I'm telling you, this is Honda's best motorcycle. It can do a bit of everything of any bike type. Good performance, price + operating costs, and reliability
Bought one of these for a commuter bike for work. Spot on great little bike. And it’s a Honda so you get the reliability 😀would recommend to anyone. It’s all ya need.
Good road test. After a lifetime of bigger bikes, I've had to 'step down' to the CB500F. After a few months riding it, I've been pleasantly surprised. I think it's a great little bike. 8,000 mile service intervals, 70-80 mpg, can't be bad!
I've even done 93mpg lol but that's with very frugal riding techniques, top speed at only 55 mph and keeping the rpm lowest as possible in every gear lol
@@WheelsNotHeels I'm 5' 8" tall with an inside leg of 29" and the seat height is fine - it feels so light too. Being a naked bike, you do get the usual wind blast, but it's no worse than any other naked bike.
@@iniakpmarc28 Thank you! Appreciate your response. Would love to get this bike but I don't want to fight wind if possible. I've never had a naked bike but I've read that without a screen, sometimes the wind is a "clean wind" and not too bad. I like how lightweight this is. Would you ever do long distance or tour on this?
I own this bike and the wind doesn't bother me even at 90mph just tuck down a bit lol. The only thing about this bike is the gearbox can get clunky when the engine is hot especially at lower gears but from 3rd up its smooth as a butter all the time.
There's more movement than I would like, and there isn't much of a "click" when selecting a gear. This means there isn't much "feel" to it. Other than that it felt good in terms of position and it didn't feel slippery.
@@MN-wf8hr In terms of actual size I don't think you'll find it cramped. The pegs left plenty of room for my legs and my knees weren't bent much at all. However there isn't a lot of room to move around on the seat, if you feel like scooting back for a more comfortable tucked position. (probably should've mentioned that in the video). In terms of weight I think you'll be absolutely fine. My best advice would be to have a sit on one (whenever you have the chance).
I'm 5'10 and I find it comfortable. At your height you might find it slightly more cramped, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. Best I can tell you is to find a dealer and have a sit on one. Hope your upgrade goes well!
looks nice, i have to decide between the CB 500F and the KTM 390 Duke for my first Bike - what would you recommend and do you have other recommendation for a first bike? great Video, change the Mic tough ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've never ridden the Duke 390 but I've taken the RC 390 for a spin (it was my first review actually). My first bike reccomentdation is dependent on the license restrictions in your country, but the 250cc-500cc class is in my opinion the ideal starter class, because you get enough power to learn with and have fun, but you don't get something that will scare the life out of you. From what I know if I had to chose between the CB and the Duke, I'd probably go for the Duke for a few reasons. - It's lighter than the CB 500 - Looks better than the CB 500 (in my personal opinion) - The dash is so much better - The motor feels slightly more punchy off the line on the Duke (though this may be due to less weight) - It's less expensive than the CB 500
It depends on your requirement, the cb500f is a parallel twin while the 390Duke is a single cylinder, in short the Honda is arguably more reliable in the long haul especially if you are using top power at most times
Duke will break, CB500f will not. You either sell Duke after 1-2 years of riding or u keep honda cuz of its all roundness. Duke is more fun but the reliability issues are real so it really depends what do u prefer If youre over 6 foot then just a buy a honda, Duke is small
Honestly I'd go for the CB500X, because after a while the wind blast on the CB500F would make me wish for death, on a longer trip. There aren't that many differences between the two but the X is slightly more comfortable, and I'd get it specifically for that reason.
I watch a lot of the bike reviews and dream of having one of these bikes but, you middle-class English fellas are so bloody condescending, it puts you right off. When somebody is trying to chose a bike with the help of your vids, why do you and the likes of English Biker Dan, delight in referring to "little" bikes? I get it, you have bags of experience riding big bikes, "beast" as you put it but, for me entering into the exciting world of motorcycling, I don't want to be told that I might be buying a "little" bike. Have a thought for the new guy.
I am sorry for offending you. I tend to use the term "little bike" very loosely. I sometimes use it to refer to my own bike or even larger ones. "Little bike" is not intended to be a condescending term and I would never consider a bike to be inferior to another on the account of engine capacity. I sincerely hope that this video has not tainted your opinion of the CB500F, as it is truly an amazing bike to ride. Once again apologies for any offence I may have caused. I wish you well on your future journey into the wonderful world that is motorcycles.
I myself am also looking into starting my dream into riding motorbikes and have been watching plenty of bike reviews. A high majority of reviewers I've seen keep saying how small or "little" the bikes are. Now for someone who's starting up it doesn't really hit you well when a lot of the time its power and size this and that. The only thing that makes me ignore that fact is by seeing the true reactions of the riders review and how happy and satisfied they are with these "little bikes". If someone who has the experience riding big bikes/beasts states, yes it is little but its a lot of fun and great for beginners then I'm happy and confident the bike I'll pick will be enjoyable too.
@@mikecamp236 I rode back in the 80's a 650 cc BMW which had about the same HP as this Honda but weighed more, I toured Europe on that two up, panniers, tank bag and performance was not an issue that would hold 90 easily on the motorways if required. Back then 900cc / 1ltr Japenese bikes were out and nice as they were I did not feel I missed anything, my bike was sharper than cars which is what mattered. Looking at coming back to bikes and have had various refresher lessons on a few bikes as also a good way to evaluate them, the CB650 Honda I did not like in town it was too jerky on the throttle and hard to ride smoothly. One session on the CB500F was so much more fun, the grunt of a twin, a lighter bike so does not need more power put a smile on my face so much more than the 650. Honda NC750 was OK but felt big with all the mock fairing stuff heavier than the cb500 similar power I think. BMW g310r is also a fun bike but smallish tank might hinder some, I did like the BMW F750 GS but thats nearly 40KG heavier than the CB500 You dont need 1 ltr or more to have fun, go quick and tour, I feel so many are sucked into the marketing hype of the larger bikes where 70% of the time you will be running at 30-40% of the revs so most of the real performance is never touched, and the classic need the power to accellerate out of trouble is one of the biggest myths ever. Most riders hit the brakes. There are some great bargains on the CB500F out there low mileage / just over a year old saving nearly £1500 on new, don't be influenced by the big bike syndrome being promoted by the manufacturers, 1800cc for a bike? just not needed.
@1:57 REAALLLYY?!?!?!?! OH MY GOSH HE DIDNT EVEN INDICATE!!! LITERALLY CUT U OFF OH MY GOODNESS IM GLAD UR WERE PAYING ATTENTION AND NOT SO FOCUSED ON MOTOVLOGGING THAT U DIDNT SEE THAT IDIOT. WOW SMH
YEAH LIKE A WIND SCREEN LIKE I FEEL THAT IS NEEDED AND NECESSARY. OTHERWISE EVERYTHING UR APPROACHING IS GOING TO END UP HITTING UR CHEST AND LANDING IN UR LAP LIKE FULL FAIRINGS IS THE WAY FOR ME.
I'm telling you, this is Honda's best motorcycle. It can do a bit of everything of any bike type. Good performance, price + operating costs, and reliability
Bought one of these for a commuter bike for work. Spot on great little bike. And it’s a Honda so you get the reliability 😀would recommend to anyone. It’s all ya need.
Good road test. After a lifetime of bigger bikes, I've had to 'step down' to the CB500F. After a few months riding it, I've been pleasantly surprised. I think it's a great little bike. 8,000 mile service intervals, 70-80 mpg, can't be bad!
I've even done 93mpg lol but that's with very frugal riding techniques, top speed at only 55 mph and keeping the rpm lowest as possible in every gear lol
@@ridehead8771 Yes Jeremy, I've seen 93 mpg on my fuel consumption too! Amazing!
Hello... may I ask what your height is and what is the wind like on your 500f? (I'm 5 ft,9in.)
@@WheelsNotHeels I'm 5' 8" tall with an inside leg of 29" and the seat height is fine - it feels so light too. Being a naked bike, you do get the usual wind blast, but it's no worse than any other naked bike.
