All Tests – Honda CB500F Test: the legend is back – Faithful to its ancestor CB500

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Honda CB500F test: the legend is back

All Tests - Honda CB500F Test: the legend is back - Faithful to its ancestor CB500

Honda launched three 500 cc models in 2013: a roadster, a sports car and a trail! First version to pass between the gloves of Site: the CB500F roadster which seeks to update the recipe for the glorious CB500 of the 90s. Test !

Faithful to his ancestor CB500

One thing is certain, this new Honda CB500F is extremely easy! Its handling is instantaneous, as we saw during this press presentation in Spain. And for good reason: while our journey was to take us to the assault of the mountains, it was modified because of a still too abundant snow on the heights … By baptizing its white color "Himalayas", Honda did not think so well say…

It is therefore on a winding road and overloaded with cars driving "ole ole", by the sea, near Tarragona, that we take control of this new CB500F. The observation is clear: this new motorcycle responds to the philosophy of the first CB released in 1993 !

This new Honda is the archetype of the basic roadster, without artifice, the goal of which is to offer accessibility to all, all with a playful side. The lever arm offered by the right handlebar makes maneuvering even easier.

The contract is well and truly fulfilled: riding the CB500F, you quickly feel "at home". This is the case with the majority of Honda’s, but the world’s leading manufacturer must be congratulated on this new success..

The engine is docile from the first kilometers. We are obviously not surprised by the 47 horses of the bestiau which offer a very linear rise in speed. Moreover, the news lacks the ardor of the first CB.

But overall, the engine remains available and voluntary. And all is not lost since today we find a sound quite similar to that of the old model. A rather nice surprise, given the 20 years that separate the two motorcycles and the increasingly drastic pollution standards !

On the use side, the twin offers good availability from 1500 rpm on the first reports. In 5th and 6th, on the other hand, care must be taken not to go below 2500 rpm otherwise the mechanism will knock..

Beyond that, the mill does its job and does it well: there is torque, the power is progressive and it is sufficiently convincing not to have the unpleasant impression of "standing still" despite its 471 cc. What surprises even for this small displacement, it is its length !

The small inline twin climbs up to 9,500 rpm before the breaker, allowing full six – on the track of course – a top speed of 189 km / h !

Faced with the Honda NC700 whose mill breaks at 6500 rev / min in a mechanical gearbox, this breath could make the difference. The more playful character of the CB500F will be an asset not to be overlooked when purchasing any of the Honda roadsters..

This temperament, she must also – and especially ?! – to its weight. Because with its 192 kg all full, the CB500F is more fun than the NC700S, which weighs 215 kg in its C-ABS version. !

Carried out at a good pace on Spanish roads, the little Honda also showed great stability. It should be noted that the Metzeler Roadtec Z8s make it much easier for him: despite temperatures fairly close to zero, the German tires manage to heat up and stick to the tarmac..

Enough to indulge in a beautiful arsouille, nice but very honorable for a motorcycle of this type! The behavior of the CB is in some ways reminiscent of that of a Kawasaki ER-6: the front axle of the Honda is not as sharp and precise, but it remains reassuring to place as long as we do not rush things.

For a "traditional" fork, the result is therefore far from being ridiculous. The whole is well balanced and the suspensions agree well between them, in any case on road not too degraded..

Finally, the ABS braking is no surprise: considerate and progressive for the beginner, it lacks power and is triggered too quickly for the more athletic. "Sporty", the approval of the box is also. Because with parts similar to that of the CBR600RR, one had to suspect that the selection of the reports would be done without difficulties !

Verdict

So ? Basic or sporty the CB500F? A bit of both … So we have a choice! Because if its engine is not a thunderbolt and above all corresponds to the expectations of a beginner and / or city dweller, its very light and very manoeuvrable chassis opens the doors to a more fun world..

With only 47.5 hp but a full weight limited to 192 kg, the new little Honda demonstrates pleasant handling in town and on the road. Its large handlebars, its correct turning radius and its driving position should make life easier for a panel of new or more experienced users..

In addition, if its engine seems too linear, its length and flexibility of use will convince the most "frustrated" of the A2 license. Although the Honda CB500 is made for purely economic purposes, at € 5,590 it’s not a luxury to also have a solid motorcycle that is both fun and easy to use every day. !

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