2022 Honda CB500F | Great Value For Money

Honda is the price leader in this group but "you do get what you pay for" with this little CBF.
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Note: I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way, I just have a passion for motorcycles and love to ride them. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is inaccurate, verify it via the OEM or a knowledgeable third party & please let me know. For any question/enquiries please send an e-mail to [e-mail]
Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:27 Updates
1:10 Competition
2:05 Powertrain
3:09 Chassis
5:56 Ergonomics
8:10 Controls & Display
8:52 Verdict

[@manuelp6785]

The biggest competitor for the Cb500F is the Cb500X.

[@stevefjordan]

Still lovin my '14 cb500f. I'm 50 and it still puts a smile on my face. You can have fun on a slow bike going fast. 🏍🏍🏍

[@vivekp4854]

I'm 31, I've had a fz 150cc for 10 years to me It's fast. Now I have a cb300f that's blazing fast.

[@davidbates5310]

Totally agree Scott. I picked up one of these back in march to use mainly as a commuter, and some weekend fun of course. It's a hugely underestimated bike imo, I love it as much as you did 👍

[@chrisdadigger1018]

I have the same exact motorcycle and I put 11k on it so far and I love it. You could actually push that motorcycle pretty hard. Any more power than that honestly is only gonna get you in trouble. Do yourself a favor and look at one in person pictures and videos. Don’t do it justice. It’s quite a motorcycle. It’s very well built. I’m a satisfied customer.

[@Ole.Schultz]

I had one for 3 years as my 'small bike'. I did 35.000 km on it, a great bike.

[@krisv5591]

I had the 2019 model for 3 years now, 10k km on it so far. Mostly done city riding, and shorter trips on it. Smooth bike and good step up from smaller classes👍

[@Random_Tangent]

The LCD - a few people comment on this. The display has a backlight which is set to 2 (Dim) by default, increasing the backlight to 4 things become noticeably clearer, and 5 (full brightness) the display background is a blue colour. I'd set it at 5 if people want clarity, but it is a bit bright when righting at night. I commuted on one for years, barely used 1st gear, it can pull away in 2nd well enough. The RPMs does have a gear change indicator light which can be adjusted, so you don't really need to see the RPMs. The exhaust crackles on deceleration/engine braking which is nice for a stock pipe.

[@jean-yvesladureau394]

Hi ! Yep, the stock exhaust crackles ! So nice !

[@martinrea8548]

I can't take off in second on mine. Anything less than 15 kmph and she starts jerking.

[@davidphillips7255]

+ I had a chance to take one of these for a good long test ride a few years ago. The 500F was so effortless and enjoyable to ride that I realized I had made a mistake buying my V-Strom 1000. I've put 20,000 km on the Honda and except for the suspension on my 17 it's still a joy. Rather than change bikes, I'm going to upgrade the suspension.

[@Ju-C-Thug116]

Thanks Scott for the review! Love the channel.

[@JoaoSilva-ic2ps]

I'm gonna buy one of these next year and for what i have seen, it's really the best bike. Thanks for your help.

[@rafalsz1272]

Best review on the web

[@robbyclark6915]

Good looking motorcycle. I wouldn’t mind one for a second bike for sure. Something light and nimble to run around town on, or just go for an easy little cruise on the backroads. Looks like a lot fun to be had on that bike.

[@TitelSinistrel]

I bought the 2021 model late last year, have currently close to 5000km on it. So far it has been very good, go to work with it whenever weather allows and even did a 500km trip one day with it. It is surprisingly capable for a beginner bike and getting 450km consistently between fillups is also a big plus in my book. I'm honestly not sure why everyone was complaining about the breakes on the "old" model because they bite well. They maybe they "feel" weak because they are beginner oriented and you need to squeeze harder, but they do have stopping power. Am really curious about the suspension changes and agree with previous generation reviewers that the adjustable forks was a gimmick. Never had to touch it and it's good. That TFT has options for higher brightness, but direct sunlight from the back and a tinted visor does make it almost unreadable.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you for your comment. It's always good to hear from actual owners and their experience on the bike. 👍👍

[@robbie12207]

I have a black 2019 CB500f. I love it. Looks great, feels great, has real world not lose your license easily power and the mileage is crazy good. Great channel by the way. 2 Thumbs up 👍👍

[@delwilliams9042]

I'm thinking of getting the CBR500R as a second bike just as a weekend fun bike. Great review

[@clairebishop9835]

I love my cb500f - perfect for me.

