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Honda Makes the 2013 CB500F the All Purpose Middle Weight

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2013 Honda CB500F is the new look of an all around standard
2013 Honda CB500F is the new look of an all around standard

The last bike in the 2013 Honda lineup we should look at is the CB500F. After the CB750 was first introduced, Honda then made the inline 4 in lower displacements for anyone who preferred something smaller and lighter. With the new CB1100, you might think they would follow the retro air cooled I4 the same way, but they didn’t, instead, the 500 is a liquid cooled parallel twin. They also built it with a modern chassis and style, a semi sporty seating position and 17 inch wheels.

Although this probably makes more sense from a practical standpoint, it really highlights how the CB1100 is truly a CB750 inspired retro design, it sits alone, where the CB500 is offered in multiple configurations, adding an “R” version that comes with a more enclosed fairing for the entry level sport rider and an “X” version set up to play the role of adventure bike. The CB500 is no retro design, it’s a new 500.

The 500 will do everything well, it will be fuel efficient, handle as it should, have all of the modern features with optional ABS, become an all around commuter and it will have all of the expected Honda competence, but, will it stand out? As with the other new models, the buyers will answer that question when it appears in the spring.

Standard model available in Black or Pearl White. ABS model available in Black only. Price: $5,499; ABS $5,999

Link: Honda CB500F

Posted on Filed Under: Motorcycle Business

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Comments

  1. Oh, I think I’d prefer to commute at least two days a week on the CB500 than take the bus for the eight mile trip to work. As you say Paul, it should have all sturdiness one expects from Honda. The Kaw EX500 has shown the way. The slimmer vertical twin format (as opposed to a four) is appealing to me for dicing in-and-out of the bus/truck traffic that I encounter. Would be nice if they brought the price down by $1,000, too.

  2. I learnt to ride on the original one of these, and anyone new to biking doesn’t immediately need anything more. It was quick and handled nicely for moving off 4 stroke 125s (for basic training here in the UK). The only issue was their perceived “lack of coolness”, however most people in the know knew they were a pretty good bike. This bike’s styling seems to address this really well. The only issue now for someone come 2013 onwards in the UK, is for someone wanting one of these on passing their test and for being limited to a particular bike’s power. You’re not allowed to ride a bike where the original power ahead of restricting was over a certain bhp limit. Depending on this, as I can’t see any power figures for this bike anywhere, once people are “experienced” at 2 years and can upgrade, would they buy one? The CB500 could still remain the staple diet for the bike courier or “upright” commuter rider……

  3. I have mixed feelings about this.
    On the one hand, I applaud the return to the 500cc street machine, which has always been one of the best sizes for motorcycles.

    On the other hand,is there some requirement on modern motorcycles to make them reminiscent of a cyber-insect Transformer-bot from the Planet Reptoid?

    • Could not have said it better my self. why not a little brother to the cb1100 rather than what some 15 year old thinks “badass” looks like?

      • I wouldn’t disagree on the critics about the looks, but maybe, just maybe, Honda designed that bike to fit its target audience, not old farts like us … ?

        • I just turned 30. Maybe that makes me an old fart. But I’m just not into this styling. I’m happy to see a middleweight and all, but doesn’t this look an awful lot like a tiny slightly subdued b-king? I’ll put my deposit on a cb1100 thank you. It probably will become the new ninja 250: every kid’s first bike. I never liked the ninja either…

    • I would guess the look is an unfortunate result of modern frames and water cooling. Where the older bikes could show off a loop frame, today’s bikes have to hide a radiator, hence the design of the middle bit.

      Once the chassis looks like that, it’s really hard to put a classic tail or headlamp on the bike without creating an awful Frankenstein design.

      I’m a fan of the look of 60s and 70s bikes, too, despite being younger than all of them. Still, I have to admit it would take quite a revolutionary design to combine that classic look with a fully modern set of components.

      • I’d wager the majority of the issue with the styling has to do with the sourced-from-eBay-looking headlight. Perhaps it looks better in person. Something reminiscent of round would have been nice for the standard.

  4. This bike has been a long time coming. If you wanted a 400-600cc standard (or anything even close to a standard) you were stuck with the Ninja 500 and that isn’t fuel injected…. nobody knows why not.

