Best beginners sportsbike? | 2020 Honda CBR500R Review
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Best beginners sportsbike? | 2020 Honda CBR500R Review: I wasn't particularly excited to be getting Honda's beginner friendly sportsbike as my next long termer, but was I little hasty in drawing my conclusions before I had even ridden it? Stay tuned to find out!
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** This was filmed before the COVID-19 outbreak **
Riding through Bracknell with NO cars on the road! Are you sure??
@@nickbirt2860 I am 100% sure this was way before lockdown. Honda UK are not loaning or collecting any of their press bikes at the moment. I know this as I have one of their press bikes and they contacted me to say they won't be able to collect it and I can't even drop it off until lockdown is over. Always the conspiracy theorists though!
Nice to hear it , you may get reported by the CZcams Gestapo,crime of the century
Stay well man. We need your excellent videos to help keep us sane.
@@LOTPOR0402 In Canada it would be up to a $1m fine and 3 years in jail - anyone feel they might be overreacting??
That 500 twin is an absolute peach of a motor.
Sure is!
Hi downsized to one of these bikes last year from my cbr650 as in my late 50s wanted something a bit lighter but still have the sporty look and I absolutely love this bike I think Honda so got it right with this bike it's light weight very nippy and should appeal to younger riders and old farts like me ,loved your review. Stay safe and well
What was the 650 like was thinking of getting it?
@@gabemore1766
Hi I found this to be a great bike but for me gave me back ache on longer runs which I believe was more of a health issue of mine rather than anything wrong with the bike so if you are thinking of buying one of these bike you probably won’t be disappointed.
This would be an excellent first bike. 471cc parallel twin, w/abs, reasonable seat height, and not uncomfortable. Top speed around 110-115 mph with a relatively flat torque curve. Great commuter. The downside of this bike is that it's not a 600cc inline 4 and most sportbike riders will want to move up after a few years. It really does get that great gas mileage. It's light, you can drop some weight and swapping the air filter and exhaust will squeeze out a few more HP.
The cbr500r is really fun, comfortable and fast on the track and off it I'm definitely getting this bike for my A2 license with a scorpion exhaust
Billy I’m 44 passed my car license in 1996, passed my CBT, does that mean I can legally ride a 500 or one of these CBR 500? I was under the belief I can only ride up too a 125CC but I have the A2 status does that mean I can ride a CBR 500cc? Genuine question mate. If you could respond that would be greatly appreciated🙂👍🏻
I just wanna say thanks for this video, I got my CBR500R a couple of weeks ago after watching this video months ago and falling in love with the bike. I've gotta say this is a beautiful bike and is fast enough for what I need. So happy 😊
Nice one Leigh - ride safe and enjoy the bike!
Hey TMF that’s insane 24 years old, wow when I lived in the UK and served in the military by 24 I’d already served operationally on 3 tours and been stationed all over the world. Makes me glad I left the UK with all of the rules there nowadays. Ironically the rich and not too famous can drive a Lamborghini like maniacs around London whilst filming on CZcams....
Be safe over there coming out of lockdown slowly but surely in Canada 🇨🇦 😁😁
Colin Goldthorpe now this made me laugh .... our youngest became a Royal Marine at 18 and has had a bike since he was 16 (I've had bikes for 35 years now) .... we were at Silverstone last April for the BSB round and sat in the sunshine on the grass he was really grumpy about the fact that he could do all these dangerous things now in the Marines, operate all this dangerous weaponary and even be sent off to war (fair play to you pal by the way) and maybe kill people BUT at that point he couldn't ride more than his 125 .... we'll of course I did the only decent paternal thing and rolled around on the grass crying with laughter which, with hindsight, didn't help ! He's now on a Ninja 650 restricted for A2 licence and is becoming a really decent rider who I love going out with when he's on leave ... there's definitely a place for these bikes 👍
Well that's not only the UK, it is almost the whole of Europe. Every country has a different minimum age for an a1 and an a2 license, but 24 is the minimum age for the full a license. In the Netherlands you can get your A license at 22, if you get your a2 at the age of 20 and ride for 2 years.
I love my 2019! These bikes should be sold out everywhere. Such a sleeper for the new/mid rider. GREAT VIDEO!!
I am too old, I’ll never understand the need for a gear position indicator my grey matter just remembers where it’s at. This is solidly Honda. I thoroughly enjoyed a ride on one but hated that exhaust straight away. It’s an all around fun ride I think
Probably have the gear indicator as the bike is aimed at the new inexperienced biker. Who do in the early days tend to forget what gear their in.
