September 6^th, 2021 – Following the signing of the Letter of Intent on March 1, HONDA Motor Co., KTM F&E GmbH, Ltd., PIAGGIO Group (PIA.MI) and YAMAHA Motor Co., Ltd., have officially signed the agreement for the creation of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC).

Committed to the promotion of the widespread use of light electric vehicles, such as mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles in the transport sector and to the more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries in the context of international climate policies, the founding members of the Consortium believe that the availability of a commonly developed swappable battery systems is key to the development of low-voltage electromobility.

The underlying aim of the Consortium is to find solutions to the concerns customers may have regarding the future of electromobility, such as the range, the charging time and infrastructure, and costs. This will be achieved in accordance with four primary goals:

1. Develop common technical specifications of the swappable battery systems
2. Confirm common usage of the battery systems
3. Make, and promote, the Consortium’s common specifications as a standard within European and International standardization bodies
4. Expand the use of the Consortium’s common specification to global level

By working closely with interested stakeholders and National, European and International standardization bodies, the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards. Indeed, the availability of charging stations varies between countries and there is still limited information for end users. Therefore, with this Consortium, HONDA, KTM, PIAGGIO and YAMAHA aim at
engaging the decision makers for the development and deployment of charging infrastructure to promote the increase of light electric vehicles.

The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the Consortium’s expertise in order to ensure a large diffusion of standard swappable batteries in the future. Parties who are interested to join the SBMC can contact one of the founding members for further information.

Yoshishige Nomura, Chief Officer, Motorcycle Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:  Honda believes that the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles can play an important part in realising a more sustainable society. For that purpose, we need to solve several challenges such as extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering the vehicle and infrastructure costs to enhance convenience for customers. In the Consortium we have created, the founding members from the motorcycle industry and other stakeholders will work together towards standardizing swappable batteries, their charging systems and surrounding infrastructure to create the environment for their use. Our final goal is to ensure that motorcycles will continue to be chosen as a useful method of transportation in future mobility

Stefan Pierer, CEO PIERER Mobility AG: “The signing of this Consortium agreement is a key step in ensuring that PIERER Mobility AG, can continue to move forward, deliver innovation at pace, and advance its clear strategic vision for electric powered two-wheelers. Together with our partners, we will work to deliver a swappable battery system for low-voltage vehicles (48V) up to 11kW capacity, based on international technical standards. We very much look forward to ensuring that powered two-wheeler vehicles maintain their role in the future of both urban and non-urban mobility

Michele Colaninno, Chief of strategy and product of Piaggio Group: “Urban mobility is going through a delicate moment of transition towards electrification. Thanks to our Consortium, representing four major global players, motorbikes will continue to play a key role in the urban context. Swappable batteries give the right answer to speed up the recharging time of vehicles offering an additional valuable choice for users. Urban mobility is part of the Piaggio DNA and history: our aim is to bring all our technological know-how and attitude for innovation to the Consortium.”

Takuya Kinoshita, Senior Executive Officer, Chief General Manager of Land Mobility Business Operations, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.: “The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium in Europe is finally ready to get to work. I hope that this first step forward will be a beacon that draws like-minded parties to our mission and leads to transformative changes for the future. We at Yamaha Motor are confident that through this initiative, we can help unify the differing technical specs and standards and contribute to maximizing the merits of electric power for customers around the world.”

Model updates: Honda’s A2-compatible mini-adventurer receives major performance-focussed improvements led by Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks, dual disc front brakes and radial-mount calipers. Handling is further improved by the new swingarm, which is lighter with more lateral flex. The rear shock has new settings to complement the new forks. A redesigned front wheel and lighter radiator save weight and new fuel injection settings improve engine character. More powerful headlight LEDs and front indicator position lights offer greater visibility.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Accessories

5 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

The CB500X – originally launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F and fully-faired CBR500R – brings crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focussed twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio. It is a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly gets on with the job of being supremely competent and adaptable for a wide variety of owners.

