These Honda 500s are some of the most practical and usable bikes you can get. Exceptional fuel economy, reliability and engine life, and enough power to have fun around town or the back roads. 500 km fuel range per fillup is nice and I average 3.1 L/100km overall on my CBR500R. I don't miss my bigger bikes too much but I'm afraid I'll miss this one when I trade it (likely for a CB500X for some off-road).
@@ifrit35 I have the 500X now and yes, I do miss the 500R. They have a lot in common but feel pretty different and I prefer the 500R on-road... it felt smoother, a bit quicker, and a bit more efficient (mostly due to aerodynamics I think). Maybe I'll end up owning both but it seems strange to have two bikes so similar.
@@Thirsty_Fox I was kind of in a similar situation. Bought a rebel 500 in 2020, sold it later that year for a Gsx-s 1000. I missed the Honda so I bought another one earlier this year. And now I'm tempted by a cbr 500 r. It doesn't makes sense but who cares apart from my finances.
Some useful storage under the rear seat, Mark, as you hint at. I asked the local Honda Big Wing if I could look under the seat, and they said it needed a key. End of conversation. They have a reputation for being unhelpful.
Hello Mark from across the pond. My first bike was a 2014 Honda CB500F. Learned a lot on that bike and really regret getting rid of it. Excellent bike for anyone.
Great bikes, had mine for 4 years, second MOT just the headstock bearings needed re-packing, also replaced the brake master cylinder seals as the front brake was getting a bit vague (old single disc version). Great review as ever from Mark.
I hate the exhaust can but otherwise this little bike rocks from all I’ve seen. My buddy had a 450 in the eighties and nobody could do better wheelies than Russ
I'm especially envious of the +30 mpg this bike does, when compared to my own bike, particularly in light of the fact that my back tyre has a plug in it, after I found a nail there and will have to ride like Brian the snail from the Magic Roundabout for quite some time.
Much more than a Beginner Bike.. The Cost of Living is going Through the Roof, Electric , Gas , Petrol, its a Bike you can afford to Run & Insure..I was talking to an MT10 owner the other day Fantastic Machine so powerful But very Very thirsty Ok if you can afford It.. the owner had uses the same Amount of Fuel in a week as I had In a month on my CB 500F!
It took me 8 years to try the 16 tooth front sprocket, don't make that mistake. It transformers the bike to make it a better do it all machine. Just try it.
Really great starter bike, I’ve had my 2014 for about 6 months now and it’s been a blast to learn on, and I doubt I will get rid of it for a while since it’s the perfect size and power level for around town riding. Also forgiving to my short inseam (5’9”, 29” inseam)
Useful addendum to your initial review. More obvious that there is a digital rev counter; think the flyscreen looks necessary to see it clearly though.. Cheers
Great bike loved mine, except the fact that I use it all year round and on wet days (of which they're are many) it covers itself, my luggage and the back of my jacket with road dirt. Very annoying.! My cb500x didn't do that.
As someone who rides a 1977 Honda four I can safely say that Hondas have always been good. Will this one last 45 years? I doubt it but a nice bike all the same.
thanks for your reviews on this bike. I've seen many on the new cb500f and it's hard to find anyone with a bad thing to say about it. I was considering a cb300r when i get my full licence, but it's hard to find an argument not to upgrade to this instead as it ticks all the boxes im looking for. GL
G'day Mark, out of all the Motorcycle makers in Japan l think Honda have made some of the World's best Bike's, l used two CBs to travel around Australia and the reliability l will praise till the day l die, another great review Mark, keep safe and upright and remember ever Car out there is out to get you, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
@@brettwicks2615 your right mate your bike or parts could come from anywhere in the world, like Enfield I still think their British not Indian. cheers.
@@norsehall309 no , there INDIAN RUBBISH , nothing to do with BRITAIN , I bought 2 new ones in 2021 , oil leaking , vibrating rubbish . Just sold the last one , a 5 speed vibrator on 2 wheels , a very costy mistake . Enfields have nothing to do with BRITAIN ,
Lovely! I think its a 180 degree firing crank, so it a Bonneville sound...Original! So nice...Wheres my bloody wallet? No brainer buy it...provided its got a centre stand!!! (Triumph pay attention!) I can buy one of these...but will wait to next spring!
