Honda’s New 71-HP Inline-Four Supersport Is Officially Coming In 2027
Inline-four sportsbikes are making a comeback in a segment that has increasingly shifted towards parallel-twin powertrain. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR has already demonstrated that there is still a demand for compact sportsbikes with high-revving four-cylinder engines, even if they cost more than conventional middleweight motorcycles. Now, Honda has jumped onto the four-cylinder bandwagon with a new CBR that carries the familiar name but a very different personality from the existing twin-cylinder model. Developed via Honda’s Chinese joint venture, the CBR500R Four brings a fresh approach to the accessible sportsbike formula. It carries the CBR name into a new chapter, one that could appeal to riders wanting more than just sharp styling and sensible commuting manners.
The Honda CBR500R Four Replaces Twin-Cylinder Sensibility With Four-Cylinder Drama
The CBR500R Four is developed by Wuyang-Honda, the bikemaker’s Chinese joint venture, and brings quite a different flavor than the current twin-cylinder CBR500R sold in the United States. While that motorcycle uses a 471cc parallel-twin engine, the new CBR500R Four gets a 502cc liquid-cooled inline-four powertrain that delivers 71 horsepower at 11,000rpm and 35 pound feet of torque at 10,500rpm (UK specs). It has a claimed top speed of 130mph, giving the motorcycle genuine sporty credentials despite its relatively modest displacement. The motorcycle features a downdraft intake system which directs airflow downwards toward the engine’s intake ports to improve throttle response. Honda has also tuned the intake funnels to deliver an engaging four-cylinder soundtrack as engine speeds rise. Combined with dual ram-air ducts, the setup is designed to help the engine breathe efficiently at high revs while delivering the sharper response expected from a sportsbike.
The CBR500R Four gets a steel diamond frame, an aluminum swingarm, a 41mm KYB inverted fork and monoshock, twin 296mm front discs with Nissin calipers, and dual-channel ABS. With its 416lb curb weight and 780mm seat height, the CBR500R Four should be accessible to most riders. When compared to its obvious rival, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, whose 399cc inline-four prioritizes high revving performance, we can expect Honda’s larger engine to deliver better rideability and everyday usability.
The Honda CBR500R Four Gets An E-Clutch, Modern Electronics, And A Four-Cylinder Soundtrack
One of the Honda CBR500R Four’s standout features is the E-Clutch system, which automatically manages clutch operation during takeoff from standstill, gear changes, and even coming to a complete stop. Riders can still use the clutch whenever they desire, so technically, it is more like a semi-automatic motorcycle where you are required to shift gears on your own. It simply removes the work associated with operating a conventional clutch.
The electronics package includes ride-by-wire, five riding modes, traction control, and even wheel control. It gets a five-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity which allows access to navigation, calls, and messages.
Honda has confirmed the CBR500R Four for European markets. The motorcycle is now on sale in the United Kingdom, with prices starting at £6,999 (around $9,380). It is being offered with a Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, and HRC-inspired racing livery color options. Honda is yet to confirm if the new model will go on sale in the United States. If it does, it could give the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR some serious competition.
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