These Honda 500s are some of the most practical and usable bikes you can get. Exceptional fuel economy, reliability and engine life, and enough power to have fun around town or the back roads. 500 km fuel range per fillup is nice and I average 3.1 L/100km overall on my CBR500R. I don't miss my bigger bikes too much but I'm afraid I'll miss this one when I trade it (likely for a CB500X for some off-road).
@@ifrit35 I have the 500X now and yes, I do miss the 500R. They have a lot in common but feel pretty different and I prefer the 500R on-road... it felt smoother, a bit quicker, and a bit more efficient (mostly due to aerodynamics I think). Maybe I'll end up owning both but it seems strange to have two bikes so similar.
@@Thirsty_Fox I was kind of in a similar situation. Bought a rebel 500 in 2020, sold it later that year for a Gsx-s 1000. I missed the Honda so I bought another one earlier this year. And now I'm tempted by a cbr 500 r. It doesn't makes sense but who cares apart from my finances.
Hello Mark from across the pond. My first bike was a 2014 Honda CB500F. Learned a lot on that bike and really regret getting rid of it. Excellent bike for anyone.
Great bikes, had mine for 4 years, second MOT just the headstock bearings needed re-packing, also replaced the brake master cylinder seals as the front brake was getting a bit vague (old single disc version). Great review as ever from Mark.
Some useful storage under the rear seat, Mark, as you hint at. I asked the local Honda Big Wing if I could look under the seat, and they said it needed a key. End of conversation. They have a reputation for being unhelpful.
thanks for your reviews on this bike. I've seen many on the new cb500f and it's hard to find anyone with a bad thing to say about it. I was considering a cb300r when i get my full licence, but it's hard to find an argument not to upgrade to this instead as it ticks all the boxes im looking for. GL
Really great starter bike, I’ve had my 2014 for about 6 months now and it’s been a blast to learn on, and I doubt I will get rid of it for a while since it’s the perfect size and power level for around town riding. Also forgiving to my short inseam (5’9”, 29” inseam)
It took me 8 years to try the 16 tooth front sprocket, don't make that mistake. It transformers the bike to make it a better do it all machine. Just try it.
I'm especially envious of the +30 mpg this bike does, when compared to my own bike, particularly in light of the fact that my back tyre has a plug in it, after I found a nail there and will have to ride like Brian the snail from the Magic Roundabout for quite some time.
Useful addendum to your initial review. More obvious that there is a digital rev counter; think the flyscreen looks necessary to see it clearly though.. Cheers
Much more than a Beginner Bike.. The Cost of Living is going Through the Roof, Electric , Gas , Petrol, its a Bike you can afford to Run & Insure..I was talking to an MT10 owner the other day Fantastic Machine so powerful But very Very thirsty Ok if you can afford It.. the owner had uses the same Amount of Fuel in a week as I had In a month on my CB 500F!
G'day Mark, out of all the Motorcycle makers in Japan l think Honda have made some of the World's best Bike's, l used two CBs to travel around Australia and the reliability l will praise till the day l die, another great review Mark, keep safe and upright and remember ever Car out there is out to get you, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
@@brettwicks2615 your right mate your bike or parts could come from anywhere in the world, like Enfield I still think their British not Indian. cheers.
@@norsehall309 no , there INDIAN RUBBISH , nothing to do with BRITAIN , I bought 2 new ones in 2021 , oil leaking , vibrating rubbish . Just sold the last one , a 5 speed vibrator on 2 wheels , a very costy mistake . Enfields have nothing to do with BRITAIN ,
I hate the exhaust can but otherwise this little bike rocks from all I’ve seen. My buddy had a 450 in the eighties and nobody could do better wheelies than Russ
My wife has a 2004 Honda CBF500. It starts every time, passes its MOT each year and she simply loves it. Just one thing - it now looks a bit dated. Looking at this ‘new’ bike I suspect she will be tempted.
Nice review Mark, do you know of the naked version is coming to Europe ? My sister want's one but she dose not like the front of this version. That way I can get my Yamaha FZR 1000 Exup back from here. 🏍
@@markpulling12 Still have mine 1989 and six other FZR, 1x 1990, 2x 1991, 1x 1992, 1x 1994, 1x 1995. I have a lot of spare parts, bought the stock from two dealers in Holland and one in Belgium. Also one FZ1 Fazer, a Mash Falcone 125 and a Trident 660. Not al the FZR are ready, work in progress.
As someone who rides a 1977 Honda four I can safely say that Hondas have always been good. Will this one last 45 years? I doubt it but a nice bike all the same.
hi,got my licence in october last year,and i order the new cb500F 2 weeks ago and hopefully it will arrive in 4 to 5 weeks from now.it toke me fews month to choice a bike and i think for a new rider it is perfect in economy and power.I can`t wait to go out with it for the first time.thx nice vid.i would like to ask you a question aswell.how long do you think i can joint a grp to go out for a ride?after fews weeks out on my own or shorter?
Hi steffan group riding takes a bit of lane discipline and experience...I'd advise to ride on your own or one other for a month /1000 miles then give it a try :) Good luck 🤞
Price-wise this comes in very close to the ADV350 which I watched your reviews of. Which do you rate highest for daily commuting and general use? Thanks.
@@markpulling12 Thanks for the reply Mark. The CVT and storage do appeal, but it just feels like an awful lot more bike for the same (ish) money with the CB. I'll have to try them both!
