Honda 500 twins
 2013 CB500F | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–Present |
| Predecessor | CB500 1993-2003 |
| Class | Standard |
 2014 CBR500R | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–Present |
| Class | Sport bike |
 2016 CB500X | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–Present |
| Class | Adventure |
The Honda 500 twins are a series of straight-twin motorcycles made by Honda since 2013. They are the CB500F standard/naked bike, the CBR500R sport bike, and the CB500X adventure touring bike. Their introduction coincided with new European licensing regulations establishing a mid-range class of motorcycles of limited power.[1] The new 500 twins are similar to the earlier CB500 parallel-twins discontinued in 2003, but with new engines, frames, and other parts. They are made in Thailand, where Honda had previously only made smaller displacement motorcycles.[2]
All three models used the same 471 cc (29 cu in) 180° crank twin-cylinder, inline, transversely mounted engine whose power output and cubic capacity were below the European driving licence A2 upper limits.[3]
All models also shared the same six-speed gearbox and the majority of cycle parts. The CB500X had a larger fuel tank and longer front suspension travel making it slightly taller.
On its release, the CBR500R powered the European Junior Cup in 2013 and again in 2014.
Since 2014, Honda has partnered with local organisers to promote national CBR500R Cup events in Brazil & France; raced over various circuits, the competitions are open to amateurs from 13-years upwards. [4] [5] [6]
Model history
The three models were announced on the eve of the November 2012 EICMA show in Milan:
- 2013 April: CBR500R released - a faired sport bike
- 2013 April: CB500F released - a naked standard
- 2013 July: CB500X released - an adventure-styled multi-purpose bike
- 2016: All models restyled adding LED lamps on all models; larger fuel tanks on F and R versions
- 2017: All models are EURO4 compliant with new exhaust, new colours and styling[7]
ABS standard on all models in most markets; e.g. for 2017, it remained an option in the USA[8][9]
Reactions
Since its launch, the range received many favourable reviews; some preferring the taller X model while the sporty R model was one of Honda's top selling bikes in Canada during 2015 and best selling sports bike in Australia.[10][11][12] Many commentators, especially in off-road and long distance touring, argued the need for such middleweight bikes.[13][14] Perhaps as a consequence, in 2015, RallyRaid, a British after-market specialist, created upgrade kits for the R & F machines and a full adventure conversion kit for the X model.[15][14]
Specifications
| Specification | CB500F[16] | CBR500R[17] | CB500X[18][19] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | naked | sport bike | adventure |
| Engine & transmission | |||
| Layout | Four stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 8 valves | ||
| Capacity | 471 cc (28.7 cu in) | ||
| Bore x stroke | 67.0 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in) | ||
| Compression ratio | 10.7 : 1 | ||
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled 1.4 l (0.31 imp gal; 0.37 US gal) | ||
| Carburation | PGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies | ||
| Starter | Electric | ||
| Max power | 46.9 hp (35.0 kW)@ 8,500 rpm (claimed) | ||
| Max torque | 32 lbf⋅ft (43 N⋅m) @ 7,000 rpm (claimed) | ||
| Transmission | 6 speed 3.285, 2.105, 1.600, 1.300, 1.150, 1.043[19] | ||
| Final drive | O-ring-sealed chain | ||
| Primary/final | 2.029/2.733 | ||
| Cycle parts & suspension | |||
| Frame | diamond-shaped steel tube | ||
| Front suspension | Conventional telescopic, 41mm, pre-load adjustable | ||
| Front wheel travel | 122 mm (4.8 in) | ||
| Front tyre | Dunlop 120 70ZR17, radial, tubeless | ||
| Front wheel | multi-spoke, cast aluminium | ||
| Front brakes | Single 320 mm (13 in) wave disc 2 piston calipers | ||
| Rake | 26.5° | 25.5° | |
| Rear suspension | Prolink single shock, 9-position preload, steel square pipe swingarm | ||
