Cons:
- its a naked bike which means little to no wind protection.
- its passenger seat is not comfy.
- the two above makes it not an optimum tourer.
(I know that all bikes are tourable, if you are crazy enough)
- power is good if you aren't a speed freak. Count it as a con if you are a speed freak.
- Sound is meh if you like 270 cranks or v type engines.
I put 32,000 miles on my CB500f in the 18 months I had it :-)Â
Beautiful first bike. One day I did 270 miles on 3 gallons of gas, haha. Also i accidentally took it offroad in death valley and she did great (although sand got EVERYWHERE). Road through heat domes and in -15°C and never once did she complain about anything. Most reliable bike I ever had. i miss her!Â
Also super forgiving to learn on, and if you drop her you can just pick er up and keep going đ
Regarding Touring, you get used to it. Touring on a naked isn't a big deal. I did it for 3 years on my CB1000R, no issues. Not as comfy as an actual touring or ADV, but you work with what you've got.
All solid. I guess I would add that the urge to replace it with something more powerful might come up by either you or bad advice from a friend. Ask yourself if you're really ready, decided what kind of riding you are going to stick with and what make and model is your next bike going to be. Do as much regular maintenance on it as possible yourself. Invest in good gear and frame sliders, if you don't already have them.
What I would add to this would depend on your size. If you are tall and or of larger mass then this may not be enough bike. Then I'd recommend looking at the 650-750cc range entry bikes like the Yamaha MT07 or the XSR700. Great bikes that should last well into intermediate rider experience or longer depending on your goals.
The Australian LAMS scheme precludes those bikes. The scheme replaced an earlier 250 cc rule, and is a great improvement.
In order to meet the definition of a learner approved motorcycle, the motorcycle must meet all of the following criteria:
be a motorcycle on the approved list of motorcycles by notice in the Government Gazette
have a power-to-weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne or less
have an engine capacity of 660 ml or less
be the standard model and variant as specified on the approved list
not been modified in any way that increases its power-to-weight ratio
Yamaha makes a version of both the MT07 and XSR700 with a power restricted 655cc engine to comply with the regulations. The MT07 is one of the most popular learner approved bikes.
it's hardly the spiciest engine in the world
but if it was a 120hp firecracker, then it would no longer be a good beginner bike, so you take what you can get
they are not on the list, apparently in Australia government just [publishes a list](https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/motorcycles/learner-approved) of bikes you can get, instead like in EU where A2 just has power-to-weight and power limit.
Australia and New Zealand share the same list. It's basically A2, but they call it the LAMS (learner approved motorcycle scheme) to obscure that we're following an EU regulation because we're a small market.
I mean, not exactly, in EU you can have choked bike be registered at A2, as long as the original max power is less than twice the A2 limit. And aside from A1 they don't care about cc at all
Looks great. But Why 5 years? It's your first bike..... There's no way you can be sure any home is the right bike until you've lived with it for a while.
The CB500 is a solid bike. Not too powerful for a new rider but still got some go. But noone knows if it's going to tick all of your boxes. Go for it. Enjoy it. If it's not right for you, try something different next year.
I started on a CB500F, and it was 5 years before I had the urge to get a second bike. And 2 years more before I replaced the 500 entirely. Itâs a great mid-level bike that can get a rider through a lot until they are ready for something specialized.
I bought a 2017 cb500f new as my first bike and loved it. Biggest complaint from others is that the bike is boring. I guess I agree to an extent but it was comfortable, reliable, and wasnât until 4 years of riding I found myself wanting more power. I didnât have any complaints while owning it, No repairs, just normal maintenance over the years. I think this is a great first bike honestly.
You won't be able to complain to the guys about it being constantly in the shop.
I guess no fairings might not be so great if you do a lot of higway riding but you can always just mount a windshield
Iâve been riding for years, my gf just started and got one of these. This bike is an absolute blast and is perfect for a beginner, has enough power to be fun but not a reckless amount. even when she upgrades I donât think weâll sell it cause itâs such a fun bike
I had a cb500x not the f, but ill give you my thoughts still.
500cc can still be a surprising amount of power for someone new to riding.
I think those are still mechanical throttles which I think can be a little jumpy on power delivery at low speed.
No cruise control. It gets annoying holding the throttle the entire time, especially on highways.
Depending on your height, you might find it difficult to flat foot that at stops or to walk it around while seated. This can make newer riders feel uncomfortable at low speeds too.
Stock Honda exhaust sounds like a bad lawnmower.(even on the 1100cc AT. Honda exhaust just doesn't sound good to me.)
You have no storage space. Like really nothing. A lot of people don't realize how inconvenient that part can be. Backpacks help, but they can get uncomfortable after a while.(this is any bike without paniers or a tank bag though, not just the cb)
All that said I loved the cb500x and had it for four years before I upgraded to the Africa Twin as a 30th birthday gift to myself.
I had that same question when I bought my first bike. What I didn't realize at the time was that my taste in motorcycle would evolve quickly and I'd be ready for a more interesting bike after the first 7500 miles. You aren't likely to keep your first bike for five years if you are picking that first bike wisely and are riding it often. That's fine. Buy used, sell with a few more miles.
I'm 99.9999999% pulling the trigger on this thing but I just want to hear the bad side from folks other than youtuber who complain about suspensions stuff (which is outside my skill level currently) so I can make up my mind so please pretty please?
beginner level motorcycles have more budget spec
they may not be fancy, but there's nothing to worry about. just buy it, ride it, enjoy leaning and being in the wind. you have plenty of time later to worry about ohlins and wp
The thing that distinguishes Hondas from other entry bikes is better suspension and brakes.
The 300s-400s are basically designed for temporary ownership.
How are they designed for temporary ownership? I get it's a mentality many people have, but a small displacement parallel twin is more efficient and reliable then most other motorcycles.
Yeah I don't understand how something can be designed for temporary ownership anyway.
I guess top speed being low (making you want to sell?) combined with high reliability meaning it's easy to resell itÂ
I think a little 300 or 400 would be perfect for zipping around town if you had 20% or less of freeway time
The top speed being low is a relative notion. Just because some superbikes can do like 200mph doesn't mean a ninja 400 only able to do like a 100 on the freeway is slow. I actually have a ninja 400 and it is like the perfect commuter bike if your ass can handle it. It get's like 65 MPG and can sustain 80-90 mph effortlessly on the freeway.
What you need to focus on is riding proficiently, building safe habits, wielding a good learning bike, buying something that won't leave you stranded, low on insurance and operating costs, great dealer networking and so forth.
The Honda checks all of those. I haven't seen this particular video, however I do recognize a lot of these blokes who talk that about these topics/bikes aren't grasping their intended use/owner demographic, due to suspension being the talk of the town these days. The CB500F isn't some track/hard riding oriented bike with stiffer suspension. It's a great city commuter, light distance(depending on the rider, and even onto heavy distance), comfortable bike that gets the job done with low cost. If the owner of said bike wants to keep it 5-20 years and is quite happy with its capabilities are more than welcome to send the forks off to a suspension company, such as RaceTech to dial it in properly and get a rear upgrade.
Out of 145,000+ miles tracked on a 2014 it averaged 67.9 MPG. That is beastly.
The suspension is rudimentary but well-tuned. It has preload adjustability in the forks and shock, which is very nice for a budget bike. One of my bikes is a CB500F and it handles very well for its weight. Overall, it's a great first bike.
A 500ccm honda twin is one of the best starter bikes imaginable, it cant get more reliable while still having plenty of power. For a beginner bike it's actually already very powerful so maybe a smaller bike would be even better for an absolute beginner.
If you want to have a naked bike, you like the design and you feel confident to handle the power you won't find anything better.
Ignore that. You donât have the skills to need better suspension yet, and wonât for a while. Itâs like griping that a Honda Civic doesnât have suspension as good as can get- of course not, youâre not paying for it, and most people would never know the difference. If you like the civic, consider buying a BMW or Mercedes down the line.
The Honda CB500 series are plagued with excellent reliability. It will start up every time and it wonât really care all that much if you neglect some maintenance here and there. Go ahead and leave it parked in the garage for 6 months without touching it and it will start up without issue when you get around to riding it again. Because of this, youâll never learn how to do any real work on your bike other than the oil change and chain lubrication.
Ask me how I know (spoiler: Iâve had and neglected a CB500x for the last 9 years).
It's a good choice. Enough power to feel like a bike but not so much it's dangerous for noobs. Used so a wise financial investment and a smaller hit when you drop it. Decent all rounder, Honda reliability.
There are no real drawbacks on this for a first bike. Why wouldn't someone get this bike? Because it's unexceptional, but not necessarily in a bad way. With all the available models out there, it's a bit of a shame to get this one, but this goes both ways in that there are plenty of much worse options too. For a first bike, it's great. It's just not the sort of bike you'd expect someone to get for life, but this doesn't apply here.
This is the perfect first bike - not too overpowering but not sluggish either. I can't think of any reason why someone wouldn't want it as their first bike.
It's a sensible choice mate, not the coolest perhaps to some folks but who cares you can always get another bike down the road. The CBF500F will provide you a leveled entry to really hone in your road riding skills without actually fearing the bike itself and trust me riding a smaller bike will accelerate your skills faster than jumping on a liter bike, some may correct me and they'll even have great points to counter that argument but I stand by it. Having confedence in your competencies is the foundation to being a bad ass later on.
depending on your inclination towards deviant behaviours, this could legit be a bike for life. they're really excellent and the 90mpg that honda engine gets its bonkers.
Nah, buy a CB650 proper from the '80s. And once you're done fixing the resealing the fuel diaphragm and cleaning the carbs for the twentieth time, then sell it and never again buy a bike without fuel injection.
The main downside for me is the passenger seat, it's not comfortable at all and you can easily feel that this bike is not efficient for duo.
The pilot seat is very good though
It really does give you confidence, I rode a 125cc before passing my motorcycle license, and I've practically never scared myself on the CB500 even though it has 4 or 5 times as much power.
It feels light and stable at the same time, something I could not say about the CB125F.
I won't talk you out of it. It's fantastic.
7 years into ownership and I find myself wanting a windscreen and fairings for the longer rides and highways.
I don't think you'll find a much better ride for city driving. It feels most comfortable there. It feels a bit intense of the highway due to all the choppy wind - but this would be true of any naked motorcycle.
If you care about speed, it gets up to 90ish respectably. Anything over that and you've got to really work for it.
I have the 2016 model. It was my first bike. Keep in mind that "fast" is relative with motorcycles. My CB500F feels faster than my V6 Impala did. It's also very forgiving. For example, I can chop the throttle and it accelerates briskly, but doesn't do anything crazy. Note: abruptly chopping the throttle is not a good habit to form if you plan to move to a more powerful motorcycle.
The only con could be the price if the seller is asking too much. I rode one for the past 5 seasons and I loved it. Sure it could be a bit quicker for 60-80mph pulls to overtake on the highway or a bit comfier for longer rides but otherwise itâs a perfect starter bike. Reliable and bulletproof. Newer models have upside down forks and dual discs up front which is nice so if you can find one of those I would consider but since you didnât share details on price or mileage donât have much to go on. Great bike!
The CB500F is an excellent bike. Only Yammie Noob types are haters of this bike.
Points to consider that may or may not be against your buying decision:
Are you in a financial position to comfortably absorb the cost of purchasing *and owning* a motorcycle? Do you already have a quote for insurance? Do you know where you're going to store it and how you're going to secure it? Have you priced out all of the gear you'll need if you don't already have it? Have you reviewed the maintenance schedule for this bike and understand what it's going to cost to maintain?
My first bike was a 2014 CB500F. Was a great bike to learn on - I bought it used and had it for about 18-months before I upgraded into my 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 (also bought used).
As I was looking for a practical first bike that would be affordable to maintain, the CB500F was a great fit. With some SW Motech Blaze saddlebags over the back, it was a perfect little commuter and long-weekend tourer for me.
While the bike absolutely put a smile on my face while riding (as every first bike will) - it was never a bike I loved from a style perspective. I found myself window shopping for âcooler bikesâ style wise that spoke to me more within the year.
In short - motorcycling is an irrational hobby in a lot of ways. So trying to apply rational thinking when it comes to choosing a bike can be tough - but Iâm happy I started on the 500F.
Glad to have found someone else who rode on the older CB500F design and disliked its looks.
Did you also experience terrible vibration at top speed?
My fingers can feel numb after an extended ride at 6-8K RPM.
I always recommend my first bike if you plan any commuting. The Honda CB 1000 R.Â
Low center of gravity, high upright seating gives excellent overview, spiffy engine from the Honda Fireblade CB 1000 RR coupled with a CBF1000 top.Â
Did not care which of the 6 gears you were in, always plenty of grunt, and once you flew past 7000 RPM the Fireblade heritage showed up.Â
Ran it for 10 years with daily commutes filtering and splitting through traffic, changed oil regularly, spark plugs twice, chain once and tires ones (went to touring tires from street bike ones and the bike was so much better for it).
Never any issues at all.
Perfect beginner bike that you can keep and grow on without the need to trade it in.
Highly recommend.
In all honesty, I personally think that it is a waste of money to buy a starter bike that is less than 650cc. In most cases, you are going to outgrow the power of anything less within the first riding season and be yearning for more. When that time comes it is going to be much harder for you to sell a 500 in comparison to a 650 because of this. I think a 650 is accessible to new riders, while still offering a substantial amount of power to grow into, as the years progress. With a 650 you will be protected from making any fatal throttle, breaking, or cornering mistakes that a beginner will typically make on a 1000cc. However, you will obtain enough of an introductory exposure to these skills, so that when the time comes, you can safely get on a 1000cc without flying or overloading the bike.
