Honda at the Thai Motor Expo has showcased the Honda CBR500R and Honda RC213V-S. The former is already on sale in Thailand and the latter is a road going version of Honda’s MotoGP machine.
Honda CBR500R
Positioned as an entry level motorcycle in Honda’s Big Bike lineup, the Honda CBR500R gets a bodywork inspired from the Honda CBR600RR and the flagship Fireblade. Housed in the steel tube frame is a 471 cc parallel twin liquid-cooled mill which promises of linear power delivery from idle to redline. Coupled with a 6 speed gearbox, the engine is capable of producing 47.58 PS of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm.
The Honda CBR500R sits on 41 mm telescopic forks in the front with adjustable preload and a pro-link mono shock with 9 stage preload adjuster. Braking sees a single 320 mm disc in the front with twin piston callipers and a 240 mm disc in the rear with a single piston calliper. The bike has a kerb weight of 198 kg.
The Honda CBR500R carries a sticker price of 215,000 Thai baht.
Honda RC213V-S
Honda calls it the closest thing to a MotoGP bike everyday riders can lay their hands on. Honda claims parts directly carried from the MotoGP machine include the Marchesini 17 inch wheels, Ohlins front forks, slipper clutch, adjustable footrests, foot control, swingarm and most of Brembo brake components. The bike sports an underseat fuel tank and a carbon fibre body.
The Honda RC213V-S gets a 90 degree 999 cc V4 engine with titanium connecting rods, supported by throttle by wire, selectable power modes, traction control and engine brake control. One point to remember is that its the handling prowess of the MotoGP bike and not the power output, that the Honda RC213V-S is inspired by.