I owned this bike, a 2018 model. It is a really good bike for a learner. If any learner is thinking about a first bike, definitely get this one. Don’t go any lower. My first bike was a 2017 cb300. I got over it in a few weeks. Definitely go for the 500 and it’ll surely keep you entertained 😊
Small capacity bikes when you don't suffer motorways are great - utterly underrated.
Great review. I'm watching because my CBR 500 will be delivered in 2 weeks. Can hardly wait ,very excited.
fit an akro and make yourself really happy!
Thank you, we have no riding, no racing, no motor bike fun of any type, but not to worry TMF has got some gems in the bag. Top man!
Yes to “kerb weights” - come on Triumph about time you did that too.
Last year, after trying to “teach” my 18 year old nephew how to not crash his new Ninja 650 sportish bike, I feel much more depends on the rider than the bike . . . or the concept of beginner. Years ago when my son was 14 he could handle my Suzuki GS850G well enough within minutes; my other son was an accident waiting to happen. One still rides, the other doesn’t. All that aside, for fifty years I still believe to practice the most important skill (falling off) it’s best to begin by riding off road.
@@badgerman23 I did that as a beginner... brought back a CBR600F3 on 130km while my only experience was on school bikes... No one to tell me it was stupid! I could've kill myself so many times that summer! Today, will all the available information, so many good bikes with smaller displacement, beginners are much safer. Today I ride a CB500X, and it's way enough to have fun!
I agree with you Walter, it's more about the personality of the rider than the age. I went from a 125 on L plates at 17 years old straight to a ZX6R with no problems. I actually found the zx6 easier than the 125. Better brakes, easy hill starts and the power to overtake safely. I've always had a healthy respect for the danger and that's the reason I learned to use the extra power over time without hurting myself. My brother on the other hand is wild and has crashed a few times. He gave up riding a few years ago which is probably for the best.
johnbow100. Right. And then, aside from skill set, there’s attitude. Over fifty years I’ve noticed that, as a rule of thumb, those that embrace motorcycles as a fashion statement more than a sport rarely learn from mistakes. Well, they learn how to be more fashionable, but not better riders. If a youngster (or any beginner) buys a powerful sport bike because it looks sexy rather than for what it has the potential to do, quite quickly there’s usually busted fantasies and plastic bits on the ground.
I’ve got the 2015 model and I absolutely love it. Great commuter and stylish. I had to add an after market Two Brothers Black Series slip on exhaust to give it more of a sport bike sound but overall great beginner commuter/sport bike. 💯
I have the 2016 version of this bike that I've been riding as my first bike since 2018 and it's been fantastic. Absolutely great bike. The new 3rd gen version is very nice also. Has a lot of nice QoL upgrades in the LED turn signals, nicer instrument cluster, and an assist/slipper clutch. The second and first gen versions are still great too and have the exact same performance, so they are great value options on the used market. Got mine almost new on the used market for half the price it would've cost new.
It finally looks so damn good😍
You can park it next to super sport bikes & it won't look out of place 😎
+ It's the most comfortable bike I've been on :D even at my lanky 6-2
As an owner of a 2019 CBR500R (in white, which is obviously the best colour😉), I'd say that's a fair first review. You do get used to the side stand after a while, but I found that an agile foot gets around the foot peg, rather than having to lift it out of the way.
One minor point if I may, you can get a full licence at 21 provided you have held an A2 licence for atleast two years. The Direct Access Scheme is for people who are 24 or over.
Thanks for the clarification- that licensing game confuses the hell out of me (thank goodness I’m old!!!).
All part of having a standard EU format driving licence, but that's wandering dangerously close to another subject entirely.
I purchased a new CB500f just before the lockdown, I've only managed to do 110 miles on it so far but it seems fantastic for the money, I shopped around and managed to get it for £4800!
Thanks for roadtesting this as it's pretty much the same bike but with a fairing..😁
Another well presented and sound review - Thanks! I have the Honda CB500X which I consider does everything fairly well and returns incredible mpg. In these days where global warming/pollution etc. is a serious issue perhaps these mid-capacity bikes deserve more attention. I often take my wife pillion on the X and did a tour of Wales last summer without any issues. Of course, if you want to annihilate every other vehicle on the road you will need a bigger bike and if I did a lot of motorway miles I would consider something more powerful. I look forward to your conclusions regarding the CBR500R. Cheers.
I have the CB500X, same engine, etc but more adventure style. It is my very first bike and I love it. I don’t have experience on other bikes but like the balance and manoeuvrability. Can’t go wrong with the CB500, just pick the style you want.
I have a CB500X as a workhorse, 200 plus mile days when I do commute without issue, been riding for 8 years and its easily the most comfortable bike i've ever had and i'm not small. Absolute laugh to ride, some bits are budget but for the price they will be. These are not just new rider bikes, far from it.
The new model in white with green stickers and 19" front wheel + led indicators looks great. And still really cheap.
Another vote for the CB500X I like the slick gear change once you are above 2nd gear.
Getting mine next year. My budget is 6k , want either a 16 plate with full luggage or 19 with nothing
@@aaronmarshall5279 they had them both in the dealership the new one is so much nicer. Different handle bars brake reservoir moved different TFT led indicators tank and plastics a different shape. Even with a big discount it's probably not worth having the old model.
Fair review as usual,just wonder why no one ever mentions tyres on new bikes, ie make, feel in the wet and dry etc..Well worth including in future vids.
Do you mean they fit really crap tyres as OEM and once you change the tyres the bike is almost completely different. Or do you mean just slippery because there new like everything else on the bike.
@@chrisredfield3240 It seems to me that very often OEM tyres fitted to many bikes leave a lot to be desired.
I've suggested this too.
Nothing quite like a TMF walk around to remind us of happier times! 👍🏼
I’ve been just as nicely surprised with the CB500X. I have a T120 as well, but I love my CB500X. I think 500 - 650 cc bikes plenty for our modern lifestyles. I think you reviewed the CB650R...
I think the Honda CBR500R is the best practical bike ever made. The perfect commuter. I love it.
an d it will easily do 110mph!
Thank you for a spot on review. Your comments were so positive, I went and tested one and bought it. An additional plus is the fantastic cornering. I only need to look at s corner and the bike eats it up.
Again, many thanks. Col
Glad I could help!
My other half has the 2017 model and loves it. It doesn’t have the gear indicator but a great orange and black colour scheme. I love it. Like you say, comfortable and a great computer and looks amazing. Size, power and speed aren’t everything. She is looking forward to your long term review. 👍
I love my 2013 CBR500R, needed a few mods to feel right (intake, header, slip-on, ECU tune) but once I got that sorted it's been great. Rides really well, gets great fuel economy. I am looking forward to getting a larger bike at some point but I'll definitely be keeping the 500R.
What does a 2013 compete against? Like what’s the Honda competitor to the MT-03 mt07 mt09 fz07 fz09 sz07 sz09 etc etc
This is a cool bike, and it must be great fun to ride, particularly coming off of heavy bikes.I’d be hard pressed to choose between this and the CB 500X.
Thanks TMF👍
I have a 63 plate version of this bike, and there are no faults with it. I love it. (Have had it for a year so far and done 4k miles on it). I like the cbr500r much more than my first 'big bike', an unrestricted Kawasaki brand new at the time Z650 in 2018 which I had put 3.7k miles on.
I went for the sister bike (CB500X as I’m a big fan of adventure style bikes) as a second bike/commuter and I’m very Impressed with it. Surprisingly it’s A lot more fun to ride than the specs on paper would have you think.
When I was getting back into biking after 35 years, I nearly bought one of these Honda’s, but I ended up getting a used Tiger 1050 instead. I would have loved that Honda when I was young!
Me too!
Wow not only are you riding the bike I own (though mine is a little older) you are rattling round my home town of Bracknell! First time I have seen it since I left in 1999. Great video as usual but this one is rather special for me. Can't wait till 26th May so I can get back out there on mine again. I have to say, it's difficult to find any reviews that say anything bad about the CBR500R, and your thumbs-up is the icing on the cake.
Love your reviews thinking about getting this bike even though I've got a full licence
Always great bike reviews. Been watching the overseas tours as well. Can’t get out on my bike yet so watching the tours are like being there. Thanks TMF.
The trouble with modern upswept exhaust designs is that if you don't cover them up when you wash the bike, they end up acting as funnels for all the water.
I'm a sucker. I admit it. I've been watching 80's and 90's GP racing like a fiend. Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Wayne Gardner, Kevin Shwantz, Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey. I'm addicted. 500cc. 2-stroke GP is epic. Do I need treatment? lol
We're a bit weird about measurements in the UK. Using HP for power but Nm for torque! Tend to use mm for seat height but inches for suspension travel and wheels. Litres in the tank but mpg for the economy! KG for weight mph for speed. Should have gone properly metric decades ago. Great vid by the way!
It’s a grand and ridiculous tradition... I measure all lengths in metric measurements except my height. Also when length turns into distance I go from mm, cm & m to miles not km?!? It is proper weird!!