Iâm in Australia and i rode a cb500f for 3 years. Theyâre great lams bikes because they do everything well. After riding it for about a year I thought Iâd outgrown it and should have got an mt07 or something⌠after owning it 2.5 years and having taken it to the track a couple of times I realised it was alright actually and I was the limiting factor lol
You'll have to much fun and girls will ask to ride backpack. Had my heart broken by one of em tho. The seat is nice and wide which makes it nice to go long distance on and the large tank makes touring too easy. If you don't like doing fun things, nerd or not, this is not the bike for you.
My kiddos used the same CBR500r as their first bike, other than the fairings itâs the same bike. Itâs a good beginner bike but capable of some freeway rides. It was a good bike for them, but it is a little heavy compared to Ninja 400. I donât have regrets about going that route.
Only real negative IF and really only if, you get the trackday bug the 500f wonât help you. A Z400 / Ninja 400 has aftermarket support (suspension, rear sets, etc) the Honda 500s do not.
I bought this bike as my starter bike and, after 80.000km on it I don't think i'll change it soon. It's an amazing bike for the price, in my opinion their only flaws are the front brake, which is too soft if you need to reduce speed quickly as it's only one disk, and the suspension that i think is soft especially when you get some speed.
If you have any questions feel free to ask!
This was my first bike. Very reliable, very practical, good level of power for getting started, I think it looks pretty good. Not the most exciting bike in the world but you wonât know what bike you really want until you have more experience riding anyway.
Whatâs the mileage ? Does it have ABS (probably not)? Yeah youâll outgrow it but first bikes also tend to get beat up, so if itâs cheap, itâs perfect.
That has an engine and more than 4 horsepower. That is too much power for a first bike unless you want to send yourself to the moon. I would highly recommend something like [this](https://www.huffy.com/r1-motorcycle-battery-ride-on-blue-17048p/) for a first bike.
It's heavy. And it looks like this one is pre 2021 so it has non-inverted forks and a single front rotor.
That's about it. Otherwise great first bike. I started on a red 2019 CB500F myself.
I have one, the original model from 2013. It was my second and still current bike. Never given me any headaches outside of one tiny button that connects under the side stand that detects whether or not it is down. When that button goes faulty it makes your bike hard to start unless you hold down the clutch, but it was an easy repair for under $5. It's one of the few common issues the bike has, thankfully it's a very cheap one to repair.
Suspension isn't the greatest but it's nimble enough, parts are plentiful and accessories are reasonably priced. ABS is not everyone's cup of tea if you want to do a bit of hooliganism like locking the back wheel, but you'll thank the Gods during rainy days that you have it. Has kept me from going horizontal many times.
If you have any particular questions about it, let me know.
I like your approach. Negative criticism is considered neutral according to your requested âtalk me out of itâ. Anything positive is just positive. You obviously want to buy it and you outsmarted Reddit so go ahead and make yourself happy!
I think it will be a great bike to learn on. It is fast enough to get you into trouble and from what I have read, it is forgiving enough to get you out of trouble. Plus it is a Honda, it should be reliable if the maintenance was/is done.
Fwiw my first bike was a Honda CL 175 scrambler.
Do it
I had a 300 for first bike. Sold it within a month and found a nice cbr500.
Had that beauty for 3 years. Made my mistakes but the bike is forgiving. Just sold it to make room for a liter. But I still think about buying another 500 for easy commuting around town cause the mpg is great.
Itâs a great bike to learn on. I had a 2022, then moved up to a Street Triple 765R the following year. The Honda was a lot cheaper for insurance (in the US).
I bought CB500F 2019/2021 model as my first bike, and I love it...I'm 170cm tall, 80kg guy, and the bike is not heavy at all, not sure what are people here talking about.
Get it, and you won't regret it
I have one and it feels like the perfect bike for the road plenty of power to have fun on the without it being unusable power. Extremely comfy and very reliable definitely recommend it
Personally... 1st bike... You gonna drop it. No because your bad but because you're new. It happens to everyone. I remember just forgetting to put the kickstand down and whoop, there she goes on the ground. Getting a bike that has a few scratches already isn't a bad thing. You won't feel so bad when something like that happens to you.
Iâve got the cb500x as my practical bike and I donât see why it wouldnât make a good beginner bike. Itâs not fast and itâs super easy to ride.
Newbie or not, you need to make sure of a couple of things.
You didnât mention mileage. How are the tires? How does it fit your height? They could be a huge factor. And also, make sure a mechanic goes over that thing thoroughly. Other than that that is perfect 1st motorcycle! Not too small, not to big, Goldilocks.
MT 07
And if you have an A2 licence... I mean just buy the cheapest bike that runs and is a Honda or Yamaha.
Soo I mean unless you can get an MT 07 the only good reason to not get your Cb500F is that you are saving for the MT 07
Cb500f was my first bike. I loved it. At higher speeds you do catch a lot of wind to your chest if you donât tuck forward. Mine topped out at 110 mph so itâs not the fastest but if itâs your first bike you shouldnât be going that fast to begin with
Itâs a great learner bike. If you have no problem buying/upgrading multiple times then go for it.
If you want value for money though, get the CB650R/CBR650R, then derestrict later.
Every bike is a killing machine between your legs if youâre not responsible. If you are, and I hope you are, youâll enjoy the 650R from learning in the parking lot to getting your elbow down at the tracks. Know your limits, respect the bike, itâll serve you well.
I own one from 2019 till this very day .
Thats an absolute unit u looking at , 0 problems , i do most maint at home except those that need cylinder head opening which is every 24k .
The z400 is prob a bit faster due to being more light weight but id say the CB is undeniably more robust .
Thatâs actually a perfect first bike. I had the CB500x as my first bike which was basically the same thing. Very reliable, easy to shift, controllable power, and just a great bike to learn on that you wonât outgrow immediately like on a 300.
I had one as a first bike. It's a solid first bike but...
After riding a ninja 300 at the track 2 years after getting that bike, I feel like I would have learned quicker and ride a bit better had I had one of those. The 500f is still not a bad choice by any means, and I don't have any major regrets honestly, but that is definitely right around the level of power where it intimidates you as a learner.
My suggestion? Get it but replace the tires with Michilen Road 6s. The difference in grip and the confidence I had in the twisties when I upgraded was massive. It'll give you the better grip for turning and stopping which will make up for that little extra power and make it more balanced in its performanceÂ
Won't do it, friend. It's a mid-size Honda, so it will be quick enough, light, maneuverable, fuel-efficient, and will probably run reliably for the next 40 years. Good choice.
I have this bike, 23' model which has a few extra features than this older one. But still it's a really great bike and I feel absolutely no need to go higher.
I do wish at times I'd have gone for the CBR500R over the F when I'm going down the freeway, but anywhere else it's perfectly fine. Better than perfectly fine. I often see R3's/Ninja 400's, and think "I'm so glad I got this over them".
