Honda CB 500: review, performance characteristics, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

It is not in vain that there is an opinion in the biker environment that everything on which the magic word "Honda" is written is of high quality, elaborate design and 100% justifies its rather high price. A lot of motorcycles came off the assembly lines of this manufacturer, which became real legends and the object of dreams of millions of people who cannot imagine life without "iron horses".

But the monster of the Japanese motorcycle industry focuses not only on the elite, who are ready to fork out several tens of thousands of dollars in a motorcycle showroom. Honda CB 500 is an excellent confirmation of this. This classic road bike, even at the height of its glory, did not shock the price. However, this does not mean at all that during its production, Honda changed its highest quality standards. Our review will be useful to those who are thinking about buying this model.

A Brief History

The production of the Honda CB 500 started in 1993. The model was developed exclusively for the European and US markets. At first, motorcycles of this series were produced in Japan, and after a while, production was transferred to Italy. This motorcycle has been rolling off the conveyors of the concern for 10 years. From time to time, the manufacturer made some changes, but they mainly concerned the device.brakes. Modernization did not affect the design or performance characteristics.

Versions

Initially, the model was produced without a fairing, and only in 1998 a version with it appeared. Its presence is indicated by the S in the title.

You can also find other Latin letters attached to the name of the motorcycle. Basically, they indicate the country and year of production, as well as the features of the model.

Name	Year of issue	Country	Features
CB 500R	1994	Japan	rear drum brake, front Nissin brake
CB 500T	1996	Italy, Japan	no significant features
CB 500V	since November 1996	Italy	rear disc brake, front Brembo brake
CB 500W and CB 500SW	1998	Italy	no significant features (S version - faired)
CB 500X and CB 500SX	December 1998	Italy	no significant features (S version - faired)
CB 500Y and CB 500SY	2000-2003	Italy	no significant features (S version - faired)

TTX

If you are thinking about purchasing a Honda CB 500 motorcycle, the technical specifications will surely interest you in the first place. The bike is built on a steel duplex frame and is equipped with a two-cylinder four-stroke engine with a volume of 499 “cubes”, which is capable of delivering power up to 58 hp. Fuel is supplied by two Keihin CV carburetors. The drive is carried out by a chain, the ignition is electronic. All models have a 37mm telescopic fork with 115mm of travel. At the back there is a double shock absorber. Dry weight is 170 kg, and with a full tank, the motorcycle weighs 190. The fuel tank capacity is 18 liters, which is a lot for the declared consumption.

Behavior on the road

Honda's CB 500 motorcycle, whose characteristics are typical of a road builder, can accelerate to hundreds in 4.3 seconds. The manufacturer claims a maximum speed of 185 km / h, but even an experienced pilot should not forget that this is still not a sport, and you should not accelerate too much on it.

Reviews of the owners of this motorcycle unanimously testify to its quick reactions to commands, calm character and excellent stability. Buying this model, you can be sure that you will not be afraid of slips and skids with skillful management. In many ways, behavior on the road depends on the surface. Late autumn with snowy and icy areas is not the best time,to show off on this bike. On gravel, the motorcycle behaves extremely insecure.

Pilot and Passenger Comfort

Many tall owners note that the bike is a bit small. For those whose height exceeds 1.8 m, the distance from the saddle to the footrests may seem too small. The riding position on the Honda CB 500 is typical of most road builders, with a slight forward lean. The passenger can be accommodated comfortably. The rear saddle is spacious, strong, resilient.

Target audience motorcycle Honda CB 500, reviews

First of all, this bike is designed for those who have to travel around the city. This is truly his element. Most often, this model is chosen by those who already have at least a little driving experience. It can be recommended as a first motorcycle, but it will take perseverance and care to develop the skill. Not everyone is happy with mirrors. Many see them as their own shoulders, not the road.

Owner feedback often relates to fuel consumption and motorcycle maintenance costs. The Honda CB 500 absorbs an average of 5.5 liters per hundred, but a lot depends on the riding style. With proper care, the motorcycle pleases the owner for many years, and a wide dealer network and numerous service centers help to ensure this very care.

Honda CB500 from Asia

It is worth noting that there is another model that is often confused with the Honda CB 500 motorcycle described in this article. The review would be incomplete without mentioning the Asian bike. There are three modifications:

• sportHonda CBR500R;
• naked Honda CB500F;
• Honda CB500X Enduro Tour

In the photo above you can see a Thai-made naked, which is even visually easy to distinguish from the Japanese and Italian classics. The differences between them are minor and mainly relate to the body kit. All 3 models are produced in Thailand and sold in Asia. Sportbike is the only motorcycle from this entire series that can be bought in Russia. It is important to understand here that this is a completely different model that has nothing to do with the topic of our review, except for the consonant name.

Prices

It is almost impossible to find a motorcycle in showrooms that was discontinued almost 15 years ago. But if you dream about this particular model, you should pay attention to the secondary market. A motorcycle without a run in the Russian Federation will cost an average of 3-3.5 thousand dollars. The main competitors of the model today are Kawasaki ER-5 and Suzuki GS-500.