2017 Honda CB500FA

Insurance friendly!!

Everyone’s looking for the one motorcycle that can do it all—that you can start out on, that fits a wide variety of riders, that can take you to work, school, or on a weekend ride. Used to be there were tons of bikes in this “standard” class. Not so many these days. But here’s the good news: The Honda CB500F is probably the best do-it-all middle-displacement streetbike around.

Big surprise—Honda revolutionized the world of motorcycling with their midsized twins a generation ago. And here’s the intel on the latest members of the family. With its minimal bodywork, a classic riding position, and a 30.9-inch seat height that fits a wide range of riders, the CB500F is going to suit just about any rider. It has a powerful twin-cylinder engine and a wide, user-friendly powerband. It’s a great bike to start out on, or to come back to, or to just ride forever. It embraces the best of motorcycling, and doesn’t get sidetracked with too much flavor-of-the-week design. You want an authentic ride? It just doesn’t get any better than a CB500F.

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 shaftbehind 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.

Smooth shifting   The design of the shifting mechanism in the six-speed gearbox results in smooth, precise shifting.

The sound of power   The internal structure of the CB500F's muffler helps produce 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.

Chassis & Suspension

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 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 look Sleek 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 large fuel tank, which combined with the fuel-efficient engine, means excellent range for plenty of riding fun between fill-ups.

Passenger confidence Grab rails on the tail section are designed to fit gloved hands, giving passengers a dedicated handhold while riding two-up.

Convenient under-seat storage   A utility space under the seat accommodates a U-lock, wet weather gear or other items.

Brake lever and wave key   Adjustable brake lever and wave-style ignition key add to the CB500F’s long list of premium features.

Get blown away – but not by the wind   The CB500F’s compact handlebar-mounted wind deflector contributes to its bold “naked” styling, which leaves the beautifully crafted engine out in full view.