The CB 500 F is in a class of its own among the entry-level roadsters produced by the major manufacturers. The competition is always a little less generous in terms of watts and displacement (390 Duke, G 310 R), or a lot bigger (SV 650, Z 650, MT-07, etc). Oh, but the bike takes no offence. It knows what it's good at. And it reinforces the others.
Be that as it may, the CB 500 has always been designed to help young motorcyclists get their first rides after passing their driving test.
As if it wanted to reward the winners more seriously, the new model benefits from substantial improvements. Not chrome mirrors or an oil drain plug cut from the mass... No, something convincing, with consistent use and the perception of efficiency that goes with it. Virtually everything is located under the Patlabor-style fork head.
This is serious stuff. The CB 500 F almost seems to be charging down the road with its 41 mm inverted fork. It's a Showa SFF-BP model with a large piston, the same as on the CB 650 R. The suspension is adjustable only for preload. The braking system has also changed dimension, with double the number of discs and callipers. Braking will be carried out on two 296 mm brake discs instead of one 320 mm disc, clamped by 4-piston callipers with radial mounting. Add to this new, lighter rims and a weight distribution tilted more towards the front (around 3%) and you'll understand that Honda is seeking to make the front tyre work better, while ensuring greater responsiveness and more efficient operation. And yet, the old CB was already doing well, without suffering any particular criticism. It has clearly decided to raise its game a little. It has to be said that the Middle Kingdom is showing its fangs more and more.
It's a tonic, but only for the chassis. The frame, design and engine are all the same. No one will complain, because the CB 500 can do the job. We'd just like to see more flavour, more character, and even a bit of excitement from the twin-cylinder. The engineers have tweaked the fuel injection to round out the torque and deliver a little more feel... but that shouldn't upset the performance of this engine. A typically Honda engine. It's well-bred, very docile and very easy to drive, which is welcome for beginners. But you'll soon be hungry for more if you want to get some adrenaline going.
Ready to go, the CB 500 F weighs in at 189 kilos. The status quo. The same applies to the LCD speedometer, 17.1-litre fuel tank, dimensions, exhaust system, saddles, handlebars, etc, etc, etc. So when you're sure of yourself, there's no need to make a fuss. The figures speak for themselves: the roadster takes half the sales of the family (CB 500 F - CBR 500 R - CB 500 X) - a trio that has sold over 100,000 units since 2013.
Honda has kept a little under wraps, however, lightening the radiator and the swingarm with thinner steel components. The CB gets aluminium footpegs, more powerful LEDs for the headlight and a modified mudguard.
The same, only better! It's a phrase that's been used countless times by dynasties of models that can't be ignored. The Honda CB 500 F can make it its own. Very similar to the old model, it differs from it mainly in that its front end is stronger. Without touching the price, which has become rare.
2022
2023
Etant moi-même permis A, je trouve que cette moto convient à tout type de permis pour faire des balades et se rendre au travail, en ayant un bon agrément de conduite pour peu de frais de consommation et d'entretien. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Clement89
Soit on garde la meme puissance pour une cylindrée inférieure, mais là on joue sur le couple et sur la polyvalence avec un moteur un peu trop pointu.
Ou bien on allège le poids total en charge, comme chez KTM, pour atteindre le poids minimal requis pour une moto en A2 de 47.5 ch, qui est en principe de 170 kg.
Et il doit etre facile de faire un peu maigrir la bete de 19 kg sans atteindre des sommets financiers, car le prix de base est déjà bien élevé.
5999 euros ce serait un peu plus judicieux.
Un réservoir de 15 litres ça suffit amplement pour un moteur aussi peu gourmand, un cadre un peu moins épais voire tubulaire, un silencieux un peu plus fin et un support de plaque AR un poil plus court. Et là on y arrive. Rating : 3/5 Respond to Jeff2A