Engine: 471 cc Parallel Twin, 47.6 hp, 43 Nm—and Now Optional Honda E-Clutch

471 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin, PGM-FI fuel injection. 35 kW / 47.6 hp at 8,500 rpm, 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. A2-compliant. The engine comes from Honda’s CB500 family, which the company has consistently refined for more than a decade. It is thoroughly proven, reliable, and has more character than its modest specifications might suggest. The parallel twin with its 180-degree crankshaft runs smoothly, revs willingly, and sounds lively for a 500 cc twin.

An Assist and Slipper Clutch comes standard. It reduces clutch-lever effort by approximately 45 percent and prevents rear-wheel hop under hard braking combined with aggressive downshifting.

The 2026 update is the optional Honda E-Clutch, available on the CB500 Hornet for the first time. E-Clutch allows the rider to start, stop, and change gears without operating the clutch lever. Only the shift lever and throttle are still used. Two electric motors inside the engine casing operate the clutch. There are three adjustable shift-effort settings—Hard, Medium, and Soft—which can be configured separately for upshifts and downshifts.

E-Clutch is not DCT. Gear selection remains with the rider; the electronics handle clutch operation. According to Honda, the result is smoother and faster gear changes than with a conventional quickshifter, combined with automatic-transmission-style convenience for clutch operation.

Suspension: SHOWA SFF-BP USD Fork, Four-Piston Radial Calipers—Exceeding Standards For The Class

The CB500 Hornet makes a clear quality statement in the A2 class with its suspension and braking hardware. Up front is a 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP upside-down fork—the same generation of fork used on considerably more expensive middleweight motorcycles. SFF-BP stands for Separate Function Fork Big Piston; the functions are separated within the fork. At the rear is a SHOWA monoshock, non-adjustable.

Braking comes from dual 296 mm front discs with four-piston radial calipers and a 240 mm rear disc, with ABS standard. Radially mounted four-piston front calipers cannot be taken for granted at this price point—the Kawasaki Z500 SE, for example, uses a simpler braking system.

The CB500 Hornet’s chassis is tuned for balanced, everyday handling: not firm enough to become annoying on poor roads, but not soft enough to become unpredictable during spirited riding. It can handle enthusiastic riding, but it is not a dedicated sportbike.

A high-strength steel chassis and 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels complete the package. Wheelbase is 1,410 mm.

Ergonomics: 785 mm Seat Height, 176 kg Fully Fueled, 5-Inch TFT With RoadSync—Accessible to a Wide Range of Riders

A 785 mm seat height is low enough for riders from approximately 1.65 meters tall to get both feet securely on the ground. Combined with the narrow waist, it gives shorter riders particularly easy ground access by naked-bike standards.

At 176 kg fully fueled, the Hornet is lighter than some competitors—the Kawasaki Z500, for example, weighs 172 kg dry. The upright naked-bike riding position works well in the city and for everyday use while remaining relaxed on backroads. There is no wind protection or fairing, as expected from a naked bike.

A 5-inch color TFT display with anti-glare coating and a backlit left handlebar switch comes standard. Honda RoadSync is also standard, providing smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call management. That is impressive standard equipment at this price.

Full LED lighting is standard. So are Emergency Stop Signal, ESS, turn signals: under hard braking, all turn signals flash simultaneously to warn following traffic.

The front bodywork uses a streamlined streetfighter design that, according to Honda, generates aerodynamic downforce.

Handling: Balanced, Forgiving, Educational—the Motorcycle You Don’t Regret Buying

The CB500 Hornet is the kind of motorcycle an A2 rider or returning rider can buy without regretting the decision. It forgives mistakes without becoming boring.

The combination of 176 kg, a 785 mm seat height, 47.6 hp, and balanced suspension tuning makes it one of the most accessible naked bikes in its segment. At the same time, the engine is strong enough to remain enjoyable even after a year of ownership—the performance feels well matched to the motorcycle’s weight. HSTC traction control comes standard and keeps the motorcycle well controlled even on wet pavement.

For beginners, clutch-lever effort is already significantly reduced by the Assist and Slipper Clutch. With the optional E-Clutch, clutch-lever use disappears entirely. That makes urban commuting with frequent stopping and starting considerably more comfortable.

For experienced riders, the Hornet is not a sportbike. If you want maximum chassis feedback and race-oriented brakes for aggressive backroad riding, look toward the KTM 390 Duke or Aprilia Tuono 457—different concepts altogether. The Hornet is a balanced everyday companion, not a racetrack tool.

