I have owned this new model for a couple of months now. Yesterday I took it for a 35 mile spin round the back road twisties, barely able to go above 50-60mph, a number of times I gave it the full beans. Average fuel consumption…97.5mpg. 300 mile round trip with a bit of luggage, mainly motorway with a bit of urban…74mpg and I weigh about 14 stone in full biking gear. Pretty impressive. A vehicle with (almost) Porsche-like acceleration to about 60-70mph with the economy even the smallest city diesel car couldn’t match, more fun than an open-top car, an engine that last 180,000 miles or more and comfortable for my butt for about 2 hours. Normal braking requires a single finger and only two fingers even for emergency breaking. I was thinking I’d get a screen but found that at motorway speeds the wind is acceptable. All-in -all a great package for about £6k.
Cheap to run, cheap to insure, more than fast enough for any situation including the motorway, looks good, comfortable, not too loud, a good allrounder.
Hi Mark, you are a great reviewer. Always very informative, and excellent at relating your experience. Sometimes I feel like I’m there with you. It’s a real pleasure to watch your reviews. You really opened my eyes to considering models I would never have thought of for my next bike. Great work.
Great review, having owned the previous version for 4 years now, great all rounder, only needed a master cylinder seal replaced and headstock bearings replaced, looking to replace it, this looks like a good contender.
Nice to see the addition of dual front disc brakes and Michelin Road 5 tires. Would like to see these on the NC750x. The ability to add a center stand would be a deal breaker for me as chain maintenance is a pain without it, especially when on a tour. Small bikes are nice because you can use all the power, but on long rides on our Interstate Highways the lack of top end power makes overtakes challenging. Great review Mark, as usual, and gland that you are getting more support from manufacturers. Cheers from Wisconsin.
Even my older version can be at 95 on a short slip road, not sure how fast you want to go :) The single disc was not great, the new version looks like it will be much better. Honda does show a centre stand for 2022 model for an additional £152.
Recently crashed my Triumph Speed Twin and hopefully after 4 fractured ribs and the bike being totaled will be able to ride again . After re-evaluating my needs and realizing my needs am considering this bike with more than adequate power dead reliable low weight high fuel economy and good looks . Hoping in the next two months I am physically able
Great bike for beginners & veterans who refuse to give up biking. I would add only handguards. I would have liked to see the rear suspension in your video. PS: I ride a 2010 Yamaha 66cc bike & I'm 75 years young :)
Really good review Mark -serious contender on my list as an old chap returning to biking - confess I am a Honda fan as they are so reliable and practical - one point the wind weather protection which may be better on the CB 500X which has a bigger screen?
Looks a great medium capacity bike . I'm really tempted to go and have a further look and possibly test ride on one . Can't go wrong really can you ?...on one if these.
Excellent review Mark of my current favourite bike . Your reviews are the best on RU-vid and the icing on the cake it is filmed in my favourite part of the country. You deserve many more subscribers.
If you are between 140 to 160 pounds, you can absolutely rip on this motorcycle because this is suspension is better than you think. I put 12,000 miles on a 2022 Honda CB500F. I’ve been itching for years to get a four-cylinder CB but I am committed to keeping my 500 F as my daily.
Great review Mark. I find your bike commentaries very concise and to the point with no undue padding. It bugs me that in 2022 that bikes still don't always get a centre stand as standard, when it's benefits are untold. I must admit the addition of the twin front discs makes for a better overall braking performance and the price in keeping with last years model.
@@ElCoco1984 The weight of a centre stand is irrelevant on this bike, it's not a sports bike and in any case it already weighs a ridiculous 189kg, that's the same weight as a MT09!
Fine-looking bike, although I prefer the Rebel. Is this noticeably quicker low-down than your 390, Mark? I really appreciate how you demonstrate the flexibility of the engine - or lack of it - in all your tests. This is very rare in other channels. You deserve a lot more subscribers. No fuss, no padding, just clearly expressed information allied to sensible riding.
Seems to be a lot of bike for the money. 80mpg as well, so pretty frugal on fuel. Nice that Honda have given it twin front brake discs. Really like the look of this one in yellow, black and gold. Looks like a bee .........
Maybe if the reviewer got on the side of the purchaser center stands would become standard again. Basic chain and sprocket maintenance without a stand, come on Honda. From the dawn of motorcycling bikes have come with a stand. Now we are asked to pay up to £150 for £10 worth of steel tube. If the thing got in the way I would take it off. £5000+ for a bike with no stand and half a front mudguard. How come you get a center stand on a scooter then. Bit of a mickey take. Real shame as it could be a really nice bike.
