Got this bike for my first bike. its really perfect. Anyone who hates on this saying its too much money and too heavy compared to the ninja 400 forget that the riding position on this is more comfortable and it looks way nicer.
I did exactly the same route as you. I had a 2017 cbr300r for 3 seasons. Then got my cbr500r last October. I love my 500. It's a perfect bike for those who want a quick, practical bike that's affordable to insure, looks great, comfortable and fun to ride. It's also extremely reliable and simple to maintain. I'm working on mods. Did fender eliminator and about to add a sexy leo vince gp corsa pipe to it. I definitely recommend this bike.
Hey man, looking to get the bike as well. Just curious how much is insurance? I already brought all my gear (helmet, gloves, etc). Just waiting to take my MSF class in late april.
@@unkownhero97 I payed 50 bucks a month for the cbr300 and the cbr500. It's cheap. Things get expensive when you get into the supersport class bikes. Some aren't even insurable.
Thanks for this video. I had a CBR300R and loved it. I was a broke high school kid though and eventually couldn't keep up with the maintenance/insurance costs so I sold it before I started neglecting it. Now that I have a good job I want to get back into riding. 500R is on my list.
I am that dude who is a beginner and I want to thank you because your videos helped me make my decision on a bike. Now I just have to convince the wife, lol
This was an incredibly helpful and insightful review from a beginner/intermediate rider to other potential new riders. This had more relevant insight and info than most other professional reviews that is typically found in magazines. Lots of practical knowledge here. Thanks for this, and I would love to see a 500-mile or 1,000-mile follow-up review if possible.
Nice review! I passed the test for my A1 full motorcycle licence in January on a Suzuki SV650. However I am looking seriously at a CBR500R because it has plenty of usable power, looks stunning and comes with the legendary Honda reliability and build quality. Very economical to run also - the difference in insurance costs between a 500cc and a 650cc is eye watering.
Congrats on the A1 Phil! Its such a practical bike, yet you dont sacrifice anything that makes riding enjoyable...and you get killer styling to boot. Check out my other video as well. Stay safe, good luck!
I'm going to do the same. I'd rather start small and build up to big. Its more fun that way because when you go bigger you get the rush. If you rode a litre bike and went down to a 650 it would be boring, but if you rode a 125 and go to a 650 it feels like a rocket.
@@mattf2535 good point. I have since tested the CBR500R and the Ninja 650 and have pretty much decided to go for the Kawasaki. The extra (but usable) power, the more upright ergonomics and all round comfort will better suit the sort of riding I have planned. The TFT screen on the 2020 Ninja is also an added bonus. But if you are looking for some fun on the back roads that won't break the bank, then the Honda is perfect for riders of all levels of experience.
Just upgraded from my Chinese Dongfang 250 rts to this. Night and day difference. Loving this bike so far. Good review! This clutch is butter compared to my other bike
I agree with you about having the extra power on the Highway. The thing I think most people do in situations with a potential to get in an accident, is brake but, sometimes avoidance requires more speed. It's nice to be able to accelerate in the current gear, or be able to drop one, have room to bring the revs up and shoot out of the hole.
Here in the UK the bike Training up to our bike test, like a driving test, we train on 600cc. The 500r will be all I ever need in a bike. Another great vid man. Thanks.
Picking up my cbr500r next week. I am super excited. I am also upgrading from cbr300r. Thanks for the review this reassured me I am making the right choice.
Thank you for your honest review, I really like your humble attitude. I just purchased my 2021 Cbr 500r, and just finished my training and licensing. I’m a novice rider and looking forward in getting some seat time under my belt. I use to live in west Sacramento about 4 years ago, and recognize the video spots. I miss the area now because I live in a rat race city of San Diego. To many cars here, peace out!
Im coming up to my first year on a similar bike (CB500F). After roughly 20k miles in 1 year i can say the bike does everything you need it to do. Whether its daily commuting or even an occasional track day the bike will do everything you ask it to do. If I had to suggest a single mod to these bikes, it would 100% be aftermarket rear sets. I was dragging the stock foot pegs within the first week of riding and after swapping the rear sets out the bike is shockingly capable through a corner now. Enjoy your ride though and good vid.
