The Honda shook up the Brazilian motorcycle market by presenting four new models that combine the nostalgia of 80s icons with cutting-edge technology. The launches, which took place during Festival Interlagos, in São Paulo, included the CB 500 Hornet, the NX 500, the CB 650R with innovative E-Clutch technology and the updated CRF 1100L Africa Twin. The Japanese manufacturer’s strategy aims to strengthen its presence in key segments such as naked, crossover and adventure.
The event, consolidated as the largest in the two-wheel sector at América Latina, served as a stage for the automaker to demonstrate its strength and capacity for innovation. The models presented feature advanced features, such as TFT panels with connectivity and traction control systems, designed to suit both riders who seek agility in urban traffic and those who venture into long journeys and challenging terrain.
The arrival of these models occurs in a scenario of growth in the motorcycle sector, with market projections indicating continued growth. The focus on established names, such as Hornet and NX, seeks to attract both experienced motorcyclists and a new generation that values design and performance, but does not compromise on safety and on-board technology.
Return of the naked and crossover icons
Honda invested heavily in reviving names that marked a generation to boost its sales in the mid-displacement segment. The CB 500 Hornet, which succeeds the successful CB 500F, arrives with a more aggressive and angular design, in line with the streetfighter concept. Equipada with a 471 cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers 48 horsepower, the motorcycle has a suggested price of R$43,040 and is available in red, pearlescent black and pearlescent white. Entre its technological highlights are the 5-inch TFT panel with connectivity and HSTC traction control (Honda Selectable Torque Control).
The NX 500 takes over from the CB 500X, maintaining versatility for mixed use, but with significant improvements. The model’s weight was reduced to 196 kg thanks to lighter alloy wheels. The mechanical package is the same as the Hornet, with 47.5 hp, but the Showa inverted suspension and crossover design make it ideal for different types of terrain. Comercializada for R$45,800 in red, black and white, the NX 500 also has dual-channel ABS brakes and a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.
E-Clutch technology revolutionizes the CB 650R
One of the biggest technological highlights presented by Honda is the E-Clutch system, which debuts on the CB 650R. Essa exclusive innovation eliminates the need to operate the clutch lever to change gears, both up and down. The system uses electronic actuators to automatically manage the clutch, providing more comfort and reducing driver fatigue, especially in traffic jams. The rider still has the option of deactivating the system and using the clutch in a conventional way.
Launched with a suggested price of R$58,270, the CB 650R E-Clutch maintains the acclaimed Neo Sports Café style, with a round LED headlight and modern lines. Seu powerful four-cylinder in-line engine, with 649 cc, generates 86.7 hp and 6.4 kgfm of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.5 seconds. Essa technology positions the Honda one step ahead of direct competitors such as the Yamaha MT-07, offering a unique riding experience in the segment.
The 2026 version of the model has already been confirmed and will bring updates to the engine’s electronic mapping, aiming for greater fuel efficiency. Testes carried out on highways indicate that the motorcycle can achieve consumption averages of up to 20 km/l, an impressive number for its power category. The steel trellis chassis and branded Showa adjustable suspension ensure stability and precision in high-speed cornering.
Africa Twin gets renewed wheels and graphics
The legendary CRF 1100L Africa Twin, a reference in the big trail segment, also received important updates. The model is now available in three versions for the Brazilian market: the Standard, with 21-inch spoked wheels at the front, ideal for off-road, and the In the Adventure Sports version, the 24.8 liter fuel tank guarantees an impressive range of up to 500 km, making it the perfect companion for long expeditions. The model also offers the option of an automated dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which simulates manual shifts smoothly and precisely. The heart of the Africa Twin is the 1,084 cc parallel twin engine, which delivers 102 hp of power and 10.5 kgfm of torque. The motorcycle arrives with new color options, such as red Grand Prix and matte metallic gray, as well as tricolor graphics that pay homage to the victorious legacy of the Honda in the Rally Dakar. The electronically adjustable Showa EERA electronic suspension and multiple riding modes, including Gravel and User, allow the rider to adapt the bike’s response to any type of terrain with ease.
Technical details of the four models
The new launches of the Honda cover a wide range of displacements, from 471 cc to 1,084 cc, with prices that suit different consumer profiles. Todos models are equipped as standard with the Honda Selectable Torque Control system, which increases safety by preventing the rear wheel from skidding during sudden acceleration on low-grip surfaces.
The CB 500 Hornet was designed with a focus on urban agility. Seus front brakes feature double discs and Nissin calipers, ensuring powerful and safe braking. The slipper-assisted clutch prevents the rear wheel from locking during heavy downshifts, contributing to smoother, more controlled driving.
On the NX 500, the optical assembly with vertical LED headlight offers excellent nighttime visibility, while the rear monoshock absorber with link (Pro-Link) efficiently absorbs irregularities in the ground, providing comfort for both the rider and pillion on dirt roads or bad asphalt.
The CB 650R E-Clutch, in addition to the electronic clutch, stands out for its bidirectional quickshifter, which allows gear changes without using the clutch even with the system deactivated, as long as the motorcycle is at speeds above 20 km/h. Finally, the Africa Twin incorporates a six-axis Unidade of
Experiences at the festival booth
The Honda space at Festival Interlagos was one of the most visited, occupying an area of 1,500 m² with 23 motorcycles on display. The main attraction was the test ride areas, where the public could try out the launches on the race track. The sessions to test the CB 650R’s E-Clutch technology were the most popular, with participants reporting an average adaptation time of just five minutes.
Other activations included demonstrations of the Africa Twin’s DCT transmission, with expert instructors demonstrating the system’s smoothness on steep climbs and speed pick-ups. Segundo the organization of the event, more than 5 thousand people participated in the test rides promoted by the brand, a 20% increase in engagement compared to the previous edition of the festival.
Market reacts to the bailouts of the 80s
The return of iconic names like Hornet and NX had an immediate impact on the market. The marketing strategy, combined with the quality of the products, resulted in more than 2 thousand units sold in the pre-sale period alone. Analistas from the automotive sector predict that these two models alone could boost sales of the
Innovations in suspension and electronics
The inverted front suspension type Showa SFF-BP (Separated Function Fork-Big Piston) on the CB 500 Já a NX 500 utiliza garfos telescópicos de 41 mm de diâmetro, com ajuste de pré-carga na mola, permitindo adaptar a suspensão para o transporte de bagagem ou garupa, suportando cargas de até 180 kg sem comprometer a estabilidade.
On the CB 650R, the braking system with four-piston radial-mount calipers is capable of dissipating heat more efficiently, ensuring consistent performance even in intense use, such as on racetracks. The electronics of the Africa Twin, in turn, are a chapter in themselves, with the six-axis IMU that enables the ABS to function in curves and wheelie control, raising the level of active safety in the big trail segment.