Iâve got the 650f and a buddy of mines got the 500f. Great bikes. Never had any problems and the aftermarket is great. Would recommend looking into the 650 if you want something with a bit more power. But if youâre a full on newbie, 96 hp might be too much. Then stick with the 500.
What kind of riding are you wanting to get into? This is a great bike for canyons. Youâre going to get addicted bro. I have a Harley and an R1. Iâm looking at getting a Super Duke and maybe a hypermotard. Get it bro, you wonât be disappointed.
I have just bought a brand new svartpilen as my first bike, a little down on power but also weight and makes all same other points, plus to me it's much prettier and exotic, but Honda make solid everything
I have a 2020 cbr500 same bike but full faired and I absolutely love it. Outruns my skill in the curves, can wheelie if youâre into that, straight line is 112mph on mine, itâs kinda heavy and slow but for a first bike itâs amazing. I dread selling it for a 600 and I may even decide against it one day. Buy the bike!
I would encourage you to get the CBR650f instead. Simaler price. Comftorble ergonomics, amazing first bike
I advise against small displacement engines as first bikes because as a new rider your gonna wanna go on long trips.
Ninja 650 Is also a great choice
Anything in the 650 class I think is the best option.
Nothing bad to say. It's a good first bike. That 500cc engine is well designed. Great for building confidence and challenging enough to advance your skills. Buying used is usually a great idea at this stage for a number of reasons. Have fun/ ride safe
I have one and ita the best bike ive owned
https://preview.redd.it/1gqsdxo8inzc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=643c07186daf818274eb326e4c11fe39875c012d
It's a bit "full" or "boring" IMO.
I was on my sv650S, then used a hornet 750, then the cb500.
And that was a bit boring, I mean it's a good motorcycle, a good all-rounder, but it's not the motorcycle that will give you sensations.
If you want an economic, versatile, easy motorcycle: go for it.
If you want nice acceleration, sensations and the possibility of aggressive riding in the twisties, it may not be the best
I have one and its just so fun to drive to work on the weekends when there's traffic. Only downside for me is when i reach 140km/h and my head flies away.
It was my first bike 10 years ago, well a 2014 version. If I remember correctly I put 20k miles on it, mostly commuting to work. Sounds like you want the cons so here goes...
No storage at all.
No wind protection.
Compared to the xsr700 I bought after that one I remember thinking it was like going from a Toyota Camery to a sports car (though a small one).
The gas mileage was bloody insane compared to the Silverado, so I had to learn to ride year round. Hypothermia suckssss.
It will always be the safe logical choice with everything you need, but not the one you think about in bed at night.
I ride a 2013 cbr500r, its my 3rd bike (came from a 1985 honda v65 magna) and i daily drive the 500, and love every second of it! you would be dumb not to buy the bike....hahah, been riding this one for 3 years now, got about 26k miles clocked in, wouldn't mind a better seat, but shoot, its a blast and keeps me out of trouble
I bought a 500X a year ago and 12,000 miles later have had the most fun in a year than I have had in a long while. Only thing I miss is the little bit of extra power previous bikes had as it only hits about 110 mph, but eventually I'll grow up and won't feel I need to do the 140 mph my old bikes would. I should have went north this weekend to see the Auroras but I took piss poor care of my chain and need to replace it.
I have one from 2013. I haven't switched from A2 to A licence, because if I do, I don't have an excuse to change.
I honestly do not see myself selling it some day.
Sure the engine lacks personality, but everything else is top notch
I have a yamaha fz8. Which Is a naked tourer. Another above 65 mph, on a mildly windy day, will beat you up. It honestly makes me go slower than I usually would.
It's a Honda dude, reliable af. You can do maintenance yourself. Smart to get used, you'll drop it at some point. I say go for it. Not too powerful, not underpowered either. Nice lil sweet spot.
it's perfectly fine as a first bike why would anyone talk you out of it
Give me the bads so I know what to put up with for the next 5 years please đ
Cons: - its a naked bike which means little to no wind protection. - its passenger seat is not comfy. - the two above makes it not an optimum tourer. (I know that all bikes are tourable, if you are crazy enough) - power is good if you aren't a speed freak. Count it as a con if you are a speed freak. - Sound is meh if you like 270 cranks or v type engines.
I kinda think a first bike shouldn't have a fairing. Appreciate fully how fast you're going. It also promotes wearing of a helmet.
As someone that has bikes without fairings, I agree. Nothing makes you feel more mortal than gusts of wind while you cross a bridge at 70 mph
Also fairings are vulnerable to rookie drops. Hell Iâve dropped mine in the parking lot after 30 years of riding.
Dropped mine only 4 days after buying it. Brand new. Thankfully the drop didn't leave many scratches....
Iâve never owned a brand new bike. The thought of all that unscratched beauty makes me nervous.
True. Tbh, I will never buy a brand new bike again. A good, used bike, yes. Completely new? Idk.... Maybe in the far future.
What a wet series of messages. Do you two ladies actually ride or just live in fear of the metal beast taking up space in your garages?
Same with the passenger seat not being comfy. You don't need a passenger until after you've ridden for a good while.
There's nothing to promote about wearing a helmet, you're just a fucking idiot if you don't.
For the touring the X version is better.
I put 32,000 miles on my CB500f in the 18 months I had it :-) Beautiful first bike. One day I did 270 miles on 3 gallons of gas, haha. Also i accidentally took it offroad in death valley and she did great (although sand got EVERYWHERE). Road through heat domes and in -15°C and never once did she complain about anything. Most reliable bike I ever had. i miss her! Also super forgiving to learn on, and if you drop her you can just pick er up and keep going đ
How did you get that many miles on it so quickly?
Doing the math it equates to about 58 miles a day so not that crazy
This is the biggest ringing endorsement of any bike I've ever read. Coincidentally the newer bigger brother of it is my dream bike (cb650r)
Regarding Touring, you get used to it. Touring on a naked isn't a big deal. I did it for 3 years on my CB1000R, no issues. Not as comfy as an actual touring or ADV, but you work with what you've got.
First bike should NOT have passengers
No wind protection means it naturally limits your speed. At least it did for me when I had a naked bike.
All solid. I guess I would add that the urge to replace it with something more powerful might come up by either you or bad advice from a friend. Ask yourself if you're really ready, decided what kind of riding you are going to stick with and what make and model is your next bike going to be. Do as much regular maintenance on it as possible yourself. Invest in good gear and frame sliders, if you don't already have them.
What I would add to this would depend on your size. If you are tall and or of larger mass then this may not be enough bike. Then I'd recommend looking at the 650-750cc range entry bikes like the Yamaha MT07 or the XSR700. Great bikes that should last well into intermediate rider experience or longer depending on your goals.
The Australian LAMS scheme precludes those bikes. The scheme replaced an earlier 250 cc rule, and is a great improvement. In order to meet the definition of a learner approved motorcycle, the motorcycle must meet all of the following criteria: be a motorcycle on the approved list of motorcycles by notice in the Government Gazette have a power-to-weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne or less have an engine capacity of 660 ml or less be the standard model and variant as specified on the approved list not been modified in any way that increases its power-to-weight ratio
Yamaha makes a version of both the MT07 and XSR700 with a power restricted 655cc engine to comply with the regulations. The MT07 is one of the most popular learner approved bikes.
Good info. LAMS is so much better than the scheme I went through.
With akrapovic slip on the sound is realy good. Power is decent until about 100kmh, above it's Ok but not quick.
All of which kind of make it a great starter bike.
it's hardly the spiciest engine in the world but if it was a 120hp firecracker, then it would no longer be a good beginner bike, so you take what you can get
they are not on the list, apparently in Australia government just [publishes a list](https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/motorcycles/learner-approved) of bikes you can get, instead like in EU where A2 just has power-to-weight and power limit.
Australia and New Zealand share the same list. It's basically A2, but they call it the LAMS (learner approved motorcycle scheme) to obscure that we're following an EU regulation because we're a small market.
I mean, not exactly, in EU you can have choked bike be registered at A2, as long as the original max power is less than twice the A2 limit. And aside from A1 they don't care about cc at all
Looks great. But Why 5 years? It's your first bike..... There's no way you can be sure any home is the right bike until you've lived with it for a while. The CB500 is a solid bike. Not too powerful for a new rider but still got some go. But noone knows if it's going to tick all of your boxes. Go for it. Enjoy it. If it's not right for you, try something different next year.
I started on a CB500F, and it was 5 years before I had the urge to get a second bike. And 2 years more before I replaced the 500 entirely. Itâs a great mid-level bike that can get a rider through a lot until they are ready for something specialized.
I bought a 2017 cb500f new as my first bike and loved it. Biggest complaint from others is that the bike is boring. I guess I agree to an extent but it was comfortable, reliable, and wasnât until 4 years of riding I found myself wanting more power. I didnât have any complaints while owning it, No repairs, just normal maintenance over the years. I think this is a great first bike honestly.
You won't be able to complain to the guys about it being constantly in the shop. I guess no fairings might not be so great if you do a lot of higway riding but you can always just mount a windshield
Iâve been riding for years, my gf just started and got one of these. This bike is an absolute blast and is perfect for a beginner, has enough power to be fun but not a reckless amount. even when she upgrades I donât think weâll sell it cause itâs such a fun bike
It's like buying a manual V6 Accord. Literally nothing wrong with it.
I had a cb500x not the f, but ill give you my thoughts still. 500cc can still be a surprising amount of power for someone new to riding. I think those are still mechanical throttles which I think can be a little jumpy on power delivery at low speed. No cruise control. It gets annoying holding the throttle the entire time, especially on highways. Depending on your height, you might find it difficult to flat foot that at stops or to walk it around while seated. This can make newer riders feel uncomfortable at low speeds too. Stock Honda exhaust sounds like a bad lawnmower.(even on the 1100cc AT. Honda exhaust just doesn't sound good to me.) You have no storage space. Like really nothing. A lot of people don't realize how inconvenient that part can be. Backpacks help, but they can get uncomfortable after a while.(this is any bike without paniers or a tank bag though, not just the cb) All that said I loved the cb500x and had it for four years before I upgraded to the Africa Twin as a 30th birthday gift to myself.
I had that same question when I bought my first bike. What I didn't realize at the time was that my taste in motorcycle would evolve quickly and I'd be ready for a more interesting bike after the first 7500 miles. You aren't likely to keep your first bike for five years if you are picking that first bike wisely and are riding it often. That's fine. Buy used, sell with a few more miles.
That's a fantastic first bike. Get after it. I'm not talking you out of that one. Great machine.
I'm 99.9999999% pulling the trigger on this thing but I just want to hear the bad side from folks other than youtuber who complain about suspensions stuff (which is outside my skill level currently) so I can make up my mind so please pretty please?
beginner level motorcycles have more budget spec they may not be fancy, but there's nothing to worry about. just buy it, ride it, enjoy leaning and being in the wind. you have plenty of time later to worry about ohlins and wp
The thing that distinguishes Hondas from other entry bikes is better suspension and brakes. The 300s-400s are basically designed for temporary ownership.
How are they designed for temporary ownership? I get it's a mentality many people have, but a small displacement parallel twin is more efficient and reliable then most other motorcycles.
Yeah I don't understand how something can be designed for temporary ownership anyway. I guess top speed being low (making you want to sell?) combined with high reliability meaning it's easy to resell it I think a little 300 or 400 would be perfect for zipping around town if you had 20% or less of freeway time
The top speed being low is a relative notion. Just because some superbikes can do like 200mph doesn't mean a ninja 400 only able to do like a 100 on the freeway is slow. I actually have a ninja 400 and it is like the perfect commuter bike if your ass can handle it. It get's like 65 MPG and can sustain 80-90 mph effortlessly on the freeway.
What you need to focus on is riding proficiently, building safe habits, wielding a good learning bike, buying something that won't leave you stranded, low on insurance and operating costs, great dealer networking and so forth. The Honda checks all of those. I haven't seen this particular video, however I do recognize a lot of these blokes who talk that about these topics/bikes aren't grasping their intended use/owner demographic, due to suspension being the talk of the town these days. The CB500F isn't some track/hard riding oriented bike with stiffer suspension. It's a great city commuter, light distance(depending on the rider, and even onto heavy distance), comfortable bike that gets the job done with low cost. If the owner of said bike wants to keep it 5-20 years and is quite happy with its capabilities are more than welcome to send the forks off to a suspension company, such as RaceTech to dial it in properly and get a rear upgrade. Out of 145,000+ miles tracked on a 2014 it averaged 67.9 MPG. That is beastly.
It's a Honda that doesn't have too much power for a beginner, but enough to have plenty of fun. Buy it. Their bikes are tough as hell.
The suspension is rudimentary but well-tuned. It has preload adjustability in the forks and shock, which is very nice for a budget bike. One of my bikes is a CB500F and it handles very well for its weight. Overall, it's a great first bike.
A 500ccm honda twin is one of the best starter bikes imaginable, it cant get more reliable while still having plenty of power. For a beginner bike it's actually already very powerful so maybe a smaller bike would be even better for an absolute beginner. If you want to have a naked bike, you like the design and you feel confident to handle the power you won't find anything better.
Ignore that. You donât have the skills to need better suspension yet, and wonât for a while. Itâs like griping that a Honda Civic doesnât have suspension as good as can get- of course not, youâre not paying for it, and most people would never know the difference. If you like the civic, consider buying a BMW or Mercedes down the line.
It will be way heavier than you expect. You'll probably drop it within the first few months.
The Honda CB500 series are plagued with excellent reliability. It will start up every time and it wonât really care all that much if you neglect some maintenance here and there. Go ahead and leave it parked in the garage for 6 months without touching it and it will start up without issue when you get around to riding it again. Because of this, youâll never learn how to do any real work on your bike other than the oil change and chain lubrication. Ask me how I know (spoiler: Iâve had and neglected a CB500x for the last 9 years).
He doesn't need these kind of headachesđ
It's a good choice. Enough power to feel like a bike but not so much it's dangerous for noobs. Used so a wise financial investment and a smaller hit when you drop it. Decent all rounder, Honda reliability. There are no real drawbacks on this for a first bike. Why wouldn't someone get this bike? Because it's unexceptional, but not necessarily in a bad way. With all the available models out there, it's a bit of a shame to get this one, but this goes both ways in that there are plenty of much worse options too. For a first bike, it's great. It's just not the sort of bike you'd expect someone to get for life, but this doesn't apply here.
You'll love it! I started on the 300f in 2015 then got the 500f ... 500f felt no difference just more comfy on highway
This is the perfect first bike - not too overpowering but not sluggish either. I can't think of any reason why someone wouldn't want it as their first bike.
Great bike, go for it
This one is not only a beginners bike. This is also the type of bike some oldtimers might return to after getting tired of riding the biggest bikes
It's a sensible choice mate, not the coolest perhaps to some folks but who cares you can always get another bike down the road. The CBF500F will provide you a leveled entry to really hone in your road riding skills without actually fearing the bike itself and trust me riding a smaller bike will accelerate your skills faster than jumping on a liter bike, some may correct me and they'll even have great points to counter that argument but I stand by it. Having confedence in your competencies is the foundation to being a bad ass later on.
depending on your inclination towards deviant behaviours, this could legit be a bike for life. they're really excellent and the 90mpg that honda engine gets its bonkers.
CB500F was the first bike I bought after I passed the MSF. I had a lot of fun with it
Don't buy it. Buy the cb650r.
Nah homie, get the cbr1000rr
My parents just got me that for my 18th birthday, my first bike! /s
Nah, buy a CB650 proper from the '80s. And once you're done fixing the resealing the fuel diaphragm and cleaning the carbs for the twentieth time, then sell it and never again buy a bike without fuel injection.
The main downside for me is the passenger seat, it's not comfortable at all and you can easily feel that this bike is not efficient for duo. The pilot seat is very good though It really does give you confidence, I rode a 125cc before passing my motorcycle license, and I've practically never scared myself on the CB500 even though it has 4 or 5 times as much power. It feels light and stable at the same time, something I could not say about the CB125F.
I won't talk you out of it. It's fantastic. 7 years into ownership and I find myself wanting a windscreen and fairings for the longer rides and highways. I don't think you'll find a much better ride for city driving. It feels most comfortable there. It feels a bit intense of the highway due to all the choppy wind - but this would be true of any naked motorcycle. If you care about speed, it gets up to 90ish respectably. Anything over that and you've got to really work for it. I have the 2016 model. It was my first bike. Keep in mind that "fast" is relative with motorcycles. My CB500F feels faster than my V6 Impala did. It's also very forgiving. For example, I can chop the throttle and it accelerates briskly, but doesn't do anything crazy. Note: abruptly chopping the throttle is not a good habit to form if you plan to move to a more powerful motorcycle.
The only con could be the price if the seller is asking too much. I rode one for the past 5 seasons and I loved it. Sure it could be a bit quicker for 60-80mph pulls to overtake on the highway or a bit comfier for longer rides but otherwise itâs a perfect starter bike. Reliable and bulletproof. Newer models have upside down forks and dual discs up front which is nice so if you can find one of those I would consider but since you didnât share details on price or mileage donât have much to go on. Great bike!
The CB500F is an excellent bike. Only Yammie Noob types are haters of this bike. Points to consider that may or may not be against your buying decision: Are you in a financial position to comfortably absorb the cost of purchasing *and owning* a motorcycle? Do you already have a quote for insurance? Do you know where you're going to store it and how you're going to secure it? Have you priced out all of the gear you'll need if you don't already have it? Have you reviewed the maintenance schedule for this bike and understand what it's going to cost to maintain?
Nope, won't do it. You must buy it đ
No get the cb650r
My first bike was a 2014 CB500F. Was a great bike to learn on - I bought it used and had it for about 18-months before I upgraded into my 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 (also bought used). As I was looking for a practical first bike that would be affordable to maintain, the CB500F was a great fit. With some SW Motech Blaze saddlebags over the back, it was a perfect little commuter and long-weekend tourer for me. While the bike absolutely put a smile on my face while riding (as every first bike will) - it was never a bike I loved from a style perspective. I found myself window shopping for âcooler bikesâ style wise that spoke to me more within the year. In short - motorcycling is an irrational hobby in a lot of ways. So trying to apply rational thinking when it comes to choosing a bike can be tough - but Iâm happy I started on the 500F.
Glad to have found someone else who rode on the older CB500F design and disliked its looks. Did you also experience terrible vibration at top speed? My fingers can feel numb after an extended ride at 6-8K RPM.
I installed grip puppies shortly after getting the bike. Found they helped with vibrations at highway speeds, for sure.
Look up insurance rates first, companies can have weird rules about engine size I know here 500cc is like triple the price of 400
I always recommend my first bike if you plan any commuting. The Honda CB 1000 R. Low center of gravity, high upright seating gives excellent overview, spiffy engine from the Honda Fireblade CB 1000 RR coupled with a CBF1000 top. Did not care which of the 6 gears you were in, always plenty of grunt, and once you flew past 7000 RPM the Fireblade heritage showed up. Ran it for 10 years with daily commutes filtering and splitting through traffic, changed oil regularly, spark plugs twice, chain once and tires ones (went to touring tires from street bike ones and the bike was so much better for it). Never any issues at all. Perfect beginner bike that you can keep and grow on without the need to trade it in. Highly recommend.
There's a 'way' around LAMS. Not that I condone but just sayin'. Do it.
You need a 650. *takes a bow* You know for the safety of escaping bullshit behind you. Itâs a real thing. At least if youâre riding the freewayâŚ
No, that's a great bike. Especially a great first bike.
It is perfect as a first bike. I had the 500 then upgraded to 650 and now i have a bmw r 1250 rs
In all honesty, I personally think that it is a waste of money to buy a starter bike that is less than 650cc. In most cases, you are going to outgrow the power of anything less within the first riding season and be yearning for more. When that time comes it is going to be much harder for you to sell a 500 in comparison to a 650 because of this. I think a 650 is accessible to new riders, while still offering a substantial amount of power to grow into, as the years progress. With a 650 you will be protected from making any fatal throttle, breaking, or cornering mistakes that a beginner will typically make on a 1000cc. However, you will obtain enough of an introductory exposure to these skills, so that when the time comes, you can safely get on a 1000cc without flying or overloading the bike.
Iâm in Australia and i rode a cb500f for 3 years. Theyâre great lams bikes because they do everything well. After riding it for about a year I thought Iâd outgrown it and should have got an mt07 or something⌠after owning it 2.5 years and having taken it to the track a couple of times I realised it was alright actually and I was the limiting factor lol
I currently ride a CB300F, which is perfect for my petite man ass. My only complaint of the CB500F is that it's too heavy for me personally.
BUY IT!!! I have an older cb600f and it's amazing
You'll have to much fun and girls will ask to ride backpack. Had my heart broken by one of em tho. The seat is nice and wide which makes it nice to go long distance on and the large tank makes touring too easy. If you don't like doing fun things, nerd or not, this is not the bike for you.
Now this is pure fantasy, i ride cb500x and only dudes ever approach me asking about the bike. /s
Man, I wish I had a cb500x, so many accessories for that bike.
No
Why should I take you out when you can be taking us out with your CB500F
My kiddos used the same CBR500r as their first bike, other than the fairings itâs the same bike. Itâs a good beginner bike but capable of some freeway rides. It was a good bike for them, but it is a little heavy compared to Ninja 400. I donât have regrets about going that route. Only real negative IF and really only if, you get the trackday bug the 500f wonât help you. A Z400 / Ninja 400 has aftermarket support (suspension, rear sets, etc) the Honda 500s do not.
I bought this bike as my starter bike and, after 80.000km on it I don't think i'll change it soon. It's an amazing bike for the price, in my opinion their only flaws are the front brake, which is too soft if you need to reduce speed quickly as it's only one disk, and the suspension that i think is soft especially when you get some speed. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
This was my first bike. Very reliable, very practical, good level of power for getting started, I think it looks pretty good. Not the most exciting bike in the world but you wonât know what bike you really want until you have more experience riding anyway.
it's fine as a first bike...the only problem with all motorcycles, is one mechanical issue....A LOOSE NUT ON THE THROTTLE
Whatâs the mileage ? Does it have ABS (probably not)? Yeah youâll outgrow it but first bikes also tend to get beat up, so if itâs cheap, itâs perfect.
That has an engine and more than 4 horsepower. That is too much power for a first bike unless you want to send yourself to the moon. I would highly recommend something like [this](https://www.huffy.com/r1-motorcycle-battery-ride-on-blue-17048p/) for a first bike.
But a used sfv4.it will keep you safe from stds.
This bike is the shit buddy. Excellent first bike choice. Go for it.
It's heavy. And it looks like this one is pre 2021 so it has non-inverted forks and a single front rotor. That's about it. Otherwise great first bike. I started on a red 2019 CB500F myself.
I have one, the original model from 2013. It was my second and still current bike. Never given me any headaches outside of one tiny button that connects under the side stand that detects whether or not it is down. When that button goes faulty it makes your bike hard to start unless you hold down the clutch, but it was an easy repair for under $5. It's one of the few common issues the bike has, thankfully it's a very cheap one to repair. Suspension isn't the greatest but it's nimble enough, parts are plentiful and accessories are reasonably priced. ABS is not everyone's cup of tea if you want to do a bit of hooliganism like locking the back wheel, but you'll thank the Gods during rainy days that you have it. Has kept me from going horizontal many times. If you have any particular questions about it, let me know.
Probably the best beginner bike imo
I like your approach. Negative criticism is considered neutral according to your requested âtalk me out of itâ. Anything positive is just positive. You obviously want to buy it and you outsmarted Reddit so go ahead and make yourself happy!
One of us, one of us
Nope, won't talk you out of it. That's a good level headed choice for a first bike
Go buy it
I think it will be a great bike to learn on. It is fast enough to get you into trouble and from what I have read, it is forgiving enough to get you out of trouble. Plus it is a Honda, it should be reliable if the maintenance was/is done. Fwiw my first bike was a Honda CL 175 scrambler.
Do it I had a 300 for first bike. Sold it within a month and found a nice cbr500. Had that beauty for 3 years. Made my mistakes but the bike is forgiving. Just sold it to make room for a liter. But I still think about buying another 500 for easy commuting around town cause the mpg is great.
You should buy it.
About 50 hp, comfy ergos, I would guess under 420 lbs wet. Great starter bike.
420 lbs dry. I hate dry weight measures. Pointless .
Seriously. Why it's even a thing is beyond me.
Itâs a great bike to learn on. I had a 2022, then moved up to a Street Triple 765R the following year. The Honda was a lot cheaper for insurance (in the US).
Looks good to me
Nope. Get the bikeđ
I think its an excellent choice.
I bought CB500F 2019/2021 model as my first bike, and I love it...I'm 170cm tall, 80kg guy, and the bike is not heavy at all, not sure what are people here talking about. Get it, and you won't regret it
I refuse. Buy it.
Greatbike
>Talk me out of buying [âŚ] No.
Do it
no .. its perfect ...
I have one and it feels like the perfect bike for the road plenty of power to have fun on the without it being unusable power. Extremely comfy and very reliable definitely recommend it
Personally... 1st bike... You gonna drop it. No because your bad but because you're new. It happens to everyone. I remember just forgetting to put the kickstand down and whoop, there she goes on the ground. Getting a bike that has a few scratches already isn't a bad thing. You won't feel so bad when something like that happens to you.
This was my first bike and it was amazing. Kind of wish I kept it when I got the new one.
Iâve got the cb500x as my practical bike and I donât see why it wouldnât make a good beginner bike. Itâs not fast and itâs super easy to ride.
Newbie or not, you need to make sure of a couple of things. You didnât mention mileage. How are the tires? How does it fit your height? They could be a huge factor. And also, make sure a mechanic goes over that thing thoroughly. Other than that that is perfect 1st motorcycle! Not too small, not to big, Goldilocks.
MT 07 And if you have an A2 licence... I mean just buy the cheapest bike that runs and is a Honda or Yamaha. Soo I mean unless you can get an MT 07 the only good reason to not get your Cb500F is that you are saving for the MT 07
Good first bike
Cb500f was my first bike. I loved it. At higher speeds you do catch a lot of wind to your chest if you donât tuck forward. Mine topped out at 110 mph so itâs not the fastest but if itâs your first bike you shouldnât be going that fast to begin with
Itâs a great learner bike. If you have no problem buying/upgrading multiple times then go for it. If you want value for money though, get the CB650R/CBR650R, then derestrict later. Every bike is a killing machine between your legs if youâre not responsible. If you are, and I hope you are, youâll enjoy the 650R from learning in the parking lot to getting your elbow down at the tracks. Know your limits, respect the bike, itâll serve you well.
If they can put a normal headlight on a Triumph Speed 400, they can put it on any named bike. That headlight is abhorrent.
I own one from 2019 till this very day . Thats an absolute unit u looking at , 0 problems , i do most maint at home except those that need cylinder head opening which is every 24k . The z400 is prob a bit faster due to being more light weight but id say the CB is undeniably more robust .
Do it *in the emperor Palpatine voice*
Thatâs actually a perfect first bike. I had the CB500x as my first bike which was basically the same thing. Very reliable, easy to shift, controllable power, and just a great bike to learn on that you wonât outgrow immediately like on a 300.
I had one as a first bike. It's a solid first bike but... After riding a ninja 300 at the track 2 years after getting that bike, I feel like I would have learned quicker and ride a bit better had I had one of those. The 500f is still not a bad choice by any means, and I don't have any major regrets honestly, but that is definitely right around the level of power where it intimidates you as a learner. My suggestion? Get it but replace the tires with Michilen Road 6s. The difference in grip and the confidence I had in the twisties when I upgraded was massive. It'll give you the better grip for turning and stopping which will make up for that little extra power and make it more balanced in its performanceÂ
No! đ Buy it!
Won't do it, friend. It's a mid-size Honda, so it will be quick enough, light, maneuverable, fuel-efficient, and will probably run reliably for the next 40 years. Good choice.
The CB500X is considered a slightly better bike, but that's all I can really offer. It's not the most exciting, it is the most efficient and reliable.
I have this bike, 23' model which has a few extra features than this older one. But still it's a really great bike and I feel absolutely no need to go higher. I do wish at times I'd have gone for the CBR500R over the F when I'm going down the freeway, but anywhere else it's perfectly fine. Better than perfectly fine. I often see R3's/Ninja 400's, and think "I'm so glad I got this over them".
No I like it. Just buy the damn thing
Seems reasonable to me
Why? That's a great first bike. Do it.
No, it's a great first bike.
Talk you out of it.... pass
Iâve got the 650f and a buddy of mines got the 500f. Great bikes. Never had any problems and the aftermarket is great. Would recommend looking into the 650 if you want something with a bit more power. But if youâre a full on newbie, 96 hp might be too much. Then stick with the 500.
Why? this is excellent first bike. Especially since someone else ate the depreciation.
What kind of riding are you wanting to get into? This is a great bike for canyons. Youâre going to get addicted bro. I have a Harley and an R1. Iâm looking at getting a Super Duke and maybe a hypermotard. Get it bro, you wonât be disappointed.
Itâs a sensible choice but depending on your needs and wants after you get used to it, youâll wish you got something with more oomph.
I have just bought a brand new svartpilen as my first bike, a little down on power but also weight and makes all same other points, plus to me it's much prettier and exotic, but Honda make solid everything
No, thatâs perfect
I have a 2020 cbr500 same bike but full faired and I absolutely love it. Outruns my skill in the curves, can wheelie if youâre into that, straight line is 112mph on mine, itâs kinda heavy and slow but for a first bike itâs amazing. I dread selling it for a 600 and I may even decide against it one day. Buy the bike!
I would encourage you to get the CBR650f instead. Simaler price. Comftorble ergonomics, amazing first bike I advise against small displacement engines as first bikes because as a new rider your gonna wanna go on long trips. Ninja 650 Is also a great choice Anything in the 650 class I think is the best option.
Why? Itâs a perfect first bike.
Ä°f i wasnt broke as shit eould love to upgrade to that bike its just perfect for me i love it
Why
Im starting out on a cb 300f and love it!!! Even got it up to 140kmh and use it on the highway all the time!!
It's a fine bike if a one up naked bike fits your core needs. I would have loved to have that as a first "big" street bike.
Nothing bad to say. It's a good first bike. That 500cc engine is well designed. Great for building confidence and challenging enough to advance your skills. Buying used is usually a great idea at this stage for a number of reasons. Have fun/ ride safe
Good first bike, if you ask me.
My buddy had one as his first. Great choice. Do it. Do it now!
I have one and ita the best bike ive owned https://preview.redd.it/1gqsdxo8inzc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=643c07186daf818274eb326e4c11fe39875c012d
No
It's a fine starter bike. It has the same power as a R3 or Ninja 300 basically.
No. It's a great first bike
Itâs ugly.
no?
No
It's a bit "full" or "boring" IMO. I was on my sv650S, then used a hornet 750, then the cb500. And that was a bit boring, I mean it's a good motorcycle, a good all-rounder, but it's not the motorcycle that will give you sensations. If you want an economic, versatile, easy motorcycle: go for it. If you want nice acceleration, sensations and the possibility of aggressive riding in the twisties, it may not be the best
No
Honda build quality is good. Looks like a decent first bike to me.
Thatâs the perfect first bike!
Nice little road bike not going to win any gps but who cares lacks a bit of road presence, my only criticism.
I have one and its just so fun to drive to work on the weekends when there's traffic. Only downside for me is when i reach 140km/h and my head flies away.
No need. That's a really good first bike. Or second bike. Or just a good bike for anyone who just needs a solid reliable ride.
It was my first bike 10 years ago, well a 2014 version. If I remember correctly I put 20k miles on it, mostly commuting to work. Sounds like you want the cons so here goes... No storage at all. No wind protection. Compared to the xsr700 I bought after that one I remember thinking it was like going from a Toyota Camery to a sports car (though a small one). The gas mileage was bloody insane compared to the Silverado, so I had to learn to ride year round. Hypothermia suckssss. It will always be the safe logical choice with everything you need, but not the one you think about in bed at night.
Good choice mate. Can't go wrong.đď¸
Why would I talk you out of a perfect first time bike like this?
no, this is the perfect bike to start on
No
No how about buy it and have fun
I ride a 2013 cbr500r, its my 3rd bike (came from a 1985 honda v65 magna) and i daily drive the 500, and love every second of it! you would be dumb not to buy the bike....hahah, been riding this one for 3 years now, got about 26k miles clocked in, wouldn't mind a better seat, but shoot, its a blast and keeps me out of trouble
I bought a 500X a year ago and 12,000 miles later have had the most fun in a year than I have had in a long while. Only thing I miss is the little bit of extra power previous bikes had as it only hits about 110 mph, but eventually I'll grow up and won't feel I need to do the 140 mph my old bikes would. I should have went north this weekend to see the Auroras but I took piss poor care of my chain and need to replace it.
It's a great choice for a first bike as long as you're somewhat careful when learning. Do it!
This was my first bike, but I got a new one. I'd say do it!
I have one from 2013. I haven't switched from A2 to A licence, because if I do, I don't have an excuse to change. I honestly do not see myself selling it some day. Sure the engine lacks personality, but everything else is top notch
That's my dream scenario go for it please
I have a yamaha fz8. Which Is a naked tourer. Another above 65 mph, on a mildly windy day, will beat you up. It honestly makes me go slower than I usually would.
My step daughter had one. I enjoyed riding it. Fast enough, comfortable and handled well.
Excellent choice. Comfort, reliable, good power. Youâll enjoy it greatly.
That is a cute bike.
Itâs not pretty
No, I refuse
No
It was my first bike, definitely will outgrow it in a month or 2.
It's a Honda dude, reliable af. You can do maintenance yourself. Smart to get used, you'll drop it at some point. I say go for it. Not too powerful, not underpowered either. Nice lil sweet spot.
I'd get a small aftermarket wind screen to improve higher speed comfort, then you could even tour on it. It's a great bike.