@@noelvillaroman Higher foot pegs “adjustable rear sets”. Gives you better clearance so you don’t scrape the ground as easily during cornering. That bike came stock with very low pegs and I replaced them immediately so I could lean further during cornering.
Enjoy and be safe, and adjust your fork preload. One is all the way loaded (right) and one is all the way unloaded (left). I have a 2017 cbr500r with exhaust and intake and I love it. Not dangerous speed, but enough to get away from traffic.
Edit: disregard the preload statement. Watched again and it was just the angle, although they're both unadjusted and probably very squishy. May want to crank them down depending on your body weight.
Appreciate that J! Sold the 500 a few months back. Came across a deal on a 600 that was wayyyyy to good to pass up. Even though i wasnt necessarily looking for a super sport
Good footage and voiceover. I've been riding 5 years now. Been on an R3 for 4+ years now with a scooter being the first year. Have ridden a few larger machines but the CBR500R makes a lot of sense financially as well as just having that bit extra for motorway/long distance travel that I don't have so much with the R3.
Good video. I like the commentary and the fact you have so much footage of you riding it around is great! I will share this video with my friend who is looking at one of these as his first bike and he does a lot of highway. Good insight for someone just starting out!
Just sold my zx10r and thinking about picking this up. I remember it being super comfortable when I sat on it... It really is more fun to ring the guts out of a smaller displacement bike, especially in the twisties. The bigger bikes are very unnecessary where I live. We don't even have a track.
Well said..Im beginning to feel that too. I think the supersport thing is just a phase for most guys as its not very practical and you cant ever really make “the most of it”
Great vid mate! Recently had the pleasure of riding one of these and thought it was an awesome bike. Usuable power throughout the range and enough to get you out of trouble. A tip that might help you - you mention about your posture and avoiding putting your weight on your wrists - get some grip pads to put on your tank and then grip the bike with your thighs more. With the pads it's not a lot of force needed and you get used to it quickly. This leaves no weight then going down through your arms so you can have more precise inputs. Hope it helps, and ride safe 😎
Great on giving your ideas dude . Thanks for the vid cuz just like you said there isn't much vids for the CBR500R. Hope you make more vids about the bike, about its commuting capabilities its ergos and especially when going two up or having a passenger while commuting. Ride safe always mate
Just bought my 2019 cbr500r abs. Had it as my first bike after my MSF course. Its been great I just recently replaced the exhaust with the yoshi and sounds awesome. Def has enough power for a beginner.
Dude I was just over there by old sac yesterday 🔥😭 ur the only youtubwr who reviewed anything in sacramento and the 2020 cbr500. I'm getting the red one soon!
Spent all day looking at/researching this bike. Definitely interested and it'd be my first. Great review and very informative, thanks for the video man. Stay safe. Yay areaaaa
My last bike was an R6 and as much as my ego is trying to pull me away from anything smaller this bike might be n my future. It's beautiful, nd realistically more power than I'd ever really need.
@@HaoVu1 - 1) I haven't been on one in a while. 2) These are a ton cheaper. 3) I am in my thirties now and don't really care about status anymore. But as far as the bike itself, the only complaint was comfort, but can't really count that against a light-fitted track bike. Lol
Thanks for the insights dude. I think its an all around great bike. For everyday street riding i honestly dont think youll feel like youre making many compromises.
The CB 500R,must be a contender for the best" step up" bike, for a rider wanting more performance than his,say,R3 etc.It is relatively light,round about 190 kg,not too powerful,42bhp,but capable of 115mph,so could cruise at motorway speeds quite comfortably.I just wish a bike like this had been available when I passed my test,on a 250cc in those days!.
@Yea Ok I took the figure of 42 BHP as an average as it is listed as producing anything from as low as 38,to 50bhp,but I would agree with you perhaps 50 BHP is a more realistic figure.
