There’s no denying the CBR lineup has some of the best sports bikes you can buy today. For good reason, too, as Honda has made sure each of its sports bikes has received updates in recent years. As a result, 2025 brought a proper refresh for most heavy-hitters. In 2026, though, the Japanese giant has tweaked its approach a bit. Instead of updates, it has shaken up the market with aggressive price cuts across the lineup. The result is a CBR lineup that’s more accessible to purchase for the masses. On that note, here is the cheapest Honda sports bike you can buy right now.
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The CBR500R Is The Cheapest Honda Sports Bike On Sale In 2026
Price: $6,399
To no one’s surprise, the CBR500R serves as the cheapest Honda sports bike in 2026. It has held this title for a few years now, since the CBR300R has quietly been discontinued with no underlying new bikes at dealerships. What will surprise you, though, is the price. The base price has now become $6,399, which is a sizable $1,000 less than the 2025 CBR500R.
Honda hasn’t revealed how this has been achieved, but we can tell you that there are no mechanical differences between the two bikes. Plus, like last year, there’s only one color option: Grand Prix Red. We think Honda should’ve brought the Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic color here (sold in the UK and Europe), too.
Moving on, your next cheapest Honda sports bike is the CBR650R E-Clutch. Like the 500R, its price has dropped from $9,899 to $9,199 for model year 2026. Again, the 2025 and 2026 versions are mechanically the same, although you get a new Matte Black Metallic here. Post this, you have the iconic CBR600RR. It now sells for $11,499 (down from $12,199), but this is still the age-old bike we’ve been seeing since 2013. Just give us the updated bike sold in Europe and Britain already, Honda!
The CBR500R Boasts Near-Class-Leading Performance From Its Versatile Engine
With the price drop, the CBR500R now matches its peers in terms of price-to-performance ratio. Its 471cc, parallel-twin engine (also seen on the NX500 and Rebel 500) is good for 47 horsepower and 32 pound-feet. That’s right up there with the Aprilia RS 457 while being just a few ponies shy of the CFMoto 450SS and Kawasaki Ninja 500.
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High Tractability Allows For Impressive Fuel Efficiency
You should also know that the torque that kicks in at just 6,500 RPM—one of the lowest in the rev range among its peers. So the tractability should be quite high here, backed by the claimed 67 miles per gallon efficiency figure. At the same time, you can easily reach speeds of over 115 miles per hour (speedo indicated).
Showa Suspension Helps The CBR500R Handle Twisties
The underpinnings focus on being simple yet effective. That means a diamond chassis is made of steel, coupled with a double-sided swingarm. This joins hands with Showa 41 mm USD forks (not the usual 43 mm ones) and a preload-adjustable monoshock. The lack of adjustment is a bummer since the RS 457 has it right from the factory. However, the CBR claws back points, as you get dual disc brakes here. None of its peers offer that.
The CBR500R Weighs Over 420 Pounds
It’s evident the CBR500R is not trying to be too sporty, and that’s what the dimensions suggest, too. The seat height is quite low, the wheelbase is long, and the ergonomics are relaxed. It also weighs 421 pounds fully fueled, which is almost 40 pounds higher than the RS 457. So if you’re into track riding, we’d suggest you pick something else.
Key Dimensions
|
Wheels |
17/17-inch alloys |
|
Front brake |
2x 296 mm disc brakes |
|
Rear brake |
240 mm disc |
|
Seat height |
31.1 inches |
|
Weight |
421 pounds (wet) |
|
Wheelbase |
55.5 inches |
|
Ground clearance |
5.1 inches |
|
Tank capacity |
4.5 gallons |
The CBR500R Has Useful Features Without Any Over-The-Top Inclusions
Like everywhere else, the CBR500R doesn’t try to go over-the-top in the feature lists, too. There is Honda’s staple TFT instrument cluster as the centerpiece, which comes armed with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation as standard. You also get display modes (Bar, Circle, and Simple) and three background options (Black, White, and Auto).
Along with this, you get dual-channel ABS, traction control, and slipper clutch in the name of rider aids. An immobilizer and all-LED lights round off things. No ride modes, quickshifter, or six-axis IMU are present. But you should also know that the CBR500R comes with the E-Clutch overseas, which is expected to arrive in the US soon.
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The CBR500R Matches Up Well With Its Sports Bike Rivals
Finally, let’s talk about how the 500R fares in the market. And we’re happy to report things are a lot better after the price cut. Firstly, the CBR undercuts the Aprilia RS 457 by $400 while offering similar performance. But the 457 justifies the moolah with its adjustable suspension, aluminum chassis, and better features.
Then, there’s the Kawasaki Ninja 500 SE ABS with the exact same MSRP as the Honda. But each bike has its own advantages. For instance, the Ninja gets you more power (51 horsepower) and a lower weight, while the CBR has a more modern suspension package and dual disc brakes.
Finally, an off-beat rival is the CFMoto 450SS. It is considerably cheaper than the CBR, while also being more powerful and equally equipped feature-wise. The question mark, though, is the overall reliability and service network. In contrast, Honda’s reliability and dealer support are the best in the business!
CBR500R Vs Rivals
|
Specs |
CBR500R |
RS 457 |
Ninja 500 |
450SS |
|
Engine |
471cc, parallel-twin |
457cc, parallel-twin |
451cc, parallel-twin |
450cc, parallel-twin |
|
Power |
47 HP |
47 HP |
51 HP |
51 HP |
|
Torque |
31.7 LB-FT |
32 LB-FT |
31.7 LB-FT |
29.5 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
|
Weight |
421 pounds |
385 pounds |
377 pounds |
375 pounds |