Did 15,500km on my 2019 before trading for a '22 CB500X to try it out, mainly for off-road here in Canada. Having done a few thousand km on the 500X I think I can say that between the two, I liked the 500R more (until the pavement ends). It was definitely a bit faster and more efficient (probably just aerodynamics) and I found it smoother. The fuel economy on the R was 2.5 to 3.5 L/100km with an average of 3.1. The 500X is more upright so there's no weight at all on your wrists, which is more comfortable at first, but the seat is too soft and less comfortable... you kind of sink in and it puts pressure in the wrong places rather than your sit bones. I would ride my 500R for 4-5 hours before needing a break but I have discomfort by 2 hours on the X. The 500R is really about the perfect on-road bike for me. I think it's helpful to recognize that it's a sports-styled/fully-faired standard bike rather than a sportbike. LED lighting all around is great, the engines last forever, and costs hardly anything to run, looks great and fast enough to have lots of fun up to reasonable speeds.
This is great to read. I wasn't sure which of the CB's would be best for me, I love the CBR looks but wasn't sure on comfort on long rides but reading this has encouraged me lol :)
Hi from France Mark .Very nice review!. I just turned on 70 years old 😏 ( Drive licence since 1972)..., and after owning gsxr, Vfr and cb 500 x, I fell in love with this beauty, despite my age!...I thought people would laugh at me for choosing this cbr, but I rediscover the pleasure of riding at a reasonable price. I hesitated with the 4-cylinder cbr 650, but in the end, I think I made the right choice. Thank you for the high quality of your videos.
I got the 2020 model and it was really good. I’ve since replaced it with the Honda Hornet.. more upright and a bit more power.. but I liked the 500 very much. Your review is spot on.. its such a lovely bike.
Nice review Mark, I do love that bike a lot. The whole 500 range is untouchable in my opinion. The ideal first “big” bike for the A2 market and what a commuter it is. I want to get the 500F but getting divorced so that’s probably not going to happen for a few more years ha ha
Love your thoughtful and considered reviews Mark. Partly due to this and from general research, I’m moving to a 2024 CBR-500R as my second bike, picking it up on Thursday. Thanks and keep up the brilliant work, it’s so helpful for people like me, especially newcomers.
Loved your review Mark.Think I've fell in love with that bike!...Not even sat on one !..that's how good your reviews are and also that really is a good quality bike that would hopefully go for thousands of miles . I'm going to have a look at one if these now ,a new one might be a bit out of my pocket but I bet there are some good used low mileage previous models out there. Thanks for your review .
Nice review, IMHO Honda are currently making the best bikes in the world, maybe not the most powerful or fastest, perhaps not all the bells and whistles, but good quality, well engineered, easy to use and own, honest bikes.
Hi. Thank you for the review. Another one of the oldies at 57 and seriously looking at one of these for a bit of fun. Not been on a bike for a long while. Just getting rid of my Caterham and for the money this bike looks like something I could enjoy and cherish for a few years to come. Andy
I tested this bike just before the pandemic and I found the throttle a little snatchy and the brakes took a bit of a tug to get a decent bite. Sounds like Honda have addressed these issues and more besides. As you say, Mark, it looks sensational in the updated red livery.
Hi Mark, great review, what a beautiful bike. As a manufacturer Honda has nailed it.Agree totally about the naked 500F as an elderly biker a more upright position is needed lol
G'day Mark, as always good watching you doing a review, put two more pistons and 500cc and you have the best motorcycle 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️ in the world, but if l had the 500 l would still be a happy Man, cheers mate, Neil 🤠. Weather in Victoria Australia is very wet and cold haven't had the Bike's out for a week.
Nice review as always Mark. I am a little on the fence if I need the CBR500R over the CB500F as I do a bit of highway work here in NZ ( however its pretty much B roads compared to other countries ) - still trying to figure out if the fairing is worth while on the R. (I'lll ride both and take home the one I like!) Love these bikes tho. So good to see that they are competent all rounders
Love your reviews, very informative and like you, being 51 myself I'd definitely go for the CB500F too. It just looks a better bike to do longer hours on and more miles. Keep them reviews coming buddy 👍
Mark, this bike appears to really be the bench mark for this class of bikes with it’s superior fit and finish and capabilities. It would be a good one to compare other bikes to.