Canada has the same sort of issue also. Though we are officially metric and use it in everything, the American influence next to us means we still use a lot of American imperial units in day-to-day life also. However I think the UK has it worst. We definitely use km and km/l for example, however I personally do prefer to see fuel consumption in (American) mpg, but can work with km/l. L/100km is weird though. I'll also measure heights in feet and inches, but any other length measurement is in metric. Weights are always in pounds and pressure is always psi. Volume is in litres or millilitres. So weird all this back and forth.
Yes and when it’s cold we say it must be -1 centigrade and when it’s hot we say it must be over 80 Fahrenheit !
I studied in the UK and we were taught everything in SI units(metric) UK is metric i think since at least 1990. But I never understood how much weight someone gained or lost in stone or how far a place was in miles without converting it to km 😅 I agree with you, UK should go full metric, and drive on the correct side too 😉
Amir Rad Agree on the metric thing. 👍However, we (and the Japanese, Aussies etc) drive on the correct side of the road. If you sit on the right you control your vehicle with your right hand while you change gear and operate switches etc with your left. Most people are right handed so have their most coordinated hand on the wheel at all times. Genius 😀.
Good evening Mr F, a note to say thank you for your reviews. I bought a little scooter at the beginning of lockdown, quickly got addicted , bought a 125 and have just passed my mod one, with my mod two to come in a few weeks and reckon I’m gonna get one of these as my first proper bike . As I’ve watched my industry ( music ) pretty much collapse, motorbikes have really mentally saved me , and your channel has contributed to that, so thank you! All the best from north London;)
Brilliant Adam thanks for telling me - good luck with the mod 2 and fingers crossed we get our music industry back quickly when all this nonsense is over....
Excellent reviews citizen flyer. And well done for testing the smaller stuff. I personally think the cb500x version might be the most underrated all round bike available
Be good to see it put the the Missenden Flyer's special test route.
Happy travels, soon hopefully.
...fingers crossed....
With a good pair of tyres and the skill to know how to keep this bike in the power band you can keep up with the 600s. 👍
After your comment about the side stand being awkward to lower, I noticed last night that I’ve been using the ball of my foot to lower the stand on my CB500X because if I use my heel the footpeg is in the way (as you mentioned).....huh hadn’t even noticed my method adapt for this bike. Try using the ball of your foot 👍
Yup, super easy once you start using the front part of your foot and not the heel. No faffing required.
Thanks TMF - A good review of a great bike. Having ridden all the variants of the CB500 range (F, CMX, X and R) since 1996 alot, I would say the best version is...the NC750s. The 500s are genuinely lovely but in an age where family cars cruise at 85mph on the motorway and travel the A roads at 60-70mph, the 500s lack just a little grunt.
This has to be the best bike review I've personally watched. Keep up the good job
Thank you...
No doubt about it, we old gits (in my 50's) had it much easier getting into biking in the 70's...but oh the choice of reliable bikes these days is just mind blowing for those just coming into biking....
Well, besides the new bikes we also have about 40 years worth of reliable used bikes we have access to now. I paid 1500 for the Vulcan 500 I ride now and its been great. I'd love something like this though with some more tech and modern components. Lots of choices for used bikes for cheap, at least in the states. One of my friends has an 1100cc cruiser he paid 2 grand for. New bikes are a little less affordable, but it's pretty much scaled with the price of new cars.
I'm a new rider, 47 years old, had the CBR125R for 6 months now. Also really comfortable. With lockdown etc., I have been curtailed but hoping to take my test next year before my CBT runs out. This bike is my logical next step, like my current bike but more power. I'd like a Street triple, but an older one of these is probably cheaper and better to commute, tour etc. Would be interested to hear whether the previous incarnations of this bike are as nice as the one in the review
Unless you’re wedded to the sports bike look take a CB500X our for a spin - especially if you’re thinking of doing a little bit of touring. 👍
I passed my DAS last year, aged 36.
I bought a 2003, vfr800 vtec. Really predictable power band.
I'd been riding the cbf600 from the training centre for 4months.
@@CHuzz7777 +1 on that. Plan is to try both. I follow "as the magpie flies" on t'tube too, and she's got one. We will see. 500x is originally what I wanted out of a bike. A mate has told me just to buy a bandit or a hornet though; do everything bike
Dom Carr yeah, they’re all good bikes to be honest and it comes down to personal preference in the end. My first bike was a Hornet but I prefer twins these days. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a fantastic bike too and might just edge out the CB for me.
That engine is fantastic. I have the 500x and love it. great review as usual TMF.
Excellent video. Great you are managing to keep new videos coming and keeps the desire for me to get out again. Thank you.
Thank goodness I film a few months in advance!
