This is my first bike. 2 years now. Love it. In town it’s agile. On the freeway it keeps up no problem. I’m 6’4” and go on nice long rides in the summer. Comfortable for me. Super cheap on gas. Fun to ride and will probably own for a while.
@@joecamel6835 yeah but looking to sell. Having significant hip and knee pain and need a different riding position. Will probably take a season or two off, work on my joints and get back in with a cruiser or dual sport. But I will miss this bike!
@@graemesfraser mate i would love to get a bike but my family are so scared for me and i can’t lie i’m quite scared aswell for stupid drivers, what’s your philosophy on bikes?
@@AR-hw9zi take a good riding class. Situational awareness is key. I've avoided a lot of near misses by being aware of drivers who are not paying attention. Is there a risk? Sure, there are lots. But it's not like there isn't a risk in doing other things, and not everyone who rides dies in a horrible accident. Get a bike, be smart, get training, ride careful and have fun.
as a new rider, I was really considering getting a low cc bike to start until I found this bike. It's perfect if you are mature with it. Great bike, can be fun and zippy, but can also be forgiving. Also to me it feels like there is more room for discoverability and more to learn than just getting the feel for motorcycles and then getting bored of it. this video summed it up perfectly. If you are an experienced rider, dont get this, but it's perfect if you want a friendly platform to get into bigger engines. This is a good bike to dip your foot In the water before diving in.
I'm really glad Honda made the 500 line *and* brought it to the US. There has been a gaping hole in the market between 250/300cc beginner bikes and 600cc+ rockets for too long. Now there is a nice intermediate stepping stone to help people transition between these hugely different categories or just to fill the need for an economical commuter that is still fun to ride.
I mean yeah its true. The only thing would be a MT03 with 42HP but less cc than a 500. A CB650R would be okay to as long as you dont rev it over 9000 but still its 95HP.
I'm glad you said this. I was in the market for a used bike for weeks because everytime I saw a mid-size naked bike it gold sold within the hour. Some would even sell ON MY WAY to go look at it. I finally landed this CB500F and it's really good.
I bought one of these bikes 2 months ago!! absolutely love it, i had never ridden a bike before this one and within 2 days i was putzing around town with ease! Thanks honda
After taking the safety class in 2013 I got a CBR500r as my "gateway to motorcycling", and Honda's trio of 500's is the best for this purpose. It just works day in day out. If you have drove economy cars your whole life like me and finally get a first motorcycle let me say that these Honda's will feel plenty fast to you. Grabbing a whole hand of throttle in 3rd gear from 25mph-65mph is thrilling to me every time. I've also had a few 250 mile days on it and it loves 6000rpm going 70mph all day long. 70mpg and over 260 miles a tank is nice too :) Four years later I'm still in love with it, and I really don't need or want to up grade to anything else. Plus the 2013 has the lovely tricolor paint.
I've bought the 500X for touring/commuting and while it's not the most exciting bike in the world, it has is super comfortable, reliable and economical. It's predictable and won't scare the bejesus out of you, which fits the bill when touring.
@@westwoodcoronado Look up reviews on it - it's this platform in an adventure bike. A more street-oriented adventure bike, but still capable of more than people expect. If anything, handlebars will be higher, as is the fairing.
I have owned the CB500X for a year now. I have done 7500 miles on it mostly commuting and occasionally taking trips. I would equate it to a Honda Civic car. It has been the perfect bike to own day in and day out. I can always rely on it and I can ride literally all day long without any issues. I originally wanted to buy (and could afford) the Africa Twin, but after looking at both insurance and my real world usage I decided the 500 was a better overall purchase. It has been a happy machine for me. I would buy it again.
faster than any new car? No, just no. I think he meant faster than any car you can get for 6k. there are no new cars for 6k and its not faster than (any) new car.
This was the break through video for me to pull the trigger on buying a 2015 CB500F! I've had it for 3 weeks (ridden over 250 miles) and I love the bike! This is my first bike and I definitely feel like I made the right choice on my first purchase. Thanks for making the video.
@@Tonyx.yt. A bit late to the party, but yeah, always decelerate with engine braking + brakes. Hey if you can alleviate the brakes a little from their work, why not ? Engine braking is a supplementary safety net in sort. Kinda dangerous not to use it.
As a rider of a CBR954rr, I was looking for a second bike. It was a coin toss between the CB500F and the CB650F or 2019 650R. The 500 was on sale for $4.2 sticker price and for the engine size it's an absolute steal. After riding for about 3,000 miles i can confirm the 500 definitely has a hard time getting that front wheel off the ground unless you pin the throttle in first gear from a dead stop or any RPM below 4K. Even in first gear with the stock gearing ratios it's hard getting a wheel up. If you're used to stronger bikes, there is more to be desired for the highway power, but this bike can get to 90 MPH relatively quickly if you need to speed up. Another thing i really love about this bike which you picked up in this video is how massively light it is. In combination with the more relaxed ergonomics, this video does no justice as to how massively friendly this bike feels. I sat on a lot of bikes at the dealer. The difference of weight between the 500F / 650F or the 500F and the CB300R/650R (neo retro lineup) is absolutely insane. When rocking the bikes between your legs, the 500 is almost twice as easy to rock meaning it is twice as nimble on the road. It loves to go down in those corners and this is definitely the best bang-for-buck bike on the market along with the mt07 or xsr700 and other middle-weight twins. If you do more highway commuting though and don't have a second bike like me, I recommend getting the 650F unless you like drivers whizzing by you on the highway. The 500F although it can go up to about 112 MPH, it does get buzzy after 6-6.5 RPMS. Which would be 70-75MPH. in Florida, most commuting is highway commuting and on the turnpike especially most drivers are driving 80-85 MPH. Yes, I can drive 85 too, and the 500 is surprisingly smooth at those speeds still... but I travel 50 miles in a typical commute and over time, cruising at higher RPMS over the life of an engine is just asking for a rebuild sooner than later and because of this, cruising any faster than 75 mph over long periods of times always makes me nervous even though this is a honda we're talking about here. Although I know they have excellent build quality towards abuse, I still want to treat the bike right and not run it into the ground. On the highway, you can risk getting rear-ended by an unaware driver passing you 10+ mph faster, or you can risk the mechanical integrity of your engine by driving at traffic speed. This is the only reason I wish I would have gotten the 650F instead. The added 2 cylinders and the extra 40-45 HP gives it a massive advantage at high speeds allowing you to cruise at lower RPMS at the same speed with less buzz. But for everything else off, the CB500F outclasses the 500F. Has instant torque down low, isn't as tricky to maneuver at low speeds, and two cylinders is cheaper to maintain than 4 cylinders and requires less gas ;)
Thank you for your review within a review. I have a 900 hornet with 80,000 miles and was thinking about purchasing one of these bikes for touring the back roads of California.
I own this bike, it is my first bike. Bought used, not new, not financed. Fuel injected, abs, affordable insurance for size, reliable, low mileage, comfortable, good mpg. This bike hits the nail on the head for a solid first bike, especially being affordable, not intimidating, does highway speeds no problem, and won't leave you stranded.
I am a new rider and recently purchased one a month and a half ago and been having so much fun with it. Everything you've said about this bike is fact! I've taken it on the freeway a number of times and have never had problems keeping up with traffic. In the long stretches like the 5, 118 & 405 frwys it doesn't measure up so much with the V6s and certainly not larger displacement auto engines. But that doesn't bother me any at all. Only thing that does scare me is constant winds blowing me side to side and that comes regularly on the aforementioned freeways and on higher speed inner city roads. Definitely keeps me alert, no joke!! All in all, It's perfect for my needs and very easy on the wallet where fuel is concerned. I am really glad I did the research on this issue. This was money well spent.
My wife and I bought a 2017 cb500f and I can honestly say it is blowing me away. This is the first motorcycle for both of us and it is unbelievably easy to ride. The amount of confidence it gives at all times is incredible. I can attest to it being comfortable for tall riders. I stand 6 foot 5 and I rode for 2 hours today and I did not experience any cramping in my legs at all. I was planning on getting the cb500x until my wife sat on it and she could not get both feet on the ground even a little bit (she stands 5 foot 5). She sat on this and felt much more confident. The handling to me is very reminiscent of a bicycle. It feels crazy light at all times. HMU if you have any questions. I would love to talk about this bike.
These MC Commute vids are great. Excellent content & bikes ridden in a real world environment. The variety of bikes is nice too. Looking forward to some adventure bikes & some dual sports, hint hint.
UK riders often use Honda CB500, Kawasaki 500, etc, as our school training bikes, going back decades. They are excellent bikes. Full size, full power, enough for most normal riding. Many take their test of these bikes. The 180° parallel twin has good balance, little vibration. I prefer this smoothness over some "character noise" which means out of balance engine vibration and that the mirrors don't work because they are blurry :-)
Great video! I have this bike's little brother - the CB300F - my first bike. It's been perfect as a learner machine - light and nimble and forgiving. I guess this is pretty much the same but with a bit more oomph! My commute to work is 50km (~30 miles) each way and can be back roads or freeway depending on how much time I have, and the little 300 single has managed it all.
Andrew, I had the CRF250M supermoto, which has the same engine as the CBR250R but with a bit less power. When I got the CB500R I was surprised at how much more power it has! It's not only quite a bit more oomph, it's also the delivery; lots of torque above idle and in the mid-range. If you get fed up with the 300 or come across a used 500 for a good price, go for it! You won't regret it. I seriously believe that you would even save money on gas, especially if you ride 100+ km/h!
Im soo happy you review one of the honda 500's or just a smaller displacement bike, they are such a joy! like all things small with a decent engines, the smiles per gallon factor. Cant wait to get my cb500x! Thanks for another good short MC commute mister mr. zack.
I have a cbr 500r 2015 and I think it has a well balanced group. Good brakes, gears, confortable position to travel, etc. Nothing to complain for the price, although it isn't that cheap here in Brazil. From 0 to 10 my note is 9.
I rode the 2014 version for the summer and I have to say he really hits this bike on the head. It's a great place to start after your msf course. The bike is easy to ride and forgiving but still has enough performance to keep you happy and having fun.Eventually I found it was geared a little short 1st tops out at 23mph but some of the joy of learning to ride is getting to bang through the gears. The 500 line is exactly what I would recommend to any beginner.
I've been riding my '13 500R for nearly a year and a half and it's been a great 1st bike. Cool to see that a really experienced rider can still find something to like about it... :)
Great review. I 100% agree. I just got into motorcycling this year and bought a 2016CB500F for my first bike and I love it. I always have a smile on my face.
Bought and owned one for over a year now and done 17,000 kilometers on it with multiple tours. Been completely flawless in its operation and reliability so far. Just upgraded to a Ninja 1000 ABS but I've kept the CB500F since it's such a fun little commuter thats easy to ride around town.
just bought it . great bike . i had a duke390 before that . it is really comfortable i like it a lot . i ve put 200km in my first day of owning this bike and i wasnt tired at all ( although i got really fat during quarantine...) . my first impression is that it is the ideal commuting bike .
whats your speed limit? where im stationed (in the us) to get anywhere you need the highway, which is 80 mph (~130kmh). this thing couldnt touch those speeds, unless going down a steep hill with strong wind to your back.
@@overthinking3573 What do you mean lmao. I have the CB500F and it goes up to 190 km/h, 130km/h is at 6th gear and around 6k rpm and the injection cut happens at around 8700...
@@JeyyArtsify so you're at 90%ish of your bikes potential, going 80 mph. Basically no more power to pass... nifty. Also I want the bike to be comfortable at 80-100 ish, and not feeling like I have to strain it or coax the power out. I dont like pushing my machines to their absolute edge for normal driving.
As for comfort, I am 6’ 2” and I raised the bars and lowered the foot pegs. I have done several hundred kilometre moto camping trips on it now, and it is great.
I have a 1300 cc V twin 2010 Sabre. My son has a CB-500. He told me that the CB500 is for people who aren't trying to impress other people, they just want to ride it and have fun. He's absolutely right. I'm thinking of trading for an adventure bike.