Hi mark Thanks for another great review. I’ve been watching your channel for a while now, and lately have been using your videos as a pick me up since i recently lost my job. Please wish me luck as I’m waiting to hear from a prospective job offer soon. Respectfully, Tom (from New Jersey United States).
Hi Mark, I've watched this review 20 times or more over the last day or 2, what I wanted to ask is, do you really recommend this bike over the x and r model? Im seriously thinking of buying one, but I'd appreciate your opinion, thanks, Rich 👍
Hi rich ...first of all ..all are great and share the same engine.... personally now I'm into naked bikes ...the cb500f would be my choice... great comfort...very economical..and stellar reliability...I would say you can't go go wrong ...I would spend my money on one Best regards mark
@@markpulling12 fantastic, that's my mind made up, I visited Honda in Bromsgrove and though I can't get the colour of my choice until October (red) they do have a yellow one in stock, so I think because I'm impatient I'll get the yellow one, thanks for your opinion and reply, have a great weekend 😊
I had a cbf500 about 20 years ago, and have had every size of bike since then. Today I bought this very model and feel I have closed a circle of sorts, going back to a 500. Probably will be my last bike.
Really wish they had updated it for the Neo Cafe look but considering it shares parts with the other 500s it sort of makes sense they didn't. Also the availability of a center stand is a huge plus in my book.
Hi Mark, i have my CB500F on order for delivery in May. Thanks for the review, a good balance of walk around details and riding modes. I'm a "lapsed" rider coming back after ~30 years, and wanted something a bit gruntier (my first bike was a DT175, 2-stroke!) and more road friendly. My questions is how does this handle gravel, those fat tires look like they'd slide out a bit and the roads in Australia are crappy.
Nice bike, but Honda are cheap skating! No centre stand as standard. Until recently, all bikes came with a centre stand😞. Also the front mudguard is useless. All the muck from the front tyre will cake the front of the engine and pipes. All for an extra bit of plastic. 😡
I fitted a Honda centre-stand for £144. They could supply one as standard but it would just bump the price accordingly. You’re dead right about the front mudguard though, it would hardly name a dent to te price of they made the mudguard longer. I find that the front wheels even throws crud onto the radiator so I’ll fit and extender.
Hi Michael...no not really because I've been riding so many big bikes for 35 years .. I really enjoy small bikes these days ...you can really use all the power on our busy roads But I still love power mind !!!
@@markpulling12 Oh, now I got it! To every bike there is its purpose. You are right, It is impossible to use all the power of liter bikes in the city and dangerous, and they are bulcky and heavy. Much nore managable to use light bikes. Thank you for your reply🙏
Great review Mark. This is the bike that I am getting as soon as I pass my DAS. Love the new upgrades to this years 500 range. Carnt really beat it on price and build quality 👍🏻
@@LuisAlfredo90 I guess it just depends what you want the bike for and how you want it to feel. If you like taller riding of the X then go for it rather than the shorter naked version 👍🏻
Purchased mine on the 1st march, love it and have just had its 600 mile service. Had the cb125f for 6 years and fancied a chance. I am getting 200 miles to a tank which I don't thinknis to bad for a 500. Really nippy and nibble easily filter through traffic with easy 😀
Hi Mark. I’m in the US, and I try to watch your reviews on all the units I’m interested in, and you are a treat to watch. Your genuinely optimistic and positive across the board. Keep up the great work. I, myself, will be going from the CB300R, to the CB500F, very soon.😊
Why are all these new bikes rubbish for pillions?. Foot pegs are miles to high and rear bodywork won't last long if you can fit someone on!. Why is it only Enfield acknowledge that a budget bike might be somebody's only transport?. All the Japanese makes are guilty of this no wonder Enfield are on the up and up lol!!.
As a 6'3 (191cm) guy, even with the low seat height of this bike, I sit quite comfortably on it. Not cramped at all. Honda did a good job with its riding position. There are a lot of taller bikes which suit me worse. I'd say tho that I'm at the top end of a rider's height for this bike.
I'm 6'3 as well. I feared with the same experience about taller bikes as you that the CB wouldn't fit me. Thanks for the info. Do you use any windshield?
@@spenserwalker7768 Hi. I only did a test ride on the CB500F and she had no windshield. But I felt quite comfortable on it due to the foot peg positions. I have ridden a Z900 in the past as well as V Strom 650. Neither of them were more comfortable, actually I think the V Strom was the worst of all three. I would advice you to sit on the CB500F if your dealer has one and even go for a test ride.
