2022 Honda CB500F Review

[@mathieu13]

I have a 2016 Honda CB300F. A little smaller than this, but still loads of fun for the city. Highway driving works but isn't great for long commutes. Love the bike.

[@exeterrider]

Did you know I owned one too? Loved mine too. I have a video on it

[@mathieu13]

I didn't. Very neat!

[@martincartwright5461]

Bought a tnt125 benelli for myself and my wife to put in the back of our motor home. When we arrive at our destination, ride a round local.That was on your recommendation. Guess what?Just order the new CB 500F Hornet for my wife. It will arrive in November. Again, on your recommendation.becoming a bit nervous on her NC750S, so part exchange for the 500f hornet.she has had a test ride on the 2023.loved it, and she can move it and if it has a moment parked she can catch it with legs whilst sitting on it much less with her hands holding it as well. Because she can manoeuvre it, she will ride it when she wants to not wait for me to take it out and back into the garage. Job done.

[@exeterrider]

I am always envious of couples that ride.. brill...I'm really glad its all working out for you.

[@peterguy8454]

Got one, same colour, had it 6months, no complaints. Nice assessment, thanks

[@exeterrider]

Thanks, you choose well👍🍻

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

For me the main point of this bike is what you said in the first impressions video, it’s a very basic bike, no over the top fancy electrics to go wrong when you don’t need them too, just an all round old fashioned workhorse mid weight bike, I think it’s great from Honda, not enough simplicity in the motoring industry anymore. Great review as always mate 🤘

[@exeterrider]

Thanks bud. Yes - its nice just to go back to basics sometimes.

[@surferdude642]

No fancy electrics, simplicity, etc. are pretty much the name of the game in anything below 900cc's, and/or less than $10,000 US.

[@exeterrider]

@@surferdude642 yeap simplicity is often the best way

[@blackshuckthe3rd879]

Just a brilliant all round bike NOT specifically for people who have just passed the test.

[@exeterrider]

Agreed,I* hope I didnt come across as just saying its a, just past their test bike...I also think its good for anyone

[@Saddlebags73]

Good job, as always 👏🏻 Looks like a decent little bike and it’s quite striking in those colours 👍🏼

[@exeterrider]

It is! When it said yellow and black on the paperwork I was a tad concerned. But it turned out well : )

[@TheAgoProduction]

i had the 2017 model and the best mod you coud do is to put some pirelli diablo rosso 3 on it and calibrate the preloads of the suspensions. with those mods and some years of practice i were able to overtake or stay in front of my friends with kawasaki 750 and ducati hypermotards. it took 4 years and 39000 km for me to fully understand the bike. now i have a 2021 mt 09

[@exeterrider]

Wow, that's quite a difference😉👍

[@marklevy9]

Recently traded in my DCT NC750X for the CB500X. Performance wise its similar but the suspension is much better which equals much improved ride comfort. I used to ride my NC pretty hard and have not been disappointed with the 500X - great fun with the really “whizzy” engine. Perhaps 2 up it may struggle - but alone with luggage no problem even for quick overtakes.

[@exeterrider]

Nice simple biking. That's a good side step mark 👍

[@martinrea8548]

I have white one from 2017. Great bikes. The gear indicator, improved dash and dual disks up front are obvious improvements. 🏍

[@exeterrider]

For sure martin👍thanks for watching 📺

[@jean-yvesladureau394]

I'm a " back to bike", got the 2022 model CB500F. I LOVE IT. Best regards from France.

[@exeterrider]

I cant think of a better "back to bike" .....bike!

[@KODEGREY]

Great review Exeter!! This would be an awesome city bike! Even a few longer trips wouldn't hurt it! It's good looking,and as you say, powerful enough to get away from traffic!

[@exeterrider]

Couldn't agree more! Its a lot of fun this bike.

[@ridehead8771]

For a city bike it's a tad heavy being almost 200 kilos wet at least for me, I had one of these previous model travelled thousands of miles on it, it topped at 110 on me at 90 kilos weight with all my gear. Doing 70 on motorways wasn't an issue, it can sit at 90 all day no problems. For a city purposes it's not ideal, I'll go with CB125f for its amazing economy. 👍

[@exeterrider]

@@ridehead8771 yeap fair enough mate. Cb125f is a good town Rider for sure 👍🍻

[@jimsadler8704]

It seems as if Honda has sorted out the small problems on the previous version, ER, which were the front brake, front suspension, and vibes. It certainly is a well specced bike for the money.

[@exeterrider]

It is. The price hasn't gone up a lot even with all the new extras👍

[@GarethMachin-rb2sg]

Very good no non nonsense review. Everything l wanted to know about this bike was covered.

[@exeterrider]

Brill, appreciate that. Makes all the hardwork worthwhile🙏

[@davidhawkins120]

Interesting to watch your review as always🎯

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Dave : )

[@johndiehardmclean23]

That guy Lochwood had mentioned you on Ayrshire Vlogsters livestream when he was on last night, so i come find your channel & you've got this awesome review on my bike, although mine is a 2016, although I've no licence as yet, but this year!!! 😉👍

[@exeterrider]

Hi John, I still have that to watch on my list. Lochwood is a great guy and I really like his vlogs. Thanks for coming to my channel, I have more coming up on the 500 range : )

[@johndiehardmclean23]

@@exeterrider Yeah Lochwood is 1 of the good guys! 👍 I'm still a little bit surprised myself I bought the Honda, but when I'm watching the majority of folk on here on their badass litre bikes & bigger, I think to myself, I go faster than all of them on my little 125's! 😉👍

[@thesmithsteron2wheels362]

Had this engine in the cb500x, good little engine, little under powered for dynamic overtaking, need to plan for overtaking. Great colour option and would be interested in a 650 version. How nice to see the summer sun in your vid, good honest review as always, what bikes are on your list if you was to change your nc750x, cheers Andy

[@exeterrider]

hi mate, Yes I agree you have to plan but at the same time I still think it had plenty, and is good power for A2 holders to learn when to use power and when not too. If I changed my 750x , tough one. I am waiting for my first electric put it that way. But nothing really on the market that is sensible money.

[@bikegeist]

Very slick review. I'm taking notes. ☺️ That's a solid bike and one I would have considered had the GB350 not existed. This bike is only available in a slightly different spec'd sibling here as the 400X. Smaller engine and a bit more adventure-y.

[@EpicFallDown]

i got the 2021 cb500f and put a quickshifter on it. It peps it up alot!

[@exeterrider]

I didn't even know that was possible. Nice one👍🍻

[@geokrpan7527]

I put a Healtech quick shifter on my CB300R and yes it does pep it up.

[@handymattadventures]

Possibly your best review yet.👌

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Matt👍

[@davidg2116]

Great review. Do you know if the suspension and brakes are the same as the current 650 line up?

[@exeterrider]

Hi, no it's different, but the front suspension is similar

[@davidg2116]

@@exeterrider thanks buddy

[@kryptorick5120]

Your advice for a first time rider? This CB 500F or KTM 390 or MT07? Or something else? Focus is ease of use and learning in a safe way.

[@exeterrider]

Hi, KTM are very hit and miss so stay clear I say.... MT07, isn't bad but quite dated now... 500F is upto date, great stock tyres, and 100% reliable. 500F is an easy choice.

[@1990-t1j]

The perfect commuter. It has really good under-seat storage.

[@exeterrider]

That's true, there is a bit of space under there 👍

[@crumblymal8479]

Nice lookin 500 there ER I wouldn't mind havin a go on that one .If I am correct they do an adventure version as well and I think you covered it would that be a bit down on bhp on this one or no ? that is if I am correct . cheers : )

[@exeterrider]

Yes they make a "X" version as well. It's very popular : ) Take a test ride at your local dealer. Its a good bike.

[@jamessidneybaguio728]

Great bike, great review! When the road is wet, do you need to put a mud guard? Or is the stock fender sufficient to keep splashes off the rider's back?

[@exeterrider]

Stock fender is good but I'd advise a aftermarket rear hugger to keep it off the bike👍

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

Great review, really interesting bike. Sensible and practical, was nice to know more about the f, thanks again and take care 😊🖖🏽

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for watching again. Its a nice ride. : )

[@petewebb6952]

Great bike. Electric bikes can wait. Which do you prefer: 500F, 500X?

