BETTER THAN EVER

There’s some big news this year for our CBR500R—and a whole list of big improvements. First in, an entirely new front end, built around a new 41mm Showa upside-down SFF-BP fork. Next, the CBR500R now features dual front disc brakes and radial-mount four-piston calipers. New, lighter wheels and a lighter swingarm sharpen up the bike’s handling even more. Its twin-cylinder engine revs freely and produces plenty of torque, and it lets us keep the bike narrow and nimble too. The full-coverage bodywork looks like something right off the racetrack, and rocks two new color choices this year—Grand Prix Red and Sword Silver Metallic. There’s probably never been a better sportbike at this price point, especially since the CBR500R comes standard with anti-lock brakes.