Introduced for the 2013 model year, this Honda middleweight naked road sport bike was part of the company’s new 500cc family unveiled in late 2012 and rolled out globally in 2013. It was developed around a newly designed liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine and a slim, approachable chassis aimed at riders who wanted an easy-to-live-with street motorcycle with a more substantial presence than a small-displacement commuter. From the start, the model was positioned as a modern, practical naked bike rather than a retro homage, with styling and ergonomics tuned for everyday use and accessible sporty riding.
In Honda’s CB history, this nameplate belongs to the modern era of the CB line rather than the earlier 1970s four-cylinder CB500 FOUR. The 2013 bike became one of Honda’s core entry points into its larger-displacement street lineup, and it has remained part of the company’s 500-class platform through updates over the years. Honda has periodically refreshed the model for different markets, but it has continued as a recognizable member of the 500 family rather than disappearing and returning under the same nameplate.
The model’s history is also tied to Honda’s broader strategy of creating a worldwide family of approachable mid-size motorcycles. It has been sold as a road-focused naked bike in many markets, serving riders who want everyday usability, manageable size, and a straightforward riding experience with enough character to feel like a proper Honda CB. In some recent markets Honda has introduced Hornet branding for the same 500-class streetfighter concept, but the original CB500F nameplate remains the basis of this record.