Honda's CB500F is proof that less can be more. Boasting a sporty look and feel, this mid-displacement naked bike offers lightweight, nimble handling and practical performance around town. Ideal for the college commute, daily trips into the city or weekend outings to the countryside or mountains, the CB500F blends performance with a neutral riding position. Meanwhile, the bike's rider-focused feel is honed through decades of iconic Honda CB models that paved the road for this latest parallel-twin platform.
STYLING
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
The 35 mm steel diamond-tube mainframe is light and strong, with enough flex to give optimum feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. Vibration is minimized by the shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame's rigidity balance.
The geometry results in nimble yet confidence-inspiring steering. Mass centralization, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot, delivers turning agility, while optimum front/rear weight distribution ensures good handling. The low, 30.9 inch seat height makes the CB500F manageable in city-street riding, and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of varying heights.
The 41 mm preload-adjustable telescopic fork delivers a compliant yet controlled ride and gives great feel for front-tire grip. A single-tube rear shock (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) with large-diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and temperature management. It has nine-stage spring preload adjustment and works through a rigid box-section steel swingarm.
Lightweight, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels feature hollow cross-section Y-shaped spokes. A single front 320 mm petal-style rotor and two-piston brake caliper are matched to a 240 mm rear disc and single-piston caliper, and ABS improves performance.
ENGINE
The CB500F's eight-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin-cylinder engine offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and capable top-end performance. Tuned with strong low-to-midrange power and torque, especially in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range, the engine benefits from refined intake-valve timing and lift, which was increased in 2019 by 0.3 mm, to 7.8 mm.
Feeding the programmed fuel injection is a generally straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The battery is positioned 1.7 inches away from the rear of the airbox intake duct to allow optimum airflow; the exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes for a sporty sound.
The primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike's center of gravity for improved handling. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and is light to allow the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame's rigidity, with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally, the cylinder head uses roller-rocker arms for a more compact layout along with reduced friction; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction. A silent cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction and providing increased protection against wear.
A six-speed gearbox mirrors that of the CBR600RR and uses the same gear-change arm structure and link mechanism. Meanwhile, an assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smoother downshifts.
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
