Honda CB500 Hornet (2024+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the 2024 Honda CB500 Hornet. Note the schedule and intervals here are based on the official owner’s manual for the 2024 CB500F, which as been rebranded as Honda CB500 Hornet.
The 2024 model year marks the renaming of the CB500F to the CB500 Hornet, aligning it with Honda’s global Hornet range, which includes the CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet.
The CB500 Hornet shares its platform and fundamental mechanical components with:
- CB500 Hornet (replaces CB500F): naked streetfighter
- CBR500R: Faired sport bike
- NX500 (formerly CB500X): adventure version, taller ride height
All models are built around Honda’s liquid-cooled 471cc parallel twin engine, DOHC with four valves per cylinder. This engine produces a claimed 46.9 hp (47 hp for Europe) at 8,600 rpm and 31.8 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, delivered through a six-speed transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch. Fuel injection is via Honda’s PGM-FI system. The chassis uses a steel diamond frame, 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork, and Pro-Link rear suspension with preload adjustability. Braking is by dual 296mm discs with Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers up front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, all with ABS.
Refer to the schedule below for CB500 Hornet (CB500F), CBR500R, and NX500, unless otherwise noted for market-specific details
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Honda CB500 Hornet Service Intervals
The basic service interval for the Honda CB500 Hornet is every 8,000 miles / 12,800 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. At each interval, change the engine oil and oil filter, and check the maintenance schedule for other required tasks.
Valve clearance inspection is due every 16,000 miles / 25,600 km. This is the major service for the CB500 Hornet and requires partial disassembly to access the engine’s dual overhead cam layout. The 471cc parallel twin engine is relatively straightforward to service compared to more complex designs.
Perform regular pre-ride inspections and follow the full checklist in the owner’s manual to keep the bike reliable. Use only recommended oils, fluids, and parts for best results
What you need to service the Honda CB500 Hornet 2024
If you’re maintaining your CB500 Hornet 2024, you’ll need the following consumable parts.
| Part | Honda CB500 Hornet 2024 |
|---|---|
| Oil | Honda recommends SAE 10W-30, JASO T 903 standard MA, just as for most of its motorcycles. Pro Honda GN4 10W-30 is good. Use a torque wrench to tighten the oil drain bolt to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft). |
| Oil filter | Honda’s standard part number for the oil filter is 15410-MFJ-D01 (used on many Hondas). You can also use a HF204RC (more widely available) for the oil filter. Use a torque wrench to tighten it to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft). |
| Air filter | The OEM air filter part is 17211-MKP-J00. You can also use the K&N alternative air filter HA-5013, which is often more available. |
| Spark plugs | Use NGK spark plug part CPR8EA-9. Use a gapping tool to set the gap to 0.8-0.9 mm. |
| Brake fluid | You can use any DOT 4 oil, but Honda recommends Honda DOT 4. |
| Coolant | Use Pro Honda HP Coolant, which is based on ethylene glycol. |
You might also need some of the following basic motorcycle maintenance accessories and consumables.
| Description |
|---|
| Paddock Stand — Makes maintaining your chain or doing other maintenance much easier. |
| Motul chain paste — one of the most highly-regarded chain lubes. Easy to apply, doesn’t fling off. If you need more stuff, get the Motul chain care kit as an affordable package. |
| Always good to have on hand lithium soap-based grease for lubing external pivot points (like the swingarm) and bearings. |
| Use Protect all cable life to lubricate your cables and controls. |
Honda CB500 Hornet Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Honda CB500 Hornet. The schedule has been reorganized from the format used in the manual to make it easier to read online, with the most important maintenance items listed first.
Notes:
- After reaching the end of the chart, continue following the same pattern. Repeat the listed services every 8,000 miles / 12,800 km, and carry out minor checks in between.
- The initial break-in service is not included here (dealers typically perform this under warranty; it’s mainly an oil and filter change and a thorough check for leaks, lubrication, and fasteners).
- Honda recommends having a dealer perform service on wheels, tires, steering, spark plugs, and valves, but most other tasks can be handled by a capable home mechanic.