What is the advantage of a smoked screen as opposed to a transparent one? Surely, it makes it harder to see through? But sometimes you need to see the road infront of you...
Price-wise this comes in very close to the ADV350 which I watched your reviews of. Which do you rate highest for daily commuting and general use? Thanks.
@@markpulling12 Thanks for the reply Mark. The CVT and storage do appeal, but it just feels like an awful lot more bike for the same (ish) money with the CB. I'll have to try them both!
Please Honda go back to the 94 style rear seat , and a flat exhaust pipe for better luggage options I can’t be the only one that wants and needs 3D litre side boxes and a max top box, and please Honda improve the dash system it’s very hard to read , part share with bmw if you have too
Nice review Mark, do you know of the naked version is coming to Europe ? My sister want's one but she dose not like the front of this version. That way I can get my Yamaha FZR 1000 Exup back from here. 🏍
@@markpulling12 Still have mine 1989 and six other FZR, 1x 1990, 2x 1991, 1x 1992, 1x 1994, 1x 1995. I have a lot of spare parts, bought the stock from two dealers in Holland and one in Belgium. Also one FZ1 Fazer, a Mash Falcone 125 and a Trident 660. Not al the FZR are ready, work in progress.
Anyone old enough to remember the cx500 v twin ? I went through 3 of these during my days as a despatch rider in London during the 80s. Legendary courier bike, also the Honda 400 superdream parallel twin, and cb760f. Hondas have always the most reliable bikes, apart from the suzuki GS 750 and kawasiki z900. I did over 140000 miles on a gs750 before it died, and 105000 on a z900. They dont make em like that anymore.
hi,got my licence in october last year,and i order the new cb500F 2 weeks ago and hopefully it will arrive in 4 to 5 weeks from now.it toke me fews month to choice a bike and i think for a new rider it is perfect in economy and power.I can`t wait to go out with it for the first time.thx nice vid.i would like to ask you a question aswell.how long do you think i can joint a grp to go out for a ride?after fews weeks out on my own or shorter?
Hi steffan group riding takes a bit of lane discipline and experience...I'd advise to ride on your own or one other for a month /1000 miles then give it a try :) Good luck 🤞
Been thinking between the 500F and the 500R, Can't decide what's a better bike overall. Any suggestions from anyone of what would probably be a better pick? And why? been chilling on a cbf125 so i'm not too aware of the variation in seating position to the full extent and whether the CBR would be comfortable enough. Would love to get general opinions
@@Jay_Speed I bought a used Tracer 7 :-) I was looking at the CB500X but decided on a used Tracer in the end which was probably a better financial choice
@@stevepovey2489 The Tracer is a bit higher so when it suits you then it will be a good bike. I drove only Yamaha for 47 years but then did not found what I really wanted with the brand so the Trident came.
@@stevepovey2489 For me the price of those is too high, these days I set a limit and the Trident fell in my wishes. Weight with full tank 185kg, seat hight 800mm, price standard max 8500 euro. So what I have is 189kg, 805mm, 8295€, paid with options like track and trace 9230€. I did test the Tracer 7 and 9 found them too high for me and did not like the look.
Hi it's about a 1000 more expensive new ...but yes it's got 70 hp Vs 47 ...but the honda is way more economical....if you are looking for a great all rounder I'd get the honda but if you want the extra power the sv makes sense especially second hand cheers mark
Hello Mark, I know it's been a while since you did this, but I go back and forth between reviews and bikes.. I was looking at the Royal Enfield650's, and realised that the power is the same on this sweet little Honda! A great bike, which is also quite a bit lighter than the Interceptor. I know they may not seem like two bikes you'd compare, but they both sit squarely in the size/weight/power/cost range I'm looking at. But there are two things speaking against the Honda vs the RE: 1; Cost: the CB500F is $600-700 more than the RE, and then, for me; the clincher, 2: the looks and feel. There's no doubt the Honda's a great bike, but it is completely anonymous, whereas the RE has character in SPADES! I'm not after outright specs, but want a bit of everything, and I have to say; for me, the Interceptor wins it. But I'm certain, I'd be just as happy driving the Honda!
