2022 Honda CB500 range takes on Scotland's North Coast | MCN review

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[@Erniebus]

I must admit I don’t understand why not having rider modes and a TFT is a negative. That display looks modern and well finished particularly for a budget bike. I’d much rather have the money spent on decent suspension and tyres as they appear to have done here. Well done Honda

[@thegamingalex3947]

Exactly, i love the look of the display. Yeah, its not got much room for customisation but to keep the price down, the actual look of the screen is really modern and flash but also affordable.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Totally agree, well put 👍

[@markmolloy1497]

totally agree. Bikes are not 'tech' ... the whole reason why riding is fun is because its the opposite of sitting at your computer working. The more analogue a bike is, the more I enjoy it. Rider modes? Bluetooth connectivity? Hate it. Just give me a sweet handling well built bike.

[@llerradish]

I really couldn't care less about the instrument panel or rider aids. I'd rather pay less money than have a TFT. Give a temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, speedometer and a trip meter and I'm good to go.

[@nickclarkuk]

Thanks for a great review . I don’t think we need a TFT or electronics; extra expense. I like the low price , build quality , simplicity, new forks , style and my eyes popped out when I saw the lovely new aluminium swing arm . My steel swing arm on my 2015 CB500f is starting to rust after much winter abuse .

[@cesarmarquez7120]

That is a good point there with the swing arm. I knew there was a new swingarm but I did not stop to consider that there are more benefits than just weight savings.

[@markspash178]

The lack of electronics, rider aids and all of the other unessecary crap is part of these bikes attractions.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I bet you’ve got abs on your car as an “aid” Don’t be so quick to dismiss or we’ll all be riding BSA C15s…..

[@casheycodercasheycoder4823]

@@PhilbyFavourites hey what's the problem with a c15

[@angus_white]

@@casheycodercasheycoder4823 not much right about a c15

[@casheycodercasheycoder4823]

@@angus_white okay yea you win the argument

[@chrisweeks6973]

@@angus_white Agreed - and that's why, back in 1963, I bought a brand-new Jawa 250. Well engineered, absolutely 100% reliable and a good deal cheaper than a Ceefa, or it's competitors. I had a 75-mile each-way commute and rode in all weathers, including snow and ice; not always fun, but I knew with certainty that it would get me there and with performance, comfort and economy equal to any comparable bike.

[@MattMiss79]

I've been riding the CB500x 2017 for the last 4 years. It had 51K on the clock and still rides like I've just picked it up from the shop. Never had any problems with it. Its the Goldilocks of bike. It does everything well enough, apart from maybe off road where you may have to take a bit easy due to the suspension. 2 up riding is also a bit iffy in corners, again the suspension let's you down a bit , that why I cant wait to test ride the 2022 to see if the suspension has improved a bit. Otherwise, I think anyone going for these bikes couldn't care less about the gizmo some other manufacturers offer on their bikes. These Hondas are build to a budget. So I'm pleased that Honda continues focusing on the important bits that really make a difference to the quality of the riding experience. TfT screen or not. I'd rather keep my eyes on the road.

[@joecamel6835]

I like the new brakes and suspension but you're right I don't need the other crap at all , here in the states we generally don't get the new features until a year later so i'll wait for it if I have to , I have a small bike to ride until then .

[@tormodi5925]

In my opinion the CB500F is the best looking bike out of all Honda's current models.

[@martinrea8548]

The 650R is nice too.

[@expatbiker6598]

Dan's reviews are very thorough. 3 bikes in 12 minutes. Very impressive. Thank you...

[@Geshmaal]

I would call this someone reading out three specs sheets in 12 minutes and giving one or two thoughts on each bike. Each bike largely has the same specs so a lot of this is pointless. I'd really want to know how the variations on the arrangements of each bike affects things like maintenance, wind protection, under-seat space, passenger carrying capability etc.

[@MadChalet]

Good review. Video editor ... the shaky cuts do nothing for the production values; rather, they detract from the content.

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

Great video and landscapes. Best regards from Brazil dude.

[@WTF1wr1ownage]

Just traded in my 2018 500X for the 2022 model, can’t wait for those upgrades to benefit my daily commute to work. Amazing bike, put 30K on my old one and couldn’t recommend it more.

[@robbie12207]

Can you let me know if there’s a noticeable difference/upgrade ?

[@quentinjackson6015]

Good review of three great bikes each with their own distinctive 'flavour'. I have a 2017 CB500x and it's been totally reliable and fun to ride - especially where the scenery is more important than outright performance! The NC500 looks to have been a good day at the office......

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

It wasn't a bad day, Quentin! Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.