The CB500X’s usefulness is down to a straightforward equation – a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine which produces real torque and drive from low rpm, and revs hard up top – plus a chassis that gives a supremely comfortable ride both around town and out on the open highway, all wrapped up in distinctive adventure styling.

It slips between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend tourer effortlessly. Long travel suspension irons out irregular road surfaces, wide handlebars provide leverage and the upright riding position offers both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider. In other words, the CB500X is an all-rounder in every sense of the term.

In 2016, a first upgrade saw the CB500X receive a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and a taller screen. It also gained LED lighting, spring preload-adjustable front forks and adjustable brake lever. Its 2019 evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades, ensuring that while the CB500X remained confident in its wide-ranging abilities, its ‘X’ factor was well and truly amplified. It gained EURO5 compliance in 2020.

Having proved its popularity over nearly a decade, for 2022 year model it receives high-quality front suspension in the form of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, plus dual front discs, lightweight swingarm, redesigned front wheel and other detail updates including a striking new colour and bold new graphics.

2. Model Overview

Alongside engine changes such as revised fuel injection settings and a new lighter radiator,  the chassis benefits from the addition of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual Nissin radial mount two-piston calipers biting 296mm discs, light-weight wheels feature new thinner spokes and redesigned swingarm – for improved rider comfort and handling performance. Compared to the previous model, weight bias also moves fractionally forward for enhanced front tyre grip and feel. Styling is updated with a new front wheel and larger front mudguard.

As before, LCD instruments feature a Shift Up and Gear Position function. All lighting is LED, with optimised high/low headlight beam and addition of front indicator position lights.

The 22YM CB500X will be available in the following colour options:

Grand Prix Red

Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic

Pearl Organic Green **NEW for 2022**

 3. Key Features

3.1 Chassis & Styling

• 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
• New dual 296mm discs matched to Nissin two-piston calipers
• New lighter weight front wheel and swingarm
• Revised headlight LEDs for improved high/low beam plus position lights

Light, strong and unchanged for the 2022 year model, the CB500X’s 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, also reduce vibration.

Immediately obvious is a brand-new front end set-up. With the aim to heighten all-round handling performance the 41mm telescopic forks of the previous design have been replaced by spring preload-adjustable Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks with 135mm axle travel (150mm cushion stroke), clamped by new top and bottom yokes. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved.

The single-tube rear shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sports bikes) with its large-diameter piston and 135mm axle travel (60mm cushion stroke) ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features 5-stage preload adjustment with newly optimised spring rate and damping settings.

Handling is further improved by the redesigned, lighter swingarm. Now constructed from 2mm steel (rather than 2.3mm), it employs a hollow cross member and is stiffer rotationally, and also more flexible laterally to improve handling. A crisply redesigned chain guard completes the new look.

In line with the dynamic improvements to the chassis and suspension, the braking performance has also been improved. The single 310mm wave-pattern disc and two-piston caliper front brake of the previous design has been replaced by dual 296mm wave-pattern discs and axial mounted Nissin two-piston calipers. The introduction of the smaller discs not only keeps any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduces the required pressure on the lever when braking.

The redesigned 19-inch cast aluminium front wheel – lighter thanks to thinner spokes – reduces unsprung weight to aid turning ability. It’s crowned by a tough new mudguard design and heads a 17-inch rear wheel; trail-pattern tyres are sized 110/80-R19 front and 160/60-R17 rear. Weight bias has also been adjusted. with front/rear bias percentage of 48.7/51.3 compared to the previous 48/52. Kerb weight is 199kg. Wheelbase remains 1,445mm with rake and trail of 27.5°/108mm.

The CB500X wears an aggressive, ‘ready for the wild’ adventure style, with the long radiator shrouds and fairing giving a strong three-dimensional texture front to rear, linked by interlocking side covers and fuel tank. But this is a bike as much about function as form; high-pressure air flowing around the fairing and screen (with two available height settings – 1445mm and 1410mm) is managed to improve wind protection for the rider at highway speeds. The sharply-chiselled headlight is now even more piercing with extra-powerful LEDs, plus there’s added visibility from front indicator position lights.