Maintenance Schedule Legend
- I: Inspect (clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace if necessary)
- R: Replace
- L: Lubricate
- C: Clean
| mi x 1000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 6.4 | 12.8 | 19.2 | 25.6 | 32 | 38.4 | Notes |
| Engine Oil (Pro Honda GN4 10W-30) | R | R | R | ||||
| Engine Oil Filter (HF204RC) | R | Many change this with the oil anyway (but it’s not necessary) | |||||
| Air Filter (HA-5019) | R | R | Service more often when riding in wet or dust | ||||
| Cooling System (inspect for leaks, kinks in lines etc.) | I | I | I | ||||
| Inspect/change Coolant (Pro Honda HP Coolant) | I | I | I | Every 3 Years: R | |||
| Spark Plug (NGK CPR8EA-9) | R | ||||||
| Valve Clearance | I | ||||||
| Crankcase Breather | C | C | C | C | C | C | Service more often when riding in rain or at full throttle |
| Engine Idle Speed | I | I | I | ||||
| Throttle Operation | I | I | I | ||||
| Fuel Line | I | I | I | ||||
| Brake Fluid (Use Honda DOT 4) | I | I | I | I | I | I | Every 2 years: R |
| Secondary Air Supply System | I | ||||||
| Evaporative Emission Control System | I | ||||||
| Brake Pads Wear | I | I | I | I | I | I | Replace as needed (See above for brake spec) |
| Brake System (check fluid levels, leaks, etc.) | I | I | I | ||||
| Brake Light Switch | I | I | I | ||||
| Headlight Aim | I | I | I | ||||
| Clutch System | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Side Stand (Lithium Soap Based Grease) | I | I | I | Lubricate as necessary | |||
| Suspension | I | I | I | ||||
| Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners | I | I | I | Tighten as necessary | |||
| Wheels/Tires | I | I | I | ||||
| Steering Head Bearings | I | I | I |
Wheels and tires for the Honda CB500 Hornet 2024
The manual for the CB500 Hornet 2024 gives the following tire sizes and brands as standard, and recommends the following tire pressures.
The CB500 Hornet comes with street tires, like Dunlop Sportmax or Michelin Road6.
| Tire | Size | Tire pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) | 36 psi / 250 kPa / 2.5 bar |
| Rear | 160/60ZR17 M/C (69W) | 42 psi / 290 kPa / 2.9 bar |
About the Honda CB500 Hornet 2024
Sitting right in the sweet spot of the middleweight class, the CB500 Hornet is a bike that’s as happy buzzing through city streets as it is stretching its legs on a winding backroad. Let’s start with the heart of the Hornet: a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that puts out a claimed 47 horsepower at 8,600 rpm and 31.8 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. This is the same tried-and-true engine you’ll find in the CBR500R and NX500, and it’s been around long enough to earn a reputation for bulletproof reliability.
Honda updated the CB500F for 2024 and gave it a new name to match its sharper attitude: say hello to the CB500 Hornet. The makeover isn’t just skin deep. The engine is now blacked out, the tank and shrouds have a more aggressive look, and there’s a new LED headlight up front that not only looks the part but actually throws out a noticeably broader beam at night. Honda’s five-inch TFT color display sits proudly in the cockpit, loaded up with smartphone connectivity and backlit switchgear—a definite upgrade for anyone coming off the old LCD dash.
Suspension duties are handled by a Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork—Big Piston (SFF-BP) up front, matched to a Pro-Link rear shock with preload adjustment. There’s nothing too fussy here, but it’s quality kit that soaks up potholes and gives you confidence when you want to push on a bit. Brakes come courtesy of Nissin: dual 296mm discs and four-piston radial calipers up front, a single 240mm disc at the back, and of course ABS is standard. The whole bike weighs in at a claimed 414 pounds (188 kg) ready to ride.
Compared to rivals like the Yamaha MT-07 or the Kawasaki Z400, the Hornet is a bit more sensible but just as fun. It’s approachable for newer riders and still plenty engaging for those with a few more years under their belt. Honda’s Selectable Torque Control is now standard, so there’s a bit more safety net for when the road gets greasy or you’re feeling extra brave.
Maintenance-wise, the CB500 Hornet is refreshingly straightforward. Oil and filter changes come every 8,000 miles / 12,800 km, the valve clearance inspection is a big one but only due every 16,000 miles / 25,600 km. Everything else is straightforward routine maintenance like checking the chain, coolant, brake fluid, and similar items. The parallel twin layout makes it one of the easier bikes to live with in its class.
The CB500 Hornet is a true everyday all-rounder. It looks sharp, feels solid, and delivers that easy, honest Honda experience that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re commuting, hitting the twisties, or just want a dependable bike that’s fun and never intimidating, the Hornet is tough to beat.
Reference — Manual Screenshots for the 2024 Honda CB500 Hornet
The above maintenance schedule came from the manuals for the 2024 Honda CB500F / CBR500R / NX500. The 2024 Honda CB500 Hornet follows the same maintenance schedule.
See the below screenshots from the user manual.
You can download Honda motorcycle manuals from here.
