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NEWS
Honda's new 500cc trio
The company has officially unveiled the parallel twins, with two of the models on display at the upcoming bike expo in MelbourneThe action is hotting up at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, with Honda last night officially unveiling a trio of parallel twins that’s been the subject of intense speculation on the Bikesales Network – the CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X. And for Honda it marks a return to the 500cc market for the first time since the CB500 was phased out in 2003.
All three LAMS-approved bikes will be making their way to Australia in 2013, with the CBR500R and CB500F scheduled for March, and the CB500X in May. The CBR500R and CB500F will make their first public appearance at the Australian Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne from November 23-25, 2012.
Like the hugely successful CBR250R, the triumvirate will be manufactured in both Thailand and India, complete with a liquid-cooled, DOHC engine with bore and stroke dimensions of 67mm x 66.8mm and 34mm throttle bodies. The original CB500 had Keihin 34mm flat-slide carburettors. Honda doesn’t quote power or torque figures for the new bikes, but expect somewhere around 55hp and 50Nm.
Honda says the engine “focuses on high-rpm output characteristics while considering the low-to-mid rpm range that will be most frequently used by the entry user”.
The CBR500R is pitched at the budding sports rider and provides a perfect middle ground between the CBR250F and CBR600RR; the naked CB500F at those looking for an easy daily commute; and the CB500X takes inspiration from Honda’s 1200cc V4 Crosstourer with its longer travel suspension.
The CB500F and CB500X will both feature anti-lock braking, while it’s an option on the CBR500R.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but with the trio’s roots in Thailand and India – just like the CBR250R -- expect Honda to come out swinging.
The CBR500R will sport three colour variants: tri, black or red; the CB500F will be available in black or red; and the CB500X in black or white.
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Written byBikesales Staff
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