@@nairamize4996 Thank you for the information .Would never have guessed that about the V Strom. I'll go for a test ride with the CB. I'm going to try the Moto Morini X-Cape as well . Cheers
@@spenserwalker7768 Well, the higher seat height of adventure category motorcycles is often misleading. Yes, you need longer legs to reach the ground on them comfortably. But they also have a lot higher ground clearance than for example naked bikes. Resulting in the foot pegs being positioned a lot higher (simply because the stance of the motorcycle is higher). And that often results in even worse knee and hip angles. And the V Strom has quite the broad seat which made it uncomfortable for me. They day I testrode the 500F I also sat on the Benelli TRK 502 X. And despite being quite the tall motorcycle with a seat height of 900mm or so (which was great for my legs when it came to putting the feet on the ground), the hip angle was way worse than on the 500F.
I find it funny as hell how you guys switch between metric and standard measurements in the same sentence. My calculator app is never open when you do this😂
Why can't we get a midsize shaft drive liquid cooled bike anymore? The late 70's and most of the 80's gave us some great mid range bikes like that and I'd love to see one today.
I like the simple switch gear on these smaller bikes, it's what puts me off the Africa Twin, they're too over complicated with too much to go wrong. The honda 500's are a sound choice for a first / commuter bike.
Hi Mark Is cb500f my22 better choice that sv650 for beginner rider? (comfort ride position, easy to ride) Howewer v twin is more funny and attractive for my.
Hi both are great bikes for a beginner...here in the UK the sv would have to be restricted to a2 47 HP as it's 70 HP ish standard...they both compare well but like you say the v twin is a fun engine...have a go on both and see which feels the best for you best wishes mark
Hi Mark, I'm new to your channel and am glad I found your reviews. I'm so happy to find a reviewer who is not 6'6" tall! At 5'8" myself with similar inseam your impressions and review of the ride are relevant to me! Thanks for doing these!
as a 70 yo returning motorcyclist in the U.S., this is the leader in the clubhouse for my upcoming next (last?) bike..the new CL500 is interesting also, esp since my first motorcycle was a 1971 1/2 (*yes American Honda called it a 'half' year model release) CL350 (gold, with that weird stripe), so there would be some nice symmetry there, but the styling leaves me cold...the new 450 from RoyalEnfield has piqued my interest as well as i've heard the fit and finish of the Hunter 350 is well above that of the INT 650s which have been an amazing success story for them, and now the new 400cc Triumphs arrive on the scene..oh my they look beautiful . Long Live Motorcycling!
Good work Mark, thoroughly enjoyed it! I was thinking and even tested their Scrambler 500. However, the Cb500f can be had (July 2023) here in Germany for €6,000 from the official channels!,! So why should I spend a grand more for a bike which has only one disc up front ? The other variants are also more expensive in Germany. Thanks for a great review, ride safe and enjoy……
Great review. I have the 2016 CB500F and can get 80 mpg if I baby it, but get about 72 mpg riding on roads you shot your video on and in a riding style similar to yours. I like the gear indicator on the 2022 model, wish my 2016 had it. I've put 5500 miles on my 2016 and have enjoyed the bike immensely except for the lack of gear indicator and the tires (Dunlop) on the earlier models. My tires are worn out at 5500 miles and given how gently I ride I thought I should do better than that. For the commentators about riding this bike on the interstate, power isn't a problem. The bike is a little buzzy at 80 mph and fuel mileage drops down to about 50-55 mpg at those speeds but power is adequate. But, the bike is rather light and gets buffeted pretty hard during interstate driving. Would I buy it again? Heck yeah. And one more thing, it's incredibly reliable. I've done absolutely nothing to my bike except for maintenance. Thanks!
My dad liked bikes. He had an AJS single cylinder (350?) then he went for a Norton 500 Dominator twin 'feather bed'. It had a wonderful sound, but he always complained that the clutch was extremely heavy, unlike those of today. How do they do it? I really fancy one of these Hondas!
Thanks Mark, another great review. I'm looking at lighter bikes as my z900RS is a bit heavy and tall. These look good, although some of the welds look rough. Can't have everything i guess.
I went and seen a 2020 CB500F today, i felt cramped on it, I'm 5ft 11, think i will go for the CB500X instead, i had a 1998 CB500 years ago, one bike i wish i never sold.