[@Geshmaal]

I do really like the CB500 range giving a 'full size' bike right at the limit of the A2 class, I kind of wish Honda would ditch the CB300R which is a bit pointless in the UK and swap the CB500F to a CB500R with more retro UJM type styling.

[@motomaggs7164]

Love the styling on all three

[@chrisweeks6973]

Good review, great location and scenery; the top end of Scotland really is beautiful - especially if you can find it on a nice day! Personally, being in my late 70's and having owned a very long string of bikes since I started riding back in 1960, none of which have had what is basically a mobile phone to tell me what's happening, I'd prefer the 500X, but with old-school analogue gauges. Yes, I'm still riding - just a little Skygo Earl 150 with a simple analogue gauge - but it's perfect for here in Philippines where, on the ordinary roads, traffic rarely gets above 40 kph and 60+ is Land Speed Record territory. Its only downside is the rotary gearbox, which is rather low geared; it's pretty easy to go 5-N-1, which isn't recommended! A front and rear sprocket change will help fix that.

[@Valks-22]

My first bike was a 500R, my current is 650R. Only upgraded for some more uhmpf - especially 2-up. These are fantastic bikes. I see now they come on Road 5's which removes the only gripe I had and not related to Honda - the death-plastic Dunlop D222's they came with equipped in '19. I cannot recommend the CBR500R more for a beginner, solo if you are serious you won't 'outgrow' it. It's wonderful through the city and amazing in the twisties, and for B road road trips it will do 85+mpg. Stock sound is also very nice with its pops on decel. Have absolutely no issues with the screen - on either model. TFT... eh if you aren't coming of one you really won't notice. You look ahead anyway :)

[@allwheeldrive]

And I wholeheartedly recommend the Road 5s. Now have them on two bikes and they were transformative. Excellent all-around grip and look like they're going to give me more than 10K miles of wear.

[@Valks-22]

@@allwheeldrive put them in mine after Conti sportattack 3's (also excellent tyres) but R5's just take it to whole other level. Love them - grip and grip for days regardless of road conditions

[@davidg2116]

How are you finding the 650 from the 500. I've been on a 125 for 2 years and just done DAS on a cb650f. I'll be mostly commuting on whatever I upgrade to. I'm wondering if I'd regret saving some money on the 500 if I was to get bored of it quickly. Having said that I'll be commuting through busy traffic most of the time.

[@Valks-22]

@@davidg2116 in that case I wholly recommend the 500 R or F. I had the R it had the looks but was very comfortable - more so than the 650 doubly so from the 1000. I did a 7 hour drive with 1 lunch stop on it without issues. It is slightly smaller than the 650, lighter and just that much easier to twist, lean, and agile your way through traffic (not that you can't on the 650 - I do it daily). Pure city driving mine was around 45mpg while 650 now is ~37mpg If you aren't doing longer tours (2-up) or can't push on your local highway past 90-100mph there is no need for the 650 as it does cost more overall in purchase/insurance/maintenance and is a bit worse on the fuel. For your needs I think the CBR/F 500 will do perfectly fine and there is nothing to get bored about it. The engine has loads of mid-range power and is perfect for commuting and state road twisties. Where it lacked for me was on frequent highway tours where two-up it lacked power in the 80-100mph for quick accelerations but it will do 90mph 2-up cruising, solo it will max out around 110-120 depending on the rider.

[@davidg2116]

@@Valks-22 thanks for the detailed reply. 90% of my time will be commuting in and out of UK cities. Im not interested in top speed. Comfortable ride that isn't buzzing at 70mph that has potential to be fun when I want is all I need. When traffic is heavy and I'm stuck doing slow speeds or filtering most of the time then a rocket of a bike makes no sense. How did you find the 500 at 70-80 mph

[@RikkyTang]

Great into to the latest models, thanks! A bit heavy on the video transitions though, felt I was being pushed and pulled all around my room 😂

[@andrewbozhozr]

Owned old '98 CB500 twin almost 10 years ago now... One of the Best bikes I've ever owned. It was 60hp mind you... That's called progress in this world we live now I guess... Would like to have a go on this new X...

[@joecamel6835]

The F is respect ful .

[@glsracer]

Honda really needs to run a proper camshaft in these and limit to A2 via ECU restrictions. There is no reason these bikes shouldn't produce 65 HP for those with the proper endorsements or those who live in less authoritarian countries.

[@volt8684]

Honda cb500s in the eightys were 60bhp

[@glsracer]

@@volt8684 exactly

[@Decrepit_biker]

I'd have one if it had around 60 hp. Just feel the 47bhp isn't quite enough.

