Drive Lifestyle

More aggressive with a racier ride

The new 2019 CBR500R offers straight, wedge-like feature lines and extended lower fairings that emphasise a real sense of speed.

THE new CBR500R has been rolled out at Honda dealerships across Australia.

Honda says the 2019 design focused on delivering a more aggressive, aerodynamically driven sports machine with a racier riding position.

“Riders will enjoy the straight, wedge-like feature lines and extended lower fairings that emphasise a real sense of speed,” he said.

The rider’s seat pad and seat unit – plus the upper and side fairings – have been narrowed to improve ergonomics and movement. Seat height remains low at 785mm, making it easy to manage and its riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height.

Honda says the development target for the new engine was focused on faster acceleration through a boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range.

A six-speed gearbox mirrors that of its CBR1000RR cousin and uses the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. The new addition of an assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smooths out any hard downshifts.

New LCD instruments feature a Shift Up and Gear Position function and the indicators are now LED, to match the rest of the lighting.

The new 2019 CBR500R – priced at $7,999 – is available in three colours: Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Grand Prix Red and Pearl Metalloid White.