@@iniakpmarc28 Thank you! Appreciate your response. Would love to get this bike but I don't want to fight wind if possible. I've never had a naked bike but I've read that without a screen, sometimes the wind is a "clean wind" and not too bad. I like how lightweight this is. Would you ever do long distance or tour on this?
Great review! I got the black 2020 cb500f as my very first bike just yesterday, and i absolutely love how it looks and sounds. 👍
how is it so far
@@aravsandhala6821 seems he did not survive to tell the story :)
@@yojik_creates_stuff lmao if thats tru may he rest in peace
I'll take it. Excellent video.
Thanks!
I own this bike and the wind doesn't bother me even at 90mph just tuck down a bit lol. The only thing about this bike is the gearbox can get clunky when the engine is hot especially at lower gears but from 3rd up its smooth as a butter all the time.
Can you explain what it is about the shifter you don’t like? Position? Feel? Slippery? 🤷🏻♂️
There's more movement than I would like, and there isn't much of a "click" when selecting a gear. This means there isn't much "feel" to it. Other than that it felt good in terms of position and it didn't feel slippery.
I am considering this bike - what do you not like about the shifter?
Brilliant review, looking forward to more 👍
Thanks mate!
Jo'sBikeLife _ You’re welcome! I’m 6ft 2 and 13.5 stone, do you think I’ll be too big for the bike?
@@MN-wf8hr In terms of actual size I don't think you'll find it cramped. The pegs left plenty of room for my legs and my knees weren't bent much at all. However there isn't a lot of room to move around on the seat, if you feel like scooting back for a more comfortable tucked position. (probably should've mentioned that in the video). In terms of weight I think you'll be absolutely fine. My best advice would be to have a sit on one (whenever you have the chance).
How tall are you? Concerned about knee angle at 6’2”, hopefully upgrading from my CB125F soon.
I'm 5'10 and I find it comfortable. At your height you might find it slightly more cramped, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. Best I can tell you is to find a dealer and have a sit on one. Hope your upgrade goes well!
@@josbikelife_5643 Thanks a lot, I’ll go try one out.
Nice review. I pick my new one up on Thursday. Been all over Europe on 500s . They'll sit there all day at 80/90mph. What more do you need ?
looks nice, i have to decide between the CB 500F and the KTM 390 Duke for my first Bike - what would you recommend and do you have other recommendation for a first bike? great Video, change the Mic tough ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've never ridden the Duke 390 but I've taken the RC 390 for a spin (it was my first review actually). My first bike reccomentdation is dependent on the license restrictions in your country, but the 250cc-500cc class is in my opinion the ideal starter class, because you get enough power to learn with and have fun, but you don't get something that will scare the life out of you. From what I know if I had to chose between the CB and the Duke, I'd probably go for the Duke for a few reasons.
- It's lighter than the CB 500
- Looks better than the CB 500 (in my personal opinion)
- The dash is so much better
- The motor feels slightly more punchy off the line on the Duke (though this may be due to less weight)
- It's less expensive than the CB 500
I have the 500f and for me it's perfect! ;)
It depends on your requirement, the cb500f is a parallel twin while the 390Duke is a single cylinder, in short the Honda is arguably more reliable in the long haul especially if you are using top power at most times
Duke will break, CB500f will not. You either sell Duke after 1-2 years of riding or u keep honda cuz of its all roundness.
Duke is more fun but the reliability issues are real so it really depends what do u prefer
If youre over 6 foot then just a buy a honda, Duke is small
I live in town but i plan to go on trips once or twice a year.What do u suggest i get honda cb500f or honda cb500x?Im 185cm tall
Honestly I'd go for the CB500X, because after a while the wind blast on the CB500F would make me wish for death, on a longer trip. There aren't that many differences between the two but the X is slightly more comfortable, and I'd get it specifically for that reason.
me and a friend have just bought one great bikes for no money
How much different does it feel to the 2016 version?
Dunno.
I watch a lot of the bike reviews and dream of having one of these bikes but, you middle-class English fellas are so bloody condescending, it puts you right off. When somebody is trying to chose a bike with the help of your vids, why do you and the likes of English Biker Dan, delight in referring to "little" bikes? I get it, you have bags of experience riding big bikes, "beast" as you put it but, for me entering into the exciting world of motorcycling, I don't want to be told that I might be buying a "little" bike. Have a thought for the new guy.
