Middleweight bikes offer new delights

FOR riders looking to move up from a 125cc, the fully faired twin-cylinder CBR500R provides an excellent first big sports bike experience.

The bike will also appeal to experienced riders looking for a great value alternative to larger sports bikes.

The CBR500R has a distinct character and features a riding position that will appeal to a wide variety of riders, covering a range of uses from commuting and touring to sports riding.

The CBR500R is easy to manage and delivers all-round practicality matched to excellent efficiency. A true middleweight, blessed with lightweight agility and an engaging power delivery.

The DOHC twin-cylinder fuel-injected engine produces 35kW and returns an impressive 27km/l World Motorcycle Test Cycle figure (WMTC).

The steel diamond frame and high quality suspension, 41mm telescopic front forks matched to Pro-Link rear monoshock, provide precise handling as do the 17inch cast aluminium wheels with wide 120 section front, 160 section rear radial tyres.

The CBR500R’s 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe is light and strong, and has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as the road surface changes. The shape and position of the engine mounts as well as the frame’s rigidity have been carefully balanced to reduce vibration.

The Kerb weight of 194kg with a seat height of 790mm makes the CBR500R very easy to manage and its sporty riding position will comfortably accommodate riders of varying heights thanks to a high handlebar position.

Overall dimensions are 2075mm x 740mm x 1145mm, with 140mm ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 15,7 litres, including reserve and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy, gives a great range of 420km.

The comprehensive display features a digital speedometer, digital bar graph tacho-meter, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, plus digital fuel level gauge and fuel consumption.

HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) is built in to the ignition and the headlights feature two 55W H7 Halogen bulbs and multiple reflectors. There is space under the seat to store a U-lock.

The CBR500R’s engine is a next generation power unit.

The DOHC, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin layout was chosen because of its light weight, all-round ability and flexible usability.

PGM-FI fuel injection provides superb throttle response and peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,500rpm, with 43,1Nm torque delivered at 7 000rpm.

The Honda CBR500R comes standard with:

• Complimentary rider training through the Honda Academy;

• 12 months free roadside assistance, and

• a 24-month unlimited KM warranty.

The dealer recommended sales price, including VAT, is R69 990.