Great video mark. Well detailed and everything we need to know. Currently own 2020 model year and well pleased with it. Question how do you rate the Michelin tyres? Mine is currently fitted with Dunlop. Now subscribed and looking forward to more videos, Cheers. Mike
If this model came out in 2016 at the time I had my CBR500R, I probably wouldn't have swapped it over for a Fazer Thou for my winter/commuter hack. The ergonomics and styling looks spot on. However, having both an 08 R1 and Gen 1 Fazer, I'm not sure if it's worthwhile getting rid of either of them, given they owe me nothing. For such a small bike, they're exceptionally capable, but I had to remind myself quite a few times that you will not have the grunt as an IL4 thou. Similar performance to a 2.0L turbo diesel was how I thought of my CBR500 when on the motorways. Just does the job. I'm guessing it also handled your Dorset roads pretty well? I do quite enjoy visiting my best mate down in Verwood from Gloucestershire, due to the great roads.
Looks like its a style choice between F and R? Same engine? Same performance? Want to look like a racer or a tourer? As an older rider mine is a F...probably? 5'10 ...66 years old. ??
I bought a 2020 model and love it. I can tour comfortably on it as well as enjoy pushing through turns with some zest. For a smaller capacity bike it still generates a lot of interest when people see it. I’ve been riding for 25 years and honestly I didn’t feel like I need another bike as it does everything I want from it.
Can anyone confirm if the new 2022 CBR 500r is running 15T/41T sprockets w/a 520 chain like the honda website says in the specs section of their website, or is it using 15T/44T with a 525 chain like they list in the downloadable pdf brochure (also on the website).
Great wrap up review Mark. I wonder if Honda UK will let you loose on the CB300R Neo Sports Cafe, if they can ever get it to you. Due out in June 2022. If the Rebel, X, F and this can do about 80 MPG, I'm hoping the CB300R does even better.
I've had my 2019 US-spec CB300R since new. It has 30k miles on it now, I can confirm a lifetime average of 86mpg US (103 UK) doing mixed riding. I'm only looking at the CBR500R now because I want a fairing for all the riding I do. the 300R is a spectacular lightweight machine.
Hi I would go with the Honda it's only a little bit more powerful 46 HP vs 36 HP and Honda is very economical you'll be absolutely fine with the cbr500r it's a brilliant bike kind regards Mark
Which bike would you prefer mark between honda CBR 500 r or honda CB 500 f both class bikes I can't decide I like honda CB 500 r for IST time rider on A2 license mark and I am small only 5 6 in height 👍👍💙
Hi Andrew I really like them all especially the cbr but as I'm 52 and I've kind of done sports bikes it would have to be the f for me ....but if I was 25 then cbr all the way !!!!!
Hi Tim the f suits me a bit more because I'm 52 !!! But if I was 30 I'd have the r ....that being said the r is a very comfortable sports bike Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Thank you for replying! I like all of these 500 models and your reviews have been excellent! The 2020 Rebel was the first time I ever fell in love with the look of a bike, and it got me thinking. But after doing more research my preference would be between the F and the R. My only issue with the F is it needs just a little more color, maybe along the sides of the seat/tail.
Great final review mark. look forward to your reviews. I'm doing the Scotland 500 in 2 weeks on mine . be longest I've been on it so I'm hoping the seat is as comfy as i think 😁
Did 15,500km on my 2019 before trading for a '22 CB500X to try it out, mainly for off-road here in Canada. Having done a few thousand km on the 500X I think I can say that between the two, I liked the 500R more (until the pavement ends). It was definitely a bit faster and more efficient (probably just aerodynamics) and I found it smoother. The fuel economy on the R was 2.5 to 3.5 L/100km with an average of 3.1. The 500X is more upright so there's no weight at all on your wrists, which is more comfortable at first, but the seat is too soft and less comfortable... you kind of sink in and it puts pressure in the wrong places rather than your sit bones. I would ride my 500R for 4-5 hours before needing a break but I have discomfort by 2 hours on the X.
The 500R is really about the perfect on-road bike for me. I think it's helpful to recognize that it's a sports-styled/fully-faired standard bike rather than a sportbike. LED lighting all around is great, the engines last forever, and costs hardly anything to run, looks great and fast enough to have lots of fun up to reasonable speeds.