[@exeterrider]

F for me, I'm not found of the fuelling and the screen on the X although I hear they have remapped the 2022 version which would be interesting to see the difference. I have done a review of the 2018 X which explains my thoughts on it which is on the channel 👍🍻

[@petewebb6952]

@@exeterrider - I’m inclined to agree. I was never sure about the windshield on the X. The F is straightforward, naked is naked and its a wee bit lighter by the looks of things. Personally I still need a bike for pillion and luggage so I’m happy with BMW F900XR for the moment. However if it came to just needing a bike for myself, for fun, run-around and keeping my skills up, this F would be a good bike. I like the small retros too, but more and more an I’m over retros and more happy with modern. Safe riding.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for watching Pete. The XR is a cool bike. Sound good too👍🔊

[@simongilbert2704]

that is a good bike , just needs a proper round headlight ,

[@exeterrider]

Yes perhaps, I quite like the chiseled look of this light 👍🍻

[@denisg4288]

Hi Exeter. You mention build quality, but have you seen the vid from Andy Cam Man on the issues with his Africa Twin. Shocking quality and service from Honda.

[@exeterrider]

I haven't actually. I'll take a look sometime 👍

[@denisg4288]

@@exeterrider think it was Andy (Germany?). If not might be into a lawsuit 🤭

[@exeterrider]

@@denisg4288 ha, no your right Andyman does live in Germany 👍🇩🇪

[@owenparkerjr.6588]

Excellent review and you covered areas that others left out. You did fail to bring to our attention one important fact. Will this bike get me home before the ice cream melts?

[@exeterrider]

I'm so sorry, this is embarrassing. I should have tested this and I've not only failed you, but myself. I will ask Honda for the bike back and ask if I can get that test done 😂

[@owenparkerjr.6588]

@@exeterrider And furthermore do not fail to mention the flavor of ice cream. Sir, you do justice to the biker world. Thank You

[@exeterrider]

@@owenparkerjr.6588 I have so much to learn Owen😂👍my pleasure mate thanks for watching 📺

[@NooBiker]

Nice work, ER! Seems like a great commuter. Maybe I should get one! 🤔

[@exeterrider]

It is, Makes a lot of sense this one.

[@michaelcrouch5708]

I like the blue this comes in, given these are likely to be used all year round I would like to have seen some sort of rear hugger and a better front mudguard, I expect the centre stand is an extra too, but moaning aside yes I would like one.

[@exeterrider]

I 100% agree. The rear hugger thing was something I had meant to put in the "cons" section but somehow forgot. Yes centre stand is extra. Not everybody wants one but I would for sure. Thanks for watching

[@daveinwla6360]

Yes, it's fixable, but a better front mud guard would keep the mud off the radiator.

[@stevelynes8058]

Great vid thanks. I had a 2016 CB500f and loved it. Current ride is a Forza 350 scoot which is great but seriously considering either another one of these or possibly the CB500X. By all reviews this seems to be a great bike and does everything I would want including light touring and at my age bikes aren't getting any lighter and the trend for big heavy Adv bikes isn't for everyone.

[@exeterrider]

That's it, as much ss I like the bigger bikes, they can become a core to just pull out and ride to the shops etc. These bikes are a good middle ground that will do it all 👍

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

Hi, can I ask why you want to swap the forza350 for an f? The forza350 seems very easy to ride and quick enough? The f means going back to changing gears aswell as sacrificing practicality...so.just wondered what your reasons were. Cheers.

[@stevelynes8058]

@@user-ck6kq8zl2i Hi, I’d most likely keep the Forza as I think it’s probably the most practical and comfortable bike I’ve ever owned. The 500 would be an addition.

[@stevelynes8058]

@@user-ck6kq8zl2i I think it’s really just down to having a traditional geared bike for those occasions when you’d rather be riding a motorcycle as opposed to a scooter eg bike nights etc. There is definitely a stigma sttached to riding a scoot in the biking community .Thats evidenced by the lack of any acknowledgment from some other motorcyclists if I give them a nod whilst on a ride. Some, like myself will acknowledge all bikes and scoots but that’s not always reciprocated.

