Honda CB500 > Reviews

Advantages: Reliable, economic, exciting over 7000rpm
Disadvantages: Tyres slightly odd size, no fairing

My CB has now done almost 53,000 miles, with very little problem. Others I know of have done even higher mileage. It handles well on twisty roads, blasts down the motorway at illegal speeds and has a powerband above 7000 that has made some people describe it as a modern RD350LC. It is well built (especially the older ones that were made in Japan - more recent ones were built in Italy and tend to rot more). Earlier versions have rear drum brakes, while ... Read review

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

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 ... Read review

Advantages: Cost, flexibility, reliability
Disadvantages: None really!

If you're looking at a bike like this then chances are, you want something which is an all-rounder, cheap and reliable. Well - congratulations, you've found it! The CB500 is a cracking "little big" bike, which although down on power on most of its more modern bretheren is still quite able, in the right hands, of keeping up with most modern 600s - certainly on normal roads. It handles really well (it still has its own race series, the CB500 cup), ... Read review

Advantages: Easy no fuss wysiwyg bike!
Disadvantages: Not much weather protection

I think that this bike gives new riders a good grounding as it's not too fast, looks good and doesn't have lots of plastic to get damaged when you drop it! Trust me I speak from experience!!! All in all I think it's a great bike, will go for years as well (it's a Honda). It's a sort of middle of the road, it's pretty lightweight compared to other bikes I have ridden, the acceleration isn't exactly fast but it gets there. Braking could be better as ... Read review

Advantages: Solid. Good brakes.
Disadvantages: Top heavy.

CB500 is an ideal starters bike. It is a 'hardy' bike, damage is minimal and cheap to repair when it is dropped. It is a good bike for the shorter people and females, like myself. I am only 5ft 3", with a 29" inside leg. The seat height of the CB is 31". Lowering the height of the bike is cheap and easy. You only need to lower the handle bars and replace the rear shock absorbers, these can be bought via mail order catalogues. Not forgetting ... Read review

Advantages: Low price, good all rounder
Disadvantages: expensive spares

I owned my CB 500 for 4 years and apart from a couple of critisisms it was a good bike. The first problem was the short front mud gaurd which meant that the appearence of the engine will deteriate after a couple of years if you use it all year round and the second problem was the price and availability of spare parts.I got a puncture and my local dealer was unable to fix it and apparently it would take 3 days to get a replacement tyre. As the bike ... Read review