I think this is enough bike for many. You don't need to be overtaking cars with break neck acceleration. I get why people like to do that but most people ride fast but sensible and this bike is capable of that. I think sometimes, me included, think we need more power than we actually do.
I totally agree, the thing about speed and power is that it's like money, most people always want (or think) they need more, but one thing age gives you is more a sense of perspective, and i just enjoy the ride for it's own sake, as there's plenty happening on 2 wheels as it is, this bike will do 40mph above the uk speed limit, and i'll never get anywhere near that anyway. GL
It's also a great bike for experienced riders. I got mine 2 weeks ago after driving a cb600f hornet 2008 for 8 years, the cb 500 has a lot less power but it makes it up with how fun it is to drive I enjoy this bike more than my old cb600f.
I agree, the little twin has that good, instant punch from low revs that is very entertaining over a 4 cylinder that you have to rev quite high all the time. Glad you're enjoying the bike. Cheers
Hopefully a Christmas present to my self when I passed my MOD 2 Dec 21st. I have a deposit on a 22 model with 650 miles(first service) from my Honda dealer. Trading in my plucky CB125F (2019). Thank you for a wonderful review and wishing you safe riding and a very merry Christmas.
I have one of these (2015). I can recommend a fork brace, mirror extenders, rear hugger, 16 tooth front sprocket, Delcovic can (standard one is too quiet for car driver awareness), crash bars and centre stand, Tourtecs gel seat pad, Givi screen, LED riding lights, Givi rack, front mudguard extender. Great bike although some people have experienced water pump failures !
Yes people will start drilling out the ugly standard silencer to make it louder. And to the people suggesting just by a different bike with all the extra kit already fitted I'm very keen to hear their suggestions as I don't know of showroom with such a bike !
I got one of these 2018, it's genuinely a really fun, comfortable ride the only issue is getting side racks, they're all out of stock (givi, motech, shad)
Glad you are enjoying the bike. It's a shame with all the world problems, things are in short supply. Hope things start moving soon and you can get all set up for a road trip.
This is my main contender for an upgrade when i pass my test, as it seems perfect for what i want, but i think i'll add a screen, centre stand, maybe some crash bars, and hopefully i can get some of it added by the stealership in the price if i buy one over the winter months when business is slow lol.
@@thetallbiker9645 thanks for the reply, i passed my full A licence mod2 this morning so now have the winter to find the right one as i wont be doing a lot of riding, but the new cb500f out early 2024 is re-branded as a hornet with traction control, & a tft screen added, so i might just treat myself haha. GL
Good review, I’m the same height as you and was looking at one of these as an upgrade from a CB125F. Concerned it was going to be too small, looks fine for you. Taking the 125 in for a service in a few days so will try one of these out. Seems a good stepping stone before getting something bigger. Would you suggest this or the CB650R for a second bike considering I’m a bit taller?
I'm 192cm and have owned a cb500f for a few years and it fits nicely and has plenty of power. The engine sound is dull though, so I would recommend the inline 4 of the 650 instead
@@BJ900RS I've only sat on the cb650r on a bike show and it felt fine, but I have ridden it's predecessor the cb650f and it felt just as comfy as the 500. It's really nice to have twin discs on the front as well
Thanks for your comment. The 500 would make a great next step. The newer ones, 2016 and onward I think, sound better than the older ones as standard and pretty good low down torque. That said, the 650R is very user friendly also and double the power, if you keep the revs going but I find my legs a bit more cramped on the 650R. Both fun to ride? All depends on your budget and engine preference. Cheers
Hi great review . I’m 46 and currently taking my direct access after never being in a bike before . Narrowed my choice down to the cb500x or f . Which would you recommend for a complete novice ?.
Hi Glyn, thanks for your comment. Well, it depends on what style you prefer and if you like the longer travel suspension and may head on rougher roads but in my opinion, I would choose the f/unfaired model, if only riding on the tarmac, because at my height (around 6ft 2), I found the screen on the CB500X produced quite a lot of wind buffeting which I didn't like and also with the longer travel suspension, the braking and handling was less responsive. Hope this helps. Cheers
Hi, Well it's all down to personal preference in the end but I think it has a reasonable amount of power for the road, on a commute or general riding, taking into account it's engine size and only around 47 bhp but if you want real performance, you may be left wanting. For example, if you are mid overtake and the oncoming traffic is approaching faster than you estimated, a further pull on the throttle will not give much unless you go for a bigger, more powerful option but for what it's designed for, it's a nice, fun, economical little bike. Hope this helps.
this a good first bike in general? im a beginner looking to buy my first and I don’t want to buy a 400 cc and then outgrow the power in a month.. any suggestions?
You´ll never outgrow a 400cc cc in a month or even 6 months, unless you´re talking about the ¨skill¨ of twisting the throttle on the highway. There´s a lot to learn when you start riding and there´s simply no way that in such a short time you outgrow as a rider your 400cc or even 300cc bike. I bet you the bike can still go around corners faster than you can even after a year.
@@oliverg687 Awesome dude. You have a bike you can keep for years. And if you are a beginner then I recommend MotoJitsu channel on YT. He talks about a lot of important skills. I wish someone had told me all this when I started riding a few years ago lol
Hi, I am around 6ft 2" and I found this fine to ride at my height. I think it should be good for you but definitely go to a showroom and try it for size if you can. Cheers
@@thetallbiker9645 I see, thanks. I am required (by law here in my country) to undergo an 8 hour training before I am allowed to drive this. The training bike would most likely be 125-175cc.
Hi, well I have not ridden the 390 but after owning a KTM (not the 390) if you want the more reliable bike I would say go for the Honda. Best thing is to try both and see how you feel though.
"I have nothing bad to say about it". How about "world's ugliest gas filler cap"? You really didn't show us the rest of the bike, so who knows? The Kawasaki TFT displays are very much better than the Honda LCDs. Here in the US, the 2021 Z650 ABS is selling for $7,750 and a new 2020 is $7,200. A new 2019 CB500F is selling for $6,200. I would go with a new 2020 Z650 ABS for only $1,000 more than the 2019 Honda.
Thanks James. I have no problem with the filler cap, it’s pretty standard. You’re right, the Kawasaki tft displays are very good now as they needed a drastic improvement from the poorly designed displays prior to the latest versions. I haven’t tried the z650, I would consider it a slight class above this as it’s a 650 over a 471cc but I’m sure it’s a good option if you want more power.
Im pretty sure the cap in the vid isn’t standard or are you not talking about the mount he put on it? and for a beginner a 400 or 500cc is a better option imo since the step from a 400/500cc to a 650cc is pretty big especially if you’ve never driven a bike
@@jamesdarnell8568 oh yeah I agree, I actually own the 2018 cb500f, and I used to have a 600 f4i before, and it's plenty plenty fast for me and my roads, but I believe the reason the 650r is mentioned generally is that it can be restricted easily down to 47 HP if I'm not mistaken, I'm not sure about the dynamics bc I haven't ridden one yet, but I trust that Hondas are generally very well sorted
I think this is enough bike for many.
You don't need to be overtaking cars with break neck acceleration.
I get why people like to do that but most people ride fast but sensible and this bike is capable of that.
I think sometimes, me included, think we need more power than we actually do.
I totally agree, the thing about speed and power is that it's like money, most people always want (or think) they need more, but one thing age gives you is more a sense of perspective, and i just enjoy the ride for it's own sake, as there's plenty happening on 2 wheels as it is, this bike will do 40mph above the uk speed limit, and i'll never get anywhere near that anyway. GL
It's also a great bike for experienced riders. I got mine 2 weeks ago after driving a cb600f hornet 2008 for 8 years, the cb 500 has a lot less power but it makes it up with how fun it is to drive I enjoy this bike more than my old cb600f.