A slim seat profile allows for free movement around the machine and aids easy ground reach. And to help manoeuvrability the steering angle is 38° from centred to full lock.

Gunmetal grey tapered steel handlebar elevate control further still. Seat height is 830mm and the upright riding position is very accommodating, while providing excellent visibility. Overall dimensions are 2155mm x 830mm x 1410mm, with 180mm ground clearance.

LCD instruments – set in a multi-surfaced and textured surround – feature a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator; this is set to a default 8,750rpm but can be adjusted in 250rpm increments between 5-8,750rpm.

The fuel tank holds 17.5L including reserve, and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 3.6L/100km (27.8km/l) (WMTC mode), gives a range of 485km.

3.2 Engine

• Lively twin-cylinder powerplant delivers usable power and torque across the rev-range, plus sporty sound from its dual-exit muffler
• New PGM-FI settings improve torque feel and character
• New radiator design more stylish and lighter
• Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages downshifts
• Homologated for EURO5

The CB500X’s A2-licence friendly 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. The 2019 upgrades created faster acceleration through a 4% boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range. It's very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,600rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies and for 2022, new settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl. A new more aesthetically pleasing radiator design contributes a 92g weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency

Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm with compression ratio of 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.

A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

Piston shape is carefully designed to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2L.The slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.

 4. Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB500X. They include:

Centre stand

Side wind deflectors

Knuckle guards

Heated grips

35L top box

Rear carrier

Pannier mounts

Pannier cases

Tubular fairing frames

Fog lights

Tank bag

Seat bag

Charging socket

Smoked screen

Wheel stripe

Tank pad

Cargo net

 5. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Model updates: Honda’s A2-compatible ‘pocket rocket’ receives major performance-focussed improvements led by Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks, dual disc front brakes and radial-mount calipers. Front tyre grip is heightened with more forward weight bias; handling is further improved by the new swingarm, which is lighter with more lateral flex. The rear shock has new settings to complement the new forks. Redesigned wheels and a lighter radiator save more weight and new fuel injection settings improve engine character. More powerful headlight LEDs offer greater visibility.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

Fast, frugal, affordable and – most importantly – fun, Honda’s fully-faired CBR500R, launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F and adventure-styled CB500X, injects a genuine sporting energy to its twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio.

Hugely popular with younger riders looking to move up from a smaller machine with more than 50% of owners under the age of 30, the CBR500R instils the excitement of sports bike ownership into every ride yet also delivers sensible running costs, making it a great bike to both commute through the working week and enjoy at the weekend.

In 2016 the CBR500R assumed sharper styling and LED lighting to go with updated front suspension; in 2019 it got an even more aggressive makeover, with a new form and riding position that outlined a keener sporting intent. Developments were also applied to the engine for stronger performance off the bottom, a distinctive surge through the rev range to the redline and more distinctive exhaust howl. It gained EURO5 compliance in 2020.

Having proved its undoubted star quality alongside its siblings, for its 2022 year model it receives a major suspension upgrade in the form of high-quality Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, plus dual front discs, new lightweight wheels and swingarm and other detail updates including a striking new colour.

 2. Model Overview

Alongside engine changes such as revised fuel injection settings and a new lighter radiator,  the chassis benefits from the addition of Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD forks, dual Nissin radial mount two-piston calipers biting 296mm discs, lighter-weight 5-spoke wheels and redesigned swingarm – for improved high-speed handling and braking. Weight bias also moves fractionally forward for enhanced front tyre grip and feel.

Styling is updated with a new front mudguard, inherited from the CBR650R, and sporty aluminium footpegs are also now standard fit. As before, LCD instruments feature a Shift Up and Gear Position function and all lighting is premium LED; the new headlight, also inherited from the CBR650R, now spreads a broader beam.

