Honda had already secured its position as an industry leader by the 1980s, but the motorcycle manufacturer refused to rest and sent riders flocking to Honda dealerships across the country in search of a Honda CBR for sale. The original 1983 CBR400F was a naked sport bike that was remarkably versatile and engaging to ride. Small but mighty, the CBR400F marked the beginning of the CBR family and displayed Honda's ingenious engineering, giving riders more opportunities to push the envelope and harness raw power in the saddle. Today, those characteristics define the CBR family, from the entry-level CBR300R to powerhouses like the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
CBR300R: Beginner-Friendly Sportbike
Taking a cue from the original CBR400F, the modern CBR300R is the smallest bike in the current CBR lineup, but it's mighty and incredibly fun to ride. First introduced in 2015 to rival the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the CBR300R continues its reign as one of the best value beginner bikes in the industry because of its affordable price tag and simple design that draws all your attention to your experience in the saddle. For example, the 2022 CBR300R starts at just $4,899.[a] Used models are practically a steal and are particularly appealing to riders still learning the ways of the road.
The CBR300R is an outstanding option for new riders because it's powerful enough to make riding fun without being overwhelming. Its single-cylinder engine offers a broad range of power and ample low-revving torque, guaranteeing its road manners at any speed. Moreover, this performance doesn't compromise its efficiency, with the lightweight CBR300R modestly sipping fuel and ensuring you spend less time refueling and more time chasing the horizon.
CBR500R: Reliable Performance
Honda debuted its straight-twin 500 series in 2013, introducing the world to the CBR500R sport bike. The CBR500R is a significant step up from the CBR300R, relying on a two-cylinder engine to deliver more power that promises a thrilling experience behind the handlebars. Think of the CBR500R as Honda's way of proving that exciting sportbikes don't have to cost a fortune.
The 2023 CBR500R certainly lives up to that reputation, boasting supersport styling and a budget-friendly starting price of $7,299.[a] The bike's heartbeat is a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine renowned for its versatility, offering a wide RPM range and some of the best low-end power in the segment. This output translates to dynamic handling that Honda complements with the CBR500's lighter swingarm, steel-tube frame, slipper/assist clutch, and upside-down Showa Big Piston front fork.
CBR600RR: Lightweight Supersport
Moving into the middleweight class brings us to the legendary CBR600RR, a race-replica sport bike that made headlines in 2003 when it ousted its predecessor, the CBR600F4i, as the Supersport World Champion. The CBR600RR has enjoyed a lengthy winning streak and secured its position in the Honda lineup. Unlike other Honda sport bikes, it immediately differentiated itself because it was designed for racing from the ground up and only later fine tuned for the road. The difference is phenomenal, earning the CBR600RR a cult following of adventurous riders looking for versatility and a no-compromise approach to performance.
The 2023 CBR600RR continues that legacy and is one of only a handful of 600-class supersport bikes remaining. This exclusivity and the bike's reasonable starting price of $12,099 make it incredibly appealing, but Honda does something far more impressive by delivering tangible value with this extraordinary powerhouse.[a] The 2023 CBR600RR draws its power from a 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, but Honda goes a step further to improve the bike's overall performance. The radial-mounted front-brake calipers enhance stopping power, while the Honda Electronic Steering Damper adjusts damping based on speed to help you maintain control and get the most out of every ride.
CBR650R: Road-Ready Power
Although many manufacturers are slowly doing away with four-cylinder bikes for torquier twins and triples, Honda isn't ready to let these powerhouses go, and riders are grateful. These middleweight bikes fulfill a unique need among riders looking to have their proverbial cake and eat it, too. What do we mean? Four-cylinder bikes are naturally smoother and higher-revving, which Honda capitalizes on by outfitting the CBR650R with a 649cc inline-four that promises higher speeds than nearly every twin available. It's a balance that Honda describes as "magical," and we certainly agree.
Honda offers even more magic with the CBR650R in 2023. The bike starts at $9,899, making it budget-friendly and outstanding value.[a] It's also a great-looking bike, with its sportbike styling enhancing its aesthetic without compromising your comfort or the bike's handling. Honda manages this balance by relying on a twin-spar frame that's lightweight and strong and components like a Showa Separate Function Front Fork that heightens performance and features adjustable spring preload, rebound, and compression damping. You'll also find features like the Honda Selectable Torque Control System, which adjusts the engine's power output to minimize wheel slippage and enhance your control.
CBR1000RR: Superbike Thrills
The CBR1000RR needs no introduction. Honda's legendary superbike first took the world by storm in 2004. Designed by the same team that developed Valentino Rossi's championship-winning MotoGP bike, every aspect of the CBR1000RR was engineered for top-tier performance. The original CBR1000RR debuted with an all-new chassis with an inverted fork, Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, and the revolutionary Honda Electronic Steering Damper system. Fast forward two decades and the CBR1000RR continues its tenure at the top of the class. The 2023 model promises immediate responsiveness and a new level of power you'll only experience from the CBR family.
Starting at $16,599 in 2023, the CBR1000RR embodies Honda's dedication to building affordable bikes that offer legendary performance.[a] Moreover, the CBR1000RR has the heart of a speed demon and a penchant for tearing down twisty roads. This bike handles exceptionally well at high speeds and is now available with gyro-assisted ABS that measure lean angle when braking. As a result, Honda successfully delivers a powerhouse that can satiate your need for speed without sacrificing your budget.
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP: MotoGP Innovation
The Fireblade name is no stranger to motorcycle enthusiasts, but it became something truly special when Honda debuted the 2020 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Completely redesigned with a new, more potent engine, this race-ready model is what superbike dreams are made of. It's one of the most awe-inspiring bikes in the class, filled with features developed for MotoGP. While it costs almost twice as much as the standard CBR1000RR, coming in at a cool $28,900 for the 2022 model, the price tag is more than worth it for skilled sportbike riders.[a]
You will experience pure adrenaline in the saddle as the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP roars to life with an engine that features the same bore and stroke as the Honda MotoGP Champion RC213V race bike. Undeniably taking cues from the racing circuit, the Fireblade SP is a two-wheeled powerhouse always ready for adventure. Honda guarantees as much by outfitting the bike with a quick shifter for days at the track, innovations like the Smart Key that offers convenience and reduces bulk, and advanced technologies like the throttle-by-wire system that makes the throttle response smooth and instantaneous, a winning combination every rider wants and needs.
Joining the CBR Family
Honda introduced its CBR lineup in the 1980s, instantly garnering acclaim with a 400cc bike that was lightweight and agile, powerful and efficient, affordable and versatile. It was an outstanding combination that prompted Honda to expand the family and answer the ongoing demand from riders looking for more power. Today, Honda continues to deliver with the CBR fleet offering exceptional value and a broad spectrum of power and performance with its 300, 500, 600, 650, and 1000cc models. Getting in the saddle of a Honda CBR means experiencing this value firsthand, enjoying the reliability of the Honda name, and joining the legacy of one of the most revered motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
