Honda’s CB500 Trio Gets A Shot In The Arm For 2022

 

Honda has taken the wraps off the 2022 CB500X, CB500F, and the CBR500R. While this isn’t an overhaul by any means, the updates are still crucial and improve the overall package of the three offerings. 

Here’s a rundown:

The Common Bits

For 2022, the major change to all three bikes comes to the suspension. The bikes are now sprung on a 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork up front compared to the earlier conventional telescopic units. The rear suspension stays as is, but it gets updated settings for enhanced comfort. All three bikes also feature new lighter alloy wheels and a rear swingarm to improve riding dynamics.

Additionally, the anchors now comprise twin 296mm front discs, a big step up from the earlier single-disc setup. The discs continue to be clamped by Nissin calipers, though.

Not much has changed with the engine as the 471cc motor already maxes out the A2-compliance in international markets. It continues to put out 47.5PS and 43.2Nm, but Honda claims to have tweaked the ECU settings for a smoother throttle response. Rounding off the package is a new radiator claimed to be 100g lighter.

Now, to the features. Honda has updated the lights with brighter LEDs. Standard features on the trio still are the digital negative-LCD instrument cluster, all-LED illumination, ABS, and slipper clutch. The LCD continues to show the same basic information as before, which we think is a slight disappointment, especially when you take their rivals into the context.

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Model-specific Updates

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Model-specific updates are primarily limited to the new paint jobs. For 2022, the CB500X gets two new colour options: Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Organic Green. Whereas, the naked CB500F gets three new colours: Pearl Smoky Gray, Mat Axis Gray Metallic, and Pearl Dusk Yellow. Coming to the sportiest offering here, the CBR500R gets a new Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic along with fresh new graphics.

In addition to the colours, the CB500X tips the scale at 199kg, 2kg more than before.

All these updates will certainly result in a price hike for all three bikes. The CB500X is already absurdly priced in India, at Rs 6.87 lakh (ex-showroom). If Honda somehow manages to offer the 2022 CB500X at the current price, it will make a lot more sense than the current model. 

However, Honda India did just drop its most affordable ADV, the CB200X, which seems to pack some very good kit. Interested? Read all about it in our story.