[@muradmxd]

Two thumbs up for this video. Boom, boom.

[@ioannisrigas]

Great review as always! "Living" and waiting for the CF 800MT Touring review...

[@arnohag1]

Have taken the 800 MT for a spin. Has great power and features but the top heavy nature puts me off buying one. Can see myself dropping it if the ground or roads have dips when going slow.

[@arnohag1]

Goes to show that you can have fun on a sub 500cc twin motorcycle. Great review.

[@vojtal182]

Honestly I never understood why people need anything more powerful to have fun. 0-100 in 5s? C'mon, how many cars can do that?

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great bike. 👍

[@Mycatz]

Great video. Hope you get a chance to make a video on the CB500X.

[@friarpesel5646]

Maybe the Royal Enfield Meteor can help fill in your chart, along with that low displacement version of the Ducati Scrambler? Thanks for the review as ever 😇

[@keithd87]

Scott. Great stuff as usual. How would you rate the CB500x (22) with its big brother the NC750x?

[@keithbolger8971]

Cheers for this great video. If I can ask for some info. What after stock exhaust do you reccomend the most? I would like the most roaring one possible 😄 for a 2 cylinder. And does the cb500f 2024 take side luggages too apart from the top box

[@listfactors]

I love my 2023 CB500F. 18k miles in the past 7 months. I typically ride it at 90mph on a weekly 360 mile interstate ride. I'm 5'11, 225lbs. 23 years riding experience.

[@kalnwi2023]

fake

[@santinoshariffe2720]

thank you sir im really leaning towards getting this bike just because the CB650r and with all its inline 4 sound and glory is a tad bit more expensive for me to reach with all the things im currently investing in also.

[@marcfalardeau6058]

Hi Scott, hope you are doing well! Could you give a brief explanation about throttle mapping. Thanks for your work…I learn alot from you. Marc, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada. I love my GS 1250 2022…spot-on for me.🏍😉

[@Agm1995gamer]

my last car was a 2016 peugeot 208 1.2 turbo. very torqui, quick, not the fastest (1750rpm peak torque) , great grip, very comfortable, great fuel economy, compact and can fit many parking spaces, dark red as well. i feel like this bike is the 2 wheel alter ego of the 208.

[@stephenfisher8636]

I started motorcycling on this bike. Perfect starter for me. Scott, might have mentioned the quality Micheline Road 6 tires that they put on it as well. Thanks again.

[@NothingToProve]

Love those tires, I just put the Road 6 GT on my 1250RT last week! So far...soooooo good!

[@mutemiz]

what 2 NPT videos in a week! have i been that much of a good boy?

[@rzeznikkeynes5686]

Thnk u. Thnk u. Thnk u....

[@korazon3spinado]

Does it have helmet hooks?

[@emiliob2920]

grande |!! Dankeschon

[@mickleblade]

I've just had test rides on a Cb500x and tracer 7 this afternoon, amusingly I preferred the Cb500x! It felt a little weird but ok with the 19" front wheel but it could plough straight over pot holes and not care. The tracer has a fab engine but it felt more like a naked bike than a sports Tourer. Just not for me.

[@davidzavala337]

What would you recommend for a new rider? The rebel or this model? I like both styles. I'm 184cm and 105kilos.