The 2022 CBR500R will be available in the following colour options:

Grand Prix Red

Matt Gunpower Black Metallic **NEW for 2022**

3. Key Features

3.1 Chassis & Styling

• New 41mm Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks
• New dual 296mm discs matched to Nissin radial mount two-piston calipers
• Lighter weight wheels and swingarm, plus aluminium footpegs
• Weight bias further forward for enhanced front end grip
• New headlight inherited from the CBR650R

Light, strong and unchanged for 2022 the 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, also keep vibration to a minimum.

Immediately obvious is a brand-new front end set-up. With the aim to heighten sports handling performance the 41mm telescopic forks of the previous design have been replaced by Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks, clamped by new top and bottom yokes. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are both improved. The four-cylinder CBR650R wears the exact same set-up.

In a further effort to improve the ride quality, the 22YM CBR500R features new lighter wheels with 5 Y-shaped spokes rather than the 6 of the previous model. The front wheel width remains 3.5inch with a 120/70-ZR17 tyre and the rear 4.5inch with 160/60-ZR17 tyre.

A redesigned swingarm also shaves grams; it’s now constructed from 2mm steel (rather than 2.3mm) and employs a hollow cross member and crisply redesigned chain guard. Stiffer rotationally, the new swingarm is also more flexible laterally to improve handling. The single-tube rear shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sports bikes) with its large-diameter piston ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features 5-stage preload adjustment with spring rate and damping settings optimised to match the forks.

In line with the dynamic improvements to the chassis and suspension, the braking performance has also been improved. The single 320mm and two-piston caliper front brake from the previous model has been replaced by dual 296mm discs and Nissin radial-mount, two-piston calipers. The introduction of the smaller discs not only keeps any additional weight gain to a minimum, but also reduces the required pressure on the lever when braking.

The new CBR500R weighs in at 192kg and places slightly more weight on the front wheel to promote more nimble handling and improve front end grip: front/rear bias percentage is now 50.7/49.3, compared to 50.1/49.9 of the previous version. Wheelbase remains 1410mm with rake and trail of 25.5°/102mm.

And nimble responsiveness is what the CBR500R is all about. The view forward from the cockpit is pure sports. The handlebars clip on beneath the top yoke and as a result the riding position is unmistakably aggressive; the fairing is also set low. Purposeful aluminium footpegs replace the previous rubberised parts; between the pair they save 104g and offer maximum support for more spirited riding. The compact front mudguard is drawn from the CBR650R.

New sharply-chiselled dual LED headlights, inherited from the CBR650R, stare menacingly ahead with a wider volume of light emission, matching by LED indicators. LCD instruments feature a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator; this is set to a default 8,750rpm but can be adjusted in 250rpm increments between 5-8,750rpm.

Seat height is low at 785mm, making the CBR500R very easy to manage and its riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height. Overall dimensions are 2080mm x 760mm x 1145mm, with 130mm ground clearance.

The fuel tank holds 17.1L including reserve and combined with the engine’s excellent 3.5L/100km (28.6km/litre) fuel economy, gives a range of over 485km.

3.2 Engine

• Lively twin-cylinder powerplant delivers usable power and torque across the rev-range, plus sporty sound from its dual-exit muffler
• New PGM-FI settings improve torque feel and character
• New radiator design more stylish and lighter
• Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages downshifts
• Homologated for EURO5

The 22YM CBR500R’s A2-licence friendly 471cc, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end. The 2019 upgrades created faster acceleration through a 4% boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range. It's very much an engine whose overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,600rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies and for the 2022 year model, new settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, and a rasping high-rpm howl. A new more aesthetically pleasing radiator design contributes a 100g weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency.

Bore and stroke are set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio is 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.

A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

Piston shape is carefully designed to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2L.The slick-changing six-speed gearbox is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.

4. Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CBR500R. They include:

35L top box

Rear carrier

Tank bag

Seat bag

High smoke windscreen

Heated grips

12V/USB Type-C sockets

Seat Cowl

Wheel Stripes

Tank Pad

 5. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.