Glad you are reviewing this bike, I am about your age and also own several bikes. I have had the good fortune to own all kinds of Sports and adventure bikes over 33 years of riding. I currently have one of these in my garage and in my opinion it is one of the best handling bikes I have ever ridden. It loves to be ridden hard and is rewarding to ride in the same way the Yamaha rd350lc used to be back in the day. it’s actually about the same power and weight! Look forward to seeing your long term review.
You're write both 47hp the 350lc was only 154kg wet though the RD350LC ypvs was a lot more at 58hp. 20 years ago that was enough too upset the bigger bikes
Makes me miss my 17' CBR500. Was such a great bike and was amazing on fuel!
Fast forward to the Future at 88mph!
To 2022 ..and Petrol over £1.50 a litre
"Great Scott!" and Bikes like this with
Great Fuel economy are even more
Relevant to everyday use!
My Novice bikes were a Honda Hornet 600, and a CBR 600F, fantastic build quality and reliability.
Got to say the CBR 500 looks fantastic for the price. Cheers TMF
I have the CB500F. Honestly these 2 are such underrated bikes. You barely see them out and about but they're an absolute pleasure to ride. Definitely agree they're great to start off with!
One critique would be the screen can be a bit hard viewing in higher light levels.
I had a test ride of 2017 CBR500R, and a 2019 CB500X. Never did get to test ride the CB500F that I was interested in.
( Slipper clutch and gearbox on the 2019 CB500X was very good )
I wanted a cheaper bike to leave down the station as compared to my beloved Speed Twin.
It was very good, some report it does 80 ish MPG. So CB500 mileage range is near 300 Miles.
On a CB125R I had, I did find the inverted LCD display hard to read in bright sunlight.
At the time of the test ride, the Honda dealers also had a second hand Street Triple S A2 for a similar price, I bought the Striple and got it derestricted immediately !
Why did I get the second hand Striple (and spend more on insurance) ? The extra torque, the SOUND, I could get it derestricted, triple is smoother than a twin, and I am a Triumph Fan Boy !
Saying that, if I was an A2 licenced, under 24 year old, limited cash, harder to get insurance, I'd have a Honda CB500 F/R/X, the extra torque and less "thrashiness" as compared to the lower capacity A2 only bikes from the others (MT-03 321cc, 400cc Kawasakis etc, KTM 390s). Plus I think the Honda CB500F or R do look good, and in nice colours. MT-03s, hmmm, not really my style. Kawasaki's are too green, KTM's ugly and orange.
I had one for a year, after a few years of not riding. I have vfr800 now, but I actually miss that bike. I would recommend it as a beginner bike for sure!
Had a cbr500r a few years back. Lovely bike. Fun to ride, very fuel efficient, excellent range, low cost. My biggest gripe with it was that even though it ticked all the boxes, it was just pretty bland. And not talking about the power here. Talking about the sound. It sounded like a bit of a tractor, even with an aftermarket muffler. I never got over it.
Would love if Honda made another mid range v twin, like my old vtr250. That bike was a blast and a fantastic aural experience, every single ride
Yeah I do wish it had a bit of a whine like some of the Ninja twins to smooth out the rather agricultural sound. The second exhaust hole they added for 2019 does help give it grunt and lots of exhaust pops as you slow down, at least.
You should get commision from Honda! Ive just bought a new 2020 model in red from my local Honda dealer in Yeovil, for 700 pounds off + free seat cowl. Getting heated grips fitted and tail tidy. Ive ridden bigger bikes but this is more than enough for me. Thanks for promoting this bike.. it was off the radar until your review. Cannot wait to ride it away.
This is exactly the level of bike I’m looking to upgrade to from my CBR125 after nearly a year of riding and I’m 55....so looking forward to your follow up vids. Hope it comes in Repsol colours to match my new leather jacket! 😂
Cool!
It's a brilliant bike I love mine and won't be changing it for a very long time
Back in 2013 I had the F version. I have too ridden the current R whilst my machines have been in for a service at a Honda dealership (the CBR500 being their courtesy 'bike). Between then and now I had different bikes and am currently riding a 2015 Yamaha SR400 plus a 2016 CBR300 (and my wife's SH125 Mode). Whilst the Honda 500 twin was definitely a good machine if you are after fun the 300 single beats it hands down- so light and it does just as you tell it.
Getting a good amount for your money to be fair. And if you are looking for something with a bit of poke with sporty looks it's ideal
Nice vid TMF, not ridden this one yet but the 500F was a hoot and of course I love the 500X. I can highly recommend you try the 500X if you get a chance. Keep safe!
Yes this has turned me onto these smaller bikes - looking forward to trying the cbr650 when we can ride again....
Love your reviews. Had an 02' 954 Fireblade for years. Loved it. Neck surgery finished me. FJR 1300 since 2014. Had RD Yamaha's for years. Many Hondas as well.