Many thanks well said 😊
Yes sometimes slightly leaning forward bikes can be more comfortable than totally upright
Cheers mark
This is great to read. I wasn't sure which of the CB's would be best for me, I love the CBR looks but wasn't sure on comfort on long rides but reading this has encouraged me lol :)
Would the cb500f be the best or worst of both worlds?
Hi from France Mark .Very nice review!.
I just turned on 70 years old 😏 ( Drive licence since 1972)..., and after owning gsxr, Vfr and cb 500 x, I fell in love with this beauty, despite my age!...I thought people would laugh at me for choosing this cbr, but I rediscover the pleasure of riding at a reasonable price.
I hesitated with the 4-cylinder cbr 650, but in the end, I think I made the right choice.
Thank you for the high quality of your videos.
Many thanks Patrick ... great choice 😊
@@markpulling12 Many thanks Mark .I am unfortunately not sure I will live as long as your queen, so I still have to enjoy my cbr 500 r 😊
I got the 2020 model and it was really good. I’ve since replaced it with the Honda Hornet.. more upright and a bit more power.. but I liked the 500 very much. Your review is spot on.. its such a lovely bike.
Thanks for the feedback David 😊
I got the 2022 500r in black as my first bike and i love it!
Nice review Mark, I do love that bike a lot. The whole 500 range is untouchable in my opinion. The ideal first “big” bike for the A2 market and what a commuter it is. I want to get the 500F but getting divorced so that’s probably not going to happen for a few more years ha ha
Thanks Dan :) hope you get your bike soon
Congratulations. Time to upgrade lol
Pain is temporary, bikes are forever
@@pookiewookie7679 Hondas are way more reliable than women 😆
0% credit card purchase balance transfer. Get it bought. £6500 is £62 per month making min payments. No time like the present
Love your thoughtful and considered reviews Mark. Partly due to this and from general research, I’m moving to a 2024 CBR-500R as my second bike, picking it up on Thursday. Thanks and keep up the brilliant work, it’s so helpful for people like me, especially newcomers.
Many thanks I appreciate that 😊
Great looking bike, I had a 500f built my confidence over 2 years, does what it says on the tin.... Great round up Mark 👋
Thanks Martine :)
Loved your review Mark.Think I've fell in love with that bike!...Not even sat on one !..that's how good your reviews are and also that really is a good quality bike that would hopefully go for thousands of miles .
I'm going to have a look at one if these now ,a new one might be a bit out of my pocket but I bet there are some good used low mileage previous models out there.
Thanks for your review .
Glad you enjoyed it,really is great to ride cheers kevin ...
I just buy it today /.................. thanks for your reviw.
I’ve put 425 miles on mine so far. Very comfortable bike. Smooth getting into gears. Great first time bike for sure.
Great review. Looks so much better than todays naked and adventure bikes. Fun and practical, what's not to like!
I agree 💯
Nice review, IMHO Honda are currently making the best bikes in the world, maybe not the most powerful or fastest, perhaps not all the bells and whistles, but good quality, well engineered, easy to use and own, honest bikes.
The 300s seem to have issues though.
As always, a fantastic and informative video. Thank you and keep well 👍
Thanks my pleasure 😊
Hi. Thank you for the review. Another one of the oldies at 57 and seriously looking at one of these for a bit of fun. Not been on a bike for a long while. Just getting rid of my Caterham and for the money this bike looks like something I could enjoy and cherish for a few years to come. Andy
Hi Andy these are fantastic sports bikes ...very economical and reliable you absolutely can't go wrong :)
Another excellent review as per Mark!👏👏👏🏍🏍🏍
Thanks pat ....rebel 500 final coming soon :)
And I'm 56 us mark thanks for brilliant bike reviews best around👍💯
Thanks Andrew 😀
Great final review of CBR 500 mark quality as always ride safe your microphone was not on tho still class👍👍❤️
Thanks Andrew ... strange I have audio on my copy I'll check ✅
I've just checked the full TH-cam version Andrew and I have full audio ?
Thanks for the final thoughts mark.
Ok James my pleasure 😊
I tested this bike just before the pandemic and I found the throttle a little snatchy and the brakes took a bit of a tug to get a decent bite. Sounds like Honda have addressed these issues and more besides. As you say, Mark, it looks sensational in the updated red livery.
Thanks Phil ...yes throttle felt fine to me :)
I had a 2018 model and I can concur with the "snatchy" on off throttle. It wasn't terrible, just wasn't smooth.
