Honda CBR500R FOUR versus the rivals from Kawasaki, ZXMOTO and QJMotor

Honda is launching headlong into one of the more interesting sports bike segments this winter, with its CBR500R FOUR arriving as its latest lightweight supersport offering.

Since Kawasaki brought its Ninja ZX-4RR to the UK market, the small-capacity four-cylinder class has started to attract more attention, with Chinese manufacturers now offering their own alternatives at considerably lower prices.

Honda's new arrival has a larger engine than the Kawasaki and QJMotor, but it isn't the most powerful bike here, nor does it have the lowest claimed weight. Instead, it brings its own combination of everyday usability, rider technology and the familiar Honda nameplate to the segment.

With that in mind, here's how the four bikes compare on paper, before we get into which one makes the most sense.

Honda CBR500R FOUR

Honda's new CBR500R FOUR is an all-new proposition for UK riders, although its 502cc inline-four engine is related to the unit used in the Chinese-market CB500 Super Four. 

It produces 69.5bhp at 11,000rpm and 34.1lb-ft of torque at 10,500rpm, with a six-speed gearbox and Honda's E-Clutch system.

The E-Clutch system is the main talking point in terms of technology. It allows the rider to pull away, change gear and come to a stop without laying a finger on the clutch lever – while still retaining a conventional lever. 

The CBR500R FOUR uses a steel diamond frame, 41mm KYB upside-down forks and a Pro-Link rear monoshock, with five-position preload adjustment at the back. 

Braking comes via twin 296mm front discs with radial-mounted Nissin calipers, while the 780mm seat height is the lowest of this group.

Equipment includes a five-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity, USB-C charging, traction control, wheelie control and five riding modes, comprising Standard, Sport, Urban and two user-configurable settings. Honda also offers an A2-compliant version.

Priced at £6,999, the CBR500R FOUR is due in UK dealers in January 2027. Its kerb weight is 189kg, putting it level with the Kawasaki but above both Chinese alternatives.

The final point of note with the new CBR is the name on the fuel tank. Honda has built a reputation for reliability and quality over the years that few brands can match. Compared to some of the less well-known brands, that peace of mind can make a real difference when picking your next bike.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR

Kawasaki is the established name in this particular corner of the market, with its Ninja ZX-4RR bringing a 399cc inline-four engine that produces 76.4bhp at 14,500rpm and 26.5lb-ft of torque at 11,000rpm.

It is the smallest engine in this comparison, but its high-revving nature gives it the highest power output of the Japanese pair. The ZX-4RR also has a more track-focused specification, including Showa suspension, a BFRC Lite rear shock and adjustable preload at the front.

A steel trellis frame sits at the heart of the chassis, while the braking system uses twin front discs. Kawasaki's riding modes and traction control are joined by a TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity, while the standard bidirectional Kawasaki Quick Shifter allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts.

The ZX-4RR weighs 189kg and has an 800mm seat height. At £8,799, it is also the most expensive motorcycle in this comparison, sitting £1,800 above the Honda and more than £2,900 above the QJMotor once the latter's on-the-road charge is included.

QJMotor SRK 421 RR

The QJMotor SRK 421 RR takes the fight directly to the Kawasaki, using a 421cc inline-four engine with a claimed output of 76.4bhp at 14,000rpm and 28.8lb-ft of torque at 13,000rpm.

That gives it the same quoted peak power as the Kawasaki, with slightly more torque, while its equipment list is another selling point. The bike uses Marzocchi suspension at both ends, with fully adjustable upside-down forks and a fully adjustable rear monoshock, alongside Brembo brakes and Bosch ABS.

There is also a slipper clutch, a standard-fit bidirectional quickshifter, traction control and a TFT display. The QJMotor's steel and aluminium chassis is paired with a 16.5-litre fuel tank, while its 795mm seat height is marginally higher than the Honda's. Its official UK kerb-weight figure is 185kg.

The SRK 421 RR costs £5,299 before the £300 on-the-road charge, taking the price to £5,599. That makes it the cheapest bike here on a comparable ride-away basis, undercutting the Honda by £1,400 while matching the Kawasaki's claimed peak power.

ZXMOTO 500RR

The ZXMOTO 500RR is the other Chinese contender, and its 470cc inline-four engine has the highest claimed output in this group. ZXMOTO quotes 62kW, equivalent to around 83.1bhp, at 13,500rpm, alongside 33.9lb-ft of torque at 11,500rpm.

Its claimed kerb weight of 168kg is also the lowest here, giving the 500RR a 21kg advantage over the Honda and Kawasaki. The chassis uses a steel trellis-style frame and a single-sided aluminium swingarm, while the 41mm upside-down front forks offer adjustment for preload and damping.

The equipment list includes a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction control and adjustable suspension. ZXMOTO also advertises a slipper clutch and a quickshifter as standard.

With a listed price of £5,899, the 500RR sits £1,100 below the Honda and £2,900 below the Kawasaki. It is not quite as cheap as the QJMotor, but its claimed power and weight figures make it an interesting alternative on paper.

H3>Which one makes the most sense?

The specification table tells an interesting story. The ZXMOTO 500RR has the highest claimed power and the lowest weight, while the QJMotor SRK 421 RR matches the Kawasaki for peak power at a considerably lower price. If the decision were based purely on headline figures, the two Chinese bikes would be difficult to ignore.

The Kawasaki, meanwhile, remains the more expensive option, but it brings established brand recognition and a more track-oriented specification. Its high-revving engine, Showa suspension and standard bidirectional quickshifter give it a clear identity, although £8,799 is a substantial sum for a bike with a 399cc engine.

Honda takes a different approach. The CBR500R FOUR is heavier than the two Chinese alternatives and produces less peak power than either the Kawasaki or QJMotor, but its larger engine, lower seat and E-Clutch system could make it an appealing choice for riders who want a sports bike that is easier to live with day to day. It also has the advantage of Honda's established UK dealer network.

The QJMotor arguably makes the strongest case based on equipment for the money, combining adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes and a quickshifter for £5,599 on the road. The ZXMOTO, meanwhile, has the most enticing claimed power-to-weight figures, although buyers will want to look beyond the specification sheet and consider dealer support, servicing and the long-term ownership proposition.

Ultimately, these bikes are aimed at slightly different priorities. The Kawasaki is the established track-focused option, the QJMotor is a value-led package, the ZXMOTO leads on claimed performance and weight, and the Honda places more emphasis on technology and everyday usability. Which is best will depend on how you use them, but the return of the small-capacity four-cylinder sports bike means buyers now have a genuine choice.

Specs