Honda launched the CBR500R in 2013 with a clear brief: build the best A2-licence motorcycle on the market. Eleven years later, it has consistently delivered on that promise. The 471cc parallel twin is refined, fuel-efficient, and genuinely forgiving for developing riding skills — while offering enough performance to remain engaging well beyond the point where most riders would have upgraded to a larger machine.
In Japan, the CBR500 family (CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X) has built a large ownership base. Auction supply is deep and consistent. For UK buyers who want a CBR500R without paying UK dealer prices, Japan offers better value and, typically, better-maintained examples than the domestic used market.
This guide covers which generation to target, total landed costs, the MSVA split between pre- and post-2016 models, and what to look for on every auction sheet.
Why the CBR500R Makes Sense as a Japan Import
The CBR500R's strengths as an import choice come from Honda's production model: Japan-specific marketing focus, high domestic sales volumes, and an ownership demographic that typically keeps bikes in good condition.
- Price gap: A 2019 CBR500R at UK dealers typically lists at £5,500–£6,500. A comparable Japanese auction example lands fully registered at £4,000–£5,500 — saving £1,000–£1,500 for the same bike.
- Exceptional supply: The CBR500 family is one of the highest-volume middleweight ranges in Japan. BDS and other auctions carry consistent CBR500R supply across all model years, making it easy to find exactly the specification you want.
- Honda reliability: The 471cc parallel twin is arguably the most dependable engine in its class. Japanese-sourced examples benefit from Honda's ownership culture: regular dealer servicing, careful storage, and low mileage relative to age.
- MSVA-exempt early models: 2013–2015 CBR500Rs are pre-2016 bikes and exempt from the MSVA test. This simplifies registration and saves £300–£500 in preparation and test costs.
The CBR500R (full fairing), CB500F (naked), and CB500X (adventure tourer) share the same engine, chassis, and importability. If your priority is comfort over outright sports styling, the CB500X is particularly well-suited to UK roads and commands only a modest price premium at auction. All three follow the same registration process.
Model Year Guide: CBR500R Generations
The CBR500R has evolved through two clear generations since its 2013 launch, with meaningful updates in 2016 and 2019.
| Year | Generation | Key Changes | Notes for UK Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2015 | First gen | Launch model. 471cc parallel twin, 47 PS. Full fairing. PGM-FI injection. Conventional forks. | MSVA-exempt. Lowest prices. Best for budget-conscious buyers. |
| 2016–2018 | Second gen | Revised styling. Assist and slipper clutch. Revised frame geometry. Improved braking. | MSVA required. Updated but prices still competitive. |
| 2019–2021 | Third gen | Major refresh. New LED lighting. Revised fairings. Improved instrumentation. Showa SFF-BP forks on some spec levels. | Best value in the modern generation. Strong supply. |
| 2022–2024 | Third gen cont. | Euro 5 compliance (fuel system refinement). Continued production. Updated colour options. | Newest available. Low mileage. Higher hammer prices. |
For most buyers, 2019–2021 examples at Grade 3.5 or 4 offer the best combination of modern features, condition, and price. For buyers prioritising the simplest registration process and lowest total cost, 2013–2015 examples are unbeatable on value and avoid MSVA entirely.
What to Check on the Auction Sheet
The CBR500R is one of the most forgiving bikes to evaluate at auction — the engine is robust, the electronics are minimal, and the common issues are well-documented and inexpensive to address.
Engine and drivetrain
The 471cc parallel twin is extremely durable. Cross-reference the stated mileage with chain condition (wear rating on the sheet), brake pad thickness, and tyre depth. A 2019 CBR500R claiming 8,000 km should have minimal wear across all three. Any significant discrepancy warrants caution.
The assist and slipper clutch (introduced 2016) requires no specific attention — Honda's implementation is reliable and low-maintenance. If the sheet shows the bike has had a clutch lever replaced (X code), verify the replacement is a standard fit rather than an aftermarket lever that may affect MSVA indicator clearances.
Fairing condition
The CBR500R's full fairing adds cost to any crash damage. Check for clustered condition codes on one side of the bike — a concentration of marks on the left or right fairing, mirror, and lever tip indicates a slide or low-speed drop. Individual marks from road use are normal and inexpensive to address; a full fairing replacement is considerably more costly.
Frame condition
Any condition code on the frame diagram requires careful evaluation. The CBR500R's steel twin-spar frame is robust, but crash contact at any point warrants additional photographic evidence and, where possible, pre-purchase inspection before bidding. An R or RA suffix on a CBR500R significantly reduces its investment value and increases registration scrutiny.