@@kmb957 2016 model and same
Hi Mark, great review, what a beautiful bike. As a manufacturer Honda has nailed it.Agree totally about the naked 500F as an elderly biker a more upright position is needed lol
Thanks David .. yes f model would be my choice but oh so close for the smart looking cbr !!!
@@markpulling12 Agree Mark - hearts versus heads lol
Stay Safe David
Nice review! I'm currently doing my A license and will probably get the cbr500r or the cb500f as my first bike :)
Thanks... I don't think you could choose better :) great decision cheers mark
Great Vlog Mark - very nice bike!
Many thanks Ian ...one of the best A2 bikes
G'day Mark, as always good watching you doing a review, put two more pistons and 500cc and you have the best motorcycle 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️ in the world, but if l had the 500 l would still be a happy Man, cheers mate, Neil 🤠. Weather in Victoria Australia is very wet and cold haven't had the Bike's out for a week.
Thanks for the comment Neil hope your weather improves soon ...
Cheers mark
Nice review as always Mark. I am a little on the fence if I need the CBR500R over the CB500F as I do a bit of highway work here in NZ ( however its pretty much B roads compared to other countries ) - still trying to figure out if the fairing is worth while on the R. (I'lll ride both and take home the one I like!) Love these bikes tho. So good to see that they are competent all rounders
Thanks Dan I love the cbr but would probably get the f model
Cheers mark
Cb500f is the easiest bike to ride in the world and wonderfully comfortable. Just moved to cb650r from one
dude, love ur reviews...
Many thanks Mario 😊
Love your reviews, very informative and like you, being 51 myself I'd definitely go for the CB500F too. It just looks a better bike to do longer hours on and more miles. Keep them reviews coming buddy 👍
Many thanks Richard ☺️
Top of the list sport “tour” bike for years just somehow haven’t gotten my hands in one yet
Mark, this bike appears to really be the bench mark for this class of bikes with it’s superior fit and finish and capabilities. It would be a good one to compare other bikes to.
Hi thanks yes it really goes have a good fit and finish ☺️😊
Super part 2 review of the 500, but it is weighty compared to the Ninja 650 and can not reason why this is, at 80 mpg I am being tempted.
Hi David the cbr 500 is lighter
:) 199 kg vs 211 kg I believe
Great video mark. Well detailed and everything we need to know. Currently own 2020 model year and well pleased with it. Question how do you rate the Michelin tyres? Mine is currently fitted with Dunlop. Now subscribed and looking forward to more videos, Cheers. Mike
Thanks Mike the Michelin road 5s are the benchmark tyres in my opinion ... great grip in the wet and dry and last well .... thanks for the sub:)
If this model came out in 2016 at the time I had my CBR500R, I probably wouldn't have swapped it over for a Fazer Thou for my winter/commuter hack. The ergonomics and styling looks spot on. However, having both an 08 R1 and Gen 1 Fazer, I'm not sure if it's worthwhile getting rid of either of them, given they owe me nothing. For such a small bike, they're exceptionally capable, but I had to remind myself quite a few times that you will not have the grunt as an IL4 thou. Similar performance to a 2.0L turbo diesel was how I thought of my CBR500 when on the motorways. Just does the job. I'm guessing it also handled your Dorset roads pretty well? I do quite enjoy visiting my best mate down in Verwood from Gloucestershire, due to the great roads.
thats a nice looking bike looks pretty tight
Many thanks Kevin 💯
Looks like its a style choice between F and R? Same engine? Same performance? Want to look like a racer or a tourer? As an older rider mine is a F...probably? 5'10 ...66 years old. ??
Nice looking bike there Paul but them Euro five silencer are god awful lookin things .😊Good one 👍
Great vid. Would love to get one🤞🏻🤞🏻
I bought a 2020 model and love it. I can tour comfortably on it as well as enjoy pushing through turns with some zest.
For a smaller capacity bike it still generates a lot of interest when people see it. I’ve been riding for 25 years and honestly I didn’t feel like I need another bike as it does everything I want from it.
Thanks mark I got it now ltop man👍❤️
I’ve read that the dulled the throttle response from the MT07, how did you find the mapping ?
I don't like sports bikes, but this would be manageable. I nice first bike for someone.