+Chris Wilkinson no it is gloss like the orange one but it is a rather darkish red with the rear piece with the light and the stripes on the tank being metallic gray
Been riding this exact year and color for about 18 months now, I'm pretty happy with it. Do I want to upgrade? Yeah, of course. But until I have the money to do so, this bike is perfect for my means and is a hell of a fun time on its own.
I also periodically commute to a friend's place up north a ways at about 65mph on the way there, 85mph on the way back (late at night) and the bike handles it just fine for a small naked.
This may be my favorite series on the youtube. Thanks MC. Keep up the good work. Agree with your assessment too Zack. I got the X. Great 2nd bike for me. Roll on is way better than you'd think.
Bought one earlier this year as a second bike because I was piling miles onto my 950 Multistrada and wanted something for commuting and around town suburban stuff. Does the small stuff great and is more fun than expected on the local twisties. Now the Multistrada can be used for longer trips which I am very happy about.
turbo311 Honda’s tend to be a little more vanilla (aside from there super sports like the RR’s). The only category they aren’t is the 650cc sport/sport tourer, where they are the only bike to offer a substantially more powerful i4 over the Kawi or Yamaha’s i2’s. I kinda like that about Honda though... There fit and finish is always quality, they are reliable and maintenance is inexpensive. Hard to beat for commuting. I’m a VFR guy, the v4’s sound amazing, and they have a flat power curve all over the rpm range. Makes commuting easy...
I didn't get it either. There was another video on this same channel about the cb300r and it seemed to be as fast when accelerating at that speed (maybe faster). It seems that a 500cc engine should do better.
@@han1218 cb300r speedometer is 10% optimistict and has shorter gears so until some speed seems as quick as this one, but of course cb500f is more suitable for highway, source i have a cb300r and put a +1 front sprocket
8:18 that sums up my thoughts after test riding a cb500x, and is why i bought a cb500f a few days ago. It was faster than i expected (it's no sports bike) and i actually found it good fun to ride, especially since you can ride it harder more easily, and since twisting the throttle doesn't put you at twice the inner city speed limit in the blink of an eye out before you've even needed to change out of second gear, you can ride it harder more of the time
Thanks for the review - I almost bought the 2015 new as my first bike. I chose a 2009 GS500F with 260 miles 'cause it was more roomy and $1000 cheaper. The thing I really noticed was you canceling your signal every 5 seconds or so. I'll have to watch more of your rides to see if that's just a (not bad) thing you do. lol
I ride one of these bikes from a friend who hadn't have a place to keep it so he kept it in my house . it's a very nice ride . not too much powerful and easy to handle . the transmission is a bit off in my opinion too I hope they tune more better in the next models . still love all Honda motorcycle. they are simply nice.
I went along the m4 motorway on mine yesterday :) iv got the new 2016 model and it keeps up with everyone very happily, even a 1000 cc CBR! Its the perfect entry bike :) I love mine and plan on keeping it for years! hehe
I bought a used 2017 CB500F which I like as the power band is good for twisty & basic highway. It is not great for zipping from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds but does get there to highway speeds easily.
Way back in 1981, my first motorcycle was a 1973 CB500 Four. My opinion must make me very old, but my favorite Honda right now would be the old school, air cooled CB1100. Just looks better.
If you ride strictly city and some suburbs + highway, this is a highly efficient bike with smooth, excellent acceleration: about as fast as a Civic Si. Great for new riders M-endorsed or not. It's very well-balanced (B+) in all areas: weight, fuel consumption, cornering, acceleration, slow speed maneuvering, comfort, ergonomics, sport-feel, reliability + servicing + parts cost, sale price, and appearance.
this was the first bike i iver rode, as a euro a2 licence bro. Pretty easy to ride, yeah, and im pretty sure its made to just about hit the a2 restrictions with the 48hp
Thanks very much for providing this review! I'm a new rider and am trying to decide between this bike and the Honda CB300R. Sounds like the CB500F might be the better choice. Anyway, thanks again for the review and be safe out there!
progste || Exactly! A quality reliable 500cc for US $6000 is a nice price. I love these standard bikes so keeping it reliable yet stylish with low cost is wonderful. I like the tank paint and look of gas cap on this & 2018 SV650. The SV is just a bit too much $ atm for me personally. I would like to see a Yamaha SR500 for $6k to compete with this. I really like the SR400 ($6k) as well, but the price turns me off. They could add 100cc for free, imo..
I’m jealous it’s winter here in Washington but I’m still itching to beget one now than wait until summer again,so many cheap bikes right now,good video,clean,best regards
I ride a 2015 CB500F and have no real complaints in the 11k miles I've put on it since new. Even in mixed riding with a lot of stop lights, I get in the 58-61 mpg range average on a tank, and if I'm on a longer highway trip it's a lot closer to 70 mpg. Extremely inexpensive to operate since it only requires regular grade fuel. It's also a great bike for someone that does their own work, since oil changes are simple, and everything else is relatively easy to maintain as well. Another bonus is that it's below the 600cc displacement mark, so insurance is on the low side if you shop around. The only small gripe I have is that the brakes could be slightly more aggressive, but I'm due to bleed the brakes soon so it could be just old fluid, and me now being familiar with the bike. I put a top case on mine, and will eventually get side cases for it, because although it's probably not the best long-distance touring bike, a few hours out to a campground would be no sweat.
@@constandinosk.3251 I actually still ride this motorcycle daily, and I have made a few rides that distance, with not many complaints about wind. I have put a short windscreen on mine to help move some of the wind off my chest/neck, that helped a lot.
The CB500f aka basic standard is exactly what you think it is. Everything works in a basic kind of way. You get on it, you ride, you get off. This is a great bike to buy especially used, I've seen '13 models with 3k.
Another interesting commute-r-eview. Suggestions? FJR, C14, ST. I now commute in Minn. on an FJR. Big? yes. Too much for around town? Not really, but then again, my daily commutes (wearing a suit under the leathers, with files and a laptop on back) range from 30 to 300 miles, and the new FJR is pure honey. Curious to see hear your thoughts. Cheers, and thanks to your crew for the on-line content and the nice mag.