Mate! Reminding you for an ‘18 Mt07 “living with” review plz!
It has a 6 speed gearbox although you seemed to be topping out in 5th for most of the time! 😀. Might get even better economy using it. I hope you had time to ride it a bit more before the lockdown. Looks like a nice bike.
Was very tempted liked the cb650 but ended up buying the CB500X one for me and one for the wife when they are paid off what to buy next so any great bikes great review looking forward to the in depth review.
Great video flyer. I love the way people say budget bike £6500 to a working class man with kids and a mortgage is still a lot of money to splash out. Takecare .
Love my (2013) CB500F, but I have spend big days on it with heaps of gear and it handles it no worries. I'm 6ft2 and cramp up a bit towards the end of the day but no dramas to do it all again the next day.
Super reliable, good fuel consumption, and fun in the twisties when you stay up in the revs. I still struggle to find something on the bike I don't like after 50,000km
Nice one!
How much did you pay tocheck valves at 24k and 48k?
@@farmoboy83 don't remember sorry, I got it done through work so it wasn't retail price. Mates rates 👌
Nice review TMF. The CB500X which I guess shares the same engine is a really good bike too. Look forward to the next part of the review. Cheers.
Stay tuned Colin!
Bought a 2016 as my first big bike after reading reviews ive had it 1 yr now and am really happy with my choice .
Its comfy riding position cheap insurance cheap to run I'll be keeping it for a long time as I honestly don't need anything more powerful .
I'd highly recommend this as a first big bike for anyone who has just passed full uk bike test .
Fantastic stuff. I think I asked you about this bike a couple months back, along with other potential bikes for an A2 yob, been eagerly awaiting a review!
Sorry for the delay!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I forgive you! Not enough quality reviews of this bike so well worth the wait 👍
You know I keep coming back to this bike over and over. Might be time to make some trades and put one in the barn. Can’t be wrong
Go on - you know you want to!
@@TheMissendenFlyer starting to sniff around the dealers, couple of trades to sweeten the pot. It makes no sense but I’m drawn to her over and over again like a moth.
I got the CB500F (naked version of this one) and I absolutely love it. Already put over 1000km on it in less than a month. I was upgrading from a 125CC looking for an economic, simple and reliable commuter bike. Also, got a nice deal on it, which made the choice easier. Stock exhaust got a nice character to it, thus I'm not going to bother changing it. I never got the chance to try the R-version though. Would love to test how it compares with respect to wind noise. I've got the unrestricted license btw, but the CB500-platform got plenty of power for my need and it's easier on the wallet compared to many of the bikes in the A-class :)
I've had a 2015 CB500F since early 2016, it has about 24k miles on it now and it's been a great bike. If you go reasonably on it the mileage is very respectable as well; I get around 55 mpg in mixed driving and 70 mpg on the highway, US gallons. Routine maintenance and it's good, typical Honda. I've never felt in need of more power and many of the highways around here are 75-80 mph.
I believe this is an ideal bike for a beginner rider. But, as a retired motorcycle instructor I don’t think many will choose one. The test, (other than 125 licence) is done on a 600cc bike. This leads beginners to think 600 is a learner bike capacity and anything else is too small and slow. With their limited experience they then go and buy a bike that’s too far ahead of their skills. I even offered free post test training when they’d got their own bike. No one ever took up the offer!
The current licensing rules are wrong! This is a fantastic bike, as are the other CB500 variants. For any rider. I nearly bought one last year, but ended up getting a Africa Twin instead as they were marked right down due to the introduction of the new 1100 version.
It will never happen, but the licensing rules need to return to a progressive method, where your engine/power limit is based on how long you’ve held your licence and actively ridden, but that’s off the subject of this video 🤔
(Edited for typos)
I think having to take the test on a 600cc really puts people off. I did my test on a 125cc and I've been able too ride anything I want for the last 23 years
I tend to agree that our licensing set up for the youngsters isn't quite right and prevents new riders joining the hobby...
@@TheMissendenFlyer and too be stuck on a 125cc for 2 years 17-19 can't see many of them sticking that. I was give up and get a 1.0l car as they are faster once you get past 50mph
I own a cb500f, the naked version of this motorcycle. It's my first bike and ive only been riding a year. I honestly believe nobody should start riding on anything bigger/faster.
My son is going to get into motorcycling soon and this sounds like the perfect bike in that he won’t quickly outgrow it and it’s not too powerful for a first motorcycle. Great video!
Have a look at the 500X, gives great visibility over a car roof. Which means you can be seen more easily.
