2026 Honda CB500 Hornet First Look: $1000 Price Reduction

Don Williams
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2026 Honda CB500 Hornet First Look: $1000 Price Reduction

After a dozen-year run, the Honda CB500F is gone. However, if you were a fan of the naked upright sportbike, don’t despair. It has been reinvented as the 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet, with a $1000 price drop — yes, drop — compared to last year’s CB500F, even though the two motorcycles are identical, other than the name.

2026 Honda CB500 Hornet: CB500F replacement

The 471cc DOHC twin is back, with its focus on power production between 3000 and 7000 rpm, making for a meaty midrange. Unlike many parallel twins today, the motor on the CB500 Hornet has a 180-degree firing order for a smoother feel and consistent power delivery. The liquid-cooled powerplant also benefits from a modest electronics package.

2026 Honda CB500 Hornet First Look: Specs

Weighing in at 414 pounds and sporting a 55.5-inch wheelbase and 45.5 degrees of rake, the 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet is an agile motorcycle. A 31.1-inch seat height makes the bike accessible to a broad range of riders. The Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston fork delivers high-end performance, and a linkage system enhances the shock. A pair of 17-inch wheels gives the owner plenty of high-performance or high-mileage tire options.

2026 Honda CB500 Hornet First Look: Specs

The 2026 Honda CB500 Hornet has a list price of $5899, and is the third member of the Hornet family, which includes CB1000 SP and CB750. The CB500 Hornet is available in one color, Matte Black Metallic, and might be at your local Honda dealer right now. Until we can get the new junior Hornet in, we invite you to read our most recent review of the CB500F.

2026 Honda CB500 Hornet Specs

ENGINE

  • Type: Parallel twin
  • Displacement: 471cc
  • Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 66.8mm
  • Compression ratio: 10.7:1
  • Fueling: EFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies
  • Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc
  • Cooling: Liquid
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
  • Final drive: O-ring chain

CHASSIS

  • Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa SFF-BP inverted 41mm fork; 4.3 inches
  • Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable shock; 4.7 inches
  • Wheels: Aluminum
  • Front wheel: 17 x 3.5
  • Rear wheel: 17 x 4.5
  • Front tire: 120/70-17
  • Rear tire: 160/60-17
  • Front brakes: 296mm discs w/ radially mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers
  • Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
  • ABS: Standard

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

  • Wheelbase: 55.5 inches
  • Rake: 25.5 degrees
  • Trail: 4.0 inches
  • Seat height: 31.1 inches
  • Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: 414 pounds
  • Colors: Matte Black Metallic

2026 Honda CB500 Hornet ABS Price: $5899 MSRP

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