Honda CB500 Super Four: A New Era of Four-Cylinder Passion
Honda CB500 Super Four: Where Classic Inline-Four Heritage Meets Modern Innovation. Specifications and details may differ.
Honda has officially launched the CB500 Super Four in China, unveiling it at the 2025 China International Motorcycle Exhibition (CIMAMotor) in Chongqing. The bike immediately caught the spotlight for reviving the four-cylinder “Super Four” spirit while adding modern technology and a global production strategy. For riders nostalgic about the CB400 Super Four, the CB500 offers a familiar thrill with a fresh perspective—bridging heritage and innovation.
Honda CB500 Super Four: Where Classic Inline-Four Heritage Meets Modern Innovation. Specifications and details may differ.
A Legacy Reimagined
The “Super Four” badge is legendary in Honda’s motorcycle lineup, made iconic by the CB400 Super Four. Known for its silky inline-four engine and enduring naked styling, the CB400 earned cult status in Japan and Asia before production ended in 2022. The new CB500 Super Four builds on that heritage, preserving the emotional appeal of a four-cylinder while offering updated styling and engineering. Its muscular tank and upright ergonomics recall the CB400, but sharper body lines, LED lights, and premium detailing bring it into the modern era.
Engine and Performance: CB500 vs. CB400
At its core, the CB500 Super Four features a 500cc DOHC inline-four-cylinder engine, a standout in today’s market dominated by parallel twins. The CB400 Super Four delivered around 55 hp with a high-revving character, while the CB500 is tuned for roughly 47 hp, keeping it A2-license-friendly in Europe. However, the CB500 emphasizes stronger torque in the low-to-mid range, making it more versatile for everyday riding. While the CB400 was a purist’s machine celebrated for its high-rev rush, the CB500 is designed to deliver the same smooth four-cylinder feel with greater practicality.
| Feature | CB400 Super Four | CB500 Super Four |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 399cc inline-four, DOHC | 500cc inline-four, DOHC |
| Power Output | ~55 hp, high revving | ~47 hp, A2-compliant |
| Torque | Focused on top end | Broader low-mid range |
| Instrumentation | Analog gauges | Digital LCD display |
| Market Focus | Japan & Asia | China launch, global potential |
Honda CB500 Super Four: Where Classic Inline-Four Heritage Meets Modern Innovation. Specifications and details may differ.
Modern Technology for Today’s Riders
Unlike the CB400’s simpler setup, the CB500 integrates a suite of modern features. Riders get LED lighting, a digital LCD cluster, and standard ABS brakes for improved safety. In addition, Honda has made Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) available, giving extra stability on slippery roads. These updates ensure that the CB500 doesn’t just rely on nostalgia—it is ready for today’s demands, whether in city traffic or spirited weekend rides.
Production Strategy and Future Outlook
Another key difference lies in how the bikes are built. The CB400 Super Four was primarily developed and sold in Japan and select Asian markets, remaining a regional cult classic. The CB500 Super Four, however, is produced in China with locally sourced components, making it more affordable while keeping Honda’s global quality benchmarks. This opens the door for broader exports across Southeast Asia and potentially Europe.
By pairing classic Super Four heritage with modern features and a smarter global production plan, Honda positions the CB500 as the future of mid-sized four-cylinder motorcycles. It doesn’t just replace the CB400—it redefines the Super Four for a new generation of riders, keeping Honda’s inline-four passion alive while adapting to modern realities.
Sources:
Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (2025, September 12). Honda releases the new CB500 Super Four in China. Honda China.
https://www.honda.com.cn/news/1397.html
Yoojia. (2025, September 12). Honda officially launches CB500 Super Four at CIMAMotor 2025. Yoojia.