The latest Honda 500's are certainly an improvement on the previous generation, ER. They also have the accolade of being one of the best handling machines around.
I picked up a 500F for my first bike. I was worried I was going too big to start but after putting 100 perfectly legal miles on it I’d say i made a great choice. One of my co-workers picked up a duke 200 and is already eyeing more power less than 3 months later.
@@exeterrider Doing ok thanks Change of job after a tough time has turned out to be a wise decision. My current bike is….. a 24 ft caravan!! still trying to smuggle a bike into the scenario though. Ride safe mate Steve
Fuel economy / running costs are a big benefit, especially these days. On my 500R, I've done a week of commuting (250 km) at 2.5 L/100 km (94 US MPG) -- still had 60% tank left for weekend runs. Overall average was 3.1 L/100km (75 US MPG) over 15k km. I'm on the 500X now and the fuel economy seems about 10% worse, probably due to the aeros and tires. Your reviews are spot-on to my own sentiments having now owned two. I will say they're not for everybody, especially those looking for faster bikes, but they're quite good at just about everything and easy to ride that it's hard not to have a great time on them. I've heard rumours that there's two more models coming in the 500 lineup: a scrambler and a dualsporty-type bike. That will make 6 bikes on the one platform, kind of showing how well the powertrain works in different applications.
Thanks so much for your time watching and your nice words. Yes the dynamics of the X will have a slight impact as you say....but the "X" rode is mapped/fuelled very different than the rest of the range. That was one of my issues with it....also it runs out of puff sooner I found. I have heard about the new ones but they are struggling to get current stock let alone a new line up...sounds good though! Thanks again E.R
It's actually a really good looking bike, many would overlook it because of its engine capacity but in actual fact I'm sure it's very capable in all riding conditions. Interesting that you mentioned with these high quality tyres it could work on track days because I can see this having a racing series of its own 👍
@@exeterrider I'm fine mate but I've found out that I've got to retake my Bike Test due a medical issue I had in 2004 , my Bus and Car Licence were suspended at the time but I hadn't realised that they'd actually rescinded my Bike Licence . I had passed out behind the wheel of a bus due to Cardiac Arythmia and had to have pacemaker fitted to get my Licence back but they didn't reinstate my Bike Licence because of balance concerns . They have said that I need to retake my Test to prove that there still isn't a problem , mainly because I haven't ridden in such a long time . I will probably need to have an extended Test to prove that I'm capable .
Excellent review, but following question preoccupying me lately: Do you think it still makes sense to buy a CB500f if you can get a Hornet for just a grand more?
something I was pondering on as well before I tried the Hornet. For me the 500f still has its place for A2 folk, and people who want a light fun bike without the big power from the Hornet. The 500f is more comfortable on the seat and physically smaller (more cytological) But most would go straight to the Hornet is my guess...Both are well priced but the Hornet takes the biscuit on value for the money.
just been watching a freddie dobbs video on the fantic 500 = very good , but this is cheaper , although not an off roader , = neither is the fantic really , this is a twin cyl very useable allrounder , = great chioce.
And the Honda CB500 range fits that bill perfectly,I own a 2020 CB500X that I've put 15,000miles on in 18months,it costs peanuts to run and is 100% reliable. I've just left a comment on ERs 2019 CB500X test with the mods I've made to my bike to make it even better,the two main ones are swapping the 15tooth front sprocket for a 16t one to bring the motorway revs down,and a Givi D1171ST screen to rid the bike of the aweful buffeting of the stock screen. The CB500X is a great bike almost a decade in production is testament to that,but one thing the CB500X isn't is a serious offroad bike but it handles light offroad route well enough though. I'm not the sentimental type who usually gets attached to 'things' but if something works for me I hang on to it and I can't bring myself to part with mine it's such a great bike!
Never Felt the Single Disc on my 2020 CB500f was Lacking .. but you are Right about How Good these 500 Engines are & the Smoothest Twin Cylinder Engine I have ever Ridden
I mentioned I've had 8 of these, X, F & CBR, as second bikes to my others, I ordered a new grey CBF in May for August delivery, it turned up last week, so collecting on Friday 1st July, can't get my head around the current world stage, it's just bewildering how everything is screwed up. Mind at least I've got one !!!! Looking forward to seeing how the new suspension and brakes compare. Nice review ER. My main reason for running one of these the last 7 years is economy, simple as that. My KTM & Zed thou cost twice as much to run, my 300 rally is also proving to be very economical.
Hi Grays, yes mate the smaller engine bikes have never made more sense. I'm lucky I have the NC which looks after me well on that front. Prices are nuts and we still can't see the ceiling yet. The 500s really are awesome. Thanks for your quality opinions and expertise of these bikes 👍
Getting such good tyres on a bike is definitely a plus. I've always wanted road 5s but I'm saving that joy for a different bike. Nice starter bike there
Got the yellow cbf500 2 month ago put 1500 miles on it average 80 mile per gallon .at 6foot 3 find it comftable hit the lake district about 6 hours riding with a few breakes great on the twisty roads and a great commuter to.
Agreed. This a bike of interest to me come the day i need a lighter bike. One thing, did you not once say the CB500X was under powered? Have you changed your mind?
Hi Pete, At the end of this video I mention about this....not so much underpowered , but just runs out of "puff" too soon. Still a great bike but last on my list from the CB500 range personnally, and its only my opinion of course. Thanks for your time watching : )
I do like the 500 line up. They all look good. And they wouldn't be a bad beginner bike either ( as long as you're quite careful that is. ) Good video Exeter!!
Would you tour on this pal? Or the X. I I ow we can tour on anything but how you reckon it would cope with 70 odd on long stints? Good vlog as always. Ride safe pal
I've been following 'Nick' from 'biking travels' who's currently riding through Europe on a cb500x fully loaded with no issues. Also my wife has no trouble on her cbr500r on multi day tours keeping up with me on bigger bikes so I'm thinking of switching to something in this range in future.
I think you can tour on either,the X has slightly more wind protection of course and it seems to be the normal choice for a touring 500. Long stints at 70 ,there could be better choices but its still pretty good all things considered. Thanks for your ongoing watch time : )
@Happy Gilmo you should check out a channel on here called CaptainCranky He's done well over 100,000 Kms on his 2013 500x Lots of it on dirt roads in Australia. Most of his videos are tours or long trips and he carries more 'stuff' (including camping gear) than most people carry on a BMW GS. I've not ridden the bike, but I think 70 MPH for long stints wouldn't be any problem from what I've heard, although if you spend lots of time on a motorway you may want to look elsewhere.
Point 2 I'd argue it's not bullet proof from my experience, I bought one based on this being what people think. It's really not smooth either. Trying to hold a steady speed say 30 or 40 the engine is lumpy and hesitant - though could be related to the issue I had. I got my 2022 CB500X in May and within 280 miles engine management light on, misfiring engine, Honda technicians cleared fault only for it to re-occur again within another 200 miles. Now going through the rejection process with Honda. Perhaps I was unlucky.
@@mickleblade yes Honda took it back as a return to HQ and accepted it was not good enough plus they probably wanted the bike to find out what went wrong. Can’t fault them, they accepted it back.
@@rossmiller7741 this is very Unusual These Bikes are so Smooth I ve Had 3 of them ...hope this one Lemon has not Put you off .. & Honda Sorted you out with a peach
@@jefflambert8603 I took the opportunity to look elsewhere and purchased a Kawasaki Z650RS which in truth probably suits me doing more street / Sunday riding and it’s an amazing bike but I’m sure I’ll be back to Honda at some point.
Agree 100% maybe Honda's best ever engine especially with fuel closing in on £10 per gallon
👍🍻
The latest Honda 500's are certainly an improvement on the previous generation, ER. They also have the accolade of being one of the best handling machines around.
Spot on Jim. Well tested and proven over the years :)
I picked up a 500F for my first bike. I was worried I was going too big to start but after putting 100 perfectly legal miles on it I’d say i made a great choice. One of my co-workers picked up a duke 200 and is already eyeing more power less than 3 months later.
exactly, you made a good choice, its funny how you soon grow into these bikes isnt it. Enjoy it, you have a lovely bike!
I had road pilots on my 1200 RT......superb tyres.
Still not got another bike as yet, but the 500 Honda is high on the list along with the NC700/750.
Great to hear from you again Steve. No wrong choice with those bikes there Steve. God to hear from you. Hope your well an dandy!
@@exeterrider
Doing ok thanks
Change of job after a tough time has turned out to be a wise decision.
My current bike is….. a 24 ft caravan!!
still trying to smuggle a bike into the scenario though.
Ride safe mate
Steve
@@steve1962 Ahh OK, well it looks like your on the up. Things come and will pass. Look after urself!
Fuel economy / running costs are a big benefit, especially these days. On my 500R, I've done a week of commuting (250 km) at 2.5 L/100 km (94 US MPG) -- still had 60% tank left for weekend runs. Overall average was 3.1 L/100km (75 US MPG) over 15k km. I'm on the 500X now and the fuel economy seems about 10% worse, probably due to the aeros and tires.
Your reviews are spot-on to my own sentiments having now owned two. I will say they're not for everybody, especially those looking for faster bikes, but they're quite good at just about everything and easy to ride that it's hard not to have a great time on them. I've heard rumours that there's two more models coming in the 500 lineup: a scrambler and a dualsporty-type bike. That will make 6 bikes on the one platform, kind of showing how well the powertrain works in different applications.
Thanks so much for your time watching and your nice words. Yes the dynamics of the X will have a slight impact as you say....but the "X" rode is mapped/fuelled very different than the rest of the range. That was one of my issues with it....also it runs out of puff sooner I found.
I have heard about the new ones but they are struggling to get current stock let alone a new line up...sounds good though!
Thanks again
E.R
Very interesting. I'm debating between the f and the X
@@TheZbadam1 No wrong answer really.
Would be number one on my list if I can talk myself into needing a new bike, mostly due to your recommendation!
Thank you sir. The engines go on forever!
It's actually a really good looking bike, many would overlook it because of its engine capacity but in actual fact I'm sure it's very capable in all riding conditions.
Interesting that you mentioned with these high quality tyres it could work on track days because I can see this having a racing series of its own 👍
Yes , I never thought of that. I think 500cc racing could be more fun than the 1000s
Mine is Candy Orange & the paintwork really Sparkles in the Sun....🍊🌞
My first bike was 500x, perfect bike for your first larger bike, great reviews from you on the 500
Thanks mate. As you know the bikes make it easy for me TBh. Hope your well👍
Great video mate and I like the way you let that Exeter " babe " cross the road . I think you're in there mate ;)
Thats as good as i gets down y'ere Phil. Hope your all good. Have a super week!
@@exeterrider I'm fine mate but I've found out that I've got to retake my Bike Test due a medical issue I had in 2004 , my Bus and Car Licence were suspended at the time but I hadn't realised that they'd actually rescinded my Bike Licence . I had passed out behind the wheel of a bus due to Cardiac Arythmia and had to have pacemaker fitted to get my Licence back but they didn't reinstate my Bike Licence because of balance concerns . They have said that I need to retake my Test to prove that there still isn't a problem , mainly because I haven't ridden in such a long time . I will probably need to have an extended Test to prove that I'm capable .
Marvellous, well balanced review as always.
Thank you kindly!
Great bikes, no doubt.
Yeap I think so 👍🍻
Great video ER the bike is amazing good looks,easy to get on with and a great alrounder.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks James
Excellent review, but following question preoccupying me lately: Do you think it still makes sense to buy a CB500f if you can get a Hornet for just a grand more?
something I was pondering on as well before I tried the Hornet.
For me the 500f still has its place for A2 folk, and people who want a light fun bike without the big power from the Hornet.
The 500f is more comfortable on the seat and physically smaller (more cytological) But most would go straight to the Hornet is my guess...Both are well priced but the Hornet takes the biscuit on value for the money.