Many thanks.... interesting that here in the UK the interceptor 650 is £500 more than the cb500f but I know what you mean the RE has a wonderful engine 👌
@@markpulling12 Mmm ok will ask re that when go look at the bikes. Something that has occurred to me whilst thinking of doing a trip on my 125. I.e On a campsite....you think a disc lock enough? (I'll ask the touring chaps). Any disc lock you recommend..?
I like the flashing hazards as you braked hard. I had a go on my mate bike the same model as that and I thought it was a lovely little machine, great for a new rider.
Love the CB500F but (IMO) it is a distant second place to it's brother, the NC750-X DCT. I ran an NC for 2 years and it was faultlessly reliable, and returned 100mpg regularly.
Have to agree ....ok the NC is more money than the cb,500f new ...but you can't beat that engine ,low rpm torque,nice cruising revs and amazing economy Cheers mark
the nc750 is definitely not the 500f's brother, especially the dct. Dct is for old people and the 500f is targeted at the younger audience (a2 compliant). Everyone is gonna praise their own bike tho.
@@grtbgf I don't have an NC750. I have a ZZR1400.....but you're right, I'm an old man. Oh, I have a classic Voyager and a modern Rolls Royce too. Old age has its advantages.....
@@grtbgf " DCT is for old people " I'm old but I have a nephew in his 20's who suffers from osteo arthritis in his hands , not only " Old people " will benefit from not having to use a clutch lever . Props for the ageist comment ..........
Hi Mark, thanks for the review. I Started with a Grom early this year, made 3-4K kms, ready for an upgrade, 5ft 6, ride in city and country roads, not for commuting. Upright position with minimum pressure and vibration on wrists and hands and handling and riding fun are my top priorities. Do you recommend the 500F or Z400? Thanks .
Hi Mark thanks for the reply. Eliminated the 400 but was offered a short test ride on a z650L (Lams restricted model). Ergonomically it was slightly better than cb500f (more upright), a bit more torque, but throttle was a bit jerky at take off at lights. The 500F was more linear in that respect but was choking at slow ride at the second gear requiring shifting to gear 1. I wonder whether this could be an issue in slow traffic. Want to pick one these two. Which one would u recommend ?
Looks nicer with new screen , very underrated bike. People look down on it as no kerb appeal ,that’s a mistake.
These Honda 500s are some of the most practical and usable bikes you can get. Exceptional fuel economy, reliability and engine life, and enough power to have fun around town or the back roads. 500 km fuel range per fillup is nice and I average 3.1 L/100km overall on my CBR500R. I don't miss my bigger bikes too much but I'm afraid I'll miss this one when I trade it (likely for a CB500X for some off-road).
I'm willing to bet that yes, you will miss it.
@@ifrit35 I have the 500X now and yes, I do miss the 500R. They have a lot in common but feel pretty different and I prefer the 500R on-road... it felt smoother, a bit quicker, and a bit more efficient (mostly due to aerodynamics I think). Maybe I'll end up owning both but it seems strange to have two bikes so similar.
@@Thirsty_Fox I was kind of in a similar situation. Bought a rebel 500 in 2020, sold it later that year for a Gsx-s 1000. I missed the Honda so I bought another one earlier this year. And now I'm tempted by a cbr 500 r. It doesn't makes sense but who cares apart from my finances.
I've had mine for nearly 10 years and have put 70k on it and it's never missed a beat. Great bike and fun to ride.
Hi mark You can’t really beat the Honda 500 range reliability fuel economy and without breaking the bank good honest review as always
Thanks trevor :)
After 15,000 km, I'm averaging 3.1 L/100km with a best tank of 2.6 and worst of 3.4, yet still great usable power around town.
@@Thirsty_Fox The NC750 is way better. I had one for 2 years and it regularly returned 100mpg
@@BibtheBoulder The CB 500 X also returns over 100 mpg
@@PhilipKerry Fantastic. I prefer the 750 as it is physically bigger and I'm not a small type of guy....
Some useful storage under the rear seat, Mark, as you hint at. I asked the local Honda Big Wing if I could look under the seat, and they said it needed a key. End of conversation. They have a reputation for being unhelpful.
Hello Mark from across the pond. My first bike was a 2014 Honda CB500F. Learned a lot on that bike and really regret getting rid of it. Excellent bike for anyone.
Many thanks 👍
Great bikes, had mine for 4 years, second MOT just the headstock bearings needed re-packing, also replaced the brake master cylinder seals as the front brake was getting a bit vague (old single disc version). Great review as ever from Mark.
