New CBR500R Headlines Honda's 2016 CBR Family + Video
Unveiled today at the AIMExpo in Orlando, Florida, the aggressively restyled Honda CBR500R made its world debut (shown above). Designed to more closely resemble its CBR600RR and CBR1000RR brothers, the 500R’s sportier styling pays homage to the CBR’s sporting roots.
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Apart from the styling update, the new CBR500R also sees new LED headlights and taillights, a new, lighter muffler design for better mass centralization and “improved” exhaust note, according to Honda. Other additions include an adjustable front brake lever, smoother gear change feel, a larger fuel tank with hinged cap, and preload adjustable front suspension.
The 2016 Honda CBR500R will be available in Red, Matte Black Metallic and Pearl White, starting in early 2016. Pricing information has yet to be determined at press time.
CBR300R
The smallest displacement CBR in Honda’s sportbike lineup, the CBR300R is returning for 2016. Changes are minimal, consisting of bold new graphics including the Bright Yellow/Matte Black seen above, plain Black, or Candy Orange/Matte Black. The 2016 CBR300R will be available starting December 2015 for $4,399. Add another $500 for ABS.
CBR1000RR
We’re sorry to disappoint, but yes, folks, the CBR1000RR is back for 2016 unchanged mechanically from last year (or the year before). That said, the 1000RR’s sweet-handling chassis and 999cc liquid-cooled inline-Four still make for a great street sportbike. The SP version, in its Repsol livery, also makes a return for 2016, with its fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, Brembo front brakes, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC tires, lightweight subframe and solo seat cowl. The standard version will only be available in the Matte Black Metallic seen above for 2016, and will hit dealers in January. Pricing is set at $13,999 for standard CBR1000RR models, SP versions are $17,299.
CBR600RR
Also returning unchanged from last year is Honda’s middleweight sportbike, the CBR600RR. Like its liter-class big brother, the CBR1000RR, it’s long overdue for an overhaul, but is still nonetheless an impressive performer in its own right. It returns for 2016 in the Black/White graphic shown above and is also available with optional electronic Combined Antilock Braking System. Pricing starts at $11,490 for standard models and jumps to $12,490 with ABS. Expect 600RRs to arrive in dealerships in January 2016.
For more information, visit powersports.honda.com.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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