Having formerly ridden my brother's '93 EX500, what I believe Honda could have done with this bike is go with a true 498cc higher revving 50-55hp machine. The icing on that mythical cake would have been a 270° crankshaft. I like the cohesive package they have, it's a good looking conservative machine with a dash of tech (LEDs, creases, and Honda fit/finish). Just wish the motor was catering to the foreign markets so much, limiting the engine character and power. And as it's a lightweight bike, it's not as light as the FZ-07 which has a good chunk more power and charisma. It should have been a CB470F. That's what it is.
@Jason Davis I hardly think my comment on one video on the massive database which is RUclips is hurting Honda's feelings or sales. It's an opinion that I expressed and you've disagreed with it. Boohoo. The world needs a fire breathing ripper 500cc motorcycle and Honda simply isn't interested.
@Jason Davis Over 60 wheel HP? I think not. The smoother faster twin cylinder configuration? Nope. The road-biased lubrication system, the long interval valve service schedule, the road biased chassis? Nada.
The re design really make that bike look tidy and uncluttered. I would enjoy thrashing it on commutes and generally hooning about on it, even though I have bikes that are better suited. Its kinda like riding a scooter they make you wont to drive on footpaths and do wheelies and jumps etc
What I don't understand about the Honda CB500F is Honda also offers a CB300F and both of them are geared about the same. I've seen videos of the CB300F passing people on the freeway. The 500F may have a larger engine, but its geared like a 300F. I don't see why Honda would offer two bikes with almost the exact same power and style.
Honda offers 125, 300 and 500 in Sweden, you almost never see a 300 out, maby a 125 if "dady have money" and then when they have experience and turn 18 you can go for a 650. But the insurance is a big part, i checked a CB500 vs SV650 and the 650 is almost twice the money to insure. Don't need more than 300-500cc really, if i bought a bike 90% would be city
Great vlog on so many levels! Great bike at $6k (!) that can handle freeway and looks great (with "affordable" pieces 🙂). +Great traffic lesson! Kudos Zack & Motorcyclist. 👍🏼
Great bike I had one. Your right about the gearing - it's not real good! It's about the only thing I didn't like about this bike. Upgraded now to MT09 and gearing is so much better.
My wife is considering one as her first bike. From watching the show, I expected overall performance to be the reason you would not buy one personally, but wanted to make sure. Thanks for the reply!
This is my first bike. 2 years now. Love it. In town it’s agile. On the freeway it keeps up no problem. I’m 6’4” and go on nice long rides in the summer. Comfortable for me. Super cheap on gas. Fun to ride and will probably own for a while.
Still got it ?
@@joecamel6835 yeah but looking to sell. Having significant hip and knee pain and need a different riding position. Will probably take a season or two off, work on my joints and get back in with a cruiser or dual sport. But I will miss this bike!
@@graemesfraser mate i would love to get a bike but my family are so scared for me and i can’t lie i’m quite scared aswell for stupid drivers, what’s your philosophy on bikes?
@@AR-hw9zi take a good riding class. Situational awareness is key. I've avoided a lot of near misses by being aware of drivers who are not paying attention. Is there a risk? Sure, there are lots. But it's not like there isn't a risk in doing other things, and not everyone who rides dies in a horrible accident. Get a bike, be smart, get training, ride careful and have fun.
Would you say it's comfortable for 300km rides? Is it tiring without the wind protection?
as a new rider, I was really considering getting a low cc bike to start until I found this bike. It's perfect if you are mature with it. Great bike, can be fun and zippy, but can also be forgiving. Also to me it feels like there is more room for discoverability and more to learn than just getting the feel for motorcycles and then getting bored of it. this video summed it up perfectly. If you are an experienced rider, dont get this, but it's perfect if you want a friendly platform to get into bigger engines. This is a good bike to dip your foot In the water before diving in.
I'm really glad Honda made the 500 line *and* brought it to the US. There has been a gaping hole in the market between 250/300cc beginner bikes and 600cc+ rockets for too long. Now there is a nice intermediate stepping stone to help people transition between these hugely different categories or just to fill the need for an economical commuter that is still fun to ride.
The 650cc bikes manufacturers offer are the perfect median for that gap. They aren't very fast but also aren't as slow and boring as the 300cc bikes.
@Bunnyshooter 223 used sv650 perfect condition for like 3500.
@Bunnyshooter 223 if you get it inspected before you purchase it you should have no issues with a used one
I mean yeah its true. The only thing would be a MT03 with 42HP but less cc than a 500. A CB650R would be okay to as long as you dont rev it over 9000 but still its 95HP.
I'm glad you said this. I was in the market for a used bike for weeks because everytime I saw a mid-size naked bike it gold sold within the hour. Some would even sell ON MY WAY to go look at it. I finally landed this CB500F and it's really good.
I bought one of these bikes 2 months ago!! absolutely love it, i had never ridden a bike before this one and within 2 days i was putzing around town with ease! Thanks honda
After taking the safety class in 2013 I got a CBR500r as my "gateway to motorcycling", and Honda's trio of 500's is the best for this purpose. It just works day in day out. If you have drove economy cars your whole life like me and finally get a first motorcycle let me say that these Honda's will feel plenty fast to you. Grabbing a whole hand of throttle in 3rd gear from 25mph-65mph is thrilling to me every time. I've also had a few 250 mile days on it and it loves 6000rpm going 70mph all day long. 70mpg and over 260 miles a tank is nice too :) Four years later I'm still in love with it, and I really don't need or want to up grade to anything else. Plus the 2013 has the lovely tricolor paint.
I've bought the 500X for touring/commuting and while it's not the most exciting bike in the world, it has is super comfortable, reliable and economical. It's predictable and won't scare the bejesus out of you, which fits the bill when touring.
Is the 550x just the same as the F but with less rise handlebars?
@@westwoodcoronado Look up reviews on it - it's this platform in an adventure bike. A more street-oriented adventure bike, but still capable of more than people expect. If anything, handlebars will be higher, as is the fairing.
I have owned the CB500X for a year now. I have done 7500 miles on it mostly commuting and occasionally taking trips. I would equate it to a Honda Civic car. It has been the perfect bike to own day in and day out. I can always rely on it and I can ride literally all day long without any issues. I originally wanted to buy (and could afford) the Africa Twin, but after looking at both insurance and my real world usage I decided the 500 was a better overall purchase. It has been a happy machine for me. I would buy it again.
