In coping with the increasing demand for midsize motorcycles, Honda has released its 2021 CB 500cc lineup now equipped with a new assist/slipper clutch system and exciting graphics and color schemes.
First to take the center stage is the CB500X (main photo). This multi-role adventurer receives new graphics and three color schemes that mirror its big brother, the rally-bred Africa Twin CRF1100L. The three color combinations are Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, and Pearl Metalloid White.
Its naked sibling, the 2021 CB500F, gets new graphics and four color schemes—Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Candy Caribbean Blue Sea (new), and Candy Glow Yellow (new).
Whether stepping up from a 125cc or coming down from a bigger bike, the CB500F is a sensible machine that can multitask as a daily commuter, a highway weapon, or a weekend mountain carver.
The LCD instruments display include a Shift Up and Gear Position indicator and all the lighting is LED. Like the two other CB variants, the chassis of this mini street fighter remains unchanged from the outgoing model.
The new CBR500R, which is the fully-faired pocket rocket version of the three, practically gets almost zero changes in its overall appearance. The color options include Matt Axis Grey Metallic, Grand Prix Red, or Pearl Metalloid White.
This trio retains the 2019 engine: liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 471cc motor that generates max power of 47hp and nice low-end torque at 43Nm. However, it is now Euro 5-compliant, decreasing hydrocarbon emissions by more than 40%.
The first batch of the CB500 trio will find its way to the European market. The current CB500X and CBR500R available in the PH market are both priced at P413,000.
