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Honda CBF 500

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Make Model

Honda CBF 500

Year

2004 - 05

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

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