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Honda CB 500 F in the driving report

Refreshed mid-range roadster

Honda’s mid-range CB 500 F roadster has been optically and technically enhanced for the 2019 model year. The first trip with the facelift variant was on the program in Tenerife.

She plays in Honda’s middle-class triumvirate VS.B 500 F plays the role of roadster, alongside the CB 500 X adventure bike and the CB 500 R sports bike. For the 2019 model year, the CB 500 F was given a new bodywork and a slightly redesigned engine.

More power in the middle

Honda

The two-cylinder should now deliver more pressure in the middle.

The 471 cm³ in-line two-cylinder engine continues to produce 48 hp and 43 Nm, but is said to have become more powerful in the middle speed range. Honda has revised the inlet and outlet areas and adjusted the valve timing and valve lift. A new exhaust system is also used. Honda promises 4% more pressure between 3,000 and 7,000 turns. In addition, the CB 500 F is now equipped with an anti-hopping clutch.

The bodywork redesigned for the 2019 model year is intended to make the CB 500 F look even more dynamic. The driver’s seat has been upgraded with a butted handlebar as well as a gear indicator and an adjustable shift indicator in the LCD cockpit. Furthermore, the indicators now shine (like the headlights and taillights before) with LED technology.

In the frame, the CB 500 F has a new central spring strut. The refreshed Honda CB 500 F will be available in the 2019 model year in the colors Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White and Candy Energy Orange.

First exit in Tenerife

And how does the A2 roadster feel after this fresh cell treatment? Still good, as we were able to experience on the well-tempered and asphalted volcanic island of Tenerife. “Effortless” would not be a comprehensive, but quite far-reaching overall judgment.

Honda

At 160 kilograms, the new CB 500 F is not necessarily a lightweight.

The new butted handlebar positions a very grown-up on the compact, but not all that light bike in terms of displacement. But it doesn’t matter, because the handling is so extremely light-footed and neutral that it is difficult to believe in more than 160 kilograms. You only do that as soon as the 500 twin has to be severely squeezed out. It runs lively and agile, takes on the gas cleanly in every gear from 2,000 turns, and hums its way through the power range linearly, if necessary up to almost 9,000 rpm. Thanks to the new exhaust layout, there is even a very subtle sizzling and spurting when the gas is closed. A fine package for every day. The test bench has to decide whether the promised increase in torque is available, you cannot feel it in the popometer.

From 6,390 euros including ancillary costs

The revised chassis pleases with good responsiveness, is generally located on the comfortable side, and can withstand a surprisingly long, even hard gait, until the damping, especially at the rear, reminds you to calm down with light pumping. Even the grip on the brake shouldn’t be too brash, because the deceleration power is considerable and lets the soft fork plunge deeply. Everything is easy to handle and far removed from words like “danger” or “risk”.

Honda

The new CB 500 F is available from 6,390 euros.

The new cockpit is also far removed from the previous model. In the style of the Neo Sports Cafe-Bikes from the same company, good readability and contemporary features are now finally paired, even including an adjustable shift light.

No criticism at all? Well, at least a little. The engine accelerates quite harshly and still has a tingling sensation in the second half of the speed.

The CB 500 F is now available in stores for 6,390 euros including ancillary costs.

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