Just got this bike myself a couple of months ago, loving it. Great looking bike and really easy to ride. Looking to iut an exhaust on it soon but its not a bad sounding bike stock either
@@HaoVu1 there's a really nice scorpion exhaust that seems to both look and sound really good. Byt yeah I agree. Quite generic overall, but better than some I've heard :)
Wow can very much relate to your situation. I have a 2019 300r and Ive been riding since last May. I ride/live in New England and the roads are pretty varied but I'm definitely ready for something with a bit more power. I hadn't even considered a 500 until I sat on one. I'm 5'4 and I'd honestly say balance/weight wise its more comfortable than the 300. Looking forward to picking one up in a month or so. Great review!
I completed my first year on a 2015 bike (13000 miles) at about the time you started riding. Its not completely super sports. I would say that with the engine it almost a lightweight sports tourer. I had racks on mine. 70MPH all day. 80MPH is pushing the revs more than I would like. I moved on to a VFR800 but the CBR500R is still my favorite bike. The only thing that ever bugged me was that to remove the fairings, the seat and side panels had to come off first. I would advise a beginner to buy a used bike first. Fit crash bungs. NOW!
Thanks Malik. Its a great first bike with enough performance to last years in your riding journey. Check out my other vids if you please! Take care brother best of luck
My biggest worry for starting as a beginner bike is I'm 4'11-5'. I'm taking my course in April and I've gotten my permit for the MFS course. I wanna start on a 300 or 500 either Honda CBR or Rebel to get learning and more hands on as a rider instead of passenger.
The rebels are gonna be hands down the shortest seat height which im sure you know...but if you want a sport bike youre gonna have to deal with a bit more seat height. Lowering links are an option but i would def recommend going to the dealership and sitting on everything just to get an idea. Tip toes are not a problem but if your feet cant reach the ground that just means youll have to put in a bit more parking lot practice to gain confidence! Good luck! Dont sweat it just get out there however possible and enjoy yourself shorty 😉
given this guys limited experience I think this is ok. Expecting power to save your ass, is a point of view held by folks without well developed defensive driving skills... who are always steps ahead in the chess game. However.. in the context of driving Highway 80 or I-5 where there are people cruising at 80 and 85 ( crazy as that is)... he is correct that being maxed out at any specific speed, makes you vulnerable. The fix is to choose your lane, choose your highway, and chose your day and time. I have traveled I-5 on a bike that struggles to get past 65...safely. But that meant a lot of right lane, and sometimes having to go even slower behind trucks and trailers. His point about it being more relaxing when you dont have to constantly work to maintain speed.,.. is correct. If you choose to go small. you choose some more stress, and a slower trip. But on 2 lane roads.. none of that matters. From Sacto.. there are pleanty of back roads to get to the places he wants to go.. but they are slow. I am glad to learn about the 500. I miss my 500 and 750 bmw.. and this might be nice.. but the ergonomics of those bar.. uh uh.
@@raregoddess444 That's a great mindset to have because I think the $350 investment goes a long way. You don't have to worry about dropping your own bike as you learn vs starting from scratch on your own bike. Also the skills your learn could save your life one day. Ride safe.
You need a motorcycle license to ride a bike in the US, right? I remember seeing FouseyTube or whatever his name is buying and riding a bike without knowing shit about motorcycles, then crashing. I don't understand how he legally could do that...
Cheers from Sac as well, considering this bike as a returning rider from years ago. Love the way 2022 looks. Do you still have it or you stepped up since? I'm 5'11" 150lb dude approaching my 40's.
@@HaoVu1 so you are on 300 again? Cuz from video I figure you went up to cbr500r from cb300, did you had 600 after and then back to 300? If so why? Very curious! I'm in process of picking my first street bike.
Good video. I have a 2020 in the same Matt Axis Grey as you . I know what you mean about the exhaust crackle on the overrun. I had a 2018 and its much better.
TheHaoVuMotoVlog just enough power for me. I ride mainly urban, so I never feel it to be short. The updates for 2020 were significant enough that it made a great bike better.
