Honda CB500 Hornet specifications, dimensions and price
Honda · Standard
The Honda CB500 Hornet is a 471cc parallel-twin streetfighter with a six-speed gearbox, a Showa inverted fork and standard ABS. Reviewers describe an easy, low bike with a smooth engine whose character belies its size, and note that it trails the Yamaha MT-07 for outright power.
Honda CB500 Hornet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Class | Standard |
| Engine | 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke |
| Displacement | 471cc |
| Bore x stroke | 67.0x66.8 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel system | Programmed Fuel-Injection system (PGM-FI); 34mm throttle body |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Final drive | O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/41T |
| Front suspension | 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork |
| Front suspension travel | 4.7 in |
| Rear suspension | Single shock |
| Rear suspension travel | 4.7 in |
| Front brake | Dual 296mm discs with four-piston calipers; ABS |
| Rear brake | Single 240mm disc; ABS |
| Front tire | 120/70R-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Seat height | 31.1 in |
| Wet weight (curb) | 414 lb |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 25.5° |
| Trail | 4.0 in |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal |
| Valve train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder |
| Warranty | Transferable, one year included, limited warranty |
| Starting MSRP | $5,899 |
| Destination charge | $600 |
How the CB500 Hornet rides
The Hornet is easy to live with. Total Motorcycle describes a low seat, in the metric spec 785mm, and a neutral riding position that suits riders of any height, with an engine that peaks at 35 kW at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Its earlier CB500F form gained 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted forks and dual front discs in 2022.
The Hornet keeps that hardware. 1000PS rates the 471cc twin at 48 hp at 8,600 rpm and calls it smooth yet powerful.
Where the CB500 Hornet falls short
The Hornet gives up power to its rivals. In a head-to-head, 1000PS noted the Honda has closed the gap to the competition but still trails on pure engine power by 10 to 20 hp, and that its suspension can be overloaded by a sporty riding style or heavier rider. A larger rider or one who wants quick acceleration will prefer the MT-07.
A rider who wants a lighter, cheaper, gentler bike will prefer the Honda.
Range, comfort and options on the CB500 Hornet
Honda lists the US 2026 CB500 Hornet at $5,899 plus $600 destination, or $6,499 before other charges. Yamaha lists the 2026 MT-07 at $8,599 plus $675 destination, or $9,274. That is a $2,775 difference on the same base-plus-destination basis.
The Honda’s 414 lb curb figure is 11 lb above Yamaha’s 403 lb wet figure. Honda US; Yamaha US.
1000PS found the bike vibration-free and well built, a reliable companion for both beginners and experienced riders. Its seating position is comfortable, though less direct than a sportier KTM 390 Duke or Kawasaki Z500, and a 1.86 m tester found it comfortable despite his size. At 190 kg fully fueled it is heavier than the Vitpilen 401 or the Z500, but a tester did not find the weight a negative in practice.
CB500 Hornet against the MT-07 and Z500
Honda CB500 Hornet — specification referenceThe 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet is a 471cc parallel-twin streetfighter with a six-speed gearbox, a Showa inverted fork and standard ABS. Reviewers describe an easy, low bike with a smooth engine whose character belies its size, and note that it trails the Yamaha MT-07 for outright power. It suits a rider who wants a friendly middleweight naked for commuting and weekend riding, and it is a natural step up from a 300.
The Hornet is an economical bike to own. Total Motorcycle gives a 17.1-liter tank including reserve and a claimed 3.5 L/100 km, which adds up to a range of more than 485 km (about 300 miles), and says that for 2026 the Hornet, NX500 and CBR500R join the Hondas that can be ordered with the E-Clutch. Accessories include heated grips, an ACC socket under the seat and a main stand for chain maintenance.
Yamaha's MT-07 is the bigger and more powerful rival: a 689cc twin at $8,599 that weighs 403 lb, against the Hornet's $5,899. Kawasaki's Z500 is the direct rival on price, a 451cc twin at $5,699 that is 46 lb lighter and has a 30.9 in seat.
- Model-year range
- 2025–2026
- Compared editions
- 2
- Specification entries
- 23
- Entries that differ
- 0
Yes, reviewers treat it as an easy bike. The seat is 31.1 in, ABS is standard, the twin makes smooth power and the riding position is neutral. Its 471cc engine is powerful enough to grow into without being overwhelming.
1000PS lists 48 hp at 8,600 rpm. Total Motorcycle lists 35 kW at 8,500 rpm with 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Against the Yamaha MT-07, it is 10 to 20 hp behind.
The naked 500 as a complete road-bike choice
The CB500F's 471cc parallel twin is shared with the CBR500R, while the exposed layout answers a different preference for riding position and bodywork. The listed 414 lb curb weight is 7 lb below the CBR's 421 lb. That is a useful parking and transport distinction, not a prediction that every rider will prefer its steering.
Both pages list a 31.1-inch saddle and 4.5-gallon tank. A stationary fitting still needs the actual seat and bars: those shared figures do not describe the rider's arm reach or the effect of a fairing on a longer trip. On a used bike, identify any changes before ordering parts from the stock specification.
At $5,899, the CB's starting figure is $500 below the CBR's $6,399. Keep the comparison at equivalent equipment and delivery terms. A buyer mainly using local roads may value the simpler exposed layout, while someone seeking a faired arrangement should compare the CBR directly before planning accessory changes.
Other models in this reference: Honda CB650R E-Clutch, Honda CB300R.