Honda’s excellent 500cc range has provided A2 licence holders with a dedicated set of machines that push right to the limit of the category’s 47bhp allowance, and because they have a larger displacement than some of the competitors, they bring with them excellent torque figures. There is a flavour for all too, starting with the stripped back CL500 scrambler, through to the fully faired CBR500R sportsbike and new-for-2024 NX500 (replacing the CB500X) adventure bike. This new CB500 Hornet is the naked bike in the range and is a mild upgrade on the very popular CB500F. It goes up against some stiff competition in the category, not least KTM’s 390 Duke and the Kawasaki Z500 – both of which are also updated models for 2024. At £6199, the Hornet is one of the most expensive bikes in the class. But is it worth it?
What’s new?
So, besides the legendary Hornet title, what have Honda done to improve this model over the outgoing machine? A new TFT dash, featuring Honda RoadSync app, Honda’s Selectable Torque Control traction control system, new switchgear and ECU overhauls to improve low-end acceleration are the main changes. And there’s new bodywork too.
It picks up new styling cues from its bigger capacity CB750 namesake and comes in three colourways, Gunpowder Black, Grand Prix Red, and Pearl Himalayas White. They look great, but it would have been cool to see the bright, buzzing Hornet yellow join the fold in my opinion.
The engine remains mostly unchanged, the same 471cc liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel twin that’s done the business for a decade now, kicking out 47 horses at 8,600 rpm, with 43 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm to boot. The ECU rework has done a fantastic job at picking up the pace at the lower end of the rpm, with a noticeable kick over the previous models, enhancing what has always been one of Honda’s strengths in this category. The bigger than average engine, compared to A2 rivals at least, gives the CB500 good torque and low down power characteristics, making it a bit gutsier than the smaller capacity machines in the class.
Honda introduced dual disc brakes on the front end a couple of years ago and, beyond looking great, they work incredibly well. I previously owned a 2018 CBR500R with the old single disc set up and I found the stopping power on the Hornet to be much more effective, precise, and engaging, with the ABS rarely intruding. The same Showa suspension setup as previous years sees non-adjustable front forks and a preload adjustable rear shock. It’s by no means race-spec but for the road it is plush and comfortable, soaking up all the rough lumps and bumps found on our pothole ridden roads here in the UK. In the corners it feels assured, and on the open roads and dual carriageways it is steady and stable. It’s a confidence inspiring set-up for new and experienced riders alike.
Michelin Road 6 tyres adorn the 17” wheels front and back, and these are a great all-round tyre, especially here in the UK, as they work well in both wet and dry conditions. A 785mm seat height makes this a super accessible bike for most riders, but as always, sit on it before you buy it. The ergonomics are well suited for comfortable commute and timeless tours, without sacrificing playful Sunday rides.
A negative for some competitive spec-munching A2 riders on these bikes is the weight, the baby Hornet comes in at 189kg wet, which is on the heavy side of the market, but when you take to the road, the weight lifts off and it feels effortless to handle. Beside the 471cc lump at its heart, the fuel tank is a large 17.1 litre item, which goes in some way to contributing the high mass (which quotes a figure inclusive of petrol). That bigger than average tank (Kawasaki’s Z500, for example, only holds 14 litres of unleaded) and a claimed 80.7mpg, brings out the commutability, tour-ability, and pocket friendly nature of Honda’s offerings. Stretching it out on the twisties and hurrying down dual carriageways will see this figure drop to around 65mpg, but you can still expect to get around 250 miles to a tank if you’re ringing it.
Honda tech
The new TFT dash is a massive upgrade to the previous LCD display that haunted Honda fans for years. It provides excellent visibility, all the information you need, phone connectivity, and works with Honda’s switchable traction control system. This, paired with new switchgear, gives the bikes a premium feel. The LED lighting all round provides great visibility for both the rider and other road users. The aggressive new styling looks clean too. The RoadSync app allows you to connect your phone to the dashboard, opening up some new functionality, including turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to control music and phone calls on the go.
Is it a Hornet?
I think so. The Hornet name first appeared on a CBR600 derived inline four in the late 1990s and it had a real cult following. It reappeared a few years ago on the new 750cc parallel-twin and Honda are rolling out the name to its aggressively styled nakeds, with a 1000cc four also in the pipeline. Some old school Hornet fans scoffed at the thought of the name being used on twins, but this is 2024 and these are far more representative of the bikes we are riding today. As much as we may not want it, license restrictions and emissions regulations do mean the days of the four-cylinder screamers are dwindling. I say don’t gatekeep the Hornet identity and give the new generation something to love too.
For those in the naked A2 market this is a golden pick. The engine reworks give it a real kick, the brakes and suspension give fantastic feel and control, the TFT dash is a huge step for those younger riders who were tired of LCD dogma and the new styling is wicked and sharp, all for a fair price with healthy running figures. It’ll appeal to more than just young riders too. Just give us one in yellow!
Honda CB500 Hornet Specifications
Price: £6,199 OTR. Colours: Gunpowder Black, Grand Prix Red, and Pearl Himalayas White
Engine: 471cc liquid-cooled four stroke parallel twin
Power: 47 hp
Torque: 43 Nm
Suspension: Showa 41mm Big Piston USD forks, Showa preload adjustable monoshock
Wheels: 17” five-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres: Michelin Road 6
Brakes: 296mm twin disc, 4-piston Nissin caliper, 240mm rear, single-piston caliper
Wheelbase: 1410mm
Fuel tank/range: 17.1litres – 250-300 miles
Warranty: 24 months
Contact: https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles