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

@@stevelynes8058 Yeah I think that's true. A powerful scooter really shouldn't have any negative stigma to it compared to a geared bike. Interestingly when I take my c90 out that does get a nod, although not when I had L plates on it. I also cycle a mountain/hybrid bike and I never get a nod from a roadie. Its all a load of hierarchical BS to me but there you go.

[@jhonroldanpascua1534]

In terms of comfortability which is better kawasaki z400 or honda cb500f 2022?

[@exeterrider]

I have no experience of the Z400 I'm afraid.

[@karlfonner7589]

Thank you for your review sir. I am the same height and same leg inseam. Your reviews help me very much

[@exeterrider]

So nice of you,Thanks for watching.

[@yorkshireperson]

The cb500 range are so solid in almost every area I'm not surprised they sell so many. Here's a question for you though ER, is a 47bhp bike enough to ride comfortably 2up? I'm not talking fully loaded touring, just two adults and comfortably pull all the speed limits.

[@exeterrider]

Hi mate, Yes I do think its enough. Thing is with 2 up if your mechanically minded you always end up feeling sorry for the bike I find, so in general yes its enough for sure But remember how cramped it can get with 2 up on smaller bikes. Thats the rub on that one.

[@yorkshireperson]

@@exeterrider I'm probably going to have to go larger than my 300 so I can carry pillions sometime later in the year, I went to have a look at a Benelli TRK502 a few days ago and that looks big enough. On the one hand though I wouldn't want to end up feeling like the bikes struggling, on the other hand I don't really want an expensive larger bike who's potential I am only ever using 50% of.

[@marklevy9]

You need to try it - plus it depends on your combined weight

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review er,a great first big bike,love the color.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks James means a lot😊

[@PhilipKerry]

Great review as usual mate but the bike I can't wait for is the upcoming BSA Goldstar , get your finger out and get one soon as :)

[@exeterrider]

Yes I want to try one mate. Thing is who will distribute it. In theory I dont think motogb will take it on due to conflicts with RE, but will be interesting to see who takes that on. Could this be the one that you may buy ummmm!

[@PhilipKerry]

@@exeterrider Tempted :)

[@findingneutral]

Excellent review and tutorial.

[@exeterrider]

Thank you kindly!

[@MrLou8888]

Nice little bike. Good review. Thanks E.R.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterprior1]

Currently have a 2021 model as a courtesy bike. Not sure if I like it or not. Riding position feels slightly cramped compared to my Classic500 and my previous Thruxton R. Like the engine though.

[@exeterrider]

Ahh OK, yes the classic 500 had loads more space but very much a different bike and a smaller bike than the Thruxton. Yes it is a peppy engine isn't it 👍

[@geokrpan7527]

It looks so much better with the upside down fork. Why didn't they give it the Neo Sports Cafe treatment? How's it compare to the CB300R? It's 100 lbs heavier.

[@exeterrider]

I personally think that its better to keep it away from the Neo Sports Thing. It looks fresher then, but I agree it would be nice to see a 500 in the range that is more retro-styled. Its totally different to the 300r. Much more usable due to the 300R gearing being so low.

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

Do you think it would be possible to put a screen on that to stop the wind blast

[@exeterrider]

Yes a small fly screen will help alot. It isn't as bad as many other bikes I have ridden like this because the headlight pushes the air around you a bit. I am sure you wont think twice about it when you try one because it sounds like you like it a lot. In many cases I would rather have no screen than rubbish screen. I would let that put you off the bike : )

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

@@exeterrider Cheers for that. It's defo on my shortlist along with versys300 and z400. Z400 lighter in case I have to pick it up but more of a screamer. Versys even more of a screamer. This honda is heavier but more sedate it seems and probably less likely to be blown around on the motorway....decisions decisions

[@exeterrider]

@@user-ck6kq8zl2i so much choice these days!

[@jamessidneybaguio728]

Does the rear fender serve well in rain or wet roads? It looks like it has the same design as the CB 500R, which I heard doesn't provide much water splash protection on the rider's back.

[@exeterrider]

It does tend to flick up unfortunately, You can buy after market huggers for them though which will be worth buying. Thanks for watching : )

[@dry509]

This or nc750x? I am in USA and can’t get test ride. What is the main difference I would notice testing each back to back? Just short rides riding around nearby country side and neighborhood.

