2019 Honda CBR500R

For 2019 Honda’s highly successful CBR500R gets a make-over with a fresh set of sleeker clothes along with some meaningful mechanical updates for the new model year. 

The eight-valve parallel twin has altered cam timing and more lift on the valves which Honda claims translates to a 4 per cent boost in mid-range power and torque from 3000-7000 rpm. 

Also new for 2019 is a slip-assist clutch which comes with the dual benefits of a lighter clutch pull combined with a slipper function on decelearation. 

A repositioned battery has allowed for a straight intake tract for the PGM-FI fuel-injection system.

At the other end the exhaust system now features dual exits in the single high-rise muffler. 

2019 will be the seventh year in production for the CBR500R and Honda has given the model a more lithe but at the same time more muscular look to the comfortable learner legal machine. 

The clip-on bars now sit lower and the riding position is canted a little more forward, while the seat itself is a little slimmer than before but retains the low 785 mm seat height. 

New LCD instrumentation adds an upshift indicator light along with a gear position indicator. The shift-light is factory set at 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments for the boy/girl racers. 

Indicators are now LED to match the rest of the lighting package. 

A new single-tube rear shock with larger diameter piston promises improved damping control and is nine-stage preload adjustable.  Forks are as before, 41mm, and offer 120mm of travel. 

Honda claim a range of up to 480 km from the 17.1-litre fuel cell. 

As for when it arrives, it seems sometime early in 2019 is about as close a date as we can predict for now.