Honda's mid-displacement naked bike – the CB500F ABS – is chameleon-like in its ability to adapt to different applications. Built on a platform that's practical but also capable of delivering highly enjoyable experiences, it's a competent office or campus commuter when needed, but it's equally at home when it's time for fun, whether that be at bike nights, coffee-shop get-togethers or backroad excursions. Honed through decades of iconic Honda CB models, the 2022 CB500F ABS benefits from improvements to suspension, braking and handling performance, showing that respectable sporty performance and chic, minimalist looks needn't come at a price that breaks the bank.
HISTORY
Originally launched in 2013, the naked CB500F has quietly proved that one of Honda's tried-and-true formulas for building popular motorcycles has lost none of its relevance. That formula? An entertaining twin-cylinder engine wrapped in a simple, lightweight, sporty chassis that's as much fun for an experienced rider as it is for those still building their riding career.
While its compact dimensions and welcoming manners have made the CB500F an easy machine to manage, ride and learn with, those same attributes also made it a genuine pleasure for those – whether stepping up from a smaller machine or coming down from a bigger model – who want to explore just what it could do on the weekend. Sensible running costs added to the appeal. In 2019, the CB500F was redrawn with uncompromising lines that elevated its technical and mechanical aspects.
Having proved its continued popularity, the CB500F ABS gets additional improvements for the 2022 model year.
NEW FOR 2022
Engine changes include revised fuel-injection settings and a lighter radiator, while the chassis benefits from the switch to an inverted Showa 41 mm SFF-BP USD fork, dual Nissin radial-mount four-piston calipers biting 296 mm rotors, lighter five-spoke wheels and a redesigned swingarm for improved high-speed handling and braking. Compared to the previous model, weight bias also moves slightly forward for enhanced front-tire grip and feel.
Styling is updated with a larger front fender, inherited from the CB650R, and sporty aluminum footpegs are now also standard.
DESIGN / STYLING
As before, the CB500F's naked form exudes aggression. Led by the low-set headlight design, the machine's stance suggests that it's ready to attack. The side shrouds interlock with the fuel tank and emphasize the engine, while the side covers and seat unit continue the theme of muscular angularity.
A tapered handlebar adds feel and leverage. LCD instruments feature Gear Position and Shift Up indicators; the latter is set to a default 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments between 5,000 and 8,750 rpm.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
As before, the CB500F's light, strong 35 mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe has a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame's rigidity balance, keep vibration to a minimum.
With the aim to heighten all-around handling performance, the previous year model's 41 mm conventional fork has been replaced with a Showa 41 mm inverted Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) fork with 4.7 inches of cushion stroke, held by new upper and lower triple clamps. By dividing the functions – Big Piston pressure separation damper in one leg, spring mechanism in the other – reaction and ride quality are improved. (The four-cylinder CB650R uses the same setup.)
The single-tube shock absorber (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) has a large-diameter piston that ensures excellent response and temperature management; it features five-stage preload adjustment with a newly optimized spring rate and damping settings to match the fork. Rear-wheel travel is 4.7 inches.
To improve the ride quality further, the 2022 CB500F features new, lighter wheels with five Y-shaped spokes rather than the six of the previous year model. The front-wheel width remains 3.5 inches with a 120/70-ZR17 tire, and the rear is 4.5 inches with a 160/60-ZR17 tire.
A redesigned swingarm also shaves weight; it's now constructed from 2 mm steel (rather than 2.3 mm) and employs a hollow cross member. Stiffer rotationally but more flexible laterally, the swingarm delivers improved handling. The chain guard has also been redesigned for improved appearance.
In line with the dynamic improvements to the chassis and suspension, braking performance has also been improved. The single 320 mm petal-style front disc and two-piston caliper of the previous year model have been replaced by dual 296 mm petal-style rotors and radial-mounted Nissin four-piston calipers. The required lever pressure when braking has been reduced, but the smaller disc size keeps any weight gain to a minimum.
The 2022 CB500F’s curb weight is 416 pounds (with all fluids and a full tank of fuel), and it places more weight on the front wheel to promote nimbler handling and improve front-end grip: front/rear bias percentage is now 49.7/50.3 (compared to 46.8/53.2). Wheelbase remains 55.5 inches, with rake and trail of 25.5°/102 mm (4.0 inches).
The naked form exudes aggression. Led by the sharply chiseled headlight – now even more piercing, with extra-powerful LEDs – the machine's stance is low-set and ready for action; the side shrouds interlock with the fuel tank and fully emphasize the engine, while the side covers and seat unit continue the theme of muscular angularity. The compact front fender is drawn directly from the CB650R, and there's now a stronger cluster arrangement.
The tapered handlebar offers intuitive feel and leverage. Seat height is low at 31.3 inches, making the CB500F ABS very easy to manage, and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height. More purposeful-looking aluminum footpegs replace the previous rubberized parts; between the pair they save a further 3.7 ounces. Overall dimensions are 81.9 inches long x 30.1 inches wide x 45.1 inches high, with ground clearance of 5.1 inches. The fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons, including reserve.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The 2022 CB500F ABS's 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zippy top end. The engine's overall performance and character belie its relatively small capacity. Acceleration is impressive, due to good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.
Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a relatively straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies, and new settings improve torque feel and character without compromising performance. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporting edge to each pulse, as well as a rasping high-rpm howl. A new, more aesthetically pleasing radiator design contributes a .2 pounds weight saving, with no loss of cooling efficiency
Bore and stroke are set at 67 mm x 66.8 mm, with a compression ratio of 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance, and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame's rigidity with four hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet-valve diameter is 26.0 mm, while exhaust-valve diameter is 21.5 mm.
The piston shape is carefully designed to reduce noise at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area and introduces gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). The "triangle" proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is efficiently compact. The crankcases use centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the pumping losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking; oil capacity is 3.2 liters. The slick-shifting six-speed transmission is managed by an assist/slipper clutch.
One-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
- Meets current EPA and CARB standards
- California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment
