CB500F

[Toly]

Ok, here's my fourth ride... Honda CB500F. This being a very new bike, test rides were unavailable, so I bought it by the hearsay only, and I'm very very happy with it. It is way better than I expected it to be.

I hope a short comparison with the bikes I owned and/or rode for some considerable time would be useful.

vs Ninja 250: a lot more powerful, easier ride on the hwy, but heavier and not as nimble. Still, falls in the corners and holds line with ease.

vs CBR600rr: not as sexy, unexciting top end, but plenty of power for real life street and hwy riding. Feels just a tad clumzy compared to scalpel-like precision of the RR. Poorer wind protection, but considerably better ergonomics for real-world riding and comfort, esp in traffic. A lot more practical, and lets you enjoy the ride at the sane speeds without beating you up.

vs FZ6R: lighter, nimbler, a lot more fun to ride. Less powerful, but more than enough for real life riding.

vs Triumph Street Triple (675): unexciting top end, not as powerful, doesn't sound nearly as good as Triple with Arrows. 90% of the fun for 1/2 price, if your mission is street /hwy rides. For the street AND track combo, Triple takes the cake.

In all, I'm very happy with the new little beast from Honda. It's a bike that won't beat you up, performs quite well and handles quite nicely. If you're looking for a step up, I highly recommend it.

[antiant]

How are you comparing bikes when the sizes of the engines are completely different, among other things? It's like apples and oranges, not apples and apples. It's like comparing a Ferrari with a 350z. Obviously, one bike is going to be faster over the other, so that comparison doesn't mean much, as they are not in the same class. In any event, congrats on your new bike, if you're happy, that's all that matters.

[Jesse8931]

You cant put a 500 twin in the same category as 600 fours. you might as well compare a honda civic to a lambo.

[dfox]

you can still compare a civic to a lambo. comparing 0-60 numbers is pointless, but that's not the point of comparison. he was simply talking about joy of riding, which may be a little subjective I guess.

I like it, but I'd have a hard time dropping money for a new bike without test-riding it.

[Chicagobob]

Nice! Thanks for the info. The streetfighter version looks good.

[Panda]

Nice little write up.

The sound of a Daytona with Arrows is the sex.

[ChrisMKV]

Interesting - hopefully you'll continue to share your opinions once you've done a few miles.

I think these could be perfect second/commuter bike with reasonable power and good fuel economy. Complemented by a 600 for weekend/track...

Being in A2 License class it should be very cheap to own and operate. Might take a look at one the next time I'm at the dealer's!

[Panda]

How is the suspension on the CB?

[NathanUc]

Seem like fair comparisons to me. Even if the bikes are in different categories, he's comparing his experiences with them on the streets. I could see how it wouldn't make sense comparing lap times, but overall use of the bike, anything is fair game!

Originally Posted by Toly

vs Triumph Street Triple (675): unexciting top end, not as powerful, doesn't sound nearly as good as Triple with Arrows. 90% of the fun for 1/2 price.

2tru2tru. I said something similar about the 650r in some of my 'reviews'.
Hope you really enjoy it for years to come. The white cbr500f look really good.

[psych0hans]

Congratulations on the new ride!!! Looking forward to a detailed ride report... Lol

[Madman44]

Congrats on the new purchase. I am really liking the new 500's. Might even pick one up! but I would go with the faired version.

Ride safe, Bud!

[StephenA]

nice choice! i too am liking the bike. keep us updated on the bike as the miles stack up.

[Jiggles]

OP, are you ****ing insane comparing different bikes like that? Don't you realize how butthurt some of the pansies on this forum are going to get if you do something as chaotic as compare a cbr500 to a cbr600?

[KawiKid860]

Sweet bike, I'd have a hard time choosing between the CB500F and the CBR500R. I like both and have been wanting a naked bike for a long time, but I dig the looks of both.

[NathanUc]

RidingWithTom just did a 'review' of this bike (well, the R version) and loved it. I was surprised to see him so taken by it as he's usually a high rev kinda guy. Has anyone here ridden both to compare the cbr500 vs the 650r? I'd like to see if the cibby has the same massive top end weight "issues".

[ally99]

I'm curious about the suspension as well.

[Jono]

Great looking bike! Can't wait to hear more about it once you have ridden it for a while.

[choneofakind]

Good basic comparisons! I appreciate the reviews. I want to hear more about it as you get up in the mileage and go through maintenance, modifications, basic ownership costs, etc etc.

