If you want a bike to learn your trade after passing your DAS course then look no further than the Honda CB500. It does everything that you want it to do, mega cheap to run on both fuel and insurance, handles well, forgives mistake(and you make a few in your first year) and it gives you a thrill.
I purchased mine from a friend for 800 after being advised that it was an excellent bike to start off on and gain the all important years no claims. I was easy to ride after doing my DAS on a heap of a Yamaha Diversion and I've found it a pleasure to ride over the last year. I've commuted almost every day throughout the winter and the only drawback is the lack of screen as you do get quite a buffeting. I could have added a screen but I feel that the after market detract from the looks so I didn't bother.
By far it best attribute is the power band above 6000rpm. Between 6000 and 9000rpm it flies and overtaking is no problem at all. Being a paralell twin it sounds quite meaty too and Honda's rep for building bulletproof engines is justified here. Pretty much the only critisism on these bikes is the standard exhaust which rots through if it so much as spits with rain. Most people fit an after market stainless steel one and luckily the previous had on mine.
Overall a top bike for commuting, learing to ride properly and the odd blast when the wife and children allow. You can't go wrong for such little money!!!!!
More details
Purchase Price
800
Performance
Good
Reliability
Excellent
Customer service
Good
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