutch system. The UK price is set at £6,999, with the motorcycle expected to arrive at British dealers in January 2027.

The inline-four produces 69.5 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 34.1 lb-ft of torque at 10,500 rpm. A six-speed gearbox sends that output to the rear wheel, while Honda's E-Clutch allows the rider to pull away, shift and stop without operating the clutch lever. The conventional lever remains fitted for riders who want to take over clutch control. Honda will also offer an A2-compliant version of the CBR500R FOUR.

A practical chassis and a substantial electronics package

The Honda uses a steel diamond frame, 41 mm KYB upside-down forks and a Pro-Link rear monoshock with five preload settings. Braking is handled by twin 296 mm front discs and radial Nissin calipers. Its 780 mm seat is the lowest among these four motorcycles, giving the CBR500R FOUR a clear ergonomic distinction before any performance figures are considered.

The equipment list includes a five-inch TFT display, Honda RoadSync connectivity, a USB-C port, traction control and wheelie control. Five riding modes are available: Standard, Sport, Urban and two user-adjustable settings. Honda quotes a weight of 189 kg. The overall formula is therefore less about topping the power table and more about combining a larger engine with accessible dimensions and a technology package designed for regular use.

Kawasaki keeps the high-revving, track-oriented identity

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR takes a more high-revving approach. Its 399 cc inline-four makes 76.4 bhp at 14,500 rpm and 26.5 lb-ft at 11,000 rpm. Showa suspension, a BFRC Lite rear shock, a steel trellis frame and a bidirectional quickshifter form part of the specification. Kawasaki also provides riding modes, traction control, a TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity and twin front discs. The ZX-4RR weighs 189 kg, has an 800 mm seat and costs £8,799, making it the most expensive motorcycle in the comparison.

QJMotor and ZXMOTO attack from the value side

The QJMotor SRK 421 RR comes closest to the Kawasaki on peak output. Its 421 cc inline-four is quoted at 76.4 bhp at 14,000 rpm, with 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 13,000 rpm. The specification includes fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension, Brembo brakes, Bosch ABS, a slipper clutch, traction control, a standard quickshifter and a TFT display. The bike has a 16.5-litre fuel tank, a 795 mm seat and a stated weight of 185 kg.

The SRK 421 RR costs £5,299 before the £300 on-the-road charge, bringing the total to £5,599. On that comparable basis it is the cheapest motorcycle here, sitting £1,400 below the Honda while matching the Kawasaki's quoted peak power.

The ZXMOTO 500RR takes the most aggressive approach on the specification sheet. Its 470 cc inline-four is quoted at 62 kW, equivalent to around 83.1 bhp, at 13,500 rpm, with 33.9 lb-ft of torque at 11,500 rpm. Its stated 168 kg weight is the lowest of the four, giving it a 21 kg advantage over both the Honda and Kawasaki. The chassis combines a steel trellis-style frame with a single-sided aluminium swingarm. Up front is a 41 mm upside-down fork, while the suspension offers preload and damping adjustment.

ZXMOTO lists a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction control, a slipper clutch and a standard quickshifter among the 500RR's equipment. The price is £5,899 and the seat height is 800 mm. On the quoted figures, it leads the group for peak power and has the lowest weight. QJMotor counters with the lowest on-the-road price and peak output equal to the Kawasaki, making the two Chinese motorcycles notably different propositions despite their similar positioning.

Four bikes, four different arguments

The figures reveal four distinct priorities. Kawasaki offers the most expensive and most track-oriented package, with the smallest engine but a strong high-rpm power figure. QJMotor puts equipment and purchase price at the centre of its case. ZXMOTO leads on stated power and weight. Honda does not top the table for either output or mass, but answers with a larger engine, the lowest seat, E-Clutch and a broad electronic package. The choice is consequently not limited to the biggest number: it also depends on whether the rider values circuit-focused hardware, maximum equipment for the money, headline performance or simpler day-to-day accessibility.