I agree, the little twin has that good, instant punch from low revs that is very entertaining over a 4 cylinder that you have to rev quite high all the time. Glad you're enjoying the bike. Cheers
Hopefully a Christmas present to my self when I passed my MOD 2 Dec 21st. I have a deposit on a 22 model with 650 miles(first service) from my Honda dealer. Trading in my plucky CB125F (2019). Thank you for a wonderful review and wishing you safe riding and a very merry Christmas.
Coming from a cb300f owner I think this would be a great first bike !
Thank you for a wonderful review.
Thanks Glen 👍
I have one of these (2015). I can recommend a fork brace, mirror extenders, rear hugger, 16 tooth front sprocket, Delcovic can (standard one is too quiet for car driver awareness), crash bars and centre stand, Tourtecs gel seat pad, Givi screen, LED riding lights, Givi rack, front mudguard extender.
Great bike although some people have experienced water pump failures !
Might as well just buy a different bike with all that shit
@@joesmommas1025 Ahahaha thats what i thought too
Too quiet for car drivers. Waiting for the day that changing an exhaust is an MOT failure, it's coming!
Yes people will start drilling out the ugly standard silencer to make it louder. And to the people suggesting just by a different bike with all the extra kit already fitted I'm very keen to hear their suggestions as I don't know of showroom with such a bike !
I'm very happy with my 2018 CB 500..
its more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
😑😑
@@leeinwis fine, it's more fun to get felony convictions doing 150mph running from the cops
I got one of these 2018, it's genuinely a really fun, comfortable ride
the only issue is getting side racks, they're all out of stock (givi, motech, shad)
Glad you are enjoying the bike. It's a shame with all the world problems, things are in short supply. Hope things start moving soon and you can get all set up for a road trip.
This is my main contender for an upgrade when i pass my test, as it seems perfect for what i want, but i think i'll add a screen, centre stand, maybe some crash bars, and hopefully i can get some of it added by the stealership in the price if i buy one over the winter months when business is slow lol.
Great choice. It’s great that you can add a centre stand to this because most bikes of this style you can’t. Enjoy
@@thetallbiker9645 thanks for the reply, i passed my full A licence mod2 this morning so now have the winter to find the right one as i wont be doing a lot of riding, but the new cb500f out early 2024 is re-branded as a hornet with traction control, & a tft screen added, so i might just treat myself haha. GL
Good review, I’m the same height as you and was looking at one of these as an upgrade from a CB125F. Concerned it was going to be too small, looks fine for you. Taking the 125 in for a service in a few days so will try one of these out. Seems a good stepping stone before getting something bigger. Would you suggest this or the CB650R for a second bike considering I’m a bit taller?
I'm 192cm and have owned a cb500f for a few years and it fits nicely and has plenty of power. The engine sound is dull though, so I would recommend the inline 4 of the 650 instead
Thanks, is there much difference in fit for chaps of our height? The 650R looks sportier and possibly more cramped for the legs.
@@BJ900RS I've only sat on the cb650r on a bike show and it felt fine, but I have ridden it's predecessor the cb650f and it felt just as comfy as the 500. It's really nice to have twin discs on the front as well
@@TJMotard 👍
Thanks for your comment. The 500 would make a great next step. The newer ones, 2016 and onward I think, sound better than the older ones as standard and pretty good low down torque. That said, the 650R is very user friendly also and double the power, if you keep the revs going but I find my legs a bit more cramped on the 650R. Both fun to ride? All depends on your budget and engine preference. Cheers
Hi great review . I’m 46 and currently taking my direct access after never being in a bike before . Narrowed my choice down to the cb500x or f . Which would you recommend for a complete novice ?.
Hi Glyn, thanks for your comment. Well, it depends on what style you prefer and if you like the longer travel suspension and may head on rougher roads but in my opinion, I would choose the f/unfaired model, if only riding on the tarmac, because at my height (around 6ft 2), I found the screen on the CB500X produced quite a lot of wind buffeting which I didn't like and also with the longer travel suspension, the braking and handling was less responsive. Hope this helps. Cheers
This bike has enought power for everyday ride? How long you think the bike will last for a brand new rider?
Hi, Well it's all down to personal preference in the end but I think it has a reasonable amount of power for the road, on a commute or general riding, taking into account it's engine size and only around 47 bhp but if you want real performance, you may be left wanting. For example, if you are mid overtake and the oncoming traffic is approaching faster than you estimated, a further pull on the throttle will not give much unless you go for a bigger, more powerful option but for what it's designed for, it's a nice, fun, economical little bike. Hope this helps.
this a good first bike in general? im a beginner looking to buy my first and I don’t want to buy a 400 cc and then outgrow the power in a month.. any suggestions?
just get the Suzuki SV650 for less than 1k more, for same weight, more power and better looks.
Suzuki sv650
You´ll never outgrow a 400cc cc in a month or even 6 months, unless you´re talking about the ¨skill¨ of twisting the throttle on the highway. There´s a lot to learn when you start riding and there´s simply no way that in such a short time you outgrow as a rider your 400cc or even 300cc bike. I bet you the bike can still go around corners faster than you can even after a year.
@@davidtsw True, I am working on my skills and shit currently but I ended up getting a 2021 Honda CB500F.
@@oliverg687 Awesome dude. You have a bike you can keep for years. And if you are a beginner then I recommend MotoJitsu channel on YT. He talks about a lot of important skills. I wish someone had told me all this when I started riding a few years ago lol
How tall are you? Would this fit for a 6"6' guy? (198cm)
Hi, I am around 6ft 2" and I found this fine to ride at my height. I think it should be good for you but definitely go to a showroom and try it for size if you can. Cheers
Would this be safe enough for an absolute beginner?
Hi, this bike is used in riding schools so as long as you ride responsibly, it would be great as a beginner bike. Cheers
@@thetallbiker9645 I see, thanks. I am required (by law here in my country) to undergo an 8 hour training before I am allowed to drive this. The training bike would most likely be 125-175cc.
ktm duke 390 or CB500F ??
Hi, well I have not ridden the 390 but after owning a KTM (not the 390) if you want the more reliable bike I would say go for the Honda. Best thing is to try both and see how you feel though.
Does it have gear indicator?? Any idea why honda doesnt put one on this bike??
it has it, the big number inside the rev range
Yes it does have a gear indicator 👍
Bro WHERE IS THE KEYYYY !!!
The "normal" place
Found it, it was hidden behind the handlebar, sry lol 😂
"I have nothing bad to say about it". How about "world's ugliest gas filler cap"? You really didn't show us the rest of the bike, so who knows? The Kawasaki TFT displays are very much better than the Honda LCDs.
Here in the US, the 2021 Z650 ABS is selling for $7,750 and a new 2020 is $7,200. A new 2019 CB500F is selling for $6,200. I would go with a new 2020 Z650 ABS for only $1,000 more than the 2019 Honda.
Thanks James. I have no problem with the filler cap, it’s pretty standard. You’re right, the Kawasaki tft displays are very good now as they needed a drastic improvement from the poorly designed displays prior to the latest versions. I haven’t tried the z650, I would consider it a slight class above this as it’s a 650 over a 471cc but I’m sure it’s a good option if you want more power.
Im pretty sure the cap in the vid isn’t standard or are you not talking about the mount he put on it? and for a beginner a 400 or 500cc is a better option imo since the step from a 400/500cc to a 650cc is pretty big especially if you’ve never driven a bike
In terms of 650 I would have to go with the cbr650r. God those things look sweet in the red!!!
@@BigDonkMongo They do look nice, but 94 horsepower is a little spicy for a brand new rider.
@@jamesdarnell8568 oh yeah I agree, I actually own the 2018 cb500f, and I used to have a 600 f4i before, and it's plenty plenty fast for me and my roads, but I believe the reason the 650r is mentioned generally is that it can be restricted easily down to 47 HP if I'm not mistaken, I'm not sure about the dynamics bc I haven't ridden one yet, but I trust that Hondas are generally very well sorted
I got a Roadglide but want a second bike to zip around the city I live in NYC I regret selling my crf250l last year smh fucking love them Hondas!
I got the black 250 l rally 😃.