He will outgrow it, my so did after 18 months and 12,000 miles. On the plus side all those miles have made him a good rider. 😊. Lockdown came just as he was about to do his test to move to bigger bikes (Honda x11).
Gday mate the cbr500 cb500f and the cb500x i think are all the same bike in different clothes ,i had a range of bikes to look at ,interceptor ,nc 750 ,v strom and some others but have settled on the cb500x as a versatile all rounder that can go mildly of road and is a good commuter and most of all was well withing my price range . We have a class system here as well not really sure how it works (i got my licence in the bad ol days when you could learn on anything 650 xs2 was my choice) but anyway under 600cc i think is ok for new bikers and the rego is also cheaper after 12 months i think they get an open licence and can go an buy whatever. The or one of the biggest bug bears ive heard is the positioning of the horn button and the indicator switches as if someone read the drawings wrong and put them arse about face . Wait until you have to do a valve check (not lookng forward to it) they have shim and bucket style adjusters , not the easiest thing to do with all the gear you have to take off and disconnect , the stupid thing is the nc750 has screw adjusters and are so easy to get at it is not funny pop the bottom cowl of undo the rocker cover and there they are anyway good review mine is a 2015 model 500x so a bit ealier than this one maybe you could do a review on that as well cheers .
You are right about valves adjustment...if this were like nc750 it would be my choice and a incredible cheap bike to own and make maintnance. Every 24000km pay 500eur for valve check and adjust by honda is non sense. Its a pitty because this bikes are a pot lighter and more fun than nc750 range
Recently had a ride of this, great bike and made me feel like I'd probably missed out on the joy of a2 bikes as I went direct access. Really fun bike, the red looks awesome!
I went from a Hornet to this (2014 model though), and I'm having a lot more fun than on the 600. Love how you can actually ring it's neck on every ride. Any slower and I'd be bored though, I think.
To those who are considering entering the sportbike realm I can offer this advise...too much power too soon is toxic..Something like a Suzuki SV 650 or a Honda CB 650 F are good choices because they have great handling and brakes but they are not so lethally fast...they are fast but not lightening fast...great bikes to learn how to handle and react to a high performance machine...You gotta learn..everybody does. This skill is not born in..you have to learn it...It's no fun laying in a hospital in a body cast. Be smart and learn your craft. Peace an love to all of you
Agreed!
Well said...
I really appreciate your video and I've received a lot of input on this particular bike, but I must tell you with me being from America and you driving on the wrong side of the road from my view point is really messing with my psyche something terrible...
But thanks for the great input on this bike, I think I might be sold because I was so much torn between this bike and the Ninja 400 with me being a beginner, thanks a lot...
In the aftermath of Coronavirus a lot of people will be skint, so bikes like this, with real world prices and running costs will increase in number.
I've ridden this, the naked and the adventure versions as courtesy bikes and they're all crackers. The engine in particular is a super smooth peach.
I had several RD350 LC YPVS's back in the day, which realistically made no more power than the CBR500. They seemed fast and exciting back then, perhaps because the suspension, frame, tyres and brakes aren't going to be anywhere near as good as this bike. Fun should come before fast when it comes to choosing any bike. Pillion use apart, it does make me wonder if I'd be having less fun on a bike like this, than some of the 'big' bikes I've had over the last decade.
Great bike but I’d opt for the CB500X. I’m not sure how many younger/new riders go in for the sheep in wolf’s clothing look. Luckily Honda have you covered whatever your preference!
Just a correction on the license details for young riders, at 19 you can take your A2 license which allows you to ride a maximum of 47BHP, after two years of owning an A2 license which if you taken it at 19 will mean 21 years old you can then take your A license Test and then ride anything you want. Been through this myself and I do think the DVSA need to rethink about having the need to take your test again as the A2 and A license tests are exactly the same and a refresher ride with a qualified instructor should be all you need to say your still safe and to be issued your A License. Hope this helps for anyone who is confused cause it's a very confusing license program in the UK. I also owned the big brother to this bike the CB500X which is a brilliant bike for all round riding and is probably one of the most fuel efficient and reliable bikes on the market if your not bothered about horsepower and owning a R1.
Thanks for the clarification - you’re right, it’s confusing!
Awsome review as always TBF. I'll be honest, I got a '13 CB500F (the naked version) as my first bike, so just watching this one to se the updates lol.
One thing that I found really interesting is I chose this platform because as a tall rider it fit me really well compared to most other non-adventure style beginner bikes, yet I've now met so many shorter riders who also say they chose it for fit, so Honda really hit it right with this one.
