Honda Cbr Series

Let us clear one thing up first: the Honda CBR series is a family of sport motorcycles, not pedal bicycles. If you searched "Honda CBR series," this guide explains honestly what the range is, which models sit where, and roughly what they cost, so you know exactly what you are looking at. If you actually want a pedal powered bike, we point you to the right guides at the end.

What the Honda CBR series is

The Honda CBR is a series of Honda sport bikes first introduced in 1983. Sport bikes are motorcycles designed and optimized for high performance on paved roads and race tracks, prioritizing speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering, often at the expense of comfort, fuel economy, and storage. Early CBR models were notable as among the earliest all enclosed motorcycles.

Because these are motorcycles, they require a motorcycle license, insurance, and registration in most places, and they are fundamentally different from the human powered bicycles this site usually covers. For the sourced background, see the Honda CBR series Wikipedia page and the general overview of what defines a sport bike.

The models in the CBR range

The CBR name covers a broad ladder of engine sizes and engine layouts, which is one reason the series has stayed popular for decades. In simple terms, the number in the name roughly indicates displacement.

• Single cylinder models such as the CBR125R, CBR150R, CBR250R, and CBR300R, aimed at newer riders and lighter commuting.
• Inline twin models such as the CBR250RR, CBR400R, and CBR500R, a step up in power and character.
• Inline four middleweights and superbikes such as the CBR600RR and the CBR650F and CBR650R.
• The flagship Fireblade line, from the earlier CBR900RR through to the current CBR1000RR-R Fireblade introduced for 2020.

Except for the single cylinder models noted above, CBR motorcycles use inline engines. The exact lineup available depends heavily on your country and the current model year.

How to choose within the range

Because the CBR ladder is so wide, the right choice depends on experience, use, and licensing rather than simply buying the biggest one.

1. New riders are usually steered toward the smaller single cylinder CBRs, which are lighter and more forgiving.
2. Everyday and mixed use riders often land on the middleweight twins and the CBR650R, which balance usability and performance.
3. Track and experienced sport riders gravitate to the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, which are focused, high performance machines.
4. Licensing rules in many regions cap engine power for newer license holders, so check what you are legally allowed to ride first.

What a Honda CBR costs

Prices for the CBR range vary enormously by model, market, and year, so treat any figure as a broad guide to confirm with a dealer rather than a fixed price. As a rough sense of the ladder, the small single cylinder CBRs are the most affordable tier, the CBR500R sits in the middle, the CBR650R steps up again, and the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade sit at the premium and flagship end respectively. The gap between the entry models and the Fireblade is very large.

On top of the purchase price, budget for insurance, registration, protective gear, and servicing, which for a performance motorcycle are meaningful ongoing costs. Always confirm current pricing and availability with an authorized Honda dealer in your country.

How this differs from a bicycle

It is worth being explicit, because the search term lands people on very different expectations. A Honda CBR is a petrol powered motorcycle that needs a license, fuel, and specialist servicing. A bicycle is human powered, needs no license or fuel, and is far cheaper to buy and maintain. Neither is better, they simply solve different problems.

If your real goal is a pedal bike, our complete bike guide and types of bicycles guide are the right starting points. If you want motor assistance while still pedaling, an electric bicycle is the middle ground, covered in our electric bike guide.

Related sport machines to compare

If you are shopping in the sport motorcycle space rather than for a bicycle, it makes sense to compare across brands and categories. A common cross shop for riders who want performance with a touch more everyday practicality is the sport touring class, such as the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, which we cover in its own Tiger Sport 660 guide.

Whatever you ride, the fundamentals of good gear and safe habits carry over. Our gear guide focuses on cycling, but the principle of investing in protection and visibility applies to any two wheeled machine.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Honda CBR a bicycle or a motorcycle?

The Honda CBR series is a family of sport motorcycles, not bicycles. It is powered by a petrol engine, requires a motorcycle license, and is designed for high performance on roads and tracks. It has no connection to pedal powered bicycles beyond both having two wheels.

When did the Honda CBR series start?

Honda introduced the CBR series of sport bikes in 1983. The range has evolved continuously since then, growing from early enclosed designs into today's lineup that spans small single cylinder models up to the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

Which Honda CBR is best for a beginner?

Newer riders are usually pointed toward the smaller single cylinder models such as the CBR125R, CBR250R, or CBR300R, which are lighter and more forgiving. Larger models like the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade are high performance machines better suited to experienced riders, and licensing rules may limit what a new rider can legally use.

How much does a Honda CBR cost?

Prices vary widely by model, market, and year, so confirm with a local Honda dealer. In broad terms the small single cylinder CBRs are the most affordable, the CBR500R and CBR650R sit in the middle, and the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade are the premium and flagship options with a large gap in price between the smallest and the flagship.

I actually want a pedal bike, where should I look?

If you were after a human powered bicycle, start with our complete bike guide and our guide to the types of bicycles. If you want motor assistance without a motorcycle license, an electric bicycle is the practical middle ground and has its own dedicated guide.