    So… there’s finally something that fills that niche. If you have a problem with it, it’s not aimed at you. It looks good, has a reasonable price, and if all the Honda fanboys are right, it should be really reliable…. not to mention the fuel economy should be great.

    I’ve never owned a new motorcycle before… maybe now though…. maybe. I’ve got some old UJMs that are a hobby to maintain and fix, but they aren’t reliable enough for daily commuting. This might change that.

    • At only 50cc’s over 600 I’d have to say the Suzuki sv650 has been filling that hole admirably for a long time now.

  5. Finally. “What goes around, comes around.” Old is new again.
    I can’t wait for the NEW Trail 90 (Honda, are you listening?) and I’d really like it to be as much fun to ride as the original was 30 years back. Make it slick looking but not “cute”, make it have decent MPG results and maybe have a couple of extra features that will make it sell like FREE BEER.

    • There are plenty of the originals still kicking around in good condition. I have an ’84 CT 110 and with some bags on the cargo rack it’s just about the perfect city bike.

  6. By the numbers, it’s a modern equivalent of the Kawasaki EX500. The specs are practically the same, even the weight. I’m quite disappointed, since the EX500 was designed in the mid-80s. I would expect a modern mid sized 500 twin sportbike to weigh less than a 600cc I4 bike like the F4i and make a bit more power…

    • There is a simple reason why those specs are so close, the Honda is built to a price. The last time the Ninja 500r was for sale was 2009 and it sold for $5000, roughly the same as $5,500 today. Keep in mind, that was long after they had already paid off their tooling. When you want to build a bike cheaply you have to stick to old technology. That means, among other things, a steel frame like the Ninja’s. Steel today weighs just about the same as it did in the eighties. It could have more power but it doesn’t need it, the Ninja always did fine with 50hp or so at the wheel. By sacrificing all out horsepower Honda can shoot for high fuel economy and a broad torque range like they have with their new NC700 line. I think that will be more appealing to the beginner/commuter market that they seem to be aiming for.

      • The Ninja 500 always did do fine with 50 hp…

        The issue with the new Honda 500 engine is that it won’t make 50 hp. Honda designed these new CB bikes to be stepping-stone bikes.

        Honda’s goal is for the CB500X rider to step up to the NC700X when they are ready. Given that the NC700X makes around 48 hp, I’d bet that the new Honda 500 motor will make somewhere in the mid to high 30 hp range.

      • Adjusted for inflation, the CBR500 and EX500 (at its introduction, mind you, LONG before “paying off the tooling” and such: MSRP in 1986 of $2,899) are nearly the same price. That’s a very poor excuse for Honda, technology and manufacturing techniques have come a long way since the 80s, you can do a lot more for a lot less now! This bike should be a lot lighter and make more power, or be cheaper. It’s ’80s heavy because it’s got an ’80s frame and an ’80s engine with fuel injection, now. Honda did the same thing with the CB1100, it makes 20 less horsepower than the ’83 CB1100 and weighs the same amount, oh and it costs $10,000. Honda has lost their touch. I am truly sad that the new CB1100 is slower and heavier than my 10 year old, 750cc Magna.

      • It may built to a price (what isn’t) but otherwise you’re reasoning is flawed.

        It’s making about 50hp to comply with A@ standards.

        Steel can be easily repaired and gives the bike good road compliance.
        This is an all new engine with FI and abs – it will easily outperform older 500cc bikes in terms of tractability, durability, and something else I’m sure.

        For the retro boys: this bike makes the same power as a 60-70s bonneville 650 with the added bonus of actually running. I had an old BSA 500 lightning (or something) and to be sure it was a rolling piece of cr*p. The chrome was good and the headlight was round – yahoo.

  7. I would have preferred this “F” to look like the 1100F. Honda will have the CB500R if you want sporty looks. I just don’t get the weird headlight, multiple tacky side panels, and pointy tail section. As far as 500’s go, I think the GS500E had the look down, modern yet clean and simple. It’s nice that sensible bikes are coming back around again though.

    Well, the best is my GB500 but I don’t think Honda will ever risk that again.