That's a nice looking ride

[Toly]

RideApart has a review:
http://rideapart.com/2013/05/rideapa...honda-cbr500r/

[Toly]

Ok, here's an update for anyone who's interested. The bike feels happiest in its powerband, 6-8.5K rpm. There, acceleration is lively. The first three gears are relatively low. The suspension is nice and comfy, but with lovely feedback for the throttle action. The harder you wind it, the more settled the bike feels, esp when cornering. The high-speed susp compression is a bit disappointing, as the bike jolts you on the larger or sharper bumps. At about 70mph the wind buffeting is becoming pronounced, so even a small windscreen is a desirable addition. At that speed the bike still accelerates lively, but will probably be running out of steam around 90mph.

Here's a quick back-to-back comparo to an R6 I rode recently.
At the street speeds, R6 is composed and unexcited. Lying low on the tank, turning becomes almost mental: think of the turn, and you're leaned over. You can run at wide range of rpms (under 8000), in different gears, without big difference in the feel. The taut suspension will not provide much of the feedback for the throttle action, unless you're really working the engine. At 50+ mph, R6 wakes up, at 80+ the bike is divine: it's in it's element.

The CBR500 thrives at the street speeds. The in-powerband response is lovely, although I wish the RPM limit was a tad higher. When cornering, the upright position and narrower tire make you feel like you're almost keeling over in turns compared to the focused, lower-to ground, no-big-deal flicks of the supersports. Turning in CB500 is not scary at all - it just feels a lot more exciting this side of the G-meter

The softer suspension provides plenty of feedback of its sweet spot, as it literally begs for more throttle to settle down better - the more gas you give in turns, the more planted it feels, compared to relatively little feedback from the firmer SS suspension.
When riding aggressively, you will reach the bike's limits, and this is part of what it makes so much fun.

Ok, 'nuff said... Going for a ride now

[choneofakind]

sounds like an oversized ninjette

[lilmitchy777]

sick ride and picture. congrats man!

[koma22]

Looks awesome!

This is kind of what I want after my Ninja 250... think it's a worthwhile upgrade? Won't be until next season (or later), just curious.

[Toly]

Yeah it would make a great next bike. Not a track bike, though.

[CycleCam303]

I'm glad you are enjoying the bike. I wish I could test ride one. It sounds like a solid street bike. More importantly what kind of gas mileage are you getting?

[Toly]

Dunno... somewhere around 60-ish, maybe high 50s.

[CycleCam303]

That's what I figured. Hmm, maybe little red will get replaced in the near future.

[Toly]

Ok, here's another update for anyone interested. One must-have update is the aftermarket pipe - mine is Yoshi R77 in carbon (black) and it literally transforms the bike. For one, the looks improves 100x times, and the bike turns from mediocre into a very attractive, stylish machine. Then, the mum and sterile bike begins to speak up - who knew it had such a sweet rumble, with an addictive beat. Most of all, the bike gets a distinct personality - a vibe and feel that reminds me of Monster's charm. It now looks, sounds and feels like a proper motorbike should.

So plan on tacking $500-1000 to the purchase price for the pipe, a solo seat cowl, maybe a tail tidy and a few odds and ends for the proper look and feel, the way it should have been from the start. IMHO, these add-ons are not optional: just like the restoration process removes the dirt and grime of the ages to reveal the true beauty of art, these add-ons do away with the el cheapo components from the manufacturing cost cutting and reveal the true beauty of the machine within: a proper motorbike, with unique style, distinct feel, charm and personality in spades. The mum, sewing-machine, appliance-like feel is gone: you will feel the living, fire-breathing soul of the bike and be able to connect with it.

If there is one thing I do not like, that would be excessive wind buffeting at 70+mph. The bike accelerates to 90+ with ease, but wind is becoming tiring for longer hwy rides. Perhaps a small windscreen can help.

I find it very funny how some pipl ditch the 500 as a boring bike... especially without riding one... hard. They have no idea what they're talking about.

[choneofakind]

I want to test ride one. But I'm not fond of how the R variation looks in person. Looks great in pictures, but the curves didn't suit me in person. I'm a little disappointed, I won't lie.

Did you adjust the fueling when you installed that exhaust system? How linear is the delivery? Does it feel the same all around? A little more lively? It certainly looks nice.

*goes to youtube to get an idea of the sound*

[Somchai]

Toly is it in America also recommended that you get the valves adjusted at the 1000 km (600 miles) service like it is in Germany and Thailand?
The riders are not happy with this b/c they have to pay for that valve adjustment first (65 USD) and it looks like that from factory the valves are misadjusted.
And one more information from what i'd read, many of them needed new brake pads for the front after only 6000 km (3800 miles).
Wish you many fun with her.

[choneofakind]

$65 for a valve adjustment? That's it!?

Most shops quote you 2-3 hours labor for valves, and their rates are anywhere from $50-100 per hour.

[Somchai]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

$65 for a valve adjustment? That's it!?

Most shops quote you 2-3 hours labor for valves, and their rates are anywhere from $50-100 per hour.

