This week, Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd officially debuted its upgraded CB500 models during its annual Hari Raya press gathering. As before, the line up consists of a sport-bodied CBR500R variant, followed by a naked CB500F and a dual-purpose CB500X.

All three variants of this ‘light middleweight’ line up sports a host of upgrades in its new 2019 guise, promising enhanced riding experiences. Key amongst which are the lightly improved powertrain package plus the adoption of several new features.

At the heart of all three is a liquid-cooled DOHC 471cc parallel-twin unit. For 2019, the mill’s inlet, exhaust and valve timing have been revised, resulting in a 4% increase in midrange power and torque, producing 49.6hp and 45Nm now as a result.

Matching that is the addition of an assist and slipper clutch feature for the six-speed transmission paired with the mill. Additionally, all three also gain a revised instrument display that now features both a gear position and up-shift indicators.

Other upgrades include lightly restyled exterior designs, the adoption of new LED indicators, improved ergonomics in all three variants, not forgetting the presence of a new and improved exhaust system that also delivers an enhanced new soundtrack too.

Other variant specific changes include the repositioned clip-on handlebars in the CBR500R, the adoption of a wider new handlebar assembly in the CB500F, not forgetting the new suspension hardware and 19-inch front wheel size in the CB500X.

All three models are set to hit showroom and dealer floors this month, each sporting three colourway choices as well. Prices start from RM33,999 for the CB500F naked, from RM34,499 for the CBR500R sport, and from RM36,099 for the CB500X dual-sport (base prices excluding insurance and on-road costs).