A Honda Civic can take off-road though.
Faster than any car you'll get new for $6k.
JettyLife23 a new 6k car, it must be chinese, so not surprised
pretty sure he meant you can be on a bike faster than any new car for only 6k (6k being the price of the bike, not the car).
can you buy brand new cars for $6k? I thought the cheapest msrp car on the market right now was like $12k
faster than any new car? No, just no. I think he meant faster than any car you can get for 6k. there are no new cars for 6k and its not faster than (any) new car.
Where are you finding a new car for $6k?
Zack I like how you use your signals. So rare these days, among operators of all vehicle types.
I have OCD with blinkers I use them when there's no other cars in sight.
Seaside Strangler me too lol
@@SeasideStrangler Dude So do I but I didn't notice until you said something
Fun isn't something one considers when daily commuting. But this... Does put a smile on my face.
This was the break through video for me to pull the trigger on buying a 2015 CB500F! I've had it for 3 weeks (ridden over 250 miles) and I love the bike! This is my first bike and I definitely feel like I made the right choice on my first purchase. Thanks for making the video.
Same here, I bought a 2013 cb500f my first bike. Can't beat insurance, bike price, abs, fuel injected, good mpg, Honda reliability.
Would you say it's comfortable for 300km rides? Is it tiring without the wind protection?
Finally a video where someone actually goes on the highway. Enough of these "test drives" through back roads.
5:30 "There's always mistakes you can make on a motorcycle" Then rides an entire city block in neutral...😂😎👌
Hope you realize that was because he was coming to a stop.. ^^
@@magne663 Not sure about in the US but here they teach you to downshift as late as possible to get the most out of your engine braking.
@@liberals_destroy_everythin2497 I've been told the opposite that you should downshift and engine brake. Hmm.
@@liberals_destroy_everythin2497 bullshit, leave throttle and gently downshift
@@Tonyx.yt. A bit late to the party, but yeah, always decelerate with engine braking + brakes. Hey if you can alleviate the brakes a little from their work, why not ? Engine braking is a supplementary safety net in sort. Kinda dangerous not to use it.
As a rider of a CBR954rr, I was looking for a second bike. It was a coin toss between the CB500F and the CB650F or 2019 650R.
The 500 was on sale for $4.2 sticker price and for the engine size it's an absolute steal.
After riding for about 3,000 miles i can confirm the 500 definitely has a hard time getting that front wheel off the ground unless you pin the throttle in first gear from a dead stop or any RPM below 4K. Even in first gear with the stock gearing ratios it's hard getting a wheel up. If you're used to stronger bikes, there is more to be desired for the highway power, but this bike can get to 90 MPH relatively quickly if you need to speed up.
Another thing i really love about this bike which you picked up in this video is how massively light it is. In combination with the more relaxed ergonomics, this video does no justice as to how massively friendly this bike feels. I sat on a lot of bikes at the dealer. The difference of weight between the 500F / 650F or the 500F and the CB300R/650R (neo retro lineup) is absolutely insane. When rocking the bikes between your legs, the 500 is almost twice as easy to rock meaning it is twice as nimble on the road. It loves to go down in those corners and this is definitely the best bang-for-buck bike on the market along with the mt07 or xsr700 and other middle-weight twins.
If you do more highway commuting though and don't have a second bike like me, I recommend getting the 650F unless you like drivers whizzing by you on the highway.
The 500F although it can go up to about 112 MPH, it does get buzzy after 6-6.5 RPMS. Which would be 70-75MPH.
in Florida, most commuting is highway commuting and on the turnpike especially most drivers are driving 80-85 MPH. Yes, I can drive 85 too, and the 500 is surprisingly smooth at those speeds still... but I travel 50 miles in a typical commute and over time, cruising at higher RPMS over the life of an engine is just asking for a rebuild sooner than later and because of this, cruising any faster than 75 mph over long periods of times always makes me nervous even though this is a honda we're talking about here. Although I know they have excellent build quality towards abuse, I still want to treat the bike right and not run it into the ground.
On the highway, you can risk getting rear-ended by an unaware driver passing you 10+ mph faster, or you can risk the mechanical integrity of your engine by driving at traffic speed. This is the only reason I wish I would have gotten the 650F instead. The added 2 cylinders and the extra 40-45 HP gives it a massive advantage at high speeds allowing you to cruise at lower RPMS at the same speed with less buzz.
But for everything else off, the CB500F outclasses the 500F. Has instant torque down low, isn't as tricky to maneuver at low speeds, and two cylinders is cheaper to maintain than 4 cylinders and requires less gas ;)
Thank you for your review within a review. I have a 900 hornet with 80,000 miles and was thinking about purchasing one of these bikes for touring the back roads of California.
I own this bike, it is my first bike. Bought used, not new, not financed. Fuel injected, abs, affordable insurance for size, reliable, low mileage, comfortable, good mpg. This bike hits the nail on the head for a solid first bike, especially being affordable, not intimidating, does highway speeds no problem, and won't leave you stranded.
obessive compulsive disorder : checking signal button everytime you grab the handle bar xD (or any other time ^^)
Damn, you’re freaking right... can’t stop looking at his left hand!
i do that all the time. but i'm on a 1985 bike that sometimes can have a sticky switch. It even has auto cancelling
Everyone is doing that nowadays.
Haha I'm guilty of this
Harley with self cancelling indicators is great.
I am a new rider and recently purchased one a month and a half ago and been having so much fun with it. Everything you've said about this bike is fact! I've taken it on the freeway a number of times and have never had problems keeping up with traffic. In the long stretches like the 5, 118 & 405 frwys it doesn't measure up so much with the V6s and certainly not larger displacement auto engines. But that doesn't bother me any at all. Only thing that does scare me is constant winds blowing me side to side and that comes regularly on the aforementioned freeways and on higher speed inner city roads. Definitely keeps me alert, no joke!! All in all, It's perfect for my needs and very easy on the wallet where fuel is concerned. I am really glad I did the research on this issue. This was money well spent.
