Honda stunned the motorcycle world at the CIMAMotor Show 2025 in Chongqing, China. The brand revealed two all-new inline-four machines, the CB500 Super Four (CB500SF) and the CBR500R Four.
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Both bikes debut on a fresh 502cc platform and confirm what many riders have long hoped for, the return of small displacement inline-four motorcycles. The launch timing is set for early 2026 with more global details expected at EICMA Milan in November 2025.
Honda CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four
Honda shocks CIMAMotor 2025 with two inline-four debuts, the CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four. Retro vibes meet sportbike aggression, both powered by a fresh 502cc motor.
After years of silence, Honda revives the middleweight four-cylinder with two all-new machines. The CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four promise 80 hp thrills and second-gen E-Clutch tech.
The wait is over. Honda finally brings back small fours with a new 502cc engine platform. Meet the retro CB500 Super Four and the sharp CBR500R Four.
At CIMAMotor China, Honda unveiled its biggest surprise: two brand-new four-cylinder motorcycles. The CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four mark a stunning comeback for high-revving middleweight machines.
Honda’s New 500cc Motorcycles Quick View
| Feature / Detail | Honda CB500 Super Four (CB500SF) | Honda CBR500R Four |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Retro Naked / Standard Roadster | Modern Sportbike |
| Engine | 502cc inline-four, liquid-cooled | 502cc inline-four, liquid-cooled |
| Power (Expected) | ~80 hp @ high revs | ~80 hp @ high revs |
| Torque (Est.) | Not confirmed (~45–50 Nm expected) | Not confirmed (~45–50 Nm expected) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with Honda 2nd-gen E-Clutch (auto/manual) | 6-speed manual with Honda 2nd-gen E-Clutch (auto/manual) |
| Exhaust | 4-into-1 system with classic curves | 4-into-1 system, sportier design |
| Frame | Diamond-type steel frame (engine as stressed member) | Same steel frame, sport-oriented geometry |
| Front Suspension | Showa USD fork | Showa USD fork |
| Rear Suspension | Aluminum swingarm with ProLink mono-shock | Aluminum swingarm with ProLink mono-shock |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual Nissin radial 4-piston calipers | Dual Nissin radial 4-piston calipers |
| Brakes (Rear) | Single Nissin 2-piston caliper | Single Nissin 2-piston caliper |
| Electronics | Ride-by-wire, 5 ride modes, E-Clutch, auto-blip | Ride-by-wire, 5 ride modes, E-Clutch, auto-blip |
| Weight (Target) | < 200 kg (~440 lb) | < 200 kg (~440 lb) |
| Top Speed (Est.) | ~145–150 mph (~230–240 km/h) | ~150–155 mph (~240–250 km/h) |
| Design Style | Retro-inspired, CB1000F/CB400SF heritage look | Modern sportbike, sharp CBR styling |
| Launch Date | Early 2026 (Global markets TBC) | Early 2026 (Global markets TBC) |
| Special Notes | First retro inline-four since CB400SF discontinued | New entry into Honda’s CBR family, filling gap below 650R |
Why These Bikes Matter?
Not long ago, the market for small fours looked dead. Brands abandoned them due to emission rules, costs, and rider preferences shifting toward parallel twins. But times are changing.
- Kawasaki reignited the class with the ZX-4R.
- Chinese brands like CFMoto, Kove, and ZXMoto quickly followed with 400–500cc fours.
- Now Honda, the original king of high-revving small fours, joins the race again.
This marks the revival of a beloved category and could reshape the middleweight segment.
Two Models, One Heart
Both motorcycles share the same 502cc inline-four engine and chassis but wear very different clothes.
- CB500 Super Four (CB500SF) – Retro roadster styling inspired by the classic CB400SF and CB1000F concepts.
- CBR500R Four – A sportbike with modern fairings, sharper ergonomics, and sleek CBR family design.
This dual approach means Honda targets both nostalgic riders and sportbike enthusiasts in one move.
The Engine: A Fresh Inline-Four
The centerpiece is a completely new 502cc engine, not a tweaked version of older designs.
- Expected Output – Around 80 horsepower, a huge jump over the old CB400’s 56 hp.