I am sorry for offending you. I tend to use the term "little bike" very loosely. I sometimes use it to refer to my own bike or even larger ones. "Little bike" is not intended to be a condescending term and I would never consider a bike to be inferior to another on the account of engine capacity. I sincerely hope that this video has not tainted your opinion of the CB500F, as it is truly an amazing bike to ride. Once again apologies for any offence I may have caused. I wish you well on your future journey into the wonderful world that is motorcycles.
@@josbikelife_5643 Fair enough mate. I am still looking into the CB500F and or the CB500X. Will keep watching and subscribed😜
Mr Overreaction, eh TC.
I myself am also looking into starting my dream into riding motorbikes and have been watching plenty of bike reviews. A high majority of reviewers I've seen keep saying how small or "little" the bikes are. Now for someone who's starting up it doesn't really hit you well when a lot of the time its power and size this and that. The only thing that makes me ignore that fact is by seeing the true reactions of the riders review and how happy and satisfied they are with these "little bikes". If someone who has the experience riding big bikes/beasts states, yes it is little but its a lot of fun and great for beginners then I'm happy and confident the bike I'll pick will be enjoyable too.
@@mikecamp236 I rode back in the 80's a 650 cc BMW which had about the same HP as this Honda but weighed more, I toured Europe on that two up, panniers, tank bag and performance was not an issue that would hold 90 easily on the motorways if required. Back then 900cc / 1ltr Japenese bikes were out and nice as they were I did not feel I missed anything, my bike was sharper than cars which is what mattered.
Looking at coming back to bikes and have had various refresher lessons on a few bikes as also a good way to evaluate them, the CB650 Honda I did not like in town it was too jerky on the throttle and hard to ride smoothly. One session on the CB500F was so much more fun, the grunt of a twin, a lighter bike so does not need more power put a smile on my face so much more than the 650.
Honda NC750 was OK but felt big with all the mock fairing stuff heavier than the cb500 similar power I think.
BMW g310r is also a fun bike but smallish tank might hinder some, I did like the BMW F750 GS but thats nearly 40KG heavier than the CB500
You dont need 1 ltr or more to have fun, go quick and tour, I feel so many are sucked into the marketing hype of the larger bikes where 70% of the time you will be running at 30-40% of the revs so most of the real performance is never touched, and the classic need the power to accellerate out of trouble is one of the biggest myths ever. Most riders hit the brakes.
There are some great bargains on the CB500F out there low mileage / just over a year old saving nearly £1500 on new, don't be influenced by the big bike syndrome being promoted by the manufacturers, 1800cc for a bike? just not needed.
This is a 2019 model.
How much man?5000$!!
@Redrum 👍👍🍻
@1:57 REAALLLYY?!?!?!?! OH MY GOSH HE DIDNT EVEN INDICATE!!! LITERALLY CUT U OFF OH MY GOODNESS IM GLAD UR WERE PAYING ATTENTION AND NOT SO FOCUSED ON MOTOVLOGGING THAT U DIDNT SEE THAT IDIOT. WOW SMH
@8:12 LIKEWISE I AM NOT THE BIGGEST FAN OF NAKED BIKES EITHER. SPORT FULLY FAIRED IS JUST MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE. I LIKE MY BIKES WITH CLOTHES ON LMBO
YEAH LIKE A WIND SCREEN LIKE I FEEL THAT IS NEEDED AND NECESSARY. OTHERWISE EVERYTHING UR APPROACHING IS GOING TO END UP HITTING UR CHEST AND LANDING IN UR LAP LIKE FULL FAIRINGS IS THE WAY FOR ME.
😑PEOPLE THAT ARE ALWAYS COMPARING CCs ANNOY ME. LIKE OF COURSE ITS NOT AN 07 IN SOUND COMPARISON JEEZ COMPARE IT WITH OTHERS IN ITS CLASS
@16:00 YESS BACK OK THE FULLY FAIRED ! 🙌