2014 Honda CB 500F
User Reviews
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12000 Miles 5 months
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 14, 2015I bought this bike after a long search process. It was purchased as the solution to my 100 mile a day commute. When I bought this bike it was with the thought that I was making compromises to get economy. My impressions after 5 months and 12000 miles are this: It is the ultimate starter bike as ... you don't have to grow out of it. As I spend 80% of my time on L.A. freeways I did do a few modifications. First I added a 2 Brothers Racing Carbon Fiber Muffler. It makes you so much more visible on the freeway as you can be heard.This bike is sewing machine quiet stock. Second I replaced the 41 tooth rear sprocket with a 39 tooth rear sprocket. This is a real improvement if you are a freeway commuter. You lose some zip light to light around town but I knew that before I did it. If you spend half or more of your time on surface streets this is not really needed. I also added speigler stainless brake lines. The brakes get vague when hot. The spiegler lines solve that for sure. I rode the bike from Ontario California to San Francisco and back over two days 885 miles from my driveway back to my driveway. On the way back I stopped once. At 230 when the reserve light started to blink. The are you kidding light was already on for my bottom, knees and hands by then. The bike however ran like a champ cruising at 70 mph down the 5 freeway. I average 61 mpg got 60 on the trip. If you baby it you can get 65. This bike isn't a compromise bike its a champ.
Rating breakdown
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Good first bike
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 22, 2014This is the first bike I've officially owned. I feel like I have such little experience that I don't notice every detail like an experienced rider, but here are my impressions.
The CB500F is a great commuter/econo/beginner bike. It's comfortable enough for going around town and on the interstate. ... Once you get past about 70 MPH it start playing keep up instead of get ahead. Throttle response on the freeway isn't instantaneous, but if you know your going to be passing someone you have plenty of power and time to get it done as long as they aren't going over 70 mph. In town the gas mileage is amazing if you ride maturely.
Mechanically speaking I had one problem with the shifter, but it's being taken care of by Honda's warranty. The warranty isn't just a warranty in name only. Honda really wants to produce a quality product, so if you have issues, they really show concern and are willing to make it right. I'm pleased with the bike.
Rating breakdown