Equipment: Very Good for the Price—E-Clutch a Sensible €629 Option

Standard equipment on both versions includes the 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP USD fork, four-piston radial front brake calipers, Assist and Slipper Clutch, ABS, HSTC traction control, 5-inch color TFT display with anti-glare coating, Honda RoadSync with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, full LED lighting, Emergency Stop Signal turn signals, and a backlit left handlebar switch.

The E-Clutch version adds Honda E-Clutch for €629, with three adjustable shift-effort settings—Hard, Medium, Soft—independently configurable for upshifts and downshifts.

2026 colors are Graphite Black, Pearl Horizon White, and Grand Prix Red. For riding schools, the motorcycle is also available without E-Clutch on request.

Costs: €6,890 / €7,519 With E-Clutch—Kawasaki Z500 SE as the Clearest Comparison

The base price is €6,890 without E-Clutch and €7,519 with E-Clutch.

Its direct twin-cylinder competitor is the Kawasaki Z500 SE, starting at €6,845 including destination charges, around €100 less than the base Hornet. But it does not offer an E-Clutch option, four-piston radial brake calipers, or Honda RoadSync.

Single-cylinder alternatives such as the KTM 390 Duke and Yamaha MT-03 follow a different character concept.

The Honda CB500 Hornet positions itself as the technically best-equipped motorcycle in its immediate class—with the €629 E-Clutch option as a unique selling point.

Service intervals are every 12,000 km. Warranty is six years with unlimited mileage. Honda claims fuel consumption of 3.5 L/100 km, giving a range of approximately 450 km from the 17.7-liter tank.

Verdict

The Honda CB500 Hornet is the benchmark in the A2 naked-bike segment because it solves the class’s biggest problem: it is neither too tame nor too demanding.

SHOWA USD fork, four-piston radial brake calipers, 5-inch TFT, RoadSync, HSTC—all standard from €6,890. For 2026, E-Clutch arrives as a sensible option that makes the motorcycle even easier to approach and more comfortable in everyday use.

If you are not looking for a specialized concept in the A2 class but simply the most balanced overall package, buy the Hornet.

 

Quick Check

+ 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP USD fork standard—above the class standard at this price

+ Four-piston radial front brake calipers standard—Brembo-level hardware for A2 money

+ 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync, turn-by-turn navigation, and smartphone connectivity standard

+ HSTC traction control standard: good control even in wet conditions

+ Honda E-Clutch new for 2026: clutch-lever operation can be eliminated, three shift-effort settings

+ Assist and Slipper Clutch standard: 45 percent lower lever effort, prevents rear-wheel hop

+ 176 kg fully fueled: one of the lightest twins in this class

+ 785 mm seat height: accessible to a broad range of riders, good ground contact from approximately 1.65 meters

+ Emergency Stop Signal, ESS, turn signals standard

+ 3.5 L/100 km fuel consumption: approx. 450 km range from 17.7-liter tank

+ Six-year warranty

 

– E-Clutch costs €629 extra—it is not standard equipment

– Rear shock is not adjustable

– No wind protection: typical naked bike, noticeable at higher highway speeds

– Not the class leader for sporty backroad riding: KTM 390 Duke and Aprilia Tuono 457 offer more dynamic setups

– No riding modes such as Rain or Sport—HSTC is the only electronic intervention

 

Technical Specifications: Honda CB500 Hornet (2026)

Country of Manufacture: Japan / Thailand

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel twin, DOHC, PGM-FI fuel injection

Displacement: 471 cc, 67 mm × 66.8 mm

Power: 35 kW / 47.6 hp at 8,500 rpm; A2-compliant

Torque: 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed; chain final drive; Assist and Slipper Clutch standard

E-Clutch, Optional: Honda E-Clutch; clutch operation without using the lever; three shift-effort settings, Hard/Medium/Soft, independently adjustable for upshifts and downshifts; €629 extra

Frame: High-strength tubular-steel frame

Front Suspension: 41 mm SHOWA SFF-BP upside-down fork; non-adjustable

Rear Suspension: SHOWA monoshock; non-adjustable

Front Brakes: Dual 296 mm discs; four-piston radial calipers

Rear Brake: 240 mm disc; single-piston floating caliper

Rider Aids: ABS standard; HSTC traction control standard; Emergency Stop Signal, ESS, standard

Wheels: Five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels; 17-inch

Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire: 160/60 ZR17

Display: 5-inch color TFT; anti-glare coating; backlit left handlebar switch; Honda RoadSync with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and music

Lighting: Full LED standard

Fully Fueled Weight: 176 kg

Seat Height: 785 mm

Wheelbase: 1,410 mm

Fuel Capacity: 17.7 liters

License Class: A2, 35 kW / A2-compliant

Price in Germany: From €6,890 without E-Clutch; €7,519 with E-Clutch

Warranty: 6 years, unlimited mileage