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Honda CBF 500

Make Model	Honda CBF 500
Year	2006 - 07
Engine	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity	499 cc / 30.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	73 x 59.6 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Induction	2x 34mm slanted flat-slide VP-type carburetors
Ignition	Computer-controlled digital transistorized
Starting	Electric
Max Power	56 hp / 41.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	45 Nm / 33.2 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	41mm telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload
Rear Wheel Travel	125 mm / 4.9 in
Front Brakes	2x 296mm discs 2 piston calipers (ABS)
Rear Brakes	Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper (ABS)
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	160/60 ZR17
Trail	110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheelbase	1480 mm / 58.3 in
Seat Height	770 mm / 30 in
Ground clearance	140 mm / 5.5 in
Dry Weight	183 kg / 403 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Consumption Average	23.8 km/lit
Standing ¼ Mile	14.0 sec
Top Speed	179 km/h / 111 mph

One of the best value commuter/novice motorcycles around, the Honda CBF500 is a decently quick twin cylinder motorcycle that's well made, reliable and handles predictably. It does everyhting you can ask in a novice-friendly package and holds its resale value too. Compared to the Kawasaki ER-6 the Honda CBF500 perhaps looks a little bit plain, but some folk prefer less flash.

Engine

The Honda CBF500 isn't a sportbike, but 56bhp is enough to make life interesting, especialy if you've never been on a motorcycle before, except a CBT 125cc training motorcycle. The Honda CBF500 has a smooth parallel twin motor too, which makes commuting on dual carriagways or motorways less vibey than on some rival twin cylinder 500-600cc motorcycles.

Ride and Handling
MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Honda CBF500's chassis is nothing special but it does the job more than adequately and the Honda CBF500 has monoshock rear suspension that's tweakable to an extent, depending on your weight and riding style. The Honda CBF500 also has ABS braking as an optional extra, which is another plus point for novice bikers who want a budget motorcycle that's as safe as possible too.

Equipment

The Honda CBF500 is just as well equipped as the average mid-sized commuter motorcycle, with good quality brakes, suspension and a comfortable seat. It also has passenger grab handles, plus a little hugger near the rear wheel to protect the monoshock and mirrors that offer a good rear view. The Honda CBF500's 19-litre fuel tank offers a good range too.

MCN Review