Spot on review, I’m also 6’4 and I took a 2017 Honda CB500F on the MHS loop in Thailand and it handled everything very smoothly and comfortably.
Thank you Honda forgoing back to your roots! CB line up has always been rewarding.
My wife and I bought a 2017 cb500f and I can honestly say it is blowing me away. This is the first motorcycle for both of us and it is unbelievably easy to ride. The amount of confidence it gives at all times is incredible. I can attest to it being comfortable for tall riders. I stand 6 foot 5 and I rode for 2 hours today and I did not experience any cramping in my legs at all. I was planning on getting the cb500x until my wife sat on it and she could not get both feet on the ground even a little bit (she stands 5 foot 5). She sat on this and felt much more confident. The handling to me is very reminiscent of a bicycle. It feels crazy light at all times. HMU if you have any questions. I would love to talk about this bike.
These MC Commute vids are great. Excellent content & bikes ridden in a real world environment. The variety of bikes is nice too. Looking forward to some adventure bikes & some dual sports, hint hint.
If he did a dual sport commute, I feel like he would have to take some seriously out of the way roads to get the full effect.
Evil Droid o
Lucky to have such a beautiful climate and scenery for his commute!
UK riders often use Honda CB500, Kawasaki 500, etc, as our school training bikes, going back decades. They are excellent bikes. Full size, full power, enough for most normal riding. Many take their test of these bikes.
The 180° parallel twin has good balance, little vibration. I prefer this smoothness over some "character noise" which means out of balance engine vibration and that the mirrors don't work because they are blurry :-)
Great video! I have this bike's little brother - the CB300F - my first bike. It's been perfect as a learner machine - light and nimble and forgiving. I guess this is pretty much the same but with a bit more oomph! My commute to work is 50km (~30 miles) each way and can be back roads or freeway depending on how much time I have, and the little 300 single has managed it all.
Nice! Keep it safe
Andrew, I had the CRF250M supermoto, which has the same engine as the CBR250R but with a bit less power. When I got the CB500R I was surprised at how much more power it has! It's not only quite a bit more oomph, it's also the delivery; lots of torque above idle and in the mid-range. If you get fed up with the 300 or come across a used 500 for a good price, go for it! You won't regret it.
I seriously believe that you would even save money on gas, especially if you ride 100+ km/h!
Im soo happy you review one of the honda 500's or just a smaller displacement bike, they are such a joy! like all things small with a decent engines, the smiles per gallon factor.
Cant wait to get my cb500x!
Thanks for another good short MC commute mister mr. zack.
"Two wheels and some suspension"
That gave me a nice grin :)
I have a cbr 500r 2015 and I think it has a well balanced group. Good brakes, gears, confortable position to travel, etc.
Nothing to complain for the price, although it isn't that cheap here in Brazil.
From 0 to 10 my note is 9.
I rode the 2014 version for the summer and I have to say he really hits this bike on the head. It's a great place to start after your msf course. The bike is easy to ride and forgiving but still has enough performance to keep you happy and having fun.Eventually I found it was geared a little short 1st tops out at 23mph but some of the joy of learning to ride is getting to bang through the gears. The 500 line is exactly what I would recommend to any beginner.
New rider and just bought a 2017. Thanks for you reviews, I enjoy your channel.
thank you for the awesome review style. double points for not comparing it to the Aprilia Tuano!
I got the CB500F and I like it so far as my first bike. Very easy to work on it.
Would you say it's comfortable for 300km rides? Is it tiring without the wind protection?
@@constandinosk.3251 You can always buy a big windshield if thats a problem
I love this format, this channel is my favorite for motorcycle reviews and news. Keep up the good work.
I've been riding my '13 500R for nearly a year and a half and it's been a great 1st bike. Cool to see that a really experienced rider can still find something to like about it... :)
Great review. I 100% agree. I just got into motorcycling this year and bought a 2016CB500F for my first bike and I love it. I always have a smile on my face.
Bought and owned one for over a year now and done 17,000 kilometers on it with multiple tours. Been completely flawless in its operation and reliability so far. Just upgraded to a Ninja 1000 ABS but I've kept the CB500F since it's such a fun little commuter thats easy to ride around town.
Would you say it's comfortable for 300km rides? Is it tiring without the wind protection?
Absolutely nobody:
MC Commute: cancels turn signal
just bought it . great bike . i had a duke390 before that . it is really comfortable i like it a lot . i ve put 200km in my first day of owning this bike and i wasnt tired at all ( although i got really fat during quarantine...) . my first impression is that it is the ideal commuting bike .
The MT-07 could learn alot when it comes to the fuel capacity of the little CB500.
I have the smaller CB125F & it keeps up with UK motorway traffic with a little coaxing - so anyone telling you the 500 won't is full of it
whats your speed limit? where im stationed (in the us) to get anywhere you need the highway, which is 80 mph (~130kmh). this thing couldnt touch those speeds, unless going down a steep hill with strong wind to your back.
@@overthinking3573 What do you mean lmao. I have the CB500F and it goes up to 190 km/h, 130km/h is at 6th gear and around 6k rpm and the injection cut happens at around 8700...
@@JeyyArtsify so you're at 90%ish of your bikes potential, going 80 mph. Basically no more power to pass... nifty.
Also I want the bike to be comfortable at 80-100 ish, and not feeling like I have to strain it or coax the power out. I dont like pushing my machines to their absolute edge for normal driving.
@@overthinking3573 bullshit...
As for comfort, I am 6’ 2” and I raised the bars and lowered the foot pegs. I have done several hundred kilometre moto camping trips on it now, and it is great.
I have a 1300 cc V twin 2010 Sabre. My son has a CB-500. He told me that the CB500 is for people who aren't trying to impress other people, they just want to ride it and have fun. He's absolutely right. I'm thinking of trading for an adventure bike.
I received my 2016 CB500f in orange two weeks ago and I love it. Greetings from Germany, Ingo
I also got the orange. Looks awesome! They offer it here in Canada as well. Prost.
i got mine in red a few weeks ago, such an awesome bike!
Red would be cool too. Is it metallic red? They don't offer that colour here.
