Ahead of the EICMA Honda staged a presentation in front of the world press showcasing some its new 2013 models and the CBR500R was unveiled by Honda’s Superbike rider Jonathan Rea who presented the racing version of the machine that will used in the 2013 European Junior Cup – an eight-round series for racers aged 14-19 that will run along side European rounds of the World Superbike championship.
The 2013 Honda CBR500R features a full fairing design, the bodywork providing “significant advantages in air management for added rider comfort, along with a low drag coefficient and effective engine cooling” and is powered by an all-new, liquid-cooled, 500cc parallel-twin DOHC engine that features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and a counterbalancer.
The engine has a six-speed transmission, that is also found on the CB500F and the CB500X.
The bike features a steel-tube frame, with a 41mm front fork and a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability and features 17-inch rims, is a single 320mm disc and twin-piston front caliper and a single 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper.
The bike is also available with ABS, which weights four pounds more and will be available in April 2013.
An all inclusive racing verision of the CBR500R will cost $25,417 (19,950 euros + VAT) for the entire season.
2013 Honda CBR500R / CBR500RA (ABS) Specs: •Engine Type: 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin •Bore and Stroke: 67.
0mm x 66.
8mm •Compression ratio: 10.
7:1 •Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder •Induction: PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies •Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance •Transmission: Six-speed •Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain •Front Suspension: 41mm fork; 4.
3 inches travel •Rear Suspension: Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.
7 inches travel •Front Brakes: Twin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc •Rear Brakes: Single-caliper 240mm wave disc •Optional Honda ABS •Tires: Front: 120/70-17; Rear: 160/60-17 •Wheelbase: 55.
5 inches •Rake (Caster Angle): 25° 5′ •Trail: 103mm (4.
05 inches) •Seat Height: 30.
9 inches •Fuel Capacity: 4.
1 gallons including 0.
7-gallon reserve •Estimated Fuel Economy: TBD •Curb Weight: 425 pounds (CBR500R) / 429 pounds (CBR500RA)
