Honda CB500F

Originally launched in 2013, the naked CB500F has proved that one of Honda’s tried-and-trusted formulas for building popular motorcycles has lost none of its relevance. Namely, an entertaining twin-cylinder engine wrapped in a simple, lightweight, sporty chassis can be as much fun for a veteran rider as it is for those still building their riding experience. While the CB500F’s compact dimensions and welcoming manners make it a great tool for learning, and sensible running costs are ideal for commuting, those same attributes make it a genuine pleasure for weekend outings.

Building on the theme for 2019, the CB500F is redrawn with uncompromising lines that further elevate its technical and mechanical aspects, while a host of upgrades enhance the fun riding experience even more.

The CB500F occupies a unique spot in our lineup: an aggressively-styled streetfighter that’s a great choice for a wide range of riders. And for 2019, the CB500F is better than ever.

We took this awesome all-rounder and gave it more power, more style, a nicer sound, and a whole bunch of other functional upgrades. What didn’t change is this bike’s mission: to put a new generation of riders on one of the best street machines possible, with some of the widest range of opportunities. The new CB500F isn’t a bike that forces you into a mold—it’s a blank canvas that lets you paint your own picture of motorcycling.

So check it out in person at your Honda Dealer. Because you won’t realize how right this bike is until you sit on one or—even better—ride one for yourself.

Perfection is in the Details

The CB500F boasts a ton of upgrades this year, like more midrange power, better acceleration, new fuel injectors, a new supersport styled dual-outlet muffler, refined transmission internals, a new rear shock, a slipper/assist clutch and much, much more.

Positioned for Success

The CB500F’s classic riding position lets you sit up straighter, without your weight on your arms, so it gives you a great field of vision when you’re riding around town or commuting. Plus, this year we’ve given it a new, stiffer, premium tapered handlebar that increases steering feedback. The bike delivers a comfortable ride for passengers, too.

Modern Style

The CB500F is designed to be timeliness yet forward-thinking, with an LED headlight and minimal bodywork. The result is a bike that looks exactly like a modern motorcycle should.

STYLING

For 2019, the CB500F’s naked faired form has evolved front to rear and exudes a newfound aggression. Led by the penetrating headlight design, the machine’s stance is low-set and ready for action; the side shrouds interlock with the fuel tank and fully emphasize the engine, while the side covers and seat unit continue the theme of muscular angularity.

A tapered handlebar adds feel and leverage. New LCD instruments feature Gear Position and Shift Up indicators; this is set to a default 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments between 5,000 and 8,750 rpm.

CHASSIS

The unchanged 35mm steel diamond-tube mainframe is light and strong, with a tuned degree of yield that gives optimum feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. Vibration is minimized by the shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance.

The geometry gives nimble, yet confidence-inspiring steering. Mass centralization, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers turning agility, while optimum front/rear weight distribution ensures stability. The low, 30.9 inch seat height makes the CB500F very easy to manage, and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of varying heights.

The 41mm preload-adjustable telescopic fork delivers a compliant yet controlled ride and gives great feel for front-tire grip. A new single-tube rear shock (as found on larger-capacity sport bikes) replaces the double-tube design of the previous model; its large-diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and temperature management. It has nine-stage spring preload adjustment and works through a rigid box-section steel swingarm, which now features pressed-steel chain-adjustment end-pieces.

More horsepower, more torque

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 excellent top-end power. A 4% boost in horsepower and torque for 2019 results in even sportier performance.

New slipper clutch

Not only does the new slipper clutch help to prevent rear-wheel lockup on downshifts, it also reduces effort at the lever by almost half, helping to reduce rider fatigue particularly in city traffic or on long rides.

Compact engine, minimal vibration

Engine vibration is kept to a minimum by using crank pins phased at 180 degrees and a balancer shaft behind 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 and powerful torque at low to mid rpm.

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 flow efficiency

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, helped in part by repositioning the battery away from the rear of the airbox intake duct.

Reduced weight & friction

The four valves in each of the DOHC cylinder heads have narrow stems, thereby reducing weight and friction and increasing efficiency.

High-tech design

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.

Improved durability

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 CBR1000RR. To ensure precise cylinder shape, the engine uses the same centrifugal-cast thin-wall sleeves as found in the CBR1000RR.

Reduced friction

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.

Easy shifting

The new gear indicator and adjustable shift-up indicator make it even easier to use the smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox.

The sound of power

The battery has been repositioned farther from the rear of the airbox intake duct to improve airflow, while the muffler now features dual exit pipes for a sportier sounding edge to the exhaust note.

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

Upgraded for 2019, the Pro-Link® rear suspension boasts a new single-tube shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sportbikes) with five-stage spring preload adjustment, replacing the double-tube design of the previous model. Its large-diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and improved heat dissipation. The shock connects to a rigid box-section steel swingarm with new pressed-steel chain-adjustment end pieces. Both the shock and the adjustable 41 mm fork are calibrated for a comfortable but sporty ride.

Easy to manage

The 785 mm seat height makes the CB500F very easy to manage, and its neutral riding position comfortably accommodates riders of any height.

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.

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, taillight and turn signals, and leaves more of the engine exposed for an aggressive, streetfighter look.

Increased range

It not only looks more aggressive, but the redesigned fuel tank also boasts increased capacity of 17.1 litres, providing a range of approximately 480 km for longer rides and fewer stops.

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.

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, the latest two-channel ABS modulators provide more accurate control and improved stability.