[1] Their introduction coincided with new European licensing regulations establishing a mid-range class of motorcycles of limited power.

[3] All models use the same 471 cc (28.7 cu in) 180° crank straight-twin engine with capacity and power below the A2 European driving licence limit.

The CB500X has a larger fuel tank and longer front suspension travel making it taller, and with more ground clearance.

Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil and France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards.

April: CB500F, CBR500R released; July: CB500X released EURO 4 compliance with smaller exhaust,[8] LED headlamp, preload adjustable front suspension, smaller side covers, larger fuel tank on CB500F and CBR500R, Fireblade style fairing on the CBR500R Revised exhaust system, anti-rebound clutch, full LED lighting, revised rear shocks, new LCD instrumentation with additional features, 19" front wheel on the ruggedized CB500X,[9] dual-channel ABS standard on all models in most markets, although for 2017 USA models, it remained an option.