Malaysian Motor Works

After such a long time, 500cc machine is no longer popular and most of motorcycle manufacturers are more interested in developing greater capacity. Maybe, it was because 500cc category in MotoGP Championship replaced by the 990cc category in 2001.

Last year, Honda was pretty aggressive in the two wheels market. Since the launching of the 500cc trio – CB500R, CB500X and CB500F, Honda was smart enough to attract the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts with affordable prices. CB500 was originally a naked bike produced in 1993 until 2003. However, the production had to be stopped as a result of the engine performance could not meet the Euro 2 emission policy.

The three CB500 (CBR, CBF and CBX) share the same engine and platform. Parallel 471cc two-cylinder engine matched to a tubular steel frame. Among the three CB500 motorcycle, I get a chance to test the full fairing model CB500R and the naked CB500F.

‘R’ is shows the meaning of its sportbike character. Headlight design is beautiful and it reflected to Fireblade design. I like the colour combinations which bring the courage of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).

When I sat onto the bike and reached the handlebar, it is as low as the supersports bike. I am not too sure with the bike character; perhaps Honda preferred more relaxed riding style on CB500R. If we look at the advertisement or promotion pictures, CB500R ridden by women and maybe Honda is trying to cater beginners or ladies.

Handle a CB500R is easy, light and just as operating any 250cc machinery. This bike is powered by parallel 471cc two-cylinder engine which prepared 35kW (47hp) with a torque of 43Nm. In terms of engine performance, it is stable in delivering power at all rpm ranges.

After doing a simple test on the streets of the city, I found the 41mm fork and rear shock absorbers is more suitable for urban and highway use compared to extreme sports. Sometimes, I can feel the bike swings at the rear during cornering. Moreover, the standard tyres provided unconvinced in raining weather.

I rode with consistent speed of 100-120 km/h and I fully praised regarding the fuel consumption. The maximum speed is at 188 km/h, but I think the most comfort speed is at 130-150 km/h.

For the CB500F, it was good, but I did not too like it too much. Why? I feel uncomfortable with the combination of the handlebars and the frame. It such not has a perfect balance. As a result, the handling performance is not too excellent and maybe you will be tiring to control the bike during corners. CB500F is more suitable as daily use in urban and suburban areas.

Single 320mm disc and twin-piston Nissin callipers with 240mm discs single piston rear callipers work well. The brakes system equipped with ABS system which is effective even the front brakes only attached with single disc. Personally, I can say that these two models suitable to be used as daily use commute, easy to handle, low maintenance and fuel economy. But, Boon Siew Honda needs to improve their after sales services and bring in more spare parts.