If you comute a lot and town riding... You could have looked at the cb500x, same engine and a more relaxed siting position. My son just got one last January 2020
Good review with helpful info. Would love it if you could ride review a 2017 or newer Kawasaki Ninja 650 to find out the detailed differences between it and your bike. Contemplating both. Price is close with discount. I am not a beginner just want to find out your impressions.
The ninja 650 is one class higher so you will get a good bit more performance out of it. I only hear great things about it. The Honda direct competitor with the ninja 650 would be the CBR650R or F
Im a brand new rider so its really good for me. Fuel economy is important for me and its excellent in that regard. Throttle is smooth and no complaints with the ride but i dont have much to compare to.
Not to be a devil 😈 on your shoulder, but I have a 954RR and it’s happy to putter around in 2nd gear nice and slow as well. It’s really well behaved and you have to want to get crazy with it. Keep up the responsible riding, good content.
Just sayin, you can save a LOT of gas staying in higher gear on straight road in compensation of acceleration, say 5th gear on 30-50mph city ride is totally manageable
From what i hear the 650r is a very solid choice. For just a bit more money you get a good deal more power and some tech features that are missing on the Honda. You dont like the CBR650R?
Robneet Singh i saw a 2018 model at NorCal Motorsports off Florin. I dont remember if it was used or not but i bet you could get them to let it go at a good price
@@kirkmacpherson7945 I bought a brand new E in 1996 and bought the OEM fairing as an factory fit option. Cost around £500 had cool twin round H4 headlights. You can probably see some pictures on Google images.
Hey brother. Watching the video your front rebound is too fast. Screw in clockwise with a flathead both front forks at the top. The silver screws in the middle of the blue forks. The front will be alot less bouncy and ultimately safer. Look up Dave Moss for more suspension info.
I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me out! I sold the 500 but i literally took my current bike to see Dave Moss in person at Thunderhill Raceway this afternoon!!!!
Go to his website and shoot him an email. He replied to me pretty fast and he was setting up my bike the following week. Bike feels born again truly like a dull blade turned into a samurai sword. He truly is a master of his craft. He offers remote tuning via text or video if youre interested!
Niiice! Small world. Its a bit of an eyesore for me but im not sure im going to change it just yet...i want an Arai helmet first and they are certainly not cheap
I’m 5’3 maybe 5’4 and I really want this bike . I haven’t rode one but did lots of research for the past 4 years. I’m about 150lbs , would you recommend this bike ?
I would absolutely recommend this bike. If you really want to start slow and have some even more beginner friendly go for a cbr300r or equivalent, but this will be fine so long as you practice
i have trouble deciding between the cbr500r and the cbr300r as my first bike, just how much different are they? is it worth to get the 500 just for that little bit of extra power? also note that i dont have the finances to start with a 300 and get the 500 later on, whatever i buy im keeping longterm. can you help me about this, because if the only difference is the top speed and anything bellow is basically the same ride(in-city commute) i would go for the 300 and save some money, just on how much will i miss out with the 300? NOTE: i live in europe so we dont have the fast and wide highways, its mostly windy roads in between cities
If majority of your riding is going to be under 60mph, the 300 could be perfect for you. It will still look great, be more gas efficient, easier to ride, more flickable, and def cheaper. Its so much lighter its just as fun if not more fun at or under 50-60 mph
@@HaoVu1 Thanks for the information. I have been riding heavy crusiers for the last few years. Before that I had a Z300, really liked that bike. Like you say it's took me a long time to realise that no matter what Ccs you have under you it's no good if you can't use em. I had a bike scone I was 18 and never been without one so as you know I'm now 70 so I've had a few. I am ordering one tomorrow, a new machine for £5700. It's not the latest but seems like a good deal.
Very similar in performance, all depends on whether you can justify the Honda costing almost 2k more. Also should consider if you plan on moving up to a bigger bike at some point.