[@Aaron70235]

The CBR650R and CB650R are there if you want more power. Part of the attraction of these bikes is they are A2 legal out of the box.

[@Decrepit_biker]

@@Aaron70235 but they are both much more expensive and guzzle loads more fuel. I felt my old GPZ500 with 60hp was just about a perfect compromise, but the chassis was really old.

[@timmo3351]

Great review, you squeezed a lot in to 12 minutes but it didn’t feel rushed.

[@lalankhan7910]

That 500f is my favourite

[@allwheeldrive]

If I had room in the garage... That X seems like the pick. Great commuter and weekend getaway-to-anywhere rig. They all look really good.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Chuck on some luggage and it would be perfect for cruising off on weekend adventures! Thanks very much for watching. Dan, MCN.

[@BoZhaoengineering]

Agreed.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I know all that phone connectivity and TFT dashes and adjustabilities and all of it is probably exciting when they're new. But I'll bet once the novelty wears off most people won't even touch them. At least, that's what happens to me with every single fancy gizmo I've ever had on a car, a bike, a new-fangled phone or whatever. Eventually all you want to do is get on it, start it and ride. You'll want it to be comfy, handle nice, have decent enough power, be reliable, look nice. A camera expert once wrote "The best camera is one that least gets in the way of taking photos." I think the same is kind of true for bikes.

[@bananasaur5209]

Thanks for the review! As an upcoming new rider, I've been thoroughly looking at the Honda CB line and although I like all these three I do enjoy the CBR quite a bit more (it's the looks haha). I'll be commuting to UNI and hopefully going on some long rides. Which one of these would you recommend for mainly in city transport and freeway driving? Does side or top luggage affect the CBR's balance? Also, would you recommend the X-ADV 750 over the CB500X?

[@VickersV]

Lovely bike's, I had a 1974 5 4 four. Brilliant bike, good times.

[@gsm_liv8980]

The naked F does actually look like the CB1000R, but the versions before 2018 with the spartan halogen headlight. And for some people who like the older CB1000R looks, this one might appeal more to them than the new Neo Sports Cafe design.

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻

[@birybenjamin3522]

Best bikes in there category

[@szaesz8190]

Be SO kind MCN start adding the weight/height of the testriders for comparison, it would be a huge help to make the reviews a bit less bias and more objective.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

I'm 5ft6in and just shy of 10 stone in all my kit. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Great review I own the 2019 CB500X and when it’s come to change it might be a Honda again love my current bike

[@davidconnelly2096]

3 really nice machines with very useful improvements for 2022 what is more important than brakes and suspension after all -- no one needs the TFT etc gismos getting out for a ride without a phone or music is actually very good!!

[@williamdavis4809]

Have a 2020 CBR650R and while I love the sound and performance of the IL4, I gotta admit I'm disappointed with the MPG. After 4k miles I'm lucky to average 45mpg with mostly interstate riding doing the speed limit. Almost wish I had bought the 500 instead...

[@MotorcyclerideCyprus]

I had looked into buying the Honda CBR650R and had contacted my Honda Dealership here in Cyprus to buy one! they said they do not stock this model? I then contacted them a couple of months later over the Honda CBR500R? they said they could order this model! great! so I bought one! to see a friend buy the CBR650R at the same period in time! I was happy to be honest! I managed to get the CBR500R due to a lot of research over fuel economy! ride suspension! seat height! riding postion! price and the overall package I think the CBR500R is the better Motorcycle for me!

[@Decrepit_biker]

If they had a 60ish hp version I'd be sold. Coming from a 600 (that I don't now ride particularly hard 90% of the time) I'd be worried it would just not have the guts when I wanted a bit more with only 47 hp

[@chrishart8548]

Probably won't be powerfull enough with only 47hp the older cb500 in 1997 had around 60hp before A2 was a thing. And the 1986 kawasaki gpz500s was awesome. Made more power than the fours at the time dohc 8valve liquid cooled 60ps good in 1986

[@lighthunt]

That 500x looks great in green. dual disk on front, great upgrade. Why asking for TFT? Absolutely no need. There are no riding modes or other settings to fiddle with which is adequate cause there is no need for them in less powered bikes like these and we want it for riding not for playing with settings right? I have enough computer and phone screens already. (and we know how they screw up and made it unnecessary complicated with Africe Twin :( do you really want to google for manual if you want to ride?). I have the same inverted LCD on my 2021 CB650R and I think it looks great with the blue background at night or bright text on a sunny day and don't miss riding modes either (I change modes by my right wrist and engine rpm ;) ). Honda put effort into better brakes and hardware rather then electo gizmo -> Good job Honda!