I had the same dilemma, but I went to the safe road and bought the cbr500, if I feel I'm ready and the 500 is too "slow" I can always update.
just been watching a freddie dobbs video on the fantic 500 = very good , but this is cheaper , although not an off roader , = neither is the fantic really , this is a twin cyl very useable allrounder , = great chioce.
Yeap, the Honda engine is hard to beat I think.
Fantic looks better imo and is probably faster (only weights ~150 kilos) but honestly honda quality and reliability at a cheaper price cant be beat
Good honest reliable affordable biking. That's what we like and need
Spot on Noobiker!
And the Honda CB500 range fits that bill perfectly,I own a 2020 CB500X that I've put 15,000miles on in 18months,it costs peanuts to run and is 100% reliable.
I've just left a comment on ERs 2019 CB500X test with the mods I've made to my bike to make it even better,the two main ones are swapping the 15tooth front sprocket for a 16t one to bring the motorway revs down,and a Givi D1171ST screen to rid the bike of the aweful buffeting of the stock screen.
The CB500X is a great bike almost a decade in production is testament to that,but one thing the CB500X isn't is a serious offroad bike but it handles light offroad route well enough though.
I'm not the sentimental type who usually gets attached to 'things' but if something works for me I hang on to it and I can't bring myself to part with mine it's such a great bike!
@@johnwood4448 it looks good too 👍
Cool bike indeed
Interesting review. I really appreciate your thoughts about this bike. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you taking the time out to watch it : )
good torque low down??? LOL naah, 43nM @ 6500rpm is very poor result. even NC750X has much better torque.
Yes but it's still very good for road riding👍
Never Felt the Single Disc on my 2020 CB500f was Lacking .. but you are Right about How Good these 500 Engines are
& the Smoothest Twin Cylinder Engine
I have ever Ridden
Nope , I don't think it was lacking either, but the double does make for nicer braking for sure : )
I mentioned I've had 8 of these, X, F & CBR, as second bikes to my others, I ordered a new grey CBF in May for August delivery, it turned up last week, so collecting on Friday 1st July, can't get my head around the current world stage, it's just bewildering how everything is screwed up. Mind at least I've got one !!!! Looking forward to seeing how the new suspension and brakes compare. Nice review ER. My main reason for running one of these the last 7 years is economy, simple as that. My KTM & Zed thou cost twice as much to run, my 300 rally is also proving to be very economical.
Hi Grays, yes mate the smaller engine bikes have never made more sense. I'm lucky I have the NC which looks after me well on that front. Prices are nuts and we still can't see the ceiling yet. The 500s really are awesome.
Thanks for your quality opinions and expertise of these bikes 👍
They should make a cb1100f with the Africa twin /NT parallel twin engine
I never thought of that. Yes that could work.
Getting such good tyres on a bike is definitely a plus. I've always wanted road 5s but I'm saving that joy for a different bike.
Nice starter bike there
It is, I am getting some 5s for my NC soon. Really looking forward to it. Thanks for watching.
I think you should really just arrange to buy this yellow one Steve, it clearly gives you the grin factor! 👍😎
Too much choice or there mate lol. No probs but stick with E. R on here if that's OK mate. I'll explain why if we ever meet 👌👍
Does it have helmet hooks?
Can't remember now but yes I'm pretty sure it did.
Got the yellow cbf500 2 month ago put 1500 miles on it average 80 mile per gallon .at 6foot 3 find it comftable hit the lake district about 6 hours riding with a few breakes great on the twisty roads and a great commuter to.
Superb on so many levels mate. Good choice. Well done you 👍
Agreed. This a bike of interest to me come the day i need a lighter bike. One thing, did you not once say the CB500X was under powered? Have you changed your mind?
Hi Pete, At the end of this video I mention about this....not so much underpowered , but just runs out of "puff" too soon. Still a great bike but last on my list from the CB500 range personnally, and its only my opinion of course. Thanks for your time watching : )
All the qualities you would expect from a modern Japanese bike 👌🏼
😉👍
I had 2016 500R I loved at first than grew to hate it awful suspension it didn't like being pushed to hard or it would try to kill you
Yes the disowned is budget but I think for the money it's ok☺️👍
Honda do make some bulletproof bikes, although I do prefer the look of the 500X over the one in the video.
Fair enough mate. Thanks for watching . : )
Great review of a super set of bikes. Out of interest, was the initial location the old Exmouth Junction loco depot?
You got it, must have been amazing in the day. I guess you know it too👍
Was in Llangollen yesterday there were two old cb500s J reg and T reg.😁😁
They go on forever 👍😂
The CB range full stop are great bikes, many peoples go to utility bike.
For sure mate 😆👍🍻
I do like the 500 line up. They all look good. And they wouldn't be a bad beginner bike either ( as long as you're quite careful that is. ) Good video Exeter!!
They would be the minimum CC for your roads I think KG...Thanks buddy!
Honda is just extremely booring these days..
I don't think so. They are fun bikes these 500s. Yes a bit refined in places but they go well I think 👍
You should have included the 500 Rebel in the thumbnail.
I consciously didnt, because there is no twin disc upgrade, new tyre upgrade etc. Pretty much just a new paint job for 2022 👍
That is a nice looking bike. Hard to find nowadays.
Yeap !
hopefully next year they will get rid of the throttle cables
Might add more £ or $ though.I like it as it is but take your point on board. Thanks
just trying to get a new one dealer says next year for the f and x models
Really, wow!
I hope Honda is giving you a hefty whack for these reviews 💰😂😂😂
Huge amounts, but running a private jet takes a lot of money Lilly. Its not all fun 😉😆
😂
Really like the honda CB 500 bikes 👍
Great package aren't they, thanks for watching 👍
Would you tour on this pal? Or the X.
I I ow we can tour on anything but how you reckon it would cope with 70 odd on long stints? Good vlog as always. Ride safe pal
I've been following 'Nick' from 'biking travels' who's currently riding through Europe on a cb500x fully loaded with no issues. Also my wife has no trouble on her cbr500r on multi day tours keeping up with me on bigger bikes so I'm thinking of switching to something in this range in future.
I think you can tour on either,the X has slightly more wind protection of course and it seems to be the normal choice for a touring 500. Long stints at 70 ,there could be better choices but its still pretty good all things considered. Thanks for your ongoing watch time : )
The CBR500 is incredible. Not normally my style but I really like it a lot.
@Happy Gilmo you should check out a channel on here called CaptainCranky He's done well over 100,000 Kms on his 2013 500x Lots of it on dirt roads in Australia. Most of his videos are tours or long trips and he carries more 'stuff' (including camping gear) than most people carry on a BMW GS. I've not ridden the bike, but I think 70 MPH for long stints wouldn't be any problem from what I've heard, although if you spend lots of time on a motorway you may want to look elsewhere.
Point 2 I'd argue it's not bullet proof from my experience, I bought one based on this being what people think. It's really not smooth either. Trying to hold a steady speed say 30 or 40 the engine is lumpy and hesitant - though could be related to the issue I had. I got my 2022 CB500X in May and within 280 miles engine management light on, misfiring engine, Honda technicians cleared fault only for it to re-occur again within another 200 miles. Now going through the rejection process with Honda. Perhaps I was unlucky.
Sorry to hear that mate. Yes it is very, very unlucky I'd say. 😔
Have you an update on the engine problem?
@@mickleblade yes Honda took it back as a return to HQ and accepted it was not good enough plus they probably wanted the bike to find out what went wrong. Can’t fault them, they accepted it back.
@@rossmiller7741 this is very Unusual
These Bikes are so Smooth
I ve Had 3 of them ...hope this one
Lemon has not Put you off ..
& Honda Sorted you out with a peach
@@jefflambert8603 I took the opportunity to look elsewhere and purchased a Kawasaki Z650RS which in truth probably suits me doing more street / Sunday riding and it’s an amazing bike but I’m sure I’ll be back to Honda at some point.