Many thanks glad yours is going well ☺️
I hate the exhaust can but otherwise this little bike rocks from all I’ve seen. My buddy had a 450 in the eighties and nobody could do better wheelies than Russ
I'm especially envious of the +30 mpg this bike does, when compared to my own bike, particularly in light of the fact that my back tyre has a plug in it, after I found a nail there and will have to ride like Brian the snail from the Magic Roundabout for quite some time.
I ran a 2015 Honda NC750-X DCT for a couple of years and it regularly returned 100mpg.
Available colors in the US flat black or if you prefer flat black, boring
Same thing in Canada. You’d figure they could at least give us a red one. ✌️
Good plug on the michelin 5 tyres. Fitted a set to my 2018 500x after suffering 1000 miles on the dreadful oem dunlops, totally transformed the bike.
Much more than a Beginner Bike..
The Cost of Living is going
Through the Roof, Electric , Gas ,
Petrol, its a Bike you can afford to
Run & Insure..I was talking to an
MT10 owner the other day
Fantastic Machine so powerful
But very Very thirsty Ok if you can afford
It.. the owner had uses the same
Amount of Fuel in a week as I had
In a month on my CB 500F!
Well said Jeffery :)
It took me 8 years to try the 16 tooth front sprocket, don't make that mistake. It transformers the bike to make it a better do it all machine. Just try it.
Really great starter bike, I’ve had my 2014 for about 6 months now and it’s been a blast to learn on, and I doubt I will get rid of it for a while since it’s the perfect size and power level for around town riding. Also forgiving to my short inseam (5’9”, 29” inseam)
Nice review Mark. My heart says RE 650. My head says CB500 due to Honda reliability and fuel economy.
I am glad you mentioned carrying a passenger I wish more would be mentioned on this subject on every review
Ok Mike thanks 👍
Thanks for another excellent report on probably the most sensible motorcycles available
Headlight sucks, should be round
Useful addendum to your initial review. More obvious that there is a digital rev counter; think the flyscreen looks necessary to see it clearly though..
Cheers
Great bike loved mine, except the fact that I use it all year round and on wet days (of which they're are many) it covers itself, my luggage and the back of my jacket with road dirt. Very annoying.! My cb500x didn't do that.
Awesome bike and great video Mark. I love it. It’s an amazing bike. Definitely my choice for my bike. It’s awesome with such good bang for buck
Thanks Dan yes don't want to give this one back to Honda tomorrow!!
@@markpulling12 I wouldn’t either ha ha
As someone who rides a 1977 Honda four I can safely say that Hondas have always been good. Will this one last 45 years? I doubt it but a nice bike all the same.
They probably don't make they quite like they used to James but good all the same :)
You’re a lucky man having a 400 4, a bike of my youth.👍
Well it's a 550 four but every bit as good as the 400.
@Paul Paul bit jealous are we.
@@jamesbarrie2458 sounds like he may be 😂
My first motorcycle was a Honda cb550.
Nice bike then and now.
You’ve really convinced me to get this one. I have a Ktm 125 an I’m looking to upgrade. This looks like a great choice!
Thanks yes it's one of the best:)
Fantastic honda CBR f 500cc love that bike I going do my bike test and will buy that honda thanks mark 👍😀
thanks for your reviews on this bike. I've seen many on the new cb500f and it's hard to find anyone with a bad thing to say about it. I was considering a cb300r when i get my full licence, but it's hard to find an argument not to upgrade to this instead as it ticks all the boxes im looking for. GL
Go for the 500. It's just so versatile. Put some bags on and you can tour with it. Holds motorway speeds with ease and comfort. You'll love it. 🏍👍
Good bike but my biscuit tin sounds better.
Who cares what it sounds like at a stand still ? Quiet has it's benefits, plus it has a nice intake sound when you give er some beans.
Sounds like someone who's eaten a can of beans.@@kalnwi2023
choosing between the F and the R is hard. Especially the F in that colour, Beautiful bike.
x
G'day Mark, out of all the Motorcycle makers in Japan l think Honda have made some of the World's best Bike's, l used two CBs to travel around Australia and the reliability l will praise till the day l die, another great review Mark, keep safe and upright and remember ever Car out there is out to get you, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
Thanks Neil 😊
There's not many models of the main brands come out of JAPAN anymore , if any . the HONDA CB500 range are made in THAILAND .
