2016 Honda CB500FA

Honda’s twin-cylinder sportbikes revolutionized the world of motorcycling when they first appeared, and this latest generation—our 500 twins—are the best ever. Here’s what you need to know about the CB500F ABS: It’s the most broad-spectrum of the 500 family, with minimal bodywork, a classic riding position, and a 30.9-inch seat height that fits a wide range of riders. Even though it’s just a couple of years old, for 2016, it gets some tasty updates both in terms of style and function.

The best part stays the same: the powerful twin-cylinder engine and its wide, user-friendly powerband. But for 2016, you get better shift feel thanks to some transmission upgrades, a new adjustable front-brake lever, a larger fuel tank, and preload-adjustable front suspension. And there’s more, too: The new headlight and crisper style you can see for yourself, but the new exhaust you’ll have to hear to appreciate.

Key Features

Engine & Drivetrain

Low-end torque & top-end performance   The DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine uses a square bore & stroke of 67 mm x 66.8 mm for an optimum combination of strong low-end torque and horsepower and excellent top-end performance.

Powerfully engineered   The 67 mm bore size is the same as used on the CBR600RR.

Compact engine, minimal vibration   Engine vibration is kept to a minimum by using crank pins phased at 180 degrees and a balancer shaft behind the cylinders, which also contributes to the engine’s compact size.

Crisp throttle response   PGM-FI electronic fuel injection keeps the engine running efficiently in all conditions and ensures crisp throttle response.

Runs smoothly at high output levels   Careful flow analysis of the cooling system resulted in a water pump that’s small and lightweight, yet still more than capable of keeping the engine running its best at high output levels.

Maximized air-intake   In order to maximize air-intake and exhaust efficiency, the profile from the air cleaner through the intake ports to the exhaust pipe was made as straight as possible.

Excellent efficiency   The four valves in each of the DOHC cylinder heads have narrow stems, thereby reducing weight and friction and increasing efficiency.

Reduced friction   A light and compact roller-rocker-arm assembly and shim-type valve adjustment allows a lower valve-spring load for reduced friction and a compact cylinder head. The oil pump’s internal relief structure uses the same design as found in the CBR1000RR, which reduces friction, improves aeration performance and simplifies the shape of the oil pan.

Smoother shifting   Improvements to the six-speed gearbox result in smoother, more-precise shifting.

The sound of power   A shorter muffler with redesigned internal structure produces an authoritative exhaust note and improves the bike’s mass centralization.

Improved durability & design   The pins in the silent cam chain have been treated with vanadium, which both reduces friction and improves durability. The lightweight pistons use the same advanced manufacturing process as those found in the CBR600RR. To ensure precise cylinder shape, the engine uses the same centrifugal-cast thin-wall sleeves as found in the CBR600RR.

Designed for rider feedback   The lightweight diamond-shaped steel frame was designed to allow a certain degree of yield, which enables it to better respond to changes in the road surface and to transmit just the right amount of feedback to the rider.

Comfortable & sporty ride   The Pro-Link rear suspension with preload-adjustable shock and the conventional 41 mm telescopic fork are calibrated for a comfortable but sporty ride.

Adjustable fork   The front fork now offers spring-preload adjustment so you can tailor the ride just the way you want it.

Good rider balance at stops   The rear section of the frame was designed to facilitate a seat height of 785 mm, which allows most riders to easily plant their feet on the ground when stopped.

Lightweight wheels   Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spokes not only look trick, they also contribute to the bike’s excellent manoeuvrability.

Reduced unsprung weight   Wave brake rotors with superlative heat-dissipating qualities are lighter than conventional discs of the same diameter, which help to further reduce the bike’s unsprung weight.

ABS braking control   A dual-piston brake caliper up front and a single-piston caliper at the back provide strong but easily controlled stopping power. Plus, ABS gives you extra peace of mind on reduced-traction road surfaces.

Additional Features

Designed for city & highway rides   Ergonomics were carefully configured to ensure an unrestricted riding position that allows easy manoeuvring in town, an easy reach to the ground, as well as excellent comfort during long-distance highway trips.

Aggressive new look   Sleek new bodywork incorporates an LED headlight and taillight, and leaves more of the engine exposed for an aggressive, streetfighter look.

Fuel efficient & increased range   The CB500F boasts a larger fuel tank for 2016, which combined with the fuel-efficient engine, means excellent range for plenty of riding fun between fill-ups.