Honda CBR500R and CB500F bike review | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com

1st

I can't understand why they didn't give the CB500F the "Neo-Cafe" treatment like the 300 and 650!

I cant wait to feel the thrill of the 2 cylinder engine with the 47HP and become a proud owner of a CBR supersport bike. Not.

Well... They're pretty heavy for modern bikes

Another option is a Yamaha MT-07 with temporary lowered horsepower for an A2 license. Or for a lot less, a used Kawasaki 500cc with some suspension improvements.

Urgh, they're just a bit boring aren't they, only ever see these bikes used by riding schools, if I was a restricted license holder and rode one of those id just give up and get a corsa, give me an RC390 anyday, or a 765 A2, or an MT07

6k is a lot for an A2.

Wouldn't classify this as a bike review, more a bike fact run-through. However, appreciate you're obliged to churn stuff out.

These sort of bikes seem to get a lot of stick from people who've never been in the position of having to own an A2 bike. I got a restricted 03 SV650S for A2, and now 2 and bit years down the line enjoy the benefit of the full power, but if I had been working (was a student at the time) I probably would have gone for something like this, just to get ABS and a more modern package. Something to be said for un-intimidating bikes that still look good.

Hmm strange they didn't put the same tires. Maybe to help keep cost of the R down. I like them both, riding a 16 500r it's a great little bike that looks like big boy bike lol. Great on fuel, looks great and high build quality.
Great review also, good to see the lower CC bikes getting some love.

I like 500s even though I ride a 1000.

please how about the cb500x ??? thank you

You should've mentioned the new display these models got compared to last year. Other than that, I couldn't agree more. These bikes are awesome.

Neevesy, since you like the fit and finish on the 500s, have you had any seat time on the neo retro CB300R? or even the 650R? They're built to a price yet their fit and finish is even better than most SBK's in the market..

Look like they would be great bikes for someone returning to motorcycling as well and they look great

Girlfriend got the 2018 CB500F. Simple ride. Good fit/finish. Good for town.

Definitely a bike for the shorter rider. I am 5'10", and I much prefer my XSR900 with higher seat height.

Big news is the new dash.....yet no pics or comments.......just typical fluff

CB500F looks neo-retro? what? it looks angular and modern with how sharp and pointy it is lol. People sure love calling things neo-retro even if its not ...

Another fantastic review by you Mr. Neevesy👍
"I've got sport bike genes running through me". 🙂 That's why we love you🇬🇧🇮🇳
PS: Few pointers though:
1. CBR 500R 2019 is NOT based on Fireblade styling. But it is based on styling of 2017 CBR 250RR.
2. CB500F's styling is NOT neo sports cafe, but is conventional naked street fighter design of Japenese bikes.
Neo sports cafe design is very much Italian/European IMO.

Its such an under whelming bike. What is the point of spending such money on an under powered Honda when there are far better and cheaper options.

I started on one of these 500R's. Rode it for 18 months, loved it. It wasn't too scary straight out of the gate, but it had enough poke to keep things interesting for the full restricted period. I think if i'd started on a 300 I would have ended up bored and bought a 650. But if you want to just have one A2 bike, I think the Honda 500's are a great option.

Honda, it's time to make them a true 500cc and at least 54 hp.

Way better bikes for similar money.. SV/mt07. I own the original cb500, now that is a cracking little bike. This makes me want to get in my car..

Torn between the CBR650R or the CB650R

47hp for a 500cc twin? Honda are you kidding?

be happy even if you aren't a restricted rider, i'm not and i'm loving it!

The high back seat doesn't look any good for a passenger, can two people
fit into the drivers seat or is that not a possibility? To increase the
length of the driver seat is there any after market products to
increase length in order to fit a passenger for more comfort?

The high back seat doesn't look any good for a passenger, can two people
fit into the drivers seat or is that not a possibility? To increase the
length of the driver seat is there any after market products to
increase length in order to fit a passenger for more comfort?

My last two bikes were a 1200cc and 1100cc respectively. I just bought the CBR500R in matte grey and super excited about it.

Yes I got full bike license I have owned gsxr600 Cbr600f and 1000cc bikes and had a demo ride on Kawasaki ninja H2 SX
The Mrs got a cbr500 I have had go and must admit it’s still good fun and thinking of getting one my self more fun ride in slow bike fast than fast bike slow..........

I looked at one. Thank god I ended up with a cb400sf. Felt a true honda with better quality and performance (power/handling/brakes). Due to my height, I upgraded to a cb650r.

I got the black 2020 cb500f as my very first bike just yesterday, and i absolutely love how it looks and sounds. 👍

I've a 1997 Gpz 500s with after market silencers. It absolutely rockets along.
I'd like to see one of these CBR500R in 26 years time.