- Honda CBR500R Four patent filed
- Would rival the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R
- No word about the launch date
Honda is looking to take on Kawasaki sometime soon in the sub-600cc inline-four segment. The brand has filed patents in Japan for the CBR500R Four that would take on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R. Interestingly, Honda also patented the CBR400R Four only a few months ago in August.
Now, Honda has a 400cc parallel-twin CBR model for Japan and a 500cc parallel-twin CBR model for global markets. The reason for that is Japan and a few other Asian markets adhere by a different licence class for 400cc and smaller motorcycles. With the filings of two inline-four CBRs, we can expect that Honda is doing the same. Moreover, with a 500cc model, Honda could also get around the engine noise limits in markets like North America where Kawasaki had to detune the ZX-4R to 56bhp compared to the 70bhp it offers in other regions. So with a larger displacement, Honda could reduce the noise levels and offer more power.
The upcoming Honda CBR500R Four will not only go up against the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR but also the Kove 450RR- a Chinese-made inline-four. While there is no word about its launch date or timeline, we can expect the motorcycle to be showcased sometime in 2025.
It would be an interesting motorcycle and might even come fitted with the new Honda E-clutch technology. Further, we can expect it to be launched in NZ and Australia soon after it has been showcased globally.