My order with Honda cant be fulfilled according to the dealer (nc750x, no more bikes coming to Canada apparently...) and looking at this instead. Hope a 6 foot 2 man can find it comfortable !
I love your reviews mate. You cover a lot of points that interest me, and i am 5 foot 7 and don't weigh much similar stance, so it helps me decide which new bikes fit my size well. Although my usage scenarios are different in Thailand and we dont use that A2 A5 thing in fact i have been driving for 30 years without a license and we dont have a speed limit as such so, not much can happen except an accident or a fine for no licence. No license caught 50 times = 50 fines no other punishment, so nobody bothers getting a license or even wearing a helmet.. Plus we can stick any customizations on we like with no sound noise restrictions etc. We have cars that blast out black clouds here so new bikes can have as much customization as they want they wont be worse than farmer giles pickup. Even the cops drive with no helmet in uniform on the way home
Oh and the fine for no licence is about 3 quid. Repeat about 3 times a year maximum. NO further upscaling of punishment, just a fine for no license. No bike papers impound it but pay to get it out and use it till next time they catch you a couple of years later and repeat.#amazingthailand
G'day Mark, Honda is the best by far Japanese Motorcycle company, over the years l have had a CB 750cc & CB 1000cc and both had done a lap of Australia and without a dought never ever had any problems and this 500cc model will just fit the bill for anyone think of buying, another great review, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
I love these Bikes I have a 2020 model I brought From Keep Biking in Brackley, with a mere 1,500 miles on It , the previous owner had Fitted The Genuine Honda Screen , & Centre stand ! Looks Great in Candy Orange . How big an Improvement is this New 2022 Model? I Find the Single Disc Brake On my CB 500f really good & it Handles Fine.. The New B.P forks look Fantastic I find The LCD a bit Dim in Bright Sunshine.
Watching this, one thing strikes me. I might doing my gears wrong?! Ride a CB125r and, like in my car, I'll stick it in 6th at 30mph. Must admit I need to change down to 5th on hills, even slight inclines, but otherwise it does seem happy. Should I ride a bike in lower gears/middle of the rev range?
Hi on a 125 cc you'll probably need to be in a high ish gear at 30 mph or it will be revving like crazy I generally like to save fuel and keep in a highish gear so 40 mph is 4th 50 is 5th etc but depends on the situation...most modern big bikes have lots of torque so will pull high gears easily... Obviously for fun you rev it out more ... cheers mark
Hi mark, I like your reviews, when do you think you’ll be doing a review on the new Kawasaki eliminator 450? I like the look of this bike and would appreciate your views on it. Keep up the good work.
477cc I think not 417. Has the frame still got the lugs for a centre-stand.I highly recommend getting one fitted for adjusting and oiling chain on the go. Paddock stands not the best. Very waspish paint job.
Excellent review, I had a Suzuki GS425 years ago and loved it. Simple, roomy enough and fun with good running costs. This sounds like a modern version of it. Lovely.
Mark, of course it’s fine if you have a preference for the naked (CB 500) than the faired CBR500R. But in your opinion, do they more or less feel similarly tuned as far as their engine performance is concerned? It seemed to me at least that you were a tad more “flattering “, and impressed with the CB 500’s “ road manners”;). Thank you for the great review, as always!
Hi mark yes they do both have the same performance and feel ..the sports model just handles differently..bit more engaging..but both are fantastic bikes :) I'll get myself one oneday:) Best wishes mark
Hi Sam it's very comfortable with a nice upright position...ok it may not have any wind protection so to speak but I'd say 200 mile days would be no problem Cheers mark
Just bought me one, pearl Grey to replace my Versys 650 and compliment my Z1000SX & CRF300 Rally, did a test ride, really enjoyed the fun factor and nakedness, looking forward to getting it next week, and I think its much nicer to ride than last years cbf (rode that as well) but waited for the new one and very pleased I did as only a couple more hundred pounds, (real world) and a lot extra in terms of riding fun and spec sheet, good review Mark
That's some amount of balance weights for new wheels/tyres. Lovely looking bike though and the changes they made seem perfect. Having driven the older model the clutch is unbelievable.
