Honda’s CBR500R and CB500F (as well as the adventure CB500X version) are an excellent example of the multinational bike philosophy. The Thailand-made CBR500R, CB500F, and CB500X all use the same 471cc parallel twin engine and diamond-shaped tubular steel frame, with the CBR and CB-F also sharing suspension, brakes, and wheels/tires. The CB500F was released in 2013, and we were able to test it. It had excellent cornering ability and enough power to keep even an experienced biker entertained, in addition to adequate brakes and user-friendly engine.
Honda 500 Twins CB500F/CB500X/CBR500R Reviews
When it comes to American buyers, the term “global” is often perceived as a negative description for certain motorcycles. These bikes are built to accommodate a variety of world markets by using common components and are referred to as “global” due to their lower-displacement engines and less expensive chassis parts.
Honda’s CBR500R and CB500F (as well as the CB500X adventure variation) are examples of the corporation’s global bike philosophy. In virtually all world markets, the CBR500R and CB-F are sold with the same 471cc parallel twin engine and diamond-shaped tubular steel chassis, as are the CB500F and CBR. The CB500F was released in 2013, and we had the opportunity to test it. We were impressed with its nimble handling manners that didn’t come completely unglued in the canyons, its adequate brakes, and its user-friendly engine with just enough power to keep even an experienced rider’s interest.
Honda 500 Twins CB500F/CB500X/CBR500R Specs
| Engine: | DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke 180-degree parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Displacement: | 471cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 67.0 x 66.8mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Cycle World Measured Horsepower: | 43.20 hp @ 8,280 rpm/43.14 hp @ 8,270 rpm |
| Cycle World Measured Torque: | 29.77 lb.-ft. @ 6,450 rpm/29.43 lb.-ft. @ 6,610 rpm |
| Fuel System: | EFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire |
| Clutch: | Wet, slipper/assist; cable actuation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | TCI ignition |
| Frame: | Tubular steel diamond-type frame |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, nonadjustable; 4.3 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Showa shock, spring preload adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Dual 4-piston radial-mount calipers, 296mm discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 4.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Michelin Road 5; 120/70ZR-17 / 160/60ZR-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.5°/4.0 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 55.5 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.1 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.5 gal. |
| Average MPG: | 58.4 mpg/59.0 mpg |
| Cycle World Measured Wet Weight: | 425 lb./417 lb. |
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