[@mrsilbo6499]

Amen to that!

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Good review. Cheers!

[@michaelinkster4977]

Well presented!

[@Banditmanuk]

Excellent reviews Dan thank you. Pity you have to put up with folks who prefer a personal jibe to a sensible comment. Says more about them than it does you.

[@outquick]

I like that green , rugged looking. But im leaning towards a GSX-S750 , MT-09 SP, or my fav a MT-07 with full HyperPro suspension, n few other modz. I do prefer suzuki thought

[@BoZhaoengineering]

CB 500X already a good bike even get better this year!

[@peturstefansson]

Good review. Thank you 👍🏻

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thank you for watching! Dan, MCN.

[@lightweightbaby7959]

Why does the video quality looks like it’s from 2009?

[@joecamel6835]

A wet overcast rainy day ?

[@martinrea8548]

Mmm.... those permanently on indicators. Could they be potentially dangerous with other drivers?

[@jojomalaka5838]

Reliability is more important

[@PMitchell106]

8:09 I sadly do not agree. The updated LED headlight still looks about as dated as the outgoing one. I thought for sure that Honda would do away with the F in favor of the neo-retro style of the CB300R/650R/1000R. Including the 500 in that lineup would make it much more complete as there's a big gap from the 300 to the 650.

[@volt8684]

That green colour begs the gold engine cases

[@raulnoel7382]

Would you recommend a supplement for the wind screen of the cb500x. I tested it and from 110kmh on it produces so much turbulence and noise. Thanks!! And great review

[@j.martin4476]

I can’t get over this guys voice…. I’m gonna have to go to close caption 😂

[@alanbriggs7177]

"All of them have performed amicably"......well you do meet the nicest people on a Honda

[@robertkrej.8141]

I have CB500f with same colour 😊.

[@paulantonio740]

You've covered all the bases, Dan. Nice review of these new CB500s.

[@The9meister]

Kawasaki still make green bikes, I like the 500x

[@tihomirpavlovic3621]

Good review..

[@dirtsailoroff-road5580]

I would really like cornering ABS

[@nockianlifter661]

Great machines but too much of an appliance if that matters. It’s where the sensible money goes, but it’s never going to light anyone’s fire. KTM have completely captured the emotional end of the market and Honda had better watch out that Benelli and SWM don’t steal their market away from them. Their own NC750 competes against the 500 and has a bit more practicality.

[@neilb4297]

Nice review, but why on earth would you need traction control on a 47 bhp bike?. Part of the attraction of these bikes should be they’re simplicity and lack of unnecessary electronics and gizmos.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

You don't necessarily need it, no. But I made the observation as Honda now offer it on bikes as small as some 125 scooters. Plus, some rivals have a little more electronic intervention, which could be a plus point if that's your thing. Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.

[@Guuggel]

Why should they be simplistic? In my opinion these are beginner bikes anyway atleast in my opinion. I had 2013 CBR500R and traction control would've saved my from one lowsider on wet tarmac. Own fault yes and I learned from it. Now i'm riding 2020 CBR650R and it has traction control, even though it hasn't activated once, except when I tried it on gravel how sensitive it is.

[@chrishart8548]

@@Guuggel my friend went down on his cb125t and I'm sure traction control would have saved him

[@SquintyMcGee1]

i have the 2021 CB500F and love it so far!! having trouble finding a good aftermarket exhaust that will fit the newer year model though :( already bought a Cobra Hypershots and it turns out it only fits 2016 and earlier. Looking to resell it if anyone is interested. literally brand new!

[@Steeps1969]

"it's got no traction control".. Really? With such low power, who needs that? Let's get real, the problem with motorcycles in 2021 is that they have too much tech and cost too much. Give me my 2019 VTR1000 Firestorm, anyday! No electronics intervention. Pure fun.

[@kiledale5508]

Honda and japanese bikes has less electronics but useful always while european bike have lots of electronics but always on the maintenance shop🤣🤣🤣

[@Nick-dz4ml]

Harleys have neither and are still always in the shop 😬👀

[@nomad5765]

@@Nick-dz4ml harley has stone age mechanical parts

[@steve00alt70]

My chinese Zontes has 8 ecu's

[@dardobartoli]

Clearly helium is in the air that far up the UK.

[@Bams0n]

Dan, I love your thorough reviews but I got to say standing there in your obviously adventure style jacket as you review each bike I think you subtly influenced my decision on which model to buy... ;)

[@teapeabartle4046]

I would buy one now if it had more horsepower 47hp is not enough for me. I would like to see 270 crank and around 55/60 HP.

