Honda Updates Its 500cc Bikes for the 2022 Model Year

Big Red is upgrading is middleweight machines, as the Honda CB500F, Honda CBR500R, and Honda CB500X motorcycles are all getting some potent engine and chassis updates for the 2022 model year.

All of the 500cc Honda bikes benefit from new Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, which are mated to lighter Y-spoke aluminum wheels and new dual 296mm wavy front brake discs on the 2022 Honda CB500F and 2022 Honda CBR500R.

The 2022 Honda CB500X gets the same brake and suspension upgrade as well, along with some more front suspension travel, to make room for its new 19″ front wheel, which should help the CB500X be taken more seriously as an off-road capable ADV bike.

The trio of bikes also benefit from a new lighter swingarm, which is stiffer rotationally, but more flexible laterally. Honda says this improves handling and cornering performance.

Power remains at 47hp (36 kW), in order to keep tiered licensing in place for Europe, but new fuel map settings increase torque and “overall character”, so says the Japanese brand.

Honda also has a number of new liveries available for the bikes, though the classic Honda red grand prix remains as an option as well.

On a more interesting note, Honda says it has sold 106,000 units of the half-liter CB and CBR motorcycles, since their debut in 2013.

Roughly half of those bikes sold have been the Honda CB500F, while the CBR500R accounts for 18% of sales, and the Honda CB500X is 35% of that total.

Research also shows that 45% of CB500F and 37% of CBR500R owners are new riders, with 45% and 60% respectively under the age of 34. Conversely, over 75% of CB500X owners are experienced riders.

Honda says that overall these stats illustrate how instrumental the 500cc bikes have been in bringing new young riders to the world of two wheels. Chewy.