For my older model year the only real problems were the lack of gear indicator (easily fixed off amazon for $20), very poor headlight ($30 amazon LED) and pretty shitty suspension up front (that took a few more $$$ to add stiffer springs, emulators and preload adjusters), all of which it seems honda have taken to heart and improved, so really looking forward to seeing what you make of this.
One thing about the 500 platform engines - they don't have much of a top end, and the loss of power at the top is pretty sudden, so I'd say it's probably more of a sports tourer than a sport bike all things considered.
After 6 months with mine I'm both ready for more power and also want to keep it for the commute. It's really easy to ride, has power and torque exactly where you need them when just commuting, and the fuel economy. I know most bikes aren't big American trucks when it comes to fuel economy, and this won't be top of many people's lists, but getting about 500km on a tank is a luxury I don't really want to give up when it comes to commuting lol. When I had it in to get the valves done, the shop craftily lent me an MT07 ( I think in the hope of luring me into upgrading.. which they verty nearly did), and I was filling up almost twice as often. Commuting every day that's pretty annoying when you're used to Monday morning's fill up lasting until Friday
Thanks for the real world feedback - appreciated!
Had the 2015 model to get back into biking after a break .
Miss it to be honest was a right hoot to ride , cheap to insure , run ect
Pretty much all the power you need for road use
Great video looking forward to seeing how you got along with it
Best regards Shaun.
Been waiting for this video! Even though I've got the bike myself now anyway, after passing my a2 a few months ago. Actually sounds quite nice too, though my videos don't give it justice. I'm also a taller guy and it fits really well compared to some of the other bikes in the class :)
Do you agree with my findings??
@@TheMissendenFlyer 100% agree with the little niggles such as the kickstand being awkward to move, another would be the placement of the indicator switch, i feel the horn and that switch should be swapped for better ergonomics, as a beginner, i feel like i shouldn't have to almost move my hand off of the handlebar just to indicate, not a huge issue though (maybe i just have small hands). looking forward to your thoughts on living with the bike :)
I've had mine (matt black) for a month now and absolutely love it. I'm 49 and short but find it very comfortable and super fun. I'm plucking up the courage to do a review from an older lady's point of view.
I'd be a tough choice between this and the Ninja 400. The Ninja is priced so, so well. My local dealer even has the naked Ninja 400 which, shares the same motor and everything just no fairing for 5k out the door. I do love my cbr's, but the price of this and the Ninja..ugh, such a very deep thought going back and forth on these two really. And the Ninja is a lot lighter too. Damn it Andy..now more cups of tea and deeper thoughts while staring out the window pondering. Great video Andy...now it's pinpoint determining from here on out until I'm aboard one of the two
That's all part of the fun though Robbie working out what bike you want next....enjoy!
I can understand why you liked it, I have had the CB500R, the naked version of this, as a loan bike - really fun to push the twin to its limits.
I think you meant he CB500F. There isn't any CB500R. There is a CB300R and a CB650R. They just haven't made that style of body with this same parallel twin. A CB500R would be wonderful, since prefer the look of the R version of the naked bike over the F.
@@joemann7971 yes I did, thanks!
As ever great initial impression review. Looks a cracking option to me, especially as a complement to my NT650V which is definitely not sporty looking!!
Lovely to see you around my stomping grounds, welcome to Brackers lol, great review sorry about the sound issues. All the best.
I really don't understand why people give you thumbs down. 😀👍👍👍
You're very kind sir!
It's strange to to see video footage that shows someone as famous TMF, riding past your house. Good to see someone willing to put Bracknell on the map! Nice little bike but will need a ton of ACF50 and elbow grease to preserve it.
Had i known i would have popped in for a brew and a hobnob!
I learnt to ride and pass my test on a Honda CBR for give me it was over 20 years ago could have been a 500. Anyway it was confidence inspiring as you could just concentrate on riding and not effing around with the bike. Solid
When I saw the tail light assembly ,L knew you would replace it immediately if you owned one.
I’m 17 and thinking about getting this for my first bike!
This will definatly be my first bike thanks for the review .
Good choice!
Great video brother! I think the CBR looks nice. I ride an Motovlog on my victory highball now but I have owned a cbr f4i, gsxr6 ,zx6 and and iron 883. Thanks for the video.
I did a video on my first bike which is a Ducati 959 Panigale which I find perfect, as long as you behave.
Good video and review! Hondas are solid bikes!
Good luck!
I had the 2016 CB500F when I came back into riding after 30 odd years. That was a great bike and it helped passion my return to riding again, although now on Triumph Speed Triple 1050 lol
Nice!
Am I mad? I love everything about this bike and all my machines are big so for 90% of time it is more than enough.
One might say you are off your "rocker" John. Pun intended. It is a fine piece of kit really.