[@exeterrider]

I think the nc would be more evergreen for you, and you won't out grow it. The 500x will still do it perfectly well but you may get to the point where you think "I wonder if I should have gone to the NC". You won't get that the other way around 👍🍻

[@dry509]

@@exeterrider Thanks for your reply.

[@exeterrider]

Anytime mate 👍

[@podsanddocs2302]

Do you think a wind shield would improve this bike ?

[@exeterrider]

Well yes and no. Its a street naked at the end of the day so it won't look too good with a screen thats too big. I think its a case of it is what it is. Maybe the 500X might be more suited?

[@podsanddocs2302]

@exeterrider I've tried this bike and it does suffer from wind resistance . Maybe a smaller windscreen if one exists so it won't spoil its naked appearance.

[@kalnwi2023]

Honda offers a "meter" screen but it's very small, there are a gazillion after market ones and many look great , popular is Puig brand .@@podsanddocs2302

[@AndyGSATractor]

another great review mate .

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Andy, much appreciated 🙏👍

[@kyotosal]

Very nice review. Thanks so much.......Sal : )

[@exeterrider]

Thanks for saying, I'm glad you enjoyed it 👍🍻

[@peterpataki4094]

Mine red one has arrived. :-) I change from 2019 CB500X to this one after 18.000 km. I am 174 cm and I can put my feet to the ground - while it is not the case on the X version. I do expect love with this new bike. (Fuel efficiency is more that good. Mine average is 3.1-3.2 liter/100 km worrying a lot to loose my license. Once it was 2.5 liter/100 km as lowest - in Albania somewhere where we drove about 70 km/h as max for 200 km. Unsensitive bastards may reach 4-5 liters even ... For me this bike seems as an ideal one, except the missing windshield - at least I can customize her a bit.

[@exeterrider]

Yes, there are after market shields out there. Enjoy your new bike😉🍻👍

[@stevensanger]

I must admit when I returned to biking a couple of years ago I wish I had got one of these instead of what I did buy as I stopped riding now

[@exeterrider]

Thats a shame. Never too late though. This is a good option. : )

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

What did you get? And why did you stop?

[@stevensanger]

@@user-ck6kq8zl2i I got a Honda Deauville 650 it was too big and heavy for me

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

@@stevensanger could t you sell 8t and get something lighter..eg one ofthese cb500s or z400 or mt07? All.of them are pretty light

[@exeterrider]

A 1 makes a good point there, and those bikes are a realistic weight. Don't give up mate!

[@korazon3spinado]

But does it have helmet hooks?

[@exeterrider]

Yes

[@simongilbert2704]

this is about the best alternative to the enfield interceptor = power, weight, price ,

[@exeterrider]

I think your right there.

[@cycoklr]

"Everytime I see a ramp like that I just want to ride up it." Who doesn't? 😁

[@exeterrider]

True👆😂💯🏍️

[@pggp273]

A great little commuter bike I would imagine

[@exeterrider]

It is for sure👍

[@SuperPapucel]

how tall are you?

[@exeterrider]

5/8 with 30inch inside leg👍🍻

[@thegamingalex3947]

back 6 months ago seeing them 1.45 per litre fuel prices. -.-

[@exeterrider]

Yeap crazy isn't it, sad really 😢

[@simongilbert2704]

what was the 0 = 60 ??

[@exeterrider]

About 4 seconds....... Ish

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

You can't go wrong with a Honda 😀

[@exeterrider]

I totally agree 💯👍

[@kalnwi2023]

I like Bumble Bee .

[@exeterrider]

Me too.

[@mathieu13]

Why r u on mph too

[@exeterrider]

We use MPH in the uk not kph

[@mathieu13]

@@exeterrider oh cool. I didn't know that

[@trroland1248]

In substance, it’s good. Aesthetically, it’s a sick, hot, mess. 😒

[@exeterrider]

I like it 👍

[@mindcave]

Beautiful looking bike tarnished by a horrid looking exhaust.

[@exeterrider]

Fair comment Rob, I like it though myself. Thanks for watching.

[@mindcave]

@@exeterrider Oh I'll still be taking one out for a test ride ;)