+Chris Wilkinson no it is gloss like the orange one but it is a rather darkish red with the rear piece with the light and the stripes on the tank being metallic gray
The orange on mine is metallic like the stripes. Really sparkles in the sun.
Been riding this exact year and color for about 18 months now, I'm pretty happy with it. Do I want to upgrade? Yeah, of course. But until I have the money to do so, this bike is perfect for my means and is a hell of a fun time on its own.
I also periodically commute to a friend's place up north a ways at about 65mph on the way there, 85mph on the way back (late at night) and the bike handles it just fine for a small naked.
This may be my favorite series on the youtube. Thanks MC. Keep up the good work. Agree with your assessment too Zack. I got the X. Great 2nd bike for me. Roll on is way better than you'd think.
I bought mine 2 years ago (new) and I still love it 2 years later ;)
The IXIL X55-exhaust without DB-killer on it is awesome!
Bought one earlier this year as a second bike because I was piling miles onto my 950 Multistrada and wanted something for commuting and around town suburban stuff. Does the small stuff great and is more fun than expected on the local twisties. Now the Multistrada can be used for longer trips which I am very happy about.
Love the 500 update! Want to get a 500X. I have an FZ-07 and while that engine is the shit I still can totally appreciate these Hondas.
turbo311 Honda’s tend to be a little more vanilla (aside from there super sports like the RR’s). The only category they aren’t is the 650cc sport/sport tourer, where they are the only bike to offer a substantially more powerful i4 over the Kawi or Yamaha’s i2’s. I kinda like that about Honda though... There fit and finish is always quality, they are reliable and maintenance is inexpensive. Hard to beat for commuting. I’m a VFR guy, the v4’s sound amazing, and they have a flat power curve all over the rpm range. Makes commuting easy...
I wish they would retro it back to the old CB500 or CB550's.
Says, "There's not a whole lot of roll-on power...."
Twists throttle hard
Finds there is actually decent roll-on power
:D yeah i lolled thx
maybe he was in the wrong gear lol
@@hujiannong he was in 6th gear
I didn't get it either. There was another video on this same channel about the cb300r and it seemed to be as fast when accelerating at that speed (maybe faster). It seems that a 500cc engine should do better.
@@han1218 cb300r speedometer is 10% optimistict and has shorter gears so until some speed seems as quick as this one, but of course cb500f is more suitable for highway, source i have a cb300r and put a +1 front sprocket
8:18 that sums up my thoughts after test riding a cb500x, and is why i bought a cb500f a few days ago. It was faster than i expected (it's no sports bike) and i actually found it good fun to ride, especially since you can ride it harder more easily, and since twisting the throttle doesn't put you at twice the inner city speed limit in the blink of an eye out before you've even needed to change out of second gear, you can ride it harder more of the time
What a interesting concept for a video, he's talking while riding. This was popularized ten years ago but still interesting.
So excited! I've been waiting for this one. Here we go...
Just bought one today and I LOVE it.
Thanks for the review - I almost bought the 2015 new as my first bike. I chose a 2009 GS500F with 260 miles 'cause it was more roomy and $1000 cheaper.
The thing I really noticed was you canceling your signal every 5 seconds or so. I'll have to watch more of your rides to see if that's just a (not bad) thing you do. lol
good review. Honda hit the mark this time. However i like the FZ07
I love how he keeps turning off his already off blinkers over and over every time he puts his hand back on.
I ride one of these bikes from a friend who hadn't have a place to keep it so he kept it in my house . it's a very nice ride . not too much powerful and easy to handle . the transmission is a bit off in my opinion too I hope they tune more better in the next models . still love all Honda motorcycle. they are simply nice.
its so smooth and relaxed, no sound from the engine.
I went along the m4 motorway on mine yesterday :) iv got the new 2016 model and it keeps up with everyone very happily, even a 1000 cc CBR! Its the perfect entry bike :) I love mine and plan on keeping it for years! hehe
this video had me dying 😂😂😂😂 the way he was describing the bike was funny asf 😂😂😂
Thanks Zack for another great motorcycle review.
Great review, I've been looking at this model for my first motorcycle. Tough decision.
I've been looking at tons of bikes to start on, this looks like a good one for me, just worried about being 6'2" and looking okay on it.
Great thank you!
i ride a single cylinder 125 XD, this will 100% exceed my expectations haha. can't wait to upgrade
I went one up on the front sprocket for more freeway speed and easier pulling out from a stop into traffic. I have no issue with power at all.
great video :) i really enjoyed that. btw nice description. keep it up
I bought a used 2017 CB500F which I like as the power band is good for twisty & basic highway. It is not great for zipping from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds but does get there to highway speeds easily.
Anyone here lovin the looks? Need everyones opinion.
I liked the old 500 but the new one i love even more!
I love the way it looks.
Way back in 1981, my first motorcycle was a 1973 CB500 Four. My opinion must make me very old, but my favorite Honda right now would be the old school, air cooled CB1100. Just looks better.
Same here, Scott. Put a Quad pipe exhaust on it and it is Prime!
This is the new one, look at the gas tank. Honda did a great job on the curves on this beast! XD
zack getting philosophical in the end there lol
If you ride strictly city and some suburbs + highway, this is a highly efficient bike with smooth, excellent acceleration: about as fast as a Civic Si. Great for new riders M-endorsed or not. It's very well-balanced (B+) in all areas: weight, fuel consumption, cornering, acceleration, slow speed maneuvering, comfort, ergonomics, sport-feel, reliability + servicing + parts cost, sale price, and appearance.
Really enjoyed this review. Good content, and very hilarious...
zach is the nicest dude. love the channel, dude.
this was the first bike i iver rode, as a euro a2 licence bro. Pretty easy to ride, yeah, and im pretty sure its made to just about hit the a2 restrictions with the 48hp
Thanks very much for providing this review! I'm a new rider and am trying to decide between this bike and the Honda CB300R. Sounds like the CB500F might be the better choice. Anyway, thanks again for the review and be safe out there!
4 years later and I am in the same spot. Would love to know what was your choice and why .
I really like the CB500F. Thxs for sharing this with us.👍 👏
You really tore my guy up in the info section hahaha
hahah when he said "same team" when the lady was in the street with the wheel chair i laughed out loud
I am out adding racing stripes now.
