The very popular trio of Honda 500cc Twin cylinder LAMS bikes – CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R – are receiving some significant updates for the 2022 model year.
All gain Showa Big Piston front forks, the single front disc brakes is ditched for a pair of smaller units, there are some changes to swingarms and the fuel injection systems have been tweaked.
Of course no updated would be complete without some new colour schemes.
All three should arrive before Christmas with prices set to be announced closer to arrival.
From the press release:
CB500F
Honda’s LAMS approved naked CB500F has received major performance-focussed improvements in suspension, brakes, weight distribution and handling. Redesigned wheels and a lighter radiator save weight and new fuel injection settings improve engine character.
Similar to those found on the bigger CB650R, the brand-new Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted forks, clamped by new top and bottom yokes, deliver sporty handling performance. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved.
The rear shock absorber’s spring rate and damping settings have been optimised to match the new forks, ensuring excellent response. 5-stage preload adjustment is standard.
The redesigned swingarm is now constructed from 2mm steel (previously 2.3mm) and employs a hollow cross member and redesigned chain guard. Stiffer rotationally, it is also more flexible laterally to improve handling.
Braking performance has also been improved. The single 320mm and two-piston caliper front brake from the previous model has been replaced by dual 296mm discs and Nissin radial-mount, two- piston calipers. The smaller discs not only keep any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduce the required pressure on the lever when braking.
More weight is placed on the front wheel compared to the previous model to promote more nimble handling and improve front end grip. Front/rear bias percentage is now 49.7/50.3 (previously 46.8/53.2). Sports oriented riding is also enhanced by new aluminium footpegs.
Updated PGM-FI fuel injection settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance, while a new radiator design contributes to weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency.
Visual updates include a new colour, a new compact front mudguard and new look wheels.
CB500X
The CB500X, Honda’s popular LAMS approved adventure motorcycle has received major performance-focussed improvements in suspension, brakes and handling. Redesigned wheels and a lighter radiator save weight and new fuel injection settings improve engine character.
Brand-new long travel Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted forks, clamped by new top and bottom yokes, deliver all-around handling performance. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved.
The long travel rear shock absorber’s spring rate and damping settings have been optimised to match the new forks, ensuring excellent response. 5-stage preload adjustment is standard.
The redesigned swingarm is now constructed from 2mm steel (previously 2.3mm) and employs a hollow cross member and redesigned chain guard. Stiffer rotationally, it is also more flexible laterally to improve handling.
Braking performance has also been improved. The single 320mm and two-piston caliper front brake from the previous model has been replaced by dual 296mm discs and Nissin radial-mount, two- piston calipers. The smaller discs not only keep any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduce the required pressure on the lever when braking.
Updated PGM-FI fuel injection settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance, while a new radiator design contributes to weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency.
Visual changes include new colours and graphics, a new larger front mudguard and new look wheels.
CBR500R
The CBR500R, Honda’s LAMS approved sports motorcycle has received major performance- focussed improvements in suspension, brakes, weight distribution and handling. Redesigned wheels and a lighter radiator save weight and new fuel injection settings improve engine character.
Similar to the ones found on the larger capacity CBR650R, the brand-new Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted forks, clamped by new top and bottom yokes, deliver sporty handling performance. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved.
The rear shock absorber’s spring rate and damping settings have been optimised to match the new forks, ensuring excellent response. 5-stage preload adjustment is standard.
The redesigned swingarm is now constructed from 2mm steel (previously 2.3mm) and employs a hollow cross member and redesigned chain guard. Stiffer rotationally, it is also more flexible laterally to improve handling.
Braking performance has also been improved. The single 320mm and two-piston caliper front brake from the previous model has been replaced by dual 296mm discs and Nissin radial-mount, two- piston calipers. The smaller discs not only keep any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduce the required pressure on the lever when braking.
More weight is placed on the front wheel compared to the previous model to promote more nimble handling and improve front end grip. Front/rear bias percentage is now 50.7/49.3 (previously 50.1/49.9). Sports focused riding is also enhanced by new aluminium footpegs.
Updated PGM-FI fuel injection settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance, while a new radiator design contributes to weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency.
Visual updates include new colours and graphics, a new compact front mudguard and new look wheels.
The 2022 CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R are expected to arrive in Australia in the last quarter of 2021. Prices will be announced closer to the release date.