Dear Mark, when will you ride and review the 2022 Yamaha XSR900? Looking forward to your verdict on it. Best regards from Germany.
Hi Robert...as soon as it comes in to crescent Yamaha...next couple of months hopefully cheers mark
Can anyone confirm if the new 2022 CBR 500r is running 15T/41T sprockets w/a 520 chain like the honda website says in the specs section of their website, or is it using 15T/44T with a 525 chain like they list in the downloadable pdf brochure (also on the website).
Hi Mark, looking at this, or the Ninja 400 as my first 'big bike'.
Finding it difficult to choose....
I'd go for the CBR it's much more comfortable with more torque
Cheers mark
Great wrap up review Mark. I wonder if Honda UK will let you loose on the CB300R Neo Sports Cafe, if they can ever get it to you. Due out in June 2022. If the Rebel, X, F and this can do about 80 MPG, I'm hoping the CB300R does even better.
Thanks yes I'll look into the 300
Maybe crescent have one :)
I've had my 2019 US-spec CB300R since new. It has 30k miles on it now, I can confirm a lifetime average of 86mpg US (103 UK) doing mixed riding.
I'm only looking at the CBR500R now because I want a fairing for all the riding I do. the 300R is a spectacular lightweight machine.
My dream byke!
would this bike be good for a first motorcycle? or should I start with an R3?
Hi I would go with the Honda it's only a little bit more powerful 46 HP vs 36 HP and Honda is very economical you'll be absolutely fine with the cbr500r it's a brilliant bike kind regards Mark
Which bike would you prefer mark between honda CBR 500 r or honda CB 500 f both class bikes I can't decide I like honda CB 500 r for IST time rider on A2 license mark and I am small only 5 6 in height 👍👍💙
Hi Andrew I really like them all especially the cbr but as I'm 52 and I've kind of done sports bikes it would have to be the f for me ....but if I was 25 then cbr all the way !!!!!
How come you prefer the F to the R? Just the look of the naked bike? I wish it had more yellow on it, especially the tail!
Hi Tim the f suits me a bit more because I'm 52 !!! But if I was 30 I'd have the r ....that being said the r is a very comfortable sports bike
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Thank you for replying! I like all of these 500 models and your reviews have been excellent! The 2020 Rebel was the first time I ever fell in love with the look of a bike, and it got me thinking. But after doing more research my preference would be between the F and the R. My only issue with the F is it needs just a little more color, maybe along the sides of the seat/tail.
Nice review 😊
First!!
Conflicted between this or the 500F...or maybe the X?! Cant decide tbh...
I know grrrrr it's a tricky Choice 😊
Best all-rounder X
Fun. Cbr
Can't decide. F
Cruise . Rebel
Great final review mark. look forward to your reviews. I'm doing the Scotland 500 in 2 weeks on mine . be longest I've been on it so I'm hoping the seat is as comfy as i think 😁
Have the 22 cb500f at 6 foot 3 I find it quite comfortable handles great .won't pull your arms out your sockets but has enough power for the roads.
@@priderides4137 must do the nc500 myself one-day!
@@garymcqueen6350 thanks Gary for the feedback 😊
I hope this sets the bar for dual front discs in small displacement twinnies. Like, knock that shit off, everyone else.
hi mark,
can you tell me how tall you are?
Hi I'm 5ft 7
At the start of the video you'll see me on the bike
Cheers mark
Where this made ? Thailand?
Yes jay correct 😊💯
Mark when the Tmax 560 2022 comes to the test?🙋
Soon as they get a demo at crescent Yamaha Peter I'll be on it :)
I’m buying mine tomorrow, then I’m getting a new exhaust cuz damn the stock one is ugly 😂
I think they need to give this bike an extra cylinder
Only If it was made in Japan . Lot of plastic
How in the heck are you getting over 80mpg!!! Just how slow are you riding😆😂. Honda estimates 72mpg and real world usage from other owners show 67mpg🤔
Are you in the USA ... your gallons are smaller there just a thought?
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 no I am living in Germany now. Don’t even ask me to calculate liters per kilometer to miles per gallon. 😂🤣
Final thoughts? Ain't no scooter...no storage and got one of those horrible gearbox thingys.....yuk! CVT all the way baby!!!🛵🛵
I'm a scooter fan as well. I'll get back to motorcycles when more are automatic.
@@kmb957 yeah...I'll never ride a geared bike again. No point.