Even as the weather worsened, I was confident the 2013 Honda CB500F wouldn't let me down.
Smart, capable and affordable as a first 'big' bike
Built with laws in mind, rather than soul
The vanilla version of Honda's new 500cc family, built to sweep the A2-licence-holder market
User Reviews
Add your review!
Overall Review
I think Honda have hit the nail on the head with this bike. One only has to read the chat on the internet to see how much of a buzz this bike (and the R & X) is generating. It's a fun, easy to ride bike that oozes quality and is cheap enough for many novice riders to be able to afford, rather than buying something secondhand and not as manageable. Even experienced riders who may want something a bit more manageable or a commuter bike should not be disappointed. I was initially worried that this bike would be too small for lanky gits like me, but at 6'2", it's a lot more comfortable than my 'bigger' bike.
Strengths
The build quality is pure Honda. The paint work is gorgeous (Candy Ruby Red) and the fit and finish is hear perfect. On the road, the bike has plenty of go in any gear and changes direction with minimal inputs from your hands or buttocks. Road surfaces can be poor here in Thailand, but the bike (shod with Dunlop Sportmax D222F) has never indicated that it's near its limits of grip. The brakes are excellent - if I've caused the ABS to kick in, I've not felt it through the controls. The dash is clear and easy to read and the fuel gauge segments don't disappear at an alarming rate.
Weaknesses
I really would've liked a gear indicator and considering who this bike is targeted at I'm surprised it's not on there. Another minor gripe is the fuel filler cap which lifts right off, rather than having a hinge - I never know where to put it. There's a lot of talk about the low power of this bike. To be honest it's quick enough for riding on public roads, but I can see there being quite a large market for performance parts. The fact its sibling the CBR500R is the European Junior Cup bike, should mean parts will be available sooner rather than later.
Overall Review
A bike that just grows on you. If machines have souls , this bike's got soul 5000.
Strengths
Good power and torque with just enough parallel twin vibe to let you know it's working. At 5k rpm you hit a nice power band - twist and go - engine brake to slow. A nice little roar. If it's too quiet for you aftermarket and $160.00 wil both swell your package and annoy the neighbors. Sweet handling and stable - trust the machine and it will do the rest. Too wide - push the bars - done. The cb500f is a well proportioned handsome bike. The seat's comfortable and the ergos are all day good. Beautifully engineered - unlike bmw and ducatti you are not the test pilot - honda uses engineers
Weaknesses
I haven't found any cons - it's a naked bike so there'll be wind - that's all I can think of.
Overall Review
if you want a relatively cheap bike thats fun to ride you will not be disappointed with this one, a real peach!!!
Strengths
price was the key factor, stylish and digital clocks, handles really well, engine is superb and fuel economy.
Weaknesses
would have liked either gear indicator or top gear indicator apart from nothing for me.
Overall Review
Just buy one, if you're looking for an affordable bike that is good on fuel and looks great, this is it.
Strengths
Honda quality at an affordable price. This bike is great, In fact I like it more and more each day. It's quick enough, 0-60 in just over 5 seconds and top speed of 115mph. it's not going to break any records round the track but certainly quick enough for everyday road use. It's fuel efficient, and it looks great.
Weaknesses
There aren't any really, yes if you were being picky you would say a gear indicator and a hinge for the fuel cap would be nice additions but let's face it, those things can be put right and it's not a deal breaker
Overall Review
Time will tell after a few winters. I have put recommend, however worry about build quality.
Strengths
Economical and user friendly
Weaknesses
Made in Thailand.
Overall Review
As owner of a CB500F may I remind people that due to a design flaw in the cylinder-head-cover all models produced (in Thailand) until end Jan 2014 are consuming oil at a rate of about 500 cc in 1500 km. This problem becomes worse when riding at higher RPM. Honda is aware of this problem but says it is normal (yes for their bikes but not for other bikes) and refuses to acknowledge that there is a flaw in their design and/or production. As I demanded repair the cylinder-head-cover of my motorbike has been replaced. And so should actually at all until now produced CB500F/XR motorbikes. Knowing what I know now I would have never bought this motorbike, although for the rest it is a great motorbike. Be aware that this motorbike is produces in Thailand by AP Honda.
Strengths
Weight and size
Weaknesses
Consuming oil (about 500 cc in 1500 km)