I have to say thank you chon for wake me up, because that means adjusting the valves only and even then the 65 USD was wrong b/c instead of multiply I'd hit divide when calculating - so it must say 96 USD.
Never post before you had your coffee

[KawiKid860]

Well it's a naked bike, they aren't exactly known for their wind protection...

[choneofakind]

Coffee helps

$96 still isn't bad at all! I was quoted about $250, so I taught myself how to do it. Better for me in the long run.

[Toly]

Yeah, the 600 mile service calls for valve check / adjustment, and it is a big job, as top part of the engine needs to be opened up. It took half a day and cost around $300. I had the same concerns, and the mechanic said all Honda twins require a valve check at the first service, so it's not something specific to the 500 model line. For the 500, next valve check is due at 16,000 miles.

I asked mechanic to install the pipe at the first service, but no fueling adjustments were made for it, AFAIK. The engine feels happier and much more alive. The midrange is most fun (5-7K RPM). The engine feels tame below that, and a bit stressed above it. It still pulls hard all the way to redline, but unlike the demonic pull of a supersport's I4, or the waking up of the mighty Triple, at high RPM the 500's engine is feeling a bit like a person running a 100 meter race: fast but strained. In truth, under hard acceleration wind buffeting at 70+mph becomes more of a factor, as the engine is still pulling hard, but the airflow starts affecting the rider and ride comfort, suggesting a roll off the throttle. On a Street Triple, another naked bike, without a windscreen, I never had an airflow problem all the way to 90-95mph, which was pretty much the fastest I rode it.

[Dark]

Looks great and congrats on the purchase (and mods so far).

I eyeballed the 500's before scooping up the 300 but U.S. spec buy programs in Germany are amazing with Kawasakis.

The only thing I don't like about the 500 is the rear tail (it seems oddly fat near the seat) and the fixed rotor (never been a fan of braking surfaces mounted directly to the wheel..ie BMW and Buell).

Having owned a few supermotos I will gladly say that the 500F offers an enjoyable riding position for speeds under 100mph.

[c-dog]

Nice new 500! I like what you did with it so far. Cool seat cowl, I need to get one someday too, they look so futuristic!

I'd enjoy hearing the exhaust on youtube as well - going to go and search around too...

I think the only thing you need would be a fender eliminator. That would clean up the back and show off the tire. Not totally necessary, but I really like what they do to the look of the tail.

[Thorgrim]

Yeah, I bit the apple, too.



I agree with pretty much all you've said, except I can't comment on the new can as I'm still running stock. That may be my next mod ... except I kind of like the super-quiet factory can.

As far as handling I haven't ridden modern track-worthy bikes, but ... this bike sort of begs you to push it a little harder, the harder you push it on tight twisties the more it settles in and stabilizes. It definitely would rather be pushed than to loaf, although it will loaf in a well-mannered fashion. We don't typically have the line of sight that open country riders have, and because of the road hazards (water, gravel, muck tracked onto the roads), many sideroads, and lack of a clear line of sight I'm loathe to push it as fast as it seems to want to go. That's fine, though, as it's content mucking along from stoplight to stoplight and puttering through the suburbs on the back way to the other end of town.

Definitely needs a windscreen, I'm waiting for a good and reasonably priced aftermarket screen to become available. The bike has plenty of strength for the slab, but the buffeting is tiring above maybe 60mph. I don't mind it for the short stretches of road I travel, but I wouldn't use it as a tourer without the screen. Otherwise, it can handle it, at least in the southeast US.

[Toly]

Originally Posted by Thorgrim

I agree with pretty much all you've said, except I can't comment on the new can as I'm still running stock. That may be my next mod ... except I kind of like the super-quiet factory can.

As far as handling I haven't ridden modern track-worthy bikes, but ... this bike sort of begs you to push it a little harder, the harder you push it on tight twisties the more it settles in and stabilizes. It definitely would rather be pushed than to loaf, although it will loaf in a well-mannered fashion.

I personally HATE noisy bikes. And, truth be told, I got the Yoshi pipe mostly for the looks, as the stock can is plain ugly. But what surprised me most, the pipe brought out the bike's true personality. Instead of a sewing-machine feel, it brought out a voice, a vibe and a character that can't be described in words. With the baffle in, it is still quiet enough, but overall awesome. Try it, and you will never go back.


You may also try stiffening the rear shock a little (one or two clicks) and see if you like it better. It will feel better planted and more confident in turs. Have fun

[Thorgrim]

Which can typically runs hotter temps on the outside, the carbon fibre or the SS Yoshi or the stock can? I had in mind making this a grocery-getter and lightweight tourer (day trips, maybe overnighters off the slab) and that requires boxes/bags. Don't want to fry my ice cream and beer, err, I mean, my baguettes and free-range brown organic eggs.