[@chrishart8548]

270° is just marketing. It's nothing new. Even the first triumph Street scrambler was a 270 crank. The sound isn't very different. And I think an mt-07 with a loud exhaust sounds bloody awful. Its just a con.

[@peternealbrown]

Maybe not top excitement but can you complain for this price point. Brilliant bikes

[@joko-kc3wc]

Amicably? Maybe admirably?

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

Got a 2014 Cb500f, I would consider a new one if they fixed the gearing , it’s way to short- the highway in my area runs at 80+ mph so it’s turning like 7000k on a 8200 redline- way to high to hold it there

[@chrishart8548]

It's not the gearing it's simply only 500cc. If you ran higher gearing it would probably have 5th and 6th gear you can't even use. Be nice to go 4k@70mph but this bikes probably got bugger all power @4k

[@Benjamingt4]

The lack of gismo's is exactely the point of these bikes...

[@robertdionne6073]

very nice 😊

[@MyMednas]

Like going on a pub crawl taste testing alcohol free lagers.

[@morganmadden7655]

“You don’t see many green bikes anymore” Kawasaki: Am I a joke to you

[@ykwongtube]

honda should make a CD500R

[@Ty4ever]

Will the U.S. see these updates in their showrooms?

[@Purnizzle]

All the things that this bike 'can' do are the things that it really doesn't do very well. I find bikes like this (for those with full licenses) are far to physically small and too underpowered. Yes it will do 80mph on the motorway but good Lord it wont thank you for it. Great bikes but i couldn't tell you who for.. No bikes in this list have a competitor that are worse like-for-like. If Honda made a CB650X then they could do away with the 500s imo

[@oldgriff8559]

Plenty of advertising being done to sell and promote these models, shame you can't find one in a dealership to actually buy one 🤬🤬🤬

[@Uriel-Septim.]

So it is true, there are Hobbits living in the hills of Scotland.

[@joecamel6835]

Aye

[@nitsugashoj814]

ABS and nothing else. Take my money!

[@markvonkarlsbad9062]

Whoa! Turn down those transitions, they make a good video unwatchable, imp.

[@senor-fa-von-dia]

"You don't really get any green bikes anymore" 😕 *cough* Kawasaki

[@AleksiJoensuu]

Hahahaha yeah :D

[@EternalOcean1]

They have to attach their DCT transmission to all models! Both for 500 line up and for strait fours also! Imagine this line of 500 with DCT? A2 holders that upgrade from scooter wouldn't be any happier! cb650r with DCT and in Tracer guise - a true dream! Without DCT Honda just doesn't make sense, at least for me, anymore.

[@Rockybalboa541]

DCT 🤮

[@donweaver1600]

Wany a classic looking 500

[@Balunliinfi]

Just make a low height seat that can asian people can ride. 400cc with all the goods like all other 1000cc. It will sell like hot cakes in Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand.

[@thisisganesh]

vanilla cbr always better

[@garyfobrien]

25yrs of living in the UK .. didn’t he mean 15? 😁

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Never gets old, Gary! Thanks for watching. Dan, MCN.

[@murrayhyde4902]

Not many green bikes any more?? Has he seen a kawasaki before?? 😁

[@BillCook62]

"You don't really get many green bikes any more.".............ahem......Kawasaki..........!!!

[@typing.....................]

lot of bonkers crying about tft display and rider aid.

[@notarealperson2001]

This is almost unwatchable with all the stupid annoying transitions. Pity because otherwise it's a great review.

[@johndeere1951a]

👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🇺🇲

[@johnhollidge9408]

Helium

[@fevangelou]

Ever so slightly.

[@tanogg794]

Was 'bout to say that

[@rotarolla1]

With Honda every bike is a commuter bike, boring

[@Geshmaal]

Can we please teach people how to say "Showa" before they start reading out a spec sheet? My ears need a "shower" after listening to this.

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

He sounds like Angry Kid but grown up.

[@Rockybalboa541]

Sounds like a jockey

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@Rockybalboa541 Orville the duck.

[@philipjames3526]

Sounds like someone who knows what he is talking about, when it comes to motorbikes - Good review

[@humanontwowheels1087]

3rd😆

[@flyaroundyourfire]

First 😌

[@nockianlifter661]

Great machines but too much of an appliance if that matters. It’s where the sensible money goes, but it’s never going to light anyone’s fire. KTM have completely captured the emotional end of the market and Honda had better watch out that Benelli and SWM don’t steal their market away from them. Their own NC750 competes against the 500 and has a bit more practicality.