Honda’s budget-friendly 500 platform has taken on a number of enhancements for 2022, with upgrades to the mechanically related CB500F naked bike, CB500X adventure bike and CBR500R supersports models set to hit local showrooms before year’s end.
While pricing for the 2022 range has yet to be locked in, the LAMS trio will likely continue to be offered from roughly $11,000 rideaway, as is the outgoing line-up.
Notably, the updated 500 variants see uprated suspension, a lighter swingarm and lighter wheels, as well as enhanced front brakes.
Motivating all three models is a familiar 471cc parallel twin engine that generates 35kW and 43Nm, however, new fuel injection settings are said to ‘improve torque character and feel’.
The sporty CB650F naked bike and the fully faired CBR500R benefit from new Showa 41mm USD forks inherited from Honda’s larger-capacity CBR650R, as well as lighter Y-spoke aluminium wheels and 296mm discs with Nissin calipers.
Meanwhile, the Honda CB500X adventure bike variant is distinguished by longer travel suspension and a 19-inch front wheel.
All three variants also see refreshed styling for 2022, with a new LED lighting package, tweaked design elements and new paint and graphic options.
Globally, the Honda CB500F naked bike has been the best seller of the trio, followed by the CB500X and the least-popular CBR500R. Thanks in part to its competitive price-point, Honda says it has sold over 100,000 units in Europe since it was introduced in 2013.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
This is what Honda probably does best: give well targeted bikes to the market which are cheap and reliable. It did it better when the bikes were made in Japan but we can only hope that early misadventures with Chinese and Thai-manufactured bikes under the Honda name are things of the past. the CB500X looks better every year.