2024 Honda CB500 Hornet – First Look
Stirring up a Hornets’ nest
Honda revealed an updated CB500F model, along with a new name tying it into a suddenly burgeoning range of Hornet models. For 2024, the model will be marketed as the CB500 Hornet, tying the model in with a whole range of Hornets, including the CB750, and the CB1000.
Apart from a matter of branding, the name change is also a reflection of the CB500 Hornet’s new styling direction. The CB500 receives a more modern streetfighter style similar to the other Hornet models, shifting away from the previous “Neo Sports Cafe” look The also recently updated CB650R still retains that modern retro look, with its bronze engine highlights, as does the CB300R, which is why they haven’t been brought into the hornets’ nest.
The bronze highlights are gone, replaced by a completely blacked-out engine. The radiator shrouds are sharper, and now have a hard edge that extends from a similar line on the tank, creating a more forward-weighted silhouette. The LED headlight is new, also with a sharper look while producing a broader light distribution that Honda says increases visibility at night and around corners in particular.
As with the also updated CBR500R and NX500 (née CB500X), the CB500 Hornet gains a five-inch TFT full color display, smartphone connectivity, and new backlit switchgear.
Mechanically, the CB500 Hornet isn’t much different from the CB500F. The suspension still consists of a 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork - Big Piston with 4.7 inches of travel, and a Prol-Link rear shock with five-position preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of travel.
The brakes are also unchanged, with dual 296 mm discs up front matched with Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers, and a single-piston caliper and 240mm rear disc brake.
The engine is also the same 471cc Parallel-Twin, claiming 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm, and 31.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. For 2024, the CB500 Hornet gets Honda Selectable Torque Control, Honda’s version of traction control, plus ECU updates to improve acceleration.
In Europe, Honda will offer three color options: Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Grand Prix Red, and Pearl Himalayas White. There is no word at the moment on U.S. availability, but we expect to hear some news soon.
2024 Honda CB500 Hornet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4 stroke, DOHC parallel twin |
Displacement | 471cc |
No of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
Bore & Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
Compression Ratio | 10.7: 1 |
Horsepower | 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm (claimed) |
Torque | 31.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm (claimed) |
Oil Capacity | 3.2L |
Carburation | PGM FI electronic fuel injection |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
Fuel Consumption (WMTC) | 67.3 mpg (claimed) |
Battery Capacity | 12V 7.4AH |
Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch |
Transmission Type | 6 speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame | Steel diamond |
Front Suspension | Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, |
Rear Suspension | Prolink mono with 5 stage pre-load adjuster, Steel hollow cross swingarm |
Front Wheel | 5Y-spoke cast aluminum, 17MC x MT3.5 |
Rear Wheel | 5Y-spoke cast aluminum, 17MC x MT4.5 |
Front Tire | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
Rear Tire | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
ABS System Type | 2-channel |
Type Front | Dual 296mm x 4mm disc with Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers |
Type Rear | Single 240mm x 5mm disc with single piston caliper |
Instruments | 5in TFT Meter with customisable layout, including but not limited to Speedometer, Tachometer, Clock, Gear position, Shift UP Indicator |
Headlight | LED |
Taillight | LED |
Connectivity | Yes (Honda RoadSync) |
12V Socket | Optional |
Length | 81.9 inches |
Width | 31.5 inches |
Height | 41.8 inches |
Wheelbase | 55.5 inches |
Rake/Trail | 25.5°/4.0 inches |
Seat Height | 30.9 inches |
Ground Clearance | 5.7 inches |
Curb Weight | 414 pounds (claimed) |
Security System | HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System) |
Additional Features | ESS |
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More by Dennis Chung
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What world market justifies traction control on an economy powered bike? Is it being introduced in the Himalayas as the white color option implies?
Great entry commuter. Probably not there for longer highway cruising with small motor and gearing.