Honda Motor : brings new energy to middleweight line-up with 5 product reveals at 2018 EICMA show

Honda's lively parallel twin 500cc engine has been sold in over 75,000 motorcycles in Europe since its arrival in 2013.

Having first arrived in the A2 licence-friendly CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X, for 2019 the engine has stronger power and torque between three and seven thousand rpm, and powers the light middleweight trio in upgraded packages with higher specifications and stronger roadster, sport and adventure identities.

All three models now have new rear suspension, assist/slipper clutch, full LED lighting, modernised LCD instruments with gear position and shift-up indication, and new dual-exit muffler for a richer engine note.

The CB500F roadster has sharper new styling from front to back, with more angled nose fairing and side shrouds that interlock cleanly with the fuel tank. The CBR500R is also re-styled: it's narrower and sharper with strong Fireblade styling inspiration and a sportier riding position.

The CB500X compact adventurer, meanwhile, has a much stronger 'X factor' thanks to a new 19' front wheel, longer suspension travel front and rear, slimmer seat, wider steering angle and tougher, more rugged fairing which also improves wind protection.

The 500cc and 650cc engine platforms constitute 35% of Honda's large motorcycle sales in Europe. These five new products for 2019 offer a well-rounded balance of exciting middleweight performance for riders of all experience levels, while providing potential stepping stones to Honda's flagship roadster, adventure and sports models.

Also revealed at EICMA are a number of other product updates: