2022 Honda CB500F Review: A fun ride from Nottingham to Matlock
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- Опубліковано 17 січ 2023
- An honest review of the popular 2022 Honda CB500F, riding a mixture of town and country roads in Derbyshire, heading from Nottingham to Matlock, and back again. Although it is registered on a 2021 plate it is the 2022 model.
With thanks to Vertu Honda Nottingham.
Thanks for watching. Please comment, like, subscribe and share.
See you soon,
Leanna
A rare treat: a real-world review for real-world riders. No pointless horsepower or electronics waving, instead an honest and objective focus on the full riding experience. I look forward to further insightful reviews.
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it 😊 I'll do my best and find some time to do more in future ☺️
Passed my MOD 2 yesterday, 2nd go, and took my faithful CB125F back to my Honda dealer to collect my 2022 CB500F as my first big bike. Use the Kawasaki 650 rs 22 plates for the test and pretest ride and was worried the CB500F would feel "weaker".
My ride home was in the dark, 5.30pm, slight rain and heavy Friday home bound traffic, so a baptism of fire for both of us.
Other than a slightly more forward riding position, the feel was so familiar to the CB125f. A natural progression. Calm ride home with no issues. Today is my first ride out and cannot wait. I picked up a lot of useful info from your videos that you have kindly taken the time to share and for that I thank you. Keep and Ride safe.
That's lovely to hear. I'm glad you felt at home on your new bike, I still love it too! You're very welcome 😊 Stay safe and enjoy it 👍
The old CBF500 was my first bike over 20 years ago.
Now having ridden every size of bike I am thinking of returning to the new CB500F as time is a great teacher, and I have learned that a 500cc is all you need for everyday biking, and I ride all 12 months of the year.
Exactly the reason two of our instructors decided to buy the CB500X! Great bikes! There's also the Hornet 500 now too, but I haven't ridden that one yet... 😊
A 2019 was my first bike, I miss this bike and the phenomenal MPG's
It's such a great bike 😊
Really enjoyed your review. As a guy who's got into biking late in life (passed my test last year at 68) it's good to get a woman's perspective.
Haha thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it ☺️
I agree been riding bikes for years i love my Honda CBR500x. Good review on the 500f look forward to more of these vids.
It is a superb bike. I'm glad you love yours and that you enjoyed the review. Thank you for taking the time to comment 😊
CB 500f s are Brilliant ..up to 80mpg
Nice low Down Power
Great Honda Build Quality
Not just for New Riders
Agreed! Such a fun and yet economical bike for all ages 😊 Thanks for the comment Jeff.
Leanne, I love your down-to-earth presentation. I'm a retiree who still rides a motorcycle in the Country lanes of Hampshire (riding a Royal Enfield Meteor 350) but as my (fairly local) R/E dealer has ceased trading I'm looking at changing to a brand with a more accessible dealership, consequently your CB500F assessment was extremely useful to me, thank-you. I noted your comment about vibration in the handlebars at speeds approaching 70 mph (a speed I don't encounter in my lane riding you'll be glad to hear !) but if I manage to get a test ride on a CB 500F, I shall be interested to make an assessment on this factor out on the open road, as I have an unscientific theory that the anomaly may possibly be a consequence of the handlebar crashbar (or frame-fitted ones) installed on your riding-school machine. I saw a review on an engine crashbar fitted to a motorcycle some years ago (I don't remember the brand of either the motorcycle or the crashbar). The crashbar in question had a cross-brace tube that went across the 'bike behind the engine cylinders. The reviewer noted that after fitting the crashbar, certain engine rpm conditions resulted in a vibration that wasn't present prior to the crashbar fitment. With all the motorcycle protection pipework surrounding your CB500F, it's not impossible that a similar situation may have been created on your machine. You mention that a couple of your colleagues have purchased CB500Fs for their own use. Assuming their machines aren't kitted out with riding-school type crash protection, it would be interesting to hear if they have noticeable vibration when travelling at 70 mph. : - }
Hello, thank you for your kind comments. I hope you do find a suitable replacement for the Royal Enfield 😊. Your point about the crash bars is interesting, though the front crash bars are only handlebar mounted, the engine bars are totally separate.as is the rear protector. Interesting idea though. I'm yet to test ride a CB500X which is the version both our instructors have purchased, so will be interested to see if this is any better as you say. Thank again 😊
Hi Leanna, this is a great review. Really in-depth real world information that will help those us who are hopefully going to be passing their tests and looking at their first big bike post test.😊 Are you planning any more reviews?
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. There are more reviews coming soon... Stay tuned... I just need to finish editing them! Thanks again 😊
Great enjoyable, and thoughtful review, (nice to hear to hear you owned the much underrated tdm) little things like at 21 mins, picking up on brake light visibility etc (instructor thought process haha), I raise my eyebrow following some cars, where the indicator, if on, is almost invisible from the glare of the led brake light... New Mokka especially.
Cheers 👍ps vibtratorororory haha
Thanks Graham. I will always regret selling my lovely TDM 900. There was nothing vibratororory about that, it was incredibly powerful and smooth! Such a joy to ride.
Haha, I feel similarly frustrated about the car LED headlights that turn into indicators so on the off flash there is only one headlight.
I'm often talking with students about showing brake lights even when we don't actually need to brake, for the following traffic who doesn't expect our very effective engine braking when we just roll off the throttle. Having a good bright brake light (and using it) can make a big difference. Thanks again 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk Let me indulge a quick one Leanne, on motorcycle brake lights. Back in the early 70s suzuki triples had a very wide brake light with 'twin' bulbs either end... It looked soooo modern and cool haha.
@@Grahamvfr Ha! I'm sure they looked amazing! I'm afraid I'm too young to know much about those old bikes ☺️😂
Interested in this review as I test rode a CB500F a couple of months ago, along with the Tracer 7, which is essentially an (unrestricted) MT-07 with a half fairing. Both bikes were easy to ride and handle, but for me there were 3 noticeable differences (apart from the power difference which didn't really bother me) which swung my decision.
1) The Honda has a "slipper" clutch which makes gear changes ham fist proof. This must be a major bonus for learners, and meant no jerky changes. The Tracer needed a little more attention to achieve a smooth change, but this is something that should be easy to get used to.
2) I found the Honda mirrors appalling! I really couldn't see anything to the rear, although I'm 5' 11" and presumably broader in the shoulder! The Tracer's mirrors were set wider apart so were much better for me (although it seems most manufacturers put these weird shaped mirrors on - rectangular ones give much better visibility IMO). This was pretty much a safety deal breaker for me.
3) The Honda display is just too dim - again the Tracer is a bit brighter (and slightly bigger I think - don't quote me) so is much easier to have a quick glance down at to check speed. On the Honda I found myself peering at the display to try and read it, which is exactly what you don't want to be doing when riding. Again, quite a safety issue for me - I want to get my speed from the briefest possible glance downwards.
Many of the reviews you see also mention the slightly sub-par display, but I would disagree that this is a small problem.
So as you may have gathered, I bought the Tracer 7, and am itching to put some miles on it when the weather decides to behave itself. ☔
Hi Martin, thanks for your comments. I can't really compare with the Tracer 700 as I haven't ridden one, nor do I have the benefit of the extra 9 inches of height you have over me! I can only say that everyone will find their perfect bike somewhere along the line! The MT07s we have at the training school have worse mirrors than the CB500F, so perhaps the Tracer has broader handlebars, I don't know. Slipper clutches tend to only be beneficial for harsh and mistimed downshifts (or for race bikes), preventing locking up of the rear wheel; generally unnecessary on a road bike, when ridden correctly, but a nice bonus on the CB500F in case of riders lacking empathy for choosing the correct gears at the appropriate speeds and adequate machine control. I'm glad you're enjoying your Tracer 700 though, good to hear 😊
Just ordered one in white to replace my VStrom 650 as a commuter. Should be great for filtering.
Fabulous, it will be perfect for that, and much more too 👍🏻😊
The addition of the screen makes a slight difference when you hit 70. Since lowering it (short girl problems) I need to get the side stand changed, glad you mentioned it!
The weight difference between this and the MT07 is negligible, then again they’re all heavy for me 😂 but you’re right, it’s a nicer ride.
I can’t say the CB500F is my forever bike but it’s a perfect first big bike straight after passing to gain experience 👌
Hi Karen,
Haha yes they're all heavy to me too. The challenges of being petite and not especially strong! The Honda and the MT07 are certainly different rides, so probably time for me to get out and review the MT07 properly. Good to hear you're still enjoying your CB500F. Definitely worth getting the sidestand sorted though. Interesting to hear about the screen, thank you. Thanks for taking the time to comment 😊
Hi Leanna i think you know who this by now 😂 😂
Great review, thank you and it was a nice long video 🤭
its helped me understand My new bike better as coming from cb125f and this beautiful cb500f reg 2022 2023 model 🥰
had this for 5 whole days and i love it.. 🤭
I'm 5ft2 as you might remember and have been thinking if i should have it lowered.
I think you have swayed me.
Honda dealership said they would lower it for me and told me the price but not sure if that included side stand etc..🤔
I have heard story's that its not good to lower a bike but i think most of that info comes from taller riders 😂
stay safe and safe riding
Kev (Your Personal stalker)
Hi Kev,
Good to hear you're loving the bike. Every bike I have owned I have had lowered, so don't worry about what 'people' say. It makes such a difference to be able to put your feet firmly down and not have to worry too much about camber etc. If you don't have the technical skills to do it yourself then have it done by a professional and ensure they use quality parts (like I said, Lust Racing lowering links are very good, they're not sponsoring me by the way, but maybe they should 😂).
Enjoy your bike and keep safe (and warm!) too 😊 Thanks as always for your comments.
@@motorcyclelessonsuk Ok thank you. yes i would get a professional to do it for me on the safe side
i just looked up Lust Racing lowering kits, hmm or is it just the link i want ? 😊as i might buy it then take it to a professional
i do definitely keep warm as i have heated gloves battery ones. and plenty of base layers 🤭oh and of course the nerves keep me warm too 🤣
later i might invest in heated grips
great ride and incite on the Honda ;)
Thank you 😊
😆😆 front handlebars! Alas I wouldn't have even noticed, keep rockin 😁✌️
😂 I annoy myself sometimes! Thanks Craig 😊
Hi I'm half way through your video, pause it so I can watch it with my wife who passed her test recently, (on a z650) she has trained on a lovely gsxs125 almost brand new (up for sale) and she purchased the cb500f brand new lowered, after a long research, what a brilliant bike this is, I've been riding since the seventies, the last twenty years on a 636 A1P from new, and I am tempted to change,(riding position, clutch, gearbox and general ergonomics of a Honda) I know the 650r is the one for me, as I had the cb750 back in 76.
Glad to see people like yourself, training and introducing new riders.... subscription pending 😉
Hello, thank you for the kind words. I confess I had to ask what a 636 was as I'm a little out of touch with the older bikes, but I gather it's on the sporty side! The CB650R would certainly be a comfortable yet plenty powerful and reliable alternative. Stay tuned for the review on that one which I'll be filming soon 😉 Perhaps keep the 636 for track days? I'm glad your wife is enjoying the CB500F, it really is a beautiful bike to ride. Shouldn't take too long to sell the 125 as they're in high demand. Thanks again 😊
Love it. Bigger tank than the 650 and Hornet too.
Yes, it's rather more economical too 😊
I appreciate your clear and authentic style of delivery. The comparison between the mt07 was also helpful. Do you have any experience with the Honda CB300 and whether you would recommend it or the 500 for a beginner?
Hello 👋, thank you for your kind comments. I haven't ridden the 300 but I have a student who bought one and have asked him to look for thia comment and give you his opinion as he rode the 500 for his test. Personally I would go for the biggest bike you can afford/within any restrictions on your licence, as you will soon start wanting more power for ease of overtaking etc once you've been riding for a short while. Thanks again, hopefully Matt will pick up the message and let you know what he thinks 😊
Both would be ok for a beginner. Although the 300 is a little small if you're on the tall side. I've got a 2020 cb300r and I rather like it. If you're getting the bike to be a toy then the 300 is great but if you want to go further/ longer distances the bigger and more grown up 500 would be better. I would have probably got the 500 but the insurance cost and fact I only wanted the updated 2022 model put a stop to that. The first big bike I ever rode was the exact bike in this video and I loved it. The 500 is more refined because it's heavier and a twin, but for a single cylinder my 300 is not bad at all. Plenty of UA-cam reviews on both. Enjoy whatever you choose!
@@matt_ken Thanks Matt, I knew you'd be a good person to ask! Hope to see you back soon for your advanced 😊
I really like you video's but I think you need an mike upgrade the sounds seems a little bit muffled,Although it might be just my ears. Cheers from Australia.
Hello, since this upload I have upgraded my microphone and also tried editing the audio more carefully to achieve a better clarity of sound. It seems a little better on the later uploads, but I agree this one is particularly muffled. Sorry about that. Thanks for your comments 😊
Very good video. what tankbag are you using ?
Thanks Iain. Actually it's just an old Oxford one, does the job so no need for it to be expensive or fancy 😂.
Thanks for an honest and thorough review. It could be a great bike if it had real mudguards !!
😂 You're welcome, and thank you for the comment 😊
What's wrong with the mudguards out of curiousity?
@@nathanlawson5652 No real rear one, so the back of the engine, shock and underside is getting caked. Front, all bikes have short ones so the rad and front will get caked. Aftermarket parts can solve this with an extender for the front and the rear normally has a single piece which connects as the chain guard.
@@Cronus111 good to know, I've seen some aftermarket ones now that you mention it, as wel as a radiator cover. Definitely something I'll get if I get this bike when I do my test. Thanks for the info
I'd love your take on the 650R as well
It's in the making... Watch this space 😊😎
Hmm... Now that you mention it, my 650R's EFI does tend to hunt when I'm pootling along at idle (5mph in 1st going around a car park sort of thing).
Just at idle though, soon as you're on the power she's smooth as silk ;)
Hello, I find this only happens when the autochoke is on and engine is cold on the CB650R. Make sure you're giving it some revs against the clutch too at those slowest speeds.
@@motorcyclelessonsuk Yes, I agree, and you're right, the clutch really ought to be involved at those speeds, especially when manoeuvring.
@@233kosta I meant make sure it isn't just clutch alone as that could explain it hunting. Revs before clutch could help to stop it.
@@motorcyclelessonsuk It only happens when I'm being lazy - clutch out, engine idle, etc. I think it's just the idle speed control system being a bit twitchy, because frankly it was built to keep the engine idling steady, not pull the bike plus rider along at 5mph unaided.
Either way, it's a non-issue, more of a curiosity than anything else. Soon as I stop being lazy and ride properly it goes away ;)
@@233kosta fair enough 😂
Not so much "restricted", as "that's all the power it ever had" 😂
🤣 Exactly!
Any idea if you will be getting a hornet instead of the 650r's
Hi Matt, Not yet... Our students are still enjoying the lovely 650r's as well as this one (the very one you passed your test on!) 😊
Matt - I've had a question from @RofLmaonnaise on this video asking about the CB300... Please could you give them your opinion as I haven't ridden one yet? Compared to the 500 which you rode with us when training. Big thanks 😊
Front handle bars are the most important handle bars ;)
🤣🤣 Thank goodness you think so too!
@@motorcyclelessonsuk If it helps the gag, pretend I said it with a dead serious expression on my face
@@233kosta 😬😂
Could your friends at Honda lend you a Hornet to review? I'd be really interested in your thoughts around it's suitability for new riders.
Yes! I have actually got some footage already, just need to find the time to edit and upload 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk 😍
can you take your test on a 500 although you are much older than 25
Hello, yes, you would simply get a restricted licence (A2). Thanks for asking, good question! 😊
Follow on question, I assume if you pass full A licence this would still be a good bike for a beginner?
Hello Leanna. Could you please advise on where I am able to message you?
Hello, you can email me at: lmmotorcycletraining@gmail.com
Thanks, Leanna