Honda CB500 crown calling | New club racing series gains ACU championship status and £5k prize

The British Motorcycle Racing Club (known as Bemsee) is set to host an all-new Honda CB500 championship for 2025, the winner of which will officially take the accolade of British Champion thanks to the series gaining ACU championship status.

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Dubbed the Bemsee Thunderbike 500, the series will run on its own grid next year and thanks to sponsorship from Fyne Audio and SF Parts, boasts a £5000 prize pot.

The season kicks off for the year at Brands Hatch Indy on March 14-16, with further meetings to follow. Racers will be split between four classes which are intended accommodate newcomers to seasoned racers alike.

These include a rookies only division and three weight-based categories: lightweight (sub-75kg), middleweight (75-95kg), and heavyweight (95kg+).

This class structure aims to equalise racing performance on lower-powered naked bikes, reportedly responding to rider feedback according to Bemsee CEO Mike Dommett.

Dommett said: “The addition of a Honda CB500 championship gives us another class that provides more affordable ways of going motorcycle racing in what is still a challenging economic climate.

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“There are a lot of existing race-prepped bikes out there and an abundance of parts. With opportunities for riders to race their CB500s lessening in recent years, we’re delighted to invite them to join us.”

The move also provides a new home for racers displaced by the closure of other CB500 series in recent years in light of a shrinking club racing scene. Find out more at at Bemsee’s website now.