I like the flashing hazards as you braked hard. I had a go on my mate bike the same model as that and I thought it was a lovely little machine, great for a new rider.
Hello Mark, I know it's been a while since you did this, but I go back and forth between reviews and bikes.. I was looking at the Royal Enfield650's, and realised that the power is the same on this sweet little Honda! A great bike, which is also quite a bit lighter than the Interceptor. I know they may not seem like two bikes you'd compare, but they both sit squarely in the size/weight/power/cost range I'm looking at. But there are two things speaking against the Honda vs the RE: 1; Cost: the CB500F is $600-700 more than the RE, and then, for me; the clincher, 2: the looks and feel. There's no doubt the Honda's a great bike, but it is completely anonymous, whereas the RE has character in SPADES! I'm not after outright specs, but want a bit of everything, and I have to say; for me, the Interceptor wins it. But I'm certain, I'd be just as happy driving the Honda!
Many thanks.... interesting that here in the UK the interceptor 650 is £500 more than the cb500f but I know what you mean the RE has a wonderful engine 👌
Anyone old enough to remember the cx500 v twin ? I went through 3 of these during my days as a despatch rider in London during the 80s. Legendary courier bike, also the Honda 400 superdream parallel twin, and cb760f. Hondas have always the most reliable bikes, apart from the suzuki GS 750 and kawasiki z900. I did over 140000 miles on a gs750 before it died, and 105000 on a z900. They dont make em like that anymore.
What is the advantage of a smoked screen as opposed to a transparent one? Surely, it makes it harder to see through? But sometimes you need to see the road infront of you...
@@markpulling12 Mmm ok will ask re that when go look at the bikes. Something that has occurred to me whilst thinking of doing a trip on my 125. I.e On a campsite....you think a disc lock enough? (I'll ask the touring chaps). Any disc lock you recommend..?
Hi Mark, thanks for the review. I Started with a Grom early this year, made 3-4K kms, ready for an upgrade, 5ft 6, ride in city and country roads, not for commuting. Upright position with minimum pressure and vibration on wrists and hands and handling and riding fun are my top priorities. Do you recommend the 500F or Z400? Thanks .
Hi Mark thanks for the reply. Eliminated the 400 but was offered a short test ride on a z650L (Lams restricted model). Ergonomically it was slightly better than cb500f (more upright), a bit more torque, but throttle was a bit jerky at take off at lights. The 500F was more linear in that respect but was choking at slow ride at the second gear requiring shifting to gear 1. I wonder whether this could be an issue in slow traffic. Want to pick one these two. Which one would u recommend ?
Great bike loved mine, except the fact that I use it all year round and on wet days (of which they're are many) it covers itself, my luggage and the back of my jacket with road dirt. Very annoying.! My cb500x didn't do that.
Hi it's about a 1000 more expensive new ...but yes it's got 70 hp Vs 47 ...but the honda is way more economical....if you are looking for a great all rounder I'd get the honda but if you want the extra power the sv makes sense especially second hand cheers mark
Been thinking between the 500F and the 500R, Can't decide what's a better bike overall. Any suggestions from anyone of what would probably be a better pick? And why? been chilling on a cbf125 so i'm not too aware of the variation in seating position to the full extent and whether the CBR would be comfortable enough. Would love to get general opinions
Love the CB500F but (IMO) it is a distant second place to it's brother, the NC750-X DCT. I ran an NC for 2 years and it was faultlessly reliable, and returned 100mpg regularly.
Have to agree ....ok the NC is more money than the cb,500f new ...but you can't beat that engine ,low rpm torque,nice cruising revs and amazing economy Cheers mark
the nc750 is definitely not the 500f's brother, especially the dct. Dct is for old people and the 500f is targeted at the younger audience (a2 compliant). Everyone is gonna praise their own bike tho.
@@grtbgf I don't have an NC750. I have a ZZR1400.....but you're right, I'm an old man. Oh, I have a classic Voyager and a modern Rolls Royce too. Old age has its advantages.....
@@grtbgf " DCT is for old people " I'm old but I have a nephew in his 20's who suffers from osteo arthritis in his hands , not only " Old people " will benefit from not having to use a clutch lever . Props for the ageist comment ..........
Please Honda go back to the 94 style rear seat , and a flat exhaust pipe for better luggage options I can’t be the only one that wants and needs 3D litre side boxes and a max top box, and please Honda improve the dash system it’s very hard to read , part share with bmw if you have too
Lovely! I think its a 180 degree firing crank, so it a Bonneville sound...Original! So nice...Wheres my bloody wallet? No brainer buy it...provided its got a centre stand!!! (Triumph pay attention!) I can buy one of these...but will wait to next spring!
@@Jay_Speed I bought a used Tracer 7 :-) I was looking at the CB500X but decided on a used Tracer in the end which was probably a better financial choice
@@stevepovey2489 The Tracer is a bit higher so when it suits you then it will be a good bike. I drove only Yamaha for 47 years but then did not found what I really wanted with the brand so the Trident came.
@@stevepovey2489 For me the price of those is too high, these days I set a limit and the Trident fell in my wishes. Weight with full tank 185kg, seat hight 800mm, price standard max 8500 euro. So what I have is 189kg, 805mm, 8295€, paid with options like track and trace 9230€. I did test the Tracer 7 and 9 found them too high for me and did not like the look.