Honda CB500 > Reviews > An ideal machine.

Author's product rating:   

Comfort	Good
Handling	Good
Looks	Excellent
Features	Good
Fuel consumption	Excellent

Advantages:	reliable, economical, sporty, light weight, tank range, simple .
Disadvantages:	very minor corrosion, one front disc .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having not been a motorcyclist for 18 years, I decided that I ought to go back to biking cautiously. Also, I wanted a machine that would provide reliable, economic commuting with the bonus of being able to enjoy some more sporty leisure riding.

Having considered all the options in the 500cc to 750cc class, I chose the CB500 because of its reputation for reliability, 60mpg and its good sport retro looks. I am not a heavy person and the acceleration is excitingly quick. I’ve cruised at 80mph and taken it up to 100mph without any screen. I would like to fit a café style screen to make 80mph cruising more comfortable and enable me to taste the 125mph top end that is possible, without lengthening my long arms anymore! I could have bought the sport version with the half fairing, but prefer the naked looks.

I’m 6 foot tall and find the bike comfortable. The tank range is a good 200 miles, which is important for commuting and touring.

I soon got the hang of biking again and find that the handling is excellent. Quite forgiving in the first few days! It has got a nice but inoffensive roar when it is wound past 6000rpm.

After 3300 miles, no problems, only minor corrosion on the exhaust welds and brackets, tax holder, some bolt heads around the engine, the bottom of the steering yoke. I didn’t expect to have to nurse-maid it so much through the salty months, but the aluminium alloy ought to be protected in future winters. The black downpipes were soon looking grey with brown rust spots, even before the winter. The lacquer on one of the front forks was soon breaking down, but apart from a crazed effect it looks sound.

I plan to do my own maintenance when the 2 year warranty has expired, so the fact that it is a simple straight twin will help!

If you want a reliable, cheap to run, fun bike with enough performance to excite you and keep in front of most modern cars then the CB500 is the one, and does not cost as much to buy and run as the 600cc class.