@@brettwicks2615 your right mate your bike or parts could come from anywhere in the world, like Enfield I still think their British not Indian. cheers.
@@norsehall309 no , there INDIAN RUBBISH , nothing to do with BRITAIN , I bought 2 new ones in 2021 , oil leaking , vibrating rubbish .
Just sold the last one , a 5 speed vibrator on 2 wheels , a very costy mistake . Enfields have nothing to do with BRITAIN ,
Lovely! I think its a 180 degree firing crank, so it a Bonneville sound...Original! So nice...Wheres my bloody wallet? No brainer buy it...provided its got a centre stand!!! (Triumph pay attention!) I can buy one of these...but will wait to next spring!
Kao da je rađen za mene.Predivno.
What is the advantage of a smoked screen as opposed to a transparent one? Surely, it makes it harder to see through? But sometimes you need to see the road infront of you...
Hi its purely just for looks ...with most of these screens you are looking over them not through because they are quite low
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 Wouldn't the tint help keep glare off the gauges ?
That's a great bike! Nice video. Cheers from Norway! 👍
Thanks first for you 🙂
Price-wise this comes in very close to the ADV350 which I watched your reviews of. Which do you rate highest for daily commuting and general use? Thanks.
Hi Rob daily commuting prize goes to the adv 350 due to its easy twist and go and underseat storage
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks for the reply Mark. The CVT and storage do appeal, but it just feels like an awful lot more bike for the same (ish) money with the CB. I'll have to try them both!
Please Honda go back to the 94 style rear seat , and a flat exhaust pipe for better luggage options I can’t be the only one that wants and needs 3D litre side boxes and a max top box, and please Honda improve the dash system it’s very hard to read , part share with bmw if you have too
If the fuel consumption of 78mpg is on E10 fuel then you would get at least 10mpg more on E5 , I get 15mpg less in my car using E10 instead of E5 ....
I'm sold!!! Thanks Mark. Another good video. This bike is very close to perfection.........Sal : )
I will likely get one soon. Plan to convert into an ST since my 1100 is outdated. The x is also appealing. The 300 mile of range is impressive.
Nice review Mark, do you know of the naked version is coming to Europe ? My sister want's one but she dose not like the front of this version. That way I can get my Yamaha FZR 1000 Exup back from here. 🏍
Hi Jay yes it should come your way but everything is delayed at the moment due to COVID ...I had a 1989 1000 exup years ago!!
@@markpulling12 Still have mine 1989 and six other FZR, 1x 1990, 2x 1991, 1x 1992, 1x 1994, 1x 1995. I have a lot of spare parts, bought the stock from two dealers in Holland and one in Belgium. Also one FZ1 Fazer, a Mash Falcone 125 and a Trident 660. Not al the FZR are ready, work in progress.
@@Jay_Speed wow 😲
That's the bike I get honda CB 500f great bike brilliant videos reviews mark cheers safe riding 👍💯❤️
Great review while driving! My friend is getting this CB500F in 5 days....
Nice bike
stiffer front suspension could make the fuel consumption even a bit better.
They need to make it styling retro looks then more people will buy it.
Hi, Honda,s are real troopers , any thing they make ,if looked after goes on for years . Another nice review .
Its a really nice bike, but i find it hard to stomach that where I live its almost as much as a sv650
Can you swing by Puddletown Surgery?
Anyone old enough to remember the cx500 v twin ? I went through 3 of these during my days as a despatch rider in London during the 80s. Legendary courier bike, also the Honda 400 superdream parallel twin, and cb760f. Hondas have always the most reliable bikes, apart from the suzuki GS 750 and kawasiki z900. I did over 140000 miles on a gs750 before it died, and 105000 on a z900. They dont make em like that anymore.
Yes I remember seeing them in the late 70s early 80s :)
The heated grips are £544!
Oh well I'll stick with Oxford then at £70 :) :)
How money ? Thanks 😍
£6000 UK
BASE MSRP: $6,699 U.S.
Hi Mark - Great video as usual - Question - would you buy this bike or the Z650?
Kind Regards
Hi Jon I prefer this tbh
Much better economy too
Cheers mark
thanks for this video i love this bike
Hi Mark! In between the mt 03, z400 and the cb500f. Which one you rather pick?