Τους ζεστους θερινους μηνες στην Ελλαδα Μαιο-Σεπτεμβριο εχει θεμα ο αεροψυκτος κινητηρας; πεφτει η απόδοση καθολου; ειναι αεροψυκτος η ελαιοαεροψυκτος;
Γεια σου Γιώργο, ο κινητήρας είναι υγρόψυκτος άρα θα δροσιστεί τους καλοκαιρινούς μήνες ..αν ζεσταθεί στην κίνηση ο ανεμιστήρας θα κόψει ...έτσι όλα καλά!! Τις καλύτερες ευχές μου
Just sat on one today. The seating position is just perfect. I am 5' 8" tall and can easily get my feet down. The reach to the bars is perfect. There is one in my future....Sal : )
Hi Mark!, Thank you so much for your reviews! They're Absolutely Great and very Informative!, I'm looking for my first bike, and i believe this CB500F is a great candidate!, I'm 5ft 5 and therefore my bike cant be too tall (tenere for example), I would love this bike to be 600-700cc and with a 270 degree crankshaft Parallel twin :P. i dont like the amount of wind in your, on a nakedbike, and i'm just too short for the CB500X i believe. So i've been looking at a F750GS, or the ADV350, or a MT-07, or even the Moto-Cross/Super-Moto Bikes like a DR-Z400S or Honda CRF But can't really decide.. So much to Choose from ! (which is great), in other words, a short, light but powerfull bike with a good windscreen haha. I'm going to use it to commute to work, 10 km freeway, 10 km countryside road, 2 km city in eahc direction. (I live in Denmark) ... I think it's really difficult, but this bike seems perfect except the wind and the not 270 degree engine, (or a 90degree v-twin ? i love the sound of those) or maybe i just have to accept it. What Bike would you recommend for me ? My favorite bike used to be a Honda CBR600F3/4 (1999 edition), and i would still love to own it, just gettin' a bit old now. I Also like the fuel consumption and the comfort and reliability on newer bikes, its quite appealing.. Looking forward to hear from you if you read this, thanks in advance :-)
Hi Mark, thanks for your excellent review. I am 75 yrs old & currently rideing a Suzuki 650 Vstrom. I love it, but it''s a bit high & heavy. I was thinking of going back to my roots & buying a RE 650 Intercepter, but someone recommened I should try this. Have you tested the interceptor & if so what do you think is the better bike. I do a bit of touring so I want something comfortable. Thanks
Hi Ron yes I've reviewed the Interceptor it's on my channel... great bike comfortable but a little heavy off the side stand and to push about so I think for you this Honda would be the better choice 👍 Best regards mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks for the quick response. I will try to get a test ride on one, we have a local Honda dealer. My nearest RE dealer is 450km away in Pattaya or Bangkok. Thanks again Mark
Nice CB 500 f great review as always mark bike looks cool sounds really good really like your commentry about the different bikes best around mark take care safe riding 👍💙
I think mine is a 2019 with the 17” front wheel. They are very good high quality bikes. Hope they’ve improved the fuel mapping as throttle is jerky on tight backstreet roundabouts.
My beloved 390 Duke commuter was just written off by an Audi pulling out on me, was going to get another but may take a punt on one of these just for the mpg (though I'll always miss that Duke, great in town and the twisties)
Thanks for your review. I m here because I saw one video from an austrian biker who said he had not enough space for his right foot so I was watching especially your foot position.😅 How fid it feel for you, was it comfortable?
Hi yes no problem at all ...didn't notice any issues...maybe he was talking about his right heel touching the exhaust but I didn't notice that It's a great bike ..and comfortable Best wishes mark
Hi thanks for the sub ...I owned a duke 390 ... great fun machine very light focused and punchy ...it's totally different to the scram which is a plodder in comparison Best wishes mark
Cool video. How would describe the difference between this or the 500X? Witch one is better or more comfortable for long distance riding? Appreciate your answer.
Great review mate. Not sure which one to go for. For a first mid weight bike the honda cb500f or the cb500x. Which one do you think is more comfortable better for up right riding mark
Hi Sean if you are tall say 6ft plus and plan touring get the X ....if you are shorter and just want a great all rounder get the f .. that's what I'd go for but both are great Cheers mark
Good straightforward review Mark. I’ve got a 70 plate model in orange, similar to the one you reviewed a while back. I’m 60 now and enjoying the upright and comfortable ride these days, I’m very happy with the current model I have, but the latest updates seem to finish it off a treat.
Is it normal for CB500F engine to get overheated? I feel a lot of heat emitted on my lower legs. Please share your experience if you are riding one. Many thanks
Fabulous bike. The only thing I don't like about it is the Transformer like headlight. Tank bags are great! Even if you have clip on bars, they can save all the strain on your wrists and, if you ride a naked, keep you totally comfy and out of the wind; a bit bigget than the one on your test bike, though . Great review, as ever, thanks.
