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SPECS · PICS · RATING
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Honda CB 500 discussion forum:Mr |
| Mr |
| Tim Pestridge said 2001-12-21 10:34 |
| I became the owner of one 1994 Honda CB500 at the start of the year, as an interim measure to guarantee I could take my IAM test on my own bike having sold a Honda VFR750. The funny thing is, I have grown quite fond of the humble Honda, and although it is a considerable downsize from previous bikes such as ZZR1100´s, GSX1100´s and other ultra-speed behemoths, it has proven to be much more than just a stepping stone to my next bike. So much so that I haven´t found anything to beat it as an all rounder quite yet! (Only a matter of time though.) Below are my first impressions of the bike after a few days of ownership. First Impressions I could hardly believe the bike had ever been out of the garage, such was the bikes overall cleanliness. The owner had bought it to teach his wife to ride a bike, and had consequently put very few miles on it all having purchased it from Poole Motorcycles. It actually originates from a Honda local dealer in nearby Exmouth. One thing worth noting is that you are likely to find a much sturdier bike with regards build quality if you can trace a pre-1995 CB500, as they were the only models built in Japan. The later ones were built with less quality control and suffer the horrors of winter roads very badly. So what´s it like to ride? Astoundingly light and agile in truth, weighing in at a lithe 177kg. On the motorway, the CB500´s twin pot motor spins up to 70-80mph quite quickly at 6000-6500rpm, and is capable of cruising easily with much larger bikes. Whether you have the muscle to cope with seeing the revs rise anything above that is another matter, as things get a little strained in the neck department at over 80mph, and if the pace hots-up, you´re friends on faired machines will leave you trailing on faster roads. Top speed, quoted by Honda as 125mph, is reckoned to be around 110-115mph in the real world. I came off at the next junction and found myself a dry A road, wound the pace down a little, adjusted my shoulders and let the CB carry me at it´s own pace. The motor pulls comfortably up to a wind-blast free 55mph, and I was soon enjoying it´s light weight handling characteristics. The front tyre is keen to chew up the bends, and the bike´s got a really pleasant chuckable feel. Things don´t ever seem to get out of shape, partly because unlike on faster machines you´re never fooled into going faster than you think. The suspension is something I´m currently experimenting with, at the rear at least, as the forks are unadjustable. Compared to a more solid bike, the CB doesn´t seem to soak up the bumpy Devon back roads quite as well as I would hope. Words like ´plush´ and ´armchair-like´ are not CB language, think more ´feedback´ and ´snappy´. Economy has worked out at between 49 - 70mpg depending on road speeds and conditions, but 69-70mpg is my weekly average, and perfectly possible on a run on normal A-roads respecting the UK national speed limits. I was delighted that my bike could prove so frugal, and is proof that it is possible to own a motorbike which possesses both a reasonable turn of speed and the welcome ability to sip fuel rather than gulp it. Tank range is a little over 230 miles between fill ups with normal use. The CB has a low and wide seat which features a novel rear-hinging action to reveal a large cubby hole capable of carrying a disc-lock, bungee net and a pair of waterproof trousers with ease. Pillions find the whole experience agreeable, thanks to well-placed footrests and a sensible seat. Carrying a friend will affect performance more markedly than on a larger machine, the CB´s just not big enough to mask the extra weight, but I can forgive it that. With the bike showing a paltry 5400 miles in September 2001, a pair of new tires were fitted to the Honda mainly because the original ones were now over six years old. I chose Bridgestone BT35´s of the dual compound variety. These have so far provided an increase in grip levels both in the dry and wet over the OE fitment, and cost a mere £132 for both - fitted and balanced. Recommended. Also fitted are a pair of M & P heated grips, a snip at only £20 from their website (www.mandp.com) and a F14 touring screen to relieve my aching neck muscles. £40 from the above. Both these modifications are a doddle to fit, and improve the CB´s practicality. Insuring the Honda for me has been a delight too. My premium dropped from £275 per annum to a welcome £110, including the ability to ride other bikes, and own up to four myself. I miss having a bike which has real ´visual appeal´ both to onlookers and myself. No-one buys a CB500 because they were wowed by it´s looks in the showroom! But there´s more to keep you attracted if you look under the skin. For some it will only be a step-up, but for me it´s been a downsize with a difference. I still like it, but suspect I may end up being seduced by the looks of a Ducati Monster or the shaft drive of a BMW R1100R. Would a Honda CB500 suit you Sir? I wrote this as a bit of fun, to try and persuade myself to keep the Honda as it was proving so pratical. See if you fit the profile by examining the statements below. If you agree with the ´yes´s´ then you might want to consider one..if not, then go for a Hyabusa. This is, of course, all in my humble opinion. Bear in mind you are taking the advice of someone who has never found the perfect bike! Yes, it would... 1. If you like lightweight bikes 2. If you want a low maintenance bike 3. If your bike must be able to withstand a UK winter 4. If you want to scratch with bigger bikes on A/B roads 5. If you like a bike that´s easy to pop to the shops on 6. If you enjoy pootling around the lanes 7. If good fuel consumption is important to you 8. If you want a bike where running costs aren´t exorbitant 9. If you want a change from heavy motorbikes 10. If you like a tank range of 200+ miles, not 100 No, it wouldn´t... 1. If you like being able to hold 90-100mph into a headwind 2. If you regularly commute a long way on motorways 3. If you like a bike to have real ´presence´ on the road 4. If you want a bike to chase GSXRs down to Spain on 5. If your bike must be the envy of all your mates |
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