Cb500f for me ...more torque..very economical and comfortable:)
jalali anisaidie niweze kununua hii huu mwaka
We miss legend brands, Hodaka 250ED model 71, 1967 Bridgestone 350 GTO, Izh K-16 Enduro, 2010 Ural Solo sT and KTM RC200/390. Real Classic Styles
hi,got my licence in october last year,and i order the new cb500F 2 weeks ago and hopefully it will arrive in 4 to 5 weeks from now.it toke me fews month to choice a bike and i think for a new rider it is perfect in economy and power.I can`t wait to go out with it for the first time.thx nice vid.i would like to ask you a question aswell.how long do you think i can joint a grp to go out for a ride?after fews weeks out on my own or shorter?
Hi steffan group riding takes a bit of lane discipline and experience...I'd advise to ride on your own or one other for a month /1000 miles then give it a try :)
Good luck 🤞
That’s good mpg. My 250l gets 75 to 90 mpg depending on how you ride
Thanks Chris yes all the Honda 500s are amazing on fuel ⛽
Yeah that's the bike made my mind up when past my test Honda CB 500cc thanks mark great on fuel to cheers👍
Thanks Andrew can't go wrong with these 😊
Fabulous review!
A lot of bike for the money and will never let you down. (Worth paying a bit extra for over CF Moto, Lexmoto, Benelli or Voge junk.)
Been thinking between the 500F and the 500R, Can't decide what's a better bike overall. Any suggestions from anyone of what would probably be a better pick? And why? been chilling on a cbf125 so i'm not too aware of the variation in seating position to the full extent and whether the CBR would be comfortable enough. Would love to get general opinions
I'd go for the cb500f is more versatile with its upright position but both are brilliant
Very nice bike and review. Have you already tested the Benelli 752S?
No sorry not yet !
All the little 500 Honda's look like nice little bikes but I think I would be tempted to pay a little more for a Kawasaki 650
Or the Triumph Trident 660, I have one and it's good. 🏍
@@Jay_Speed I bought a used Tracer 7 :-) I was looking at the CB500X but decided on a used Tracer in the end which was probably a better financial choice
@@stevepovey2489 The Tracer is a bit higher so when it suits you then it will be a good bike. I drove only Yamaha for 47 years but then did not found what I really wanted with the brand so the Trident came.
@@Jay_Speed I did consider the Tiger 660 but it's not my main bike so couldn't justify the price. I may be tempted by the 1200 Tiger though
@@stevepovey2489 For me the price of those is too high, these days I set a limit and the Trident fell in my wishes. Weight with full tank 185kg, seat hight 800mm, price standard max 8500 euro. So what I have is 189kg, 805mm, 8295€, paid with options like track and trace 9230€. I did test the Tracer 7 and 9 found them too high for me and did not like the look.
Wouldn't the sv650 be a better deal power wise?
Hi it's about a 1000 more expensive new ...but yes it's got 70 hp Vs 47 ...but the honda is way more economical....if you are looking for a great all rounder I'd get the honda but if you want the extra power the sv makes sense especially second hand cheers mark
cb500f or Z650 what would be your choice ?
Hi Marco I actually prefered the cb500f even though it has less power it's alot more economical and great fun 😊
Where did you get the windscreen for the 2022 CB?
It's not my bike it's a demo
But it's the honda genuine part available from honda dealerships
Many thanks mark
Yeller !
I don't think it's an original Honda windshield. Great review as we are used from you now.
It is the one that comes with the comfort pack - Screen/Heated Grips/12v Accessory socket
@@shardlake Ah ok, thanks 👍🏻
Hi Mark!
This or a duke 390?
Hi the 390 is an absolute ripper ! And a little bit more fun but the Honda is a better long term bet 😉
Cracking final thoughts.
Thanks Chris 😁
Hello Mark, I know it's been a while since you did this, but I go back and forth between reviews and bikes.. I was looking at the Royal Enfield650's, and realised that the power is the same on this sweet little Honda! A great bike, which is also quite a bit lighter than the Interceptor. I know they may not seem like two bikes you'd compare, but they both sit squarely in the size/weight/power/cost range I'm looking at. But there are two things speaking against the Honda vs the RE: 1; Cost: the CB500F is $600-700 more than the RE, and then, for me; the clincher, 2: the looks and feel. There's no doubt the Honda's a great bike, but it is completely anonymous, whereas the RE has character in SPADES! I'm not after outright specs, but want a bit of everything, and I have to say; for me, the Interceptor wins it. But I'm certain, I'd be just as happy driving the Honda!
