About 47 horsepower (roughly 34.9 kW) from its 471cc parallel-twin engine, as rated by Honda.
The 2016 CBR500R aims for a balance of approachable power and sporty feel. The official horsepower figure is SAE net, measured at the crank after accessory losses, and the bike delivers peak power around 8,600 rpm with usable midrange torque for street riding.
Official horsepower and engine specs
Key performance figures summarize the main outputs and where they occur in the rev range.
- Horsepower: 47 hp (34.9 kW) at 8,600 rpm
- Torque: about 32.5 Nm (24.0 ft-lb) at around 6,000–6,500 rpm
- Displacement: 471 cc
- Engine configuration: liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC
- Transmission: 6-speed with chain final drive
These numbers reflect the 2016 model’s performance envelope, designed to provide strong mid-range acceleration and a high-end surge suitable for highway cruising and twisty roads alike.
Context and rider experience
Power delivery and usable range
The engine is tuned to deliver broad, tractable power: strong torque in the low-to-mid range and a bright, high-revving top end that reaches the horsepower peak near the redline.
Engine vs wheel power
Published horsepower figures refer to engine output (SAE net). Real-world wheel horsepower will be lower due to drivetrain losses, exhaust, and aerodynamics, but the on-road feel mirrors the stated power delivery — lively enough for confident street riding without being excessive.
Summary
The 2016 Honda CBR500R delivers about 47 horsepower from its 471cc engine, offering a balanced blend of accessible performance for new riders and satisfying power for more experienced riders on open roads.