Honda CB500F mods & upgrades

The CB500F is the CBR500R with a handlebar: same 471 cc twin, frame and swingarm, so most non-bodywork parts are listed for both bikes. The 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2024 updates and the 2026 CB500 Hornet rename each change what a listing says, so match parts to your year.

1. Fit a fender eliminator

   TST lists one kit for the CB500F and CBR500R 2016–2023; Yoshimura's V2 lists the F only 2016–2018 (the CBR500R 2016–2025). Puig's rear fenders split 2013–2018, 2019–2021 and 2022–2024. For 2024+ bikes, search both 'CB500F' and 'CB500 Hornet'.

   Tail Tidy & Billet

2. Add guards and sliders

   Puig lists engine guards and R19 frame sliders for the CB500F 2013–2024 as single parts; Vortex V3 2.0 sliders list CB500F/X 2013–2016. A naked bike lands on its engine covers first, but we found no GB Racing covers listed for the CB500F (its CBR500R sets list 2013–2018 and 2019–2026, and the engine is shared), so confirm a listing names your bike.

   Crash Protection

3. Choose a slip-on

   Akrapovič lists 2013–2015, 2016–2018 and 2018–2025 slip-ons; Two Brothers M-2 (CB500F/X 2013–2015), Yoshimura R-77 (CB500F/X 2013–2014), Hindle (CBR500R/F/X 2013–2015 and 2016–2024) and Hotbodies MGP Stinger (2013–2026) also list slip-ons. Hotbodies states its slip-on does not remove the cat.

   Exhaust

4. Fit levers and handguards

   Vortex lists CB500F/X levers for 2013–2014, Puig lists a clutch-lever adapter for 2013–2015 and handguards for 2016–2024, and Womet-Tech's shorty kit lists the CB500F 2013–2021 and is not compatible with 2022+. The stock brake lever became adjustable in 2016.

   LeversClip-ons & Throttle

5. Spring the suspension for your weight

   Honda lists preload adjustment only on the 2016–2021 fork. Start with springs for your weight, then choose a shock listed for your year; the 2019 update replaced the double-tube shock with a single-tube unit (Honda).

   Suspension

6. Add a windscreen

   Puig's Rafale windscreen lists the CB500F 2013–2024 as one part and its New Generation Sport windscreen lists 2016–2024; for 2024+ bikes Puig also lists CB500 Hornet windscreens for 2024–2026.

   Bodywork

1. Buy tires in the stock sizes

   Stock is 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear (Honda). Confirm your tire choice is made in a 160/60 before planning around it.

   Tires & Wheels

2. Set up the brakes for your year

   2013–2021: one 320 mm disc with a two-piston caliper, so pads and a braided line come first. 2022+: dual 296 mm discs; Honda's 2022 releases describe Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers while Honda US spec sheets print two-piston, so identify your calipers before buying pads. Do not assume CBR500R pads fit without checking.

   Brakes

3. Spring the fork, then fit a shock

   2013–2021: springs and oil first, then internals for the conventional fork. 2022+: springs first, and confirm that any cartridge kit lists the SFF-BP fork. Choose a shock listed for your year.

   Suspension

4. Regear

   Stock is a 520 chain with a 15T front and 41T rear sprocket. Two or three teeth up at the rear is the usual track change. SprocketCenter lists CB500F kits for 2013–2021 and 2022–2025.

   Drivetrain

5. Fit rearsets and protection

   Woodcraft lists complete rearsets and a base kit for the CBR500R/CB500F (2013–2015 SKUs). Add spools and an under-engine slider set.

   RearsetsCrash Protection

6. Flash to match a full system

   Woolich sells ECU packages for 2013–2015, 2016–2017, 2018–2020, 2021–2023 and 2024–2025, each also covering the CBR500R. Hindle lists CBR500R/F/X full systems for 2013–2015 and 2016–2022.

   TuneExhaust

• 2013–2015 (launch)2013–2015

  471 cc twin with a 41 mm conventional fork, one 320 mm wave disc with a two-piston caliper, a 4.1 gal tank and optional ABS. Certain 2013 bikes share the CBR500R's rocker-arm-shaft-bolt recall (NHTSA 14V-056). Slip-ons, levers and sliders list 2013–2015 as a distinct fitment.

• 2016–2018 update2016–2018

  LED headlight and taillight, a preload-adjustable fork, a 4.4 gal tank with a hinged cap, a five-step adjustable front brake lever and a shorter muffler (Honda). Akrapovič lists three CB500F slip-ons (2013–2015, 2016–2018, 2018–2025). Yoshimura's V2 tail-tidy kit lists the CB500F only 2016–2018, and Puig lists rear fenders as 2013–2018, 2019–2021 and 2022–2024.

• 2019–2021 update2019–2021

  Streetfighter restyle with a tapered handlebar, an assist/slipper clutch, inlet, exhaust and valve-timing changes for more low-to-mid power, a new single-tube shock replacing the double-tube unit, LCD with gear position, LED signals and a 4.5 gal tank. ABS was optional on the 2019 US bike, and the 2021 spec sheet lists only the ABS model. Not included in the 2019–2020 ABS-modulator recall that covered the CBR500R and CB500X.

• 2022–2023 update2022–2023

  41 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, dual 296 mm front discs, lighter five-spoke wheels, a 2 mm steel swingarm, aluminum footpegs and standard ABS; 416 lb. Honda's US and Europe press releases describe radial-mount four-piston Nissin calipers, while Honda US spec sheets and the 2022 brochure table print two-piston. Read the brakes note before buying pads.

• 2024–2025 update · CB500 Hornet 2026+2024–present

  Headlight side ducts, a new LED headlight and taillight, a 5-inch TFT, standard HSTC traction control and an ECU update; 414 lb. Europe's 2024 model was already the CB500 Hornet; the US kept 'CB500F' for 2024–2025 and adopted 'CB500 Hornet' for 2026. Same bike, two names: search both.