What is the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the Honda CBR500?
3 Answers
CBR500R's 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 6.3 seconds. CBR500R powertrain: Equipped with Honda's proprietary PGM-FI fuel injection system and DOHC 8-valve configuration, it delivers a maximum power of 37 kW (50 hp). The engine tuning prioritizes low-RPM torque output, achieving its peak torque of 44 Nm at just 7,000 RPM, with over 80% of torque available in the mid-to-low RPM range. CBR500R overview: As Honda's current entry-level sportbike offering in the domestic market, the CBR500R maintains strong demand despite competition from models like KTM's RC390 and Kawasaki's Ninja 400, often facing supply shortages.
I used to ride a Honda CBR500R frequently, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds. During the test, the temperature was around 25°C, my weight was 70 kg, and the road was dry asphalt. I started in first gear, held the throttle steady, shifted to second gear when the RPM exceeded 7000, and the bike felt very stable with strong acceleration—the display showed around 5.7 seconds. Once, when I took a friend for a test ride, his weight of 90 kg slowed it down by half a second. The bike's twin-cylinder engine delivers power very linearly. In the 500cc class, it accelerates faster than the Ninja 400 but is slightly slower than the Kawasaki 650. It’s more than enough for daily commuting, and overtaking is particularly effortless. For even better performance, you could switch to high-grip tires or lightweight alloy wheels, though the stock tuning is already quite well-balanced.
Friends who have done acceleration tests on the CBR500 should know that a 0-100 km/h time of 5-6 seconds is considered a stable performance level. Based on my GPS data logger measurements, I consistently achieved around 5 seconds. For example, last time on suburban expressways, I hit 8000+ rpm in third gear and clocked 5.4 seconds for 0-100 km/h. This result is slightly faster than naked bikes in the same class like the CB500F, thanks to the fairing reducing wind resistance. The main factors affecting acceleration are weight and engine tuning - with a 193kg dry weight and 47 horsepower, this bike feels particularly agile at launch, capable of breaking 100 km/h in second gear. Remember to warm up the engine before testing, as cold tires affect grip. For those seeking more aggressive acceleration, consider upgrading the exhaust system and installing a smaller front sprocket.