    -todd

    • I don’t quite get the comments above about the EX500 having carbs. I’ve ridden EX500s and my GB500 has carbs (as do all my other 11 bikes except the K75S). I’ve never had a problem with carbs. They’ve always ran clean and crisp whereas many of the fuel injected bikes I’ve ridden surge and pop and have abrupt on/off throttles. I’m perfectly happy using a choke lever once in a while if having fuel injection means it’ll run like that. Maybe FI has improved in the last couple years.

      -todd

      • Theres a bunch for sale locally. You just have to ship them from New Zealand.

        I did buy a GB400F brand new. the cool one with the single seat and fairing.

        Stupid me sold it and took a massive bath on it.

  8. So true! A round headlight, flat-topped tank and losing those side blades would do so much for this bike.

  9. I applaud the effort if not the execution.
    If I were in the market for a new small bike my attention would veer towards the KTM 390 Duke which looks to be a lot more bang for your buck regardless of what you think of the styling.

    • that’s if you can find a dealer. My local Honda dealer also sells KTM, but only the off-road bikes. If I had a Kawasaki dealer closer to me, I’d probably get a Ninja 300, but the Honda dealer is only a few miles a way. Of course, being a Honda, I’d imagine I won’t have to have it in to the dealer very often.

  10. Very interesting machine. Likewise comments.

    But I ponder.

    The CB series(including the original CB500) are I4 engines. Forget the styling, I’m perplexed by the nameplate. As much as with the H-D XR-750 moniker applied to the showroom Sportster not deserving of the name.

    Without a certified service/repair manual from Honda on this model, another question looms from the wisdom of Paul Crowe…return on new tooling investment, and the need for long term (USA 10 yr) parts availability. From all available pre-USA release info I can find, this is a “Throw Away” engine design. By which I mean, the crank end thrust clearance is maintained by the aluminum cast housing, which means once the engine passes about 20K real miles you might rebore the cylinders but it won’t really matter when the crank starts a sideways polka.

    Well hell, no big deal. There’s more than one Kaw and Suzi model with the same lame leg. But they all have a ball at the dance while the lights are on.

    So back to the original thought…why the “CB” designation? Are there conspiring H-D fanatics within Honda trying to dupe product aware US Consumers (ain’t that a funny)? IF HD can raise emotions of times gone by with terms such as XR *as in the racing purebred vs street poser) then why not to Honda wannabes with “CB”?

    Now to compare the new Honda CB500 with the old Kaw EX500 is just silly…and totally justified. If you don’t understand that styles change but the reality of 500cc is always 500cc, then please ante-up for the old parts price if you can find them. If you want a 30 year old concept in a now technology package, just ante-up $5 a month to the credit charges and buy a Sportster and be proud.

    Hey, it’s a damn decent bike for the market it is designed for…if it ain’t for you, move on to what else is on the market. Make sure your credit line is up to your expectations and the reality of consumer acceptance.

    It’s a true “entry level” machine with styling targeted for the crotch rocket crowd that neither has the bucks for a CBR100R or the reflexes for a “Busa.

    And maybe for those that have the common sense to know they belong on a 500 and not a liter.

    • The CB series was not exclusively I4 engines, not by a long shot. There were CB 100 and 125 singles, CB200 twins (I have one in my garage), CB350 twins and fours, CB500 I4s and twins, and of course, the CBX six cylinder.

  11. @ Can_I_Come_Back

    You seem to be discounting the CB350, CB400 and CB500 all have been available as a four and a twin some time in their linage, and the perennial CB250, always a twin.

    @ no-one in particular

    As to the styling. I find it quite “Chinese”. I get the feeling that it is trying to mimic another bike but it isn’t quite sure what one.

    • I am not discounting or ignoring the “other” CB configurations, just emphasizing the discrepancy between major and minor.

      As to your perception of “Chinese”….? to what exactly do you attribute the “Chinese” style and design? Rear sets, ala worthless race replicas designed to implode on the hood decal of an F-150 mid corner? “Chinese” as in something not less than a full blown liter jap bike? Pretentious lines on an under capable powerplant?

      Well, hell, of course it is. What biker in any state of a rational mindset wants to ride any machine that says “Not a full ten inches?” Now we could go on from here with mega comments from any Big Twin rider and tons of liter rice burners>>>>but the truth is that EVERY FREAKIN bike is a “mimic” of an ideal or mindset.

      Some can, some can’t. They all have the same space on the tarmac. Some even ride (sic) Trikes and mopeds.

      I’d agree with you, the styling is a bit “Chinese” ala Honda clone scooterism via the South Korea scooter market cum 650 ripoffs.

      Question….so what?? Does it do what the rider wants? Sure, he/she has to know that it isn’t the real thing. Hey, I ate a McD’s burger today and I KNOW it’s not really prime beef! You’re not gonna buy it, I’m not gonna buy it. But if I was challenged to make a choice in the current sub-mid displacement category and if I were only 6 inches less tall … well, there’s your market. Guess the japs figure there are more Napoleons wanting to be Superman than the laws of finance demand. Maybe a few biker dominatrix under 5’4″, too. Look at the specs, it ain’t designed for a 6′ plus American WWF.

      It’s a market niche bike. So why bash it? If you ant a 500 in naked street format, go Brit

      If you are, however, someone that squares off at an opportunity, then styling be damned. Look at the Hp and weight numbers, then snuggle up to any number of “real bikes”

      Sometimes I wish I was much less tall and didn’t carry 10 extra inches of weight. I like this bike, and I just might buy one for my daughter.

      Get it???

  12. Ugh. Its hideous. It is like those CBR600 based naked bikes and CB1000F’s they did for a while and tried to sell for stupid money.

    and this from someone who owns a Triumph Street triple.

  13. So I’m guessing that you are monumentally disappointed that your ugly girl (the S3) can suck the wheels off 90 percent of the competition and still go the long mile?? Hmmm. Let’s trade female companions this weekend.

    OMG…that bitch is FUGLY from the king of fugly riders…but you are way past that, right?

    Now, imagine one less jug, a decade less weight, a short jockey wearing spandex and no concern for public opinion.

    I think your S3 has a girlfriend!

  14. In terms of retro-muscle I always liked the look of the GSX1400 (compared to say, a B-King)…. except thats quite the big bike. Now a GSX750? …. Keep talking.

  16. Yawwwwwn,about as much character and style as my refrigerator and washing machine. A true appliance.

  17. I’m still fairly new to motorcycles, been riding 4-5 years now. Long after the drought of sub 650cc class of attainable bikes in the USA. Started with a Suzuki Savage LS650, then my Honda Shadow ACE 750 and had a Harley 883 for a while. I’ve been really lusting after the NC700X for a while, but it’s a bit too steep a price for what I’m comfortable with. Now they have this CB500X that I’m very interested in. But what I don’t know is how do-able a 500 will be? From what speculations are suggesting, the 500 will be 47hp. My Shadow is 47hp and I don’t think I’ll be disappointed in that. But can anyone comment on how usable a modern 500cc is in such a bike? Handle 70-75mph interstate travel?

    • It only takes around 15hp to do 75mph. This CB500 is more powerful than many of the Big Highway Touring bikes of ages past. Heck, it would spank my old BMW.

      -todd

    • Eric, the top speed of these bikes is a bit over 100mph so they should cruise easily at 75.
      Check out the CB500X which has a more upright seating position; if you’re used to cruisers the two sporty versions may not be up your alley.

  18. I think the ABS version will be my next motorcycle. As for handling interstate travel, I’ve commuted to work on a 1974 CB200, so I think the 500 will be more than up to the task. 50 hp and only 425 lbs? That’s roughly the same weight as my 1980 Suzuki GS450E but with 20 more hp, and for several years I commuted on that bike as well. Great gas mileage and low insurance rates mean that this bike has a lot going for it.

    • I have had my 1982 GS450 since 1986, and keep it because it is just fun to ride. Other bikes have come and gone, and I have bikes that I ride more often, but it’s a keeper and the Honda appears to be the same type of bike.

  19. The styling doesn’t do a lot for me, but I’m not the target market. There is an entire generation to whom “classic” motorcycle styling says “old motorcycle”. They’ve grown up seeing bikes that look like the CB500F and identify with its appearance. A prospective rider will look at it and say, “I can ride that!” It’s big enough with enough engine to pace traffic with some extra power in hand, yet not so big that it would intimidate a new rider. Owners wouldn’t feel a need to trade up; this bike will grow up with them. As with most of Honda’s offerings, it will be a good, not great, bike that will do all an average rider asks with something in reserve. It will be a good commuter bike, a fun canyon carver when not pushed to its limits, an enjoyable runabout and could even take off on a one-up, cross-country tour. For many riders, it will be all the motorcycle they need, and just plain fun.

  20. I’ve reached the point at where I no longer want to ride like a banshee and certainly not look like one while doing it. So my choices are ??
    Old stuff still rules I guess, I mean even Honda’s redesigned and updated the 750. Bigger, badder, and just as stout.
    Why is it that the “public” looks at the big bucks factory race bikes and thinks, I’ll give it a go
    Sure you can, got $50 thou? Or would you like this thumper that just looks like it goes 200 kph for $5 thousand. And the market just edges a little more toward paint and ugly plastic, not even to mention engineering and design.

    My point is the manufacturers will sell whatever marketing pushes to them.
    For example, If tomorrow morning somebody wins Daytona on a three wheeled reclining racer powered by a 400cc single, the next year polaris will sell one. Year after that there’ll be a flood of chinese one-offs.

    But then the marketers will say ELECTRIC UNICYCLES! and I will shoot myself.

  21. For this price the bike is totally adequate, especially with ABS.You can’t expect fancy looks and cool features for six (six and a half with ABS) grand.
    Personally I wouldn’t go for this model, though. I wonder why this version was featured and not the better-looking CBR500R which is practically the same bike? Or my favorite, the CB500X, which has a bit more fork travel, slightly different rake/trail/wheelbase than the sporties and a 1 inch taller seat height?

  22. “Some folks follow with breathless anticipation the latest engine developments from multi million dollar factory efforts….”

    This is TheKneesliders own words a few articles back, and who can say that Honda did any daring steps at all in the last twenty years, except racing development? I think the beauty of their bikes are lost in the battle for low cost production. Hondas models are carefully calculated economical projects designed to make profits and capture marked share. Pure entusiasm is gone. Innovation is left to others. Honda is an Idè-refining factory, following the lines of the old CB 750, wich has been said to be so smooth and well-functioning, at that time, that it was a little boring to drive. In MotoGP, Honda put pressure on Dorna to change the rules to allow them to sign Moto2 champion Marc Marques for MotoGP for 2013. Honda is the best refiners of the world. As long as nobody invent something new, they will lead the marked. So they use their influence to rule out small innovative companies like Motoczsyszcx (difficult to write or say) and more. If you want something special, you don’t buy a Honda.

  23. This is a budget bike, built in Thailand for sale to developing/3rd world counties to capture a market segment frequently forgotten about or largely irreelvant in current rider licensing
    regimes in Europe. Where the 600-750 naked market is king.

    • Wrong.

      Actually this 500 range is for EU. Due to the license

      Power : 35kw limit CB500 does 35kw
      Weight : must not less than 173 CB500 does 173.4

  24. A “throw-away” engine design? Quite the opposite! Honda’s last 500cc twin produced from 1993 until 2003 was super-reliable, easily lasting 100,000+km. Riding schools and motorcycle couriers loved them because they were quick and nimble in city traffic. Google “CB500” and you will find amazing facts, like the test by Motorevue who disassembled the engine after 3 years/50,000km and found it to be in perfect condition.

  25. I am 46 and have rode Hondas all shapes and sizes. I am a inline four fan till the end. I saw this bike and said its about time, then I saw the twin in the frame. I like this bike though. I would like to ride and hear the engine. I like to beat the crap out out of small high rpm motorcycles. I hope this bike fits that picture.

  26. The Honda CB500F has almost the same weight and riding position as my Suzuki Inazuma 250. The CB500F is faster and can do 115mph but above 80mph both bikes equally feel the wind. Economy will be around 65-70mpg I guess while my Inazuma can easily manage 85mpg+. In terms of acceleration, the Inazuma can easily outperform the Ninja 250. Here in the UK with fuel prices rising continually, economy is the name of the game these days.

  27. My local Honda dealer already had a CBR500 in, and it sold very quickly. The salesman told me that the 500F is supposed to be in by April 26. Now if I can just convince my wife to let me put a deposit down on one…