I like that honda still offer 500 models while most other brands do either 300 or 600, I think this is perfect for someone new.
progste || Exactly! A quality reliable 500cc for US $6000 is a nice price. I love these standard bikes so keeping it reliable yet stylish with low cost is wonderful.
I like the tank paint and look of gas cap on this & 2018 SV650. The SV is just a bit too much $ atm for me personally.
I would like to see a Yamaha SR500 for $6k to compete with this. I really like the SR400 ($6k) as well, but the price turns me off. They could add 100cc for free, imo..
Sound is not its most pleasing feature but that of course can be fixed. But that is one smooth looking bike I must say
I’m jealous it’s winter here in Washington but I’m still itching to beget one now than wait until summer again,so many cheap bikes right now,good video,clean,best regards
I ride a 2015 CB500F and have no real complaints in the 11k miles I've put on it since new. Even in mixed riding with a lot of stop lights, I get in the 58-61 mpg range average on a tank, and if I'm on a longer highway trip it's a lot closer to 70 mpg. Extremely inexpensive to operate since it only requires regular grade fuel. It's also a great bike for someone that does their own work, since oil changes are simple, and everything else is relatively easy to maintain as well. Another bonus is that it's below the 600cc displacement mark, so insurance is on the low side if you shop around.
The only small gripe I have is that the brakes could be slightly more aggressive, but I'm due to bleed the brakes soon so it could be just old fluid, and me now being familiar with the bike. I put a top case on mine, and will eventually get side cases for it, because although it's probably not the best long-distance touring bike, a few hours out to a campground would be no sweat.
Would you say it's comfortable for 300km rides? Is it tiring without the wind protection?
@@constandinosk.3251 I actually still ride this motorcycle daily, and I have made a few rides that distance, with not many complaints about wind. I have put a short windscreen on mine to help move some of the wind off my chest/neck, that helped a lot.
@@phatcyclist thanks! How many miles have you got on it? That's a lot of years!
The CB500f aka basic standard is exactly what you think it is.
Everything works in a basic kind of way. You get on it, you ride, you get off.
This is a great bike to buy especially used, I've seen '13 models with 3k.
I like the X model as you can take it off road much easier and it can hold more gear when setup right.
i like the bike, thinking bout getting one soon after my licence upgrade
Another interesting commute-r-eview. Suggestions? FJR, C14, ST. I now commute in Minn. on an FJR. Big? yes. Too much for around town? Not really, but then again, my daily commutes (wearing a suit under the leathers, with files and a laptop on back) range from 30 to 300 miles, and the new FJR is pure honey. Curious to see hear your thoughts. Cheers, and thanks to your crew for the on-line content and the nice mag.
Zack! If you knew anything about bikes/motors you'd know that the stripes add at least 20% hp (flames add > 50%, obviously)
I was thinking go getting one of these, You're review was great, you have made my mind up...Cheers for that, I will let you know how I get on with it
i have cb 500 2017. perfect and superb. very powerful bike. Gloria.
same here. it is truly wonderful so far!
Having formerly ridden my brother's '93 EX500, what I believe Honda could have done with this bike is go with a true 498cc higher revving 50-55hp machine. The icing on that mythical cake would have been a 270° crankshaft. I like the cohesive package they have, it's a good looking conservative machine with a dash of tech (LEDs, creases, and Honda fit/finish). Just wish the motor was catering to the foreign markets so much, limiting the engine character and power. And as it's a lightweight bike, it's not as light as the FZ-07 which has a good chunk more power and charisma.
It should have been a CB470F. That's what it is.
@Jason Davis I hardly think my comment on one video on the massive database which is RUclips is hurting Honda's feelings or sales. It's an opinion that I expressed and you've disagreed with it. Boohoo.
The world needs a fire breathing ripper 500cc motorcycle and Honda simply isn't interested.
@Jason Davis Over 60 wheel HP? I think not. The smoother faster twin cylinder configuration? Nope. The road-biased lubrication system, the long interval valve service schedule, the road biased chassis? Nada.
'F' used to stand for four cylinder, Honda flatters to deceive - should be CB500T.
Most dummies wouldn't know how many cylinders it has.
What helmet/Mic setup are you guys shooting this with?
At speed this is great audio quality.
The re design really make that bike look tidy and uncluttered. I would enjoy thrashing it on commutes and generally hooning about on it, even though I have bikes that are better suited. Its kinda like riding a scooter they make you wont to drive on footpaths and do wheelies and jumps etc
Great video on the machine I'm going to be getting hopefully come spring time! :D
What I don't understand about the Honda CB500F is Honda also offers a CB300F and both of them are geared about the same. I've seen videos of the CB300F passing people on the freeway. The 500F may have a larger engine, but its geared like a 300F. I don't see why Honda would offer two bikes with almost the exact same power and style.
moofushu This bike is made for the European market. No one buys the 300 here, I don't even know if they offer it.
moofushu CB500 has about 20hp on the CB300
Honda offers 125, 300 and 500 in Sweden, you almost never see a 300 out, maby a 125 if "dady have money" and then when they have experience and turn 18 you can go for a 650. But the insurance is a big part, i checked a CB500 vs SV650 and the 650 is almost twice the money to insure. Don't need more than 300-500cc really, if i bought a bike 90% would be city
i just bought a 2016 honda cb500f and i love it its really fun and manegable
Great vlog on so many levels! Great bike at $6k (!) that can handle freeway and looks great (with "affordable" pieces 🙂). +Great traffic lesson!
Kudos Zack & Motorcyclist. 👍🏼
For those want to change the RPM bit check into changing out the front sprocket a JT 16T JTF1381.16RB.
I love watching these videos. hope to see a commute on the new Husky 701 Supermoto!
Great bike I had one. Your right about the gearing - it's not real good! It's about the only thing I didn't like about this bike. Upgraded now to MT09 and gearing is so much better.
Review was all good points. What is the reason why you would not buy one for yourself?
My wife is considering one as her first bike. From watching the show, I expected overall performance to be the reason you would not buy one personally, but wanted to make sure. Thanks for the reply!