| Rear wheel travel | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | |
| Rear tyre | Dunlop 160 60ZR17, radial, tubeless | ||
| Rear wheel | multi-spoke, cast aluminium | ||
| Rear brakes | single 1,240 mm (49 in) wave disc 1 piston caliper | ||
| ABS | 2-channel; standard in most markets - optional in USA[20] [8] | ||
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 2,080 mm (81.9 in) | 2,080 mm (81.9 in) | 2,095 mm (82.5 in) |
| Width | 790 mm (31.1 in) | 750 mm (29.5 in) | 830 mm (32.7 in) |
| Height | 1,060 mm (41.7 in) | 1,145 mm (45.1 in) | 1,360 mm (53.5 in) |
| Seat height | 785 mm (30.9 in) | 780 mm (30.7 in) | 810 mm (31.9 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Trail | 102 mm (4.0 in) | 102 mm (4.0 in) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 190 kg (419 lb) | 194 kg (428 lb) | 195 kg (430 lb) |
| Max capacity | 185 kg (408 lb) | ||
| Fuel | 91RON or better | ||
| Fuel consumption (2016) | 3.400 L/100 km; 83.08 mpg‑imp (69.18 mpg‑US)[21] | ||
| Fuel tank (2013) | 15.5 l (3.4 imp gal; 4.1 US gal) | 17.5 l (3.8 imp gal; 4.6 US gal) | |
| Fuel tank (2016) | 16.7 l (3.7 imp gal; 4.4 US gal) | 17.5 l (3.8 imp gal; 4.6 US gal) | |
| Range (2016) | 491 km (305 mi) | 515 km (320 mi) | |
| Turning circle | 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) | ||
Variations:
- CB500X (Korea) curb weight 195 kg (430 lb) (1 kg (2.2 lb) less than CB500XA)
- CB500XA (Europe, Australasia) as per main table
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda CB500 (2013). |
References
- ↑ European driving license 2013 – changes in motorbikes regulations
- ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/10152808/Honda-CB500F-CB500X-and-CBR500R-review.html "they are produced not in Japan but in Thailand – a first for Hondas of such large capacity"
- ↑ http://www.visordown.com/features/learners/the-a2-licence-what-you-can-and-cant-restrict The A2 Licence Visordown
- ↑ http://www.superbike.com.br/categorias/copa-honda-cbr-500r/ Copa Honda CBR 500R, Brazil
- ↑ http://www.moto-journal.fr/sport/la-cbr-500-cup-repart-pour-une-troisieme-saison/ 2016 review Moto Journal
- ↑ http://moto.honda.fr/motorcycles/experience-honda/racing/cbr500r-cup.htm CBR500R Cup 2017 press release
- ↑ http://hondanews.eu/eu/en/motorcycles/media/pressreleases/83092/2017-honda-cb500x 2017 Honda EU press release
- 1 2 http://powersports.honda.com/2017/cb500x/options.aspx Honda USA 2017
- ↑ Honda CBR500R vs Kawasaki Ninja 300 Motorcyclist
- ↑ http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/honda/cb500x/2013 Motorcycle News (MCN) CB500X review in 2013
- ↑ http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/honda-canada-2014-sales Honda Reclaims Top Spot in the Canadian Market
- ↑ http://www.mcnews.com.au/2016-motorcycle-sales-figures-first-quarter/ Motorcycle sales during 1st quarter 2016
- ↑ http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/cb500x-adventure-great-bike-for-the-tat "A smaller ADV Bike gives riders greater confidence to explore off the beaten track and to keep going, even when bad weather hits", Jenny Morgan.
- 1 2 https://adventure-motorcycling.com/honda-cb500x-rally-raid-5000-mile-review "I’ve long believed a parallel twin of around 500cc makes an optimal do-it-all bike", Chris Scott
- ↑ https://overlandmag.com/features/a-cb500-to-take-on-the-world A CB500 to take on the world
- ↑ http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/street/cb500f-2016/specifications.html Honda UK specifications CB500F 2016
- ↑ http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/super-sport/cbr500r-2016/specifications.html Honda UK specifications CBR00R 2016
- ↑ http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/adventure/cb500x-2016/specifications.html Honda UK specifications CB500X 2016
- 1 2 Owner's Manual CB500XA. Honda. 2015. p. 115.
- ↑ http://news.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6979-en Honda USA 2013
- ↑ http://moto.honda.fr/motorcycles/range/street/cb500f/specifications.html Honda France
