All Tests – CB500F Test: Honda sharpens its little roadster – A decidedly sportier attitude

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CB500F test: Honda sharpens its little roadster

All Tests - CB500F Test: Honda sharpens its little roadster - A decidedly sportier attitude

Three years after relaunching its famous CB500F, Honda carries out a meticulous update of its roadster: aesthetic boost, improvements to some practical aspects and conservation of most of its mechanics. Decortic site…

A decidedly sportier attitude

Redesigned in 2016, the rear loop made up of steel tubes – like the "diamond-type frame -" receives a new look much more sporty than the old model. It would not mismatch on a CBR600RR: air intakes, passenger seat pointed and regulatory strap, it feels like it !

A little less fortunate, the "real carbon imitation" finish of the raw plastic parts only deludes from – very – far. The dashboard cover in particular would have deserved a little brushstroke. After all, the rims are entitled to their pretty edging !

Under the LED brake light – in the Hornet look this time – we also note the appearance of an elegant license plate holder: the length of the machine increases by 5 mm (2080 mm) when all the others dimensions are scrupulously preserved.

Unfortunately, in the operation, the CB500F – which inherits the same modifications as the 2016 CBR500R – loses the appreciable passenger handles of the 2013 model. On the 2016 version, the "co-pilot" has to be content with the notches hidden under the painted plastic shell.

In terms of colors precisely, let us specify that Honda France has chosen four of the six existing colors: "indeed, the yellow is original and punchy … But we don’t import it because it’s always the same story: customers find this type of color cool, but always end up buying the black one !", explains the press manager. White is also excluded.

As a result of the adoption of a more sporty looking pot, the passenger’s footrests rise a pair of centimeters, while his saddle remains roughly at the same height. The duo is therefore sacrificed on the altar of sportsmanship.

"Note that the CB500X retains the original footrests and pot to remain compatible with the cases available in the accessories catalog", indicates in an aside the press manager of Honda France, Bruno Skotnicki.

The "d’jeunz" will adapt very well to the relative radicalization of the "F" (and of the "R"), unlike the older young A2 permits (beyond 24 years soon?!) And accompanied .. Everyone, however, will be reassured to learn that the trunk under the saddle continues to accommodate a U of respectable size.

On the practical side still, the new "Cebe" marks a point, or rather erases one of the weak points noted by MNC during these previous tests: the tank cap is now mounted on a hinge, greatly facilitating the passages to the pump.

Another pleasant surprise on the 2016 CB500F’s handlebars is that the brake lever can now be adjusted to five positions that adapt to right hands sizes XS to XL. For the left hand, on the other hand, it is better to cut L, because the spacing cannot be adjusted….

By switching on the ignition, Site finally notes that the key to the new CB500F is more compact, "automotive-type footprint", specifies Honda. This minimizes the risk of torsion or breakage … as happened to one of our colleagues on the 2013 model !

Without a central stand – which does not facilitate the maintenance of the chain … -, the little Honda is equipped with a lateral which requires to be tamed: it is from the sole of the foot that it is better to go look for the lug, and not with a kick.

Ditto for the horn and turn signal controls which are reversed compared to the overwhelming majority of motorcycles currently on the market: more logical – the thumb is closer to the turn signals that we use more than the horn … -, this arrangement requires some adaptation time.

Once powered on, the unchanged instrument panel displays the same information (see the technical sheet). It only lacks the gear indicator engaged to be completely complete. Sometimes useful for beginners, this info neglected by the CB500F did not fail us during our journey on our course with the evocative name: the "ruta de las 600 curvas" !

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