@@HaoVu1 I thought of that too but to me as I'm really small i thought the weight of the cbr is too much for me, thanks for confirming my choice for the R3
Levegarex it definitely feels planted no doubt. I think top speed is 115mph. I havent gone above 85. If you want a bike that can wheelie and really pounce you may not love the cbr500r. Its smooth and steady, powerful enough for street riding but its not necessarily a little speed rocket if that makes sense
I am 6 ft 237 lbs is the 5 -7 extra lbft of torque versus the Ninja 400 going to make any difference???? Why is this bike like $2000 more then the Ninja 400??? Put more simply why the premium versus the bikes in it's tier???
I personally think Honda makes the most refined machines with slightly better quality and durability but they arent the cheapest or fastest bikes so depends what you value out of your riding experience/journey
Would have to disagree with the assessment here. You’re talking about two bikes that are in totally different price points. The 400 was meant to compete against the 300R and R3. It wasn’t meant to compete to against against a bike costing 2-2.5 k more. July-August you could get the 400 for the price of a 300R. Fit n Finish is really the only advantage to the 500R, as the performance isn’t worth the added coin. P-Twin engines out of any of the big 4 are pretty solid so durability is going to be good out of all of them. I think Honda makes a great product but, they’ve been riding that name premium for too long. When you have to take a 7k offering and compare it to competition in cheaper segments, that’s a problem.
@@nSquared75 Look at the specs sheets for the Ninja 400 and CBR500, the only relevant difference is displacement, power to weight ratio is negligible. Like I said and I've asked this of several people .......... What justifies the CBR500's premium? Nobody's given me the answer yet.
In my opinion, after cbr300 jumping to cbr500 is worthless, they are quite similar only few ponies more, better go to cbr 650, believe me 500 gone be boring very soon
I've had my 2014 CBR-RA for 6 years now and it's still a blast. Aftermarket pads have made the braking much better and the F model bags have made the practicality greater. I have two expensive triumphs one a Thruxton R and I still ride the CBR the most.
I had a cbr600rr and now have a cbr500r. I'm 35, have a family and dogs, I'm more likely to come home in one piece on a 50hp bike than a 125hp bike... With great power comes the need for great control, and I don't have it 😂. 500 is fun, nimble, quick enough and so much fun to ride, very relaxing, not high paced. I found myself going 100+ on the regular on the 600. Just no need for it.
I just took what i consider a “big trip” to yosemite and back from sacramento. Legit 12-13 hours of butt on the seat riding in 1.5 days. It was hard. My whole body is sore but all things considered the bike did well. Even a 5 min break every 1-2 hours depending how determined you are makes a world of difference
Best would be to go sit on one at the dealer. The relatively high set handlebars may be suuuper comfy for everyday riding since youve probably got better reach than a shorter rider like me. But mainly just try to sit on one to make sure you dont feel to cramped leg wise. Unless youre like NBA tall i doubt itll be an issue
TheHaoVuMotoVlog just sat on a cbr300, I don’t know if the 500 has a bigger frame or anything but it did feel sorta small, I might look into the dual sport and supermoto bikes.
Changed the look of it, the LCD display updated and has a gear indicator. They slightly revamped the engine to make a tiny bit more power and acceleration and i believe the stock exhaust changed to dual tip.
Man thats a good question. I don’t regret my time on the 300 but if I could do it over I would’ve done more shopping and gone right for the 500. If all I was doing was commuting in the city then 300 all day.
If you want something lighter you might try the Ninja 400 or the Yamaha MT-03. Buuuut honestly the Honda is so easy to ride that you wont ever think about the weight.
TheHaoVuMotoVlog thank you 🙏 I was at the edge of getting Yamaha r3 just Bc it’s kinda small but then I want something that can go a little faster since I’m gonna be using it to commute and it’s 90% highway
I love the honda cbr500r. Will you have a chance to go sit on one at a dealer? Honestly i think the weight will not be an issue unless youre trying to waddle it on sketchy/uneven ground and stuff like that, which is easily avoided by just parking somewhere else or avoiding that situation altogether.