- Technology – Ride-by-wire throttle for precision response.
- Exhaust – 4-into-1 system with curved headers that look pure classic.
- Weight Target – Likely below 440 lb (200 kg).
That power-to-weight ratio promises exciting performance, especially compared to current twin-cylinder 500s.
E-Clutch: Second Generation
Honda also equips these bikes with the second-gen E-Clutch system.
- More compact than version one.
- Moves the actuator from the side to above the transmission for better packaging.
- Automates clutching; start, stop, and shift without pulling the lever.
- Manual override available for full control.
- Includes auto-blip downshifts thanks to ride-by-wire.
For urban riders and new enthusiasts, this could be a game-changer.
Chassis & Suspension
Honda didn’t just drop a new engine into old bones. The platform is entirely rethought.
- Frame
- New diamond-shaped steel frame with engine as a stressed member.
- Front
- Showa upside-down fork with long travel.
- Rear
- Aluminum swingarm with Honda’s ProLink monoshock system.
- Brakes
- Nissin radial four-piston calipers up front, twin-piston rear.
- Electronics
- Five ride modes programmed into the throttle system.
This is a modern chassis with premium touches, well above basic commuter spec.
Design Direction
- CB500 Super Four
- Retro naked styling.
- Classic round headlight.
- Retro-inspired tank with clean side panels.
- Influenced by Honda’s CB1000F concept.
- CBR500R Four
- Fully faired sportbike.
- Aggressive lines without unnecessary winglets.
- Dedicated tank, seat, and exhaust for a sharper feel.
- Aimed squarely at sport-riding enthusiasts.
Honda effectively covers heritage and performance styling trends in one launch.
Technical Snapshot
Here’s how the CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four line up
| Detail | CB500 Super Four (Retro) | CBR500R Four (Sportbike) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 502cc inline-four, liquid-cooled | 502cc inline-four, liquid-cooled |
| Power (expected) | ~80 hp | ~80 hp |
| Frame | Steel diamond frame | Steel diamond frame |
| Suspension (front) | Showa USD fork | Showa USD fork |
| Suspension (rear) | Aluminum swingarm, ProLink mono | Aluminum swingarm, ProLink mono |
| Brakes (front) | Nissin radial 4-piston calipers | Nissin radial 4-piston calipers |
| Electronics | Ride-by-wire, 5 ride modes | Ride-by-wire, 5 ride modes |
| Special Feature | Second-gen Honda E-Clutch | Second-gen Honda E-Clutch |
| Weight Target | < 200 kg | < 200 kg |
| Launch Year | 2026 | 2026 |
The Global Picture
Honda’s decision to reveal the bikes in China highlights the country’s growing influence. Rising rider affluence and interest in premium bikes make it a vital market.
But Honda has also filed trademarks and homologation papers globally. That means –
- Wider release planned beyond China.
- 399cc “CB400” versions expected for Japan to fit license laws.
- A global reveal expected at EICMA Milan 2025.
Markets like Europe, India, and possibly North America are very much on the cards.
Why Riders Are Excited?
Inline-four engines deliver smoothness and high-rev thrills unmatched by twins.
- 80 hp from a middleweight keeps bikes accessible but fun.
- E-Clutch makes riding easier without removing engagement.
- Retro and sport designs cover different tastes.
- Honda reliability plus modern tech ensures strong appeal.
For many, this is the perfect bridge between affordable twins and big-bore superbikes.
The Comeback of Small Four
The reappearance of 400–500cc fours is one of the most exciting shifts in motorcycling right now. Once thought extinct, they’re roaring back thanks to renewed demand.
Honda’s entry proves this isn’t a fad, it is the start of a new era for middleweight fours. Riders who grew up dreaming of screaming 1980s and 90s Hondas may finally get their wish again.
Honda Unveils CB500SF & CBR500R Four 2026
The Honda CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four are more than just two new motorcycles. They symbolize Honda returning to its roots while embracing modern technology.
With retro charm, sportbike aggression, and a high-revving inline-four heart, they could redefine what a middleweight motorcycle means in 2026. When these bikes hit the roads, the small-four symphony will once again echo across global streets.
