2020 Honda CBR500R

Sliding itself among the other smaller-displacement Honda sportbikes is the 2020 CBR500R. With a 471cc parallel-twin engine pumping ponies to the pavement, this is a great transition bike for beginners who are climbing the displacement ladder from the CBR300R to the CBR650R and beyond. It is equipped with rider aids like slipper/assist clutch and optional ABS, and endowed with electronics like an LCD screen and LED headlights.

Little guys put up a good fight and the beginner class of motorcycles is chock-full of fully faired competition from the Yamaha YZF-R3 to the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and larger-displacement Kawasaki Ninja 650. The CBR500R finds itself in the middle ground of a displacement shootout.

The Honda CBR500R received some significant updates in 2016 and then again in 2019. Although 2019 saw updates like an increase in power, more aggressive styling, a nicer sound, and other functional upgrades, no major changes were announced for 2020. The base price carries over into 2020 at $6,699, an ABS option is available for an additional $300 and both versions will be available in Matte Gray Metallic and Grand Prix Red.