Many thanks.... interesting that here in the UK the interceptor 650 is £500 more than the cb500f but I know what you mean the RE has a wonderful engine 👌
@@markpulling12 Both lovely! I'll have to win the lottery and get both! ;-) Great review as always, by the way!!
Thanks for this review ,
Take care .
Thanks brett
Looks great! Def going to look at the Honda 500 range...nice mpg.
P.s Can you fit a bike chain lock in that tank bag? (And is the tank bag lockable?).
Hi the tank bag is only small I don't think you could fit a big chain lock in it ...it's not lockable
@@markpulling12 Mmm ok will ask re that when go look at the bikes. Something that has occurred to me whilst thinking of doing a trip on my 125.
I.e On a campsite....you think a disc lock enough? (I'll ask the touring chaps). Any disc lock you recommend..?
Can u put bags in the back?
Hi yes you can fit tail packs and top boxes cheers mark
Is this bike any good for offroad stuff?
No you want the cb500x for light off road trails
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks :)
Top Speed??
About 110 mph
Great review,thanks Mark! If that model has major or minor differences from 2019 model?
Hi main difference is new forks and twin front disc brakes :)
And I believe they have sorted out the vibration problem they had.
@@brahnseer3512 that might explain why this one seems very smooth:)
Thaks!👍
@@brahnseer3512 mine is a 21 model and has no vibration problem
I like the flashing hazards as you braked hard. I had a go on my mate bike the same model as that and I thought it was a lovely little machine, great for a new rider.
I owned a 2015 CB500F for 4 years / 35.000 km, absolutely a great bike.
Thanks ole sounds great 👍
Love the CB500F but (IMO) it is a distant second place to it's brother, the NC750-X DCT. I ran an NC for 2 years and it was faultlessly reliable, and returned 100mpg regularly.
Have to agree ....ok the NC is more money than the cb,500f new ...but you can't beat that engine ,low rpm torque,nice cruising revs and amazing economy
Cheers mark
the nc750 is definitely not the 500f's brother, especially the dct. Dct is for old people and the 500f is targeted at the younger audience (a2 compliant). Everyone is gonna praise their own bike tho.
@@grtbgf I don't have an NC750. I have a ZZR1400.....but you're right, I'm an old man. Oh, I have a classic Voyager and a modern Rolls Royce too. Old age has its advantages.....
@@BibtheBoulder Well, hats off to you sir. You are a man with style.
@@grtbgf " DCT is for old people " I'm old but I have a nephew in his 20's who suffers from osteo arthritis in his hands , not only " Old people " will benefit from not having to use a clutch lever . Props for the ageist comment ..........
I'm in the market for a new commuter this summer. This 500 looks so good it could tempt me away from the 650
Thanks David yes this is perfect for commuting...I'd choose this over the 650 as it's cheaper and much better on fuel :)
is the cb500f ok for tall people?
Yes it's ok but the cb500x is the best for taller people:)
Hi Mark, thanks for the review. I Started with a Grom early this year, made 3-4K kms, ready for an upgrade, 5ft 6, ride in city and country roads, not for commuting. Upright position with minimum pressure and vibration on wrists and hands and handling and riding fun are my top priorities. Do you recommend the 500F or Z400? Thanks .
Hi I prefer the 500 it's got more torque and is more comfortable
Best wishes mark
Hi Mark thanks for the reply. Eliminated the 400 but was offered a short test ride on a z650L (Lams restricted model). Ergonomically it was slightly better than cb500f (more upright), a bit more torque, but throttle was a bit jerky at take off at lights. The 500F was more linear in that respect but was choking at slow ride at the second gear requiring shifting to gear 1. I wonder whether this could be an issue in slow traffic. Want to pick one these two. Which one would u recommend ?
Great review Mark as always. I wish modern bikes didn’t have BLACK wheels. They spoil the look of the bike!
I love the yellow reminds me a bit of my 78 400/4 I used to own in Parakeet yellow.