Eicma 2026: Honda focuses on mid-range supersport bikes: the CBR500R Four and CBR600RR
What they have in common is the number of cylinders – four – and a focus on driving pleasure
As we await the opening of EICMA 2026 (3–8 November at Fiera Milano Rho), Honda has unveiled a new model and the 2027 model year version of an existing one. The first is the new CBR500R Four, which is making its European debut to appeal to those seeking an affordable sports bike without compromising on the appeal of a four-cylinder engine. The second is the CBR600RR, which is gearing up for 2027 with updates to its styling, braking system and electronics, reaffirming its status as a road bike with track ambitions.
The new model is the CBR500R Four, which is fitted with the new 500 cc DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, delivering 72 cv and 47.4 Nm of torque, with the rev limiter set at 12,500 rpm. The engine’s configuration is geared towards linear power delivery and high-rev performance, supported by technical features such as Ni-SiC-coated cylinder liners, DLC-coated rocker arms and a downdraft intake system with twin ram-air intakes. The specification includes the Honda E-Clutch system, which allows the rider to start, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever, whilst still giving the rider the option to engage the clutch manually whenever they wish. A 35 kW version will also be available for A2 licence holders. The package is rounded off by Throttle By Wire control, three pre-set riding modes, two user-defined settings and a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity.
The 599 cc 4-cylinder engine of the 2027 model year CBR600RR delivers 121 cv at 14,250 rpm, complemented by a power-assisted anti-hopping clutch and a standard quickshifter. The most significant change concerns the braking system: it now features Nissin radial calipers derived from its bigger sister, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, and a new ABS modulator with three selectable modes: Standard, Track and Race.