Exhaust system
Aftermarket exhausts are common on CBR500Rs — the original canisters are heavy and owners often upgrade. The auction sheet will flag any non-standard exhaust (Y code). For MSVA purposes, verify that any fitted aftermarket system is a road-legal type rather than race-specification. Standard OEM exhausts comply with UK noise regulations without modification.
First-generation CBR500Rs (2013–2015) with higher mileage (30,000 km+) may be approaching or past the cam chain tensioner service interval. This is a known and inexpensive service item, but worth confirming on the auction sheet's service history notes. Bikes with documented dealer service history (整備手帳あり) are preferable for older examples.
Total Cost Breakdown: CBR500R Import to the UK
Here is a realistic cost model for a 2019 CBR500R import from Japan to a UK registration plate.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auction hammer price | ¥280,000–¥500,000 | £1,500–£2,750 at current rates |
| Japanese agent / AWA fee | £300–£500 | Bid management and export handling |
| Japan export costs | £200–£350 | Deregistration, export certificate |
| Shipping (RoRo) | £450–£650 | Japan to UK, 4–6 week transit |
| UK import duty (6.7%) | £160–£250 | On CIF value |
| UK VAT (20%) | £490–£760 | On CIF value + duty |
| Customs clearance | £150–£250 | Agent handling at UK port |
| MSVA test + prep | £0 or £300–£500 | £0 for 2013–2015; £136 fee + speedo for 2016+ |
| MOT + UK registration | £100–£150 | MOT, DVLA V55/5 fee |
| Total estimated (2013–2015) | £3,350–£5,660 | MSVA-exempt route |
| Total estimated (2016+) | £3,650–£6,160 | MSVA required |
UK dealer prices for 2019 CBR500Rs run from £5,500–£6,500 for good used examples. The import route typically saves £1,000–£1,500 — with the added assurance of Japan's auction inspection standards.
For a full breakdown of every cost component, see our complete import cost breakdown guide.
MSVA: The Pre- and Post-2016 Split
The CBR500R's production dates create a clean MSVA split that significantly affects the registration route and total cost.
2013–2015 (pre-2016): MSVA-exempt route
First-generation CBR500Rs were first used before 1 January 2016 and are generally exempt from MSVA, provided they have not been substantially modified. The registration process is straightforward:
- NOVA notification within 14 days of UK arrival
- Standard MOT
- DVLA V55/5 application
- V5C logbook issued
Total timeline from port to riding: 4–6 weeks. No MSVA preparation costs.
2016 onwards: MSVA required
Post-2015 CBR500Rs require MSVA before registration. Main preparation items:
Speedometer: JDM CBR500Rs have km/h-only instruments. A UK-market CBR500R instrument cluster is the cleanest solution. Dual-reading aftermarket units are also available. Budget £100–£200 for parts.
Indicators: Standard JDM CBR500R indicators are generally compliant with UK requirements. Verify if aftermarket indicators (Y code on the sheet) are fitted.
MSVA adds approximately 4–8 weeks from port arrival, including the DVSA booking wait. See our MSVA Test Guide for the full process.
The MSVA cut-off is the first use date, not the model year. A bike manufactured in late 2015 but not first registered until January 2016 or later requires MSVA. Always check the first registration date on the auction sheet rather than relying solely on the model year designation.
CBR500R vs Ninja 400: Choosing the Right A2 Import
The CBR500R and Kawasaki Ninja 400 are the two strongest A2-licence Japanese import choices. Both are excellent; the right one depends on your priorities.
| Honda CBR500R | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 471cc parallel twin | 399cc parallel twin |
| Power | 47 PS (A2-legal) | 45 PS (A2-legal) |
| Character | Smooth, linear, very forgiving | Rev-happy, sporty, more demanding |
| Total import cost | £3,350–£6,160 | £4,145–£6,530 |
| Pre-2016 MSVA-exempt? | Yes (2013–2015) | No (launched 2018) |
| Best for | New riders, commuters, long-distance | Sports riding, track days |
If you want the cheapest possible A2-legal import with the simplest registration, a 2013–2015 CBR500R is unbeatable. If you prioritise the most dynamic riding experience and don't mind MSVA, the Ninja 400 has the edge.
Ready to Source Your CBR500R
The Honda CBR500R is one of the most consistently available and reliably maintained Japanese imports in its class. Whether you want a straightforward 2014 example at the lowest possible total cost, or a 2020 model with updated forks and LED lighting, the Japanese auction market has the depth to find it.
AWA monitors BDS and other major Japanese motorcycle auctions to source CBR500R examples across all generations. Browse current listings on AWA or contact AWA to discuss your requirements.
Related guides: MSVA Test Guide · Total Import Cost Breakdown · Kawasaki Ninja 400 Import Guide
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