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Honda CBR 500 R in the PS driving report

Power-to-weight ratio of a 911

Content of

A delicate touch of Fireblade wafts around the Honda CBR 500 R. It is easy and sociable to drive. Nice and easy.

The nose with new, piercing LED double headlights lowered deeply, circles the Honda VS.BR 500 R curve after curve, sails over picture-perfect tarmac in southern Spain. For many kilometers, the “Ruta de las 600 curvas” north of Seville is winding like a snake on the run. Local road builders hardly knew any straight line. There is only one motto here: Vollgaaaass! Tired of life? Crazy? Not afraid of the Guardia Civil? Well, the engine, specially developed for the 48 hp class in 2013, can be wringed out heartily without endangering your driver’s license or your health.

Honda CBR 500 R in the PS driving report

Power-to-weight ratio of a 911

User friendly, but not boring

The lively engine runs smoothly and silky thanks to the balance shaft. Vibrations can only be felt after 6000 turns. The very frequent gear changes take place with a “click”: The shift drum and mechanism are modified in the easy-to-use gearbox. Revisions to the airbox including a more aerodynamic air filter element allow the bonsai double ocher to breathe more freely. Breathe out more freely: The stylishly designed new silencer with an elaborate two-chamber system (previously: three-chamber) saves two kilograms in weight. It sounds pleasantly muffled, bubbling unobtrusively. User-friendly, but not boring: Ultimately, the Honda CBR 500 R puts you in a good mood.

For two years it has served as a uniform racing motorcycle in the European Junior Cup as part of the Superbike World Cup. Many youngsters have already given their first talent tests in racing. You know how easy it is to handle. The 194-kilo flea (factory specification) can be thrown playfully into the corners. Left, right, left and back. You don’t miss anything on narrow streets, although current 1000s are almost as light. The 500cc CBR drives agile and cheeky. Your narrow 160 mm rear tire needs less lean angle than fat slippers at the same speed.

Sharper, sleeker, sportsman

Later on, the fearful nipples of the footpegs create furrows in the asphalt. The young athlete circles all curve radii in a good-natured manner and with precision – even when using the simple ABS brakes. Simple but effective: at the front, a slightly redesigned double-piston floating caliper bites the singular disc with a hip serrated edge. The Honda CBR 500 R can be braked far into the bends without any significant pitching moment. Compliments to the Dunlop D 222 tires (special code "P" on the back): They stick reliably and roll off nicely. They come from Thailand, like the whole "baby blade" including the motor. The wheels with six Y-spokes each are chic.

The conventional, 41 mm telescopic fork presented itself improved in 2016. Its spring base is adjustable, visually emphasized by blue fork plugs. Completely new inner workings calm the now thicker dampened front. The shock absorber with Pro-Link lever system now has nine detents for preload. It works comfortably without being undamped. The current Honda CBR 500 R looks sharper, sleeker, sportier. Its fairing has been aerodynamically optimized and offers good wind protection. Okay, Topspeed 175 doesn’t rip your arms off right away. But ducking down is hardly necessary.

Honda

Blue fork plugs and adjustable springs characterize the 2016 fork. Not very chic, but functional: LCD cockpit.

If you prefer to sit free in the airstream, please: Thanks to the clever modular system, Honda has a technically identical naked bike that is four kilograms lighter in store. The CB 500 F is even more manageable with a higher, wider handlebar. And much more popular in Germany: In 2015, 470 people in Germany bought a new CBR 500 R, but a total of 1200 bought a bare “F”. At 5990 euros, this is also 560 euros cheaper than its fully wrapped sister – an athlete who still doesn’t cost the world. Their equipment is the same: in 2016, the tank, which was enlarged from 15.7 to 16.7 liters, enables a range of almost 500 kilometers. Standard consumption of the still Euro 3 engine according to Honda: 3.4 liters.

The handbrake lever is currently adjustable, the clutch lever is not. As is typical for Honda, the ergonomics are good: smaller riders can safely reach the ground safe from the 78.5-centimeter-low seat, while 1.93-meter-guys can comfortably place their knees on the tank. Its lock now stays in place and can be folded down. A mini on-board computer, immobilizer and hazard lights are on board, the stainless steel manifolds.

What rounds off the revision: slimmer side covers, engine covers painted in a magnesium look, LED taillights as well as a more elegant license plate and filigree footrest carrier. You only notice the red pencil on the simple box swingarm like the steel frame, a gear indicator is missing. Honda grants long 12,000 service intervals and A2-novice drivers up to 655 euros driving license subsidy. Many arguments for the easy to drive Honda CBR 500 R.

Data Honda CBR 500 R

Honda

Honda CBR 500 R and F.

Offers for the Honda CBR 500 R

Used Honda CBR 500 R in Germany

Tea "small fireblade" for country speedsters is very popular and that’s why they are also available en masse on the used motorcycle market. It’s definitely worth taking a look, the Honda CBR 500 R is in top condition and at affordable prices: Used Honda CBR 500 R in Germany

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