[@NothingToProve]

Both are great for new riders. Just sit on them and see which one fits you better 😁👍

[@alexmorgan3435]

Thanks Scott. I'm an experienced rider and I am thinking about one of these or a CB500X purely for the fuel economy which I don't think you mentioned. I might consider something like a Triumph Tiger Sport 660, Honda CB650R but more expensive, maybe not as fuel efficient.

[@davidbates5310]

My "f" is currently returning 84.5 mpg (UK). It's awesome on economy, and great fun

[@dragoclarke9497]

I'll second that, I could easily get 80+mpg (UK) with my CB500X. Great bike, and all you need for solo work.

[@jimgordon3468]

Hey Alex, do not purchase a trident. They run extremely hot. I had one. Brand new 2022. Hatred it. I just picked up a CB 500f. It feels perfect. Im changing out the front sproket and putting wider handlebars on it.

[@jimmyjam8795]

@@dragoclarke9497 using mine for 71 mile commute. Hilly twisty terrain, lots of wife open throttle and some motorway too. Mines never below 91 mpg. That's with not reseting the trip. Just accumulating true mpg figure. Just incredible really.

[@dry509]

@@jimgordon3468 What about the too much knee bend issue on the CB500f another rider mentioned below. Another rider that I was talking to brought this up to me once. Something I had not considered.

[@marktiller1383]

I'm a really old motorcyclist, i want enough power for fun, mind-blowing mpg, an engine thats old and trusted, something for around town and shopping that's not too heavy. Ive owned a 74 cb500f . I wondering if I might be better off with a cb300f but I've never owner a single and my S1 was a shit load more powerful. I suppose that I should really go for test rides. Ps my all time favourite was a blue H1F.

[@kostaspappas2857]

Hello my friend. How many kph you reach with 6th gear and 6000 rpm? Thank you!

[@martinrea8548]

About 90 kmph. Max speed is about 180 kmph.

[@JohnSmith-sm6oy]

Agree .😊

[@jirex1]

What alpinestars jacket are you wearing please? Thx Jiri

[@NothingToProve]

That is the Tech-Touring jacket, love it.

[@GeorgePreduca]

Would you take the NC750x DCT over this for 50km per day commute?

[@GeorgePreduca]

Ordered cb500x as first bike, didn't arrive yet.

[@josephripalda2956]

Would love to own a cb500f! I'm 5'11 tho with a 34inch inseam.

[@JuniorJr_23]

I have this bike and the only negative I have is that 1st and 2nd gears are very short, especially when completely warmed up. I might do a gearing mod or trade-in for another bike.

[@WTRMT07]

After one year of completing my Motorcycle license and not riding at all, i rented a 2023 version of this bike for a weekend. Right away when left the rent place i caught 2 insane rains and this bike rode like nothing was happening. the day after i did around 400km on it and loved it. Perfect bike for learning. Light, really loves corners. Forgave a lot of my rookie mistakes and bad downshift to 1st gear. As a totally rookie biker i cannot recommend this bike enough. Had a blast and i will probably rent it again.

[@manuelballing6374]

Would you recommend it over the bmw g310r? Both make a pretty good impression…

[@ElCoco1984]

The bmw 310 has horrible reviews regarding the reliability.

[@gearyrodriguez4089]

Does it have an electronic throttle or is it cable

[@martinrea8548]

cable

[@arongitis]

can you review a honda hornet 750. i would love to know you view on that bike. thank you very much

[@NothingToProve]

Will do as soon as it's available 😊

[@IggyWildcat]

It is now June 2023, and I haven’t seen a review of the 2023 model. I’m guessing Honda is having some supply chain issues. From what I can tell, the new model has few, if any, changes apart from paint. The biggest tweaks were done in ‘22 I believe. 👍

[@NothingToProve]

Yep, nothing new this year 😢

[@hansendy3708]

z400 vs CB500F? The numbers seem too close for the significant price difference though the Honda does seem to have better aesthetics, build quality and a more comfy riding position (taller bars, flatter seat).

[@joecamel6835]

400 ninja

[@CalaTec]

If you have the chance, try them. Both are good motorbikes. I will buy the CB500F.

[@Yanas_Olyah]

Is it possible to install an OEM quickshifter on this bike?

[@ElCoco1984]

No

[@Yanas_Olyah]

@@ElCoco1984 thank you for answering. It's a shame that Honda doesn't not provide this option

[@Warped9]

There is so much I like about this bike. But I do have some minor quibbles. In the Canadian market we don’t get the nice colour options available in other markets-we’re stuck with boring grey. The other thing I dislike, and very common today on so many bikes, are the ugly black wheels. I hate them on cars and I hate them on bikes. They don’t look sporty or nice in any way-they just look blech.

[@Maggieismydog]

For a little extra money would you say the CB500X is a better buy?

[@Tadew]

that's what I'm trying to figure out

[@PhilWare1]

@@Tadew I reckon so....but depends what you want the bike for. I need a bike for touring as well as for my daily commute hence my decision. If It was purely a daily driver I would probably save the money and go for the cheaper CB500F

[@CalaTec]

If you are tall, like 1.75m it may be better to lean for the 500X, because I'm small and I don't feel the 500f is too big for me, which in my case is a good thing (sorry I'm sure you use different measurements) The best seller is CB500F, 500X is a buy for more experienced riders, normally.

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

It’s not necessarily a “beginner” bike. I can’t afford to buy the bike o want right now so I might buy the used one at the nearby dealer. I get free parking at work if I commute on a motorcycle and access to HOV lane whenever I want. That’s good enough reason for me to buy a middle weight naked.

[@letni9506]

It's a reasonably affordable bike that has all the acceleration and top end anyone really needs. Ofc I see the appeal of really quick bikes but this is bike for every day riding. It's funny to think a bike as capable as this would be for beginners. To me a beginner bike is something even more sedate.

[@ajb1149]

Riding with one hand on the bars while passing a police car, way to go!

[@hammerhead28]

Is there any chance that you review CB500X?

[@NothingToProve]

I've been trying to for the last 2 years, since it was updated and neither of the two Honda dealers that I work with can get enough of them to have one on demo for me to take out 😢 They just sell the ones they get...which I don't blame them, it's Honda's fault.

[@hammerhead28]

@@NothingToProve I hope they will have one in the future ;) Thank you for your work, I really like your structured videos and the comparision chart at each video! "Two thumbs up, bam bam!" :D

[@deondea1]

I wouldn't compare the BMW 310r with the Honda CB500r but with the Honda CB 300r . Although BMW 310r is logically compared with MT03 . This is just my opinion.

[@dry509]

Hello. I am a 6 foot 207 lb guy looking for a ripper…something to rip around the neighborhood and near by country side and I have analysis paralysis, and unable to test ride all the bikes I am considering. Can I impose upon you to give me your choice from this list or something else?: Ktm Duke 690 R ( might be out of budget) SV650 Kaw Z650 Mt-07 Triumph Trident 660 Cb500f Duke 390 RE Interceptor GT 650 RE Bullet 500 Indian Scout ( might be out of budget) Harley Street Rod 750 Criteria is fun! And not to much buzzing in foot pegs, etc and too jerky on off throttle which can tire quickly. I am not a new rider. What would you get if you had to pick one? Not looking for a touring or off road bike right now.

[@NothingToProve]

Well, your 2" taller than me and all the bikes in this list are cramped for me except for the last 2 on your list. I mean sure for an hour ride no problem but after that my legs get cramped. The Indian I was not really cramped at all, Harley just a little but nothing to really complain about. You might want to consider some bigger middleweight nakeds. Like: KTM890 Duke BMW 900R Yamaha MT09 Kawasaki Z900 Suzuki S750 Aprilia Tuono 660 There are others but this is just a start. I don't want you to get a bike and think wow, I can only take about an hour of this... Then that's enough, you should fit the bike that is the most important thing, not you trying to make the bike fit you. But if I had to choose one, that is closest is the SV650 and it's great value for money. good luck, Scott

[@dry509]

@@NothingToProve Good point on getting cramped. Guess I over looked that. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@dry509]

@@NothingToProve P.S. So you are saying the SV650 would not be very cramped?

[@MRSketch09]

Why doesn't Honda put a TFT screen on this or even their 300? It would be the perfect bike then! I mean this bikes potentially for a beginner.. You know what a beginner is going to want to see immediately? the Gauges!?

[@deondea1]

Greetings from Athens Greece. What is the " sweet spot " in revs on the sixth gear to travel and what speed does it provide. I mean at how many revs your are not pressing the engine. Thank you for your time. 😊

[@NothingToProve]

Sorry, I don't remember, that was last year, and I barely remember what I did last week little alone last year 🤦‍♂️😢

[@jaubd8ce9]

Waiting to be launched in India

[@Rolilasx]

Its a great bike, but its the same price as an sv650 where I live, so its a bit overpriced

[@xiaoyanjiang83]

With the same price, go SV650 undoubtedly. Simply because of the power and the made in Japan.

[@christhompson505]

It's Separate Function Forks and Damping (not Separate Fork Function and Dampening)

[@NothingToProve]

Yep, you're right. I just always say it backwards.

[@Shyvez]

I feel like the bike my driving school has, which is this exact model, has wayyyy too much torque and snaps way too hard in first gear, like you literally cannot gradually increase up to 20kmh, it snaps even with the lightest throttle pull to 18-20kmh

[@NothingToProve]

Oh, this bike did not do that. Sounds like the "driving school" bike has been down a few times and it's effecting the way it feels.

[@Slopes27]

Wouldnt make sense to also include the CB300r on that list?

[@NothingToProve]

Good idea, thank you! I'll put it on there 👍😁

[@larryvanputten4048]

Nice review of a likable smaller bike! Suitable candidate for your wife? Wouldn't it be nice to add one of these French Mash bikes on your chart?

[@NothingToProve]

Yea my wife likes it, maybe soon she'll get one. 😁

[@larryvanputten4048]

@@NothingToProve Good for you! Riding together must be fun and she can video you while reviewing ;-)

[@ribalderr6052]

why if theyre not going tft for costs, give us the ol dual clocks alot of people love that. or the clocks with a lil lcd inbetween like the kawy 900rs. or a single clock/lcd like triumph. anything but a full lcd that just looks sooooo dated on a new bike. total miss honda

[@MrRGM10]

Nice bike just the sound of engine not good

[@tomahawk7884]

Suzuki SV650 is king!

[@tomahawk7884]

Ok, a few cc more, but nothing can beat the 650 90° V-Twin😍

[@ropeysubstance1719]

I just hate the fact that Honda keeps making the bend in the knee way too aggressive for this bike. This is a naked bike, not a damn sportbike Honda! When will they finally learn that nobody buying this bike wants to bend their knees that much while riding? It's mostly older and middle aged peopel buying this, not young kids with good knees. It pisses me off that Honda makes their footpeg positions way too aggressive on their bikes. We want RELAXED mid-controls on a bike like this. I want to sit on this bike as if I were sitting on a chair. I wanted to like this bike but that alone ruined it for me. I will now be getting a CL500 when it comes out. or maybe a Rebel 500.

[@dry509]

I forgot about the knee bend issue on bikes. Thanks for bringing it up. What is a CL500?

[@ropeysubstance1719]

@@dry509 CL500 is a new scrambler style bike coming out in 2023 by Honda. It has nice wide handlebars that are close to the rider, and the foot peg position is pretty neutral.

[@dry509]

@@ropeysubstance1719 Thanks for the feedback. Sounds good.

[@3089280288]

Discount Mark Ruffalo

[@ajinkyakore2455]

That bmw is not a good machine