India-bound Honda CBR500R Gets Euro 5 Update

Engine output figures remain unchanged despite the stricter emission norms

With Euro 5 emission norms all set to kick in across models in January 2021, Honda has begun the process of updating its lineup to meet the new standards, starting with the very important 500cc twin-cylinder models. We say very important because these models are slated to come to India very soon, where they will have to comply with BS6 emission norms that are on par with Euro 5 levels.

The CBR500R that we’ll be focusing on in this article is the most exciting-looking of the lineup, in its fully faired sports bike package. The Fireblade-esque looks remain unchanged in the Euro 5 era, meaning the updated bike is pretty much impossible to tell apart on appearance alone.

The spec sheet won’t help you differentiate the generations either, because thankfully the 471cc parallel-twin motor has retained its output figures of 47PS and 43Nm despite having to adhere to the stricter emission norms. Peak power is now produced 100rpm higher in the rev range than before, at 8600rpm, while peak torque continues to kick in at 6500rpm. The motor sends power to the rear wheel via a slip-and-assist clutch, and a 6-speed transmission, just like the Euro 4 bike.

Now that the CBR500R meets our emission standards, we expect Honda to bring it to our shores sometime next year. If it arrives via the CKD route, which is what we expect, Honda could keep the pricing around the Rs 5-lakh mark, making it an attractive proposition indeed. It would sit above the Royal Enfield 650 twins but below the Kawasaki 650s, competing against the KTM 490 parallel-twin models as and when they arrive.