Value-For-Money Hondas: 2014 Honda CB500F/CBR500R
Honda’s 500cc middleweight duo, the naked CB500F and the sporty CBR500R, fill a mid-size displacement gap between smallish 250cc beginner bikes and larger 600cc supersport weapons. Similarly priced at $5,799 and $6,299 for the F and R, respectively, the bikes represent reliable and fun transportation that’s also economical and attractive. Introduced last year, the CB500F and R have struck a chord with the eco-minded younger generation that are also image-aware and price-conscious.
The main difference between the two siblings is the R’s racy fairing and clip-ons vs the F’s more minimal use of plastic bodywork and standard handlebars. The CBR500R and CB500F share the same 471cc parallel-Twin engine with a nearly-square 67 x 66.8mm bore/stroke configuration. The valvetrain incorporates four valves per cylinder actuated by dual overhead camshafts.
Both are suspended by the same Pro-Link single-shock, with nine-step cam-style spring preload adjustability and 4.7 inches of travel. They also share a front suspension with 4.3 inches of travel, and a wheelbase of 55.5 inches. Honda claims 71-mpg rating, which, combined with its 4.1-gallon fuel tank, could yield a range of more than 250 miles. We’re greedier with the throttle, recording mileage from the mid-50s to as much as 63 mpg.
Also shared between the F and R are details such as rear passenger grab handles, halogen headlights and LCD instrumentation with a digital speedometer and tachometer, clock, odometer, tripmeter, and real-time and average fuel consumption meters. ABS is a $500 option on either.
Designed for more than just entry-level riders, the CB500F and CBR500R are full-size motorcycles for riders of all sizes and experience levels. Both motorcycles function dependably, capably, and economically without being overwhelming, and look good while doing it.
+ Highs
- Not too small but not too big
- Your choice of fairing or no fairing
- Cheaper insurance rates compared to full-on supersport models
– Sighs
- Limited cornering clearance
- No gear-position indicator
- ABS is a $500 option
Honda CB500F/CBR500R Specs | |
|---|---|
| MSRP 500F / 500R | $5,799 / $6,299 |
| Engine Capacity | 471cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled parallel-Twin |
| Bore x Stroke | 67mm x 66.8mm |
| Compression | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Final Drive | O-ring-sealed chain |
| Front Suspension | 41mm fork; 4.3 inches travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel |
| Front Brakes | Twin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc |
| Rear Brakes | Single caliper 240mm wave disc |
| Front Tire | 120/70-17 radial |
| Rear Tire | 160/60-17 radial |
| Seat Height | 30.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 inches |
| Curb Weight (claimed) | 425 pounds/420 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.1 gallons |
| Colors | Black